BOULDER — Oregon’s frenetic “blur offense” and other spread attacks can be wildly effective, but Colorado coach Jon Embree said Tuesday that he will always favor the pro set.
Although Colorado ranks 11th among Pac-12 teams in total offense, this is not the time to deviate from the plan and search for quick fixes, he said.
“Just the nature of where we are as a program right now, we can’t do that,” Embree said during his weekly media luncheon. “We’re at a different point (from an Oregon). We’re trying to install the competitiveness, the physicalness, those different things that I feel are important for our program to be able to take the next step.”
Embree said on one occasion the Buffs (1-6, 0-3 Pac-12) did attempt to execute the “zone read” popularized by No. 9 Oregon (5-1, 3-0) and other spread offenses — with the quarterback reading the defensive end to determine whether to keep the ball or hand off to the tailback.
“We fumbled,” he said.
That’s not to say the Buffs won’t eventually incorporate some plays from other systems, Embree said.
“There will be certain components that we would sprinkle in . . . as we grow and as our depth grows, we can start doing some of those things,” he said.
“We’ve just got to keep building and keep focused on what our vision is and what our plan is. I think sometimes when you struggle, if you deviate from your plan you end up setting yourself back.”
If that’s being “stubborn,” so be it, the coach added.
“I understand (Colorado’s record) is not ideal right now,” Embree said. “But I’m happy about some of the things we have accomplished. I still feel great about the direction we’re going with our younger guys. I do feel good about the way things are going from a recruiting standpoint.
“So we have to keep our eye on building it the right way and not trying to find some short-term success at the expense of the overall vision for this program. I believe that what we’re doing and how we’re doing it will (eventually) give us a chance to be successful in this conference.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
