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Sacramento State Regular Season Predictions

The co
Ut-Grizfan said:
It utilizes a lot of Triple Option and Wing-T concepts with a modern twist, in particular to how the O-Line blocks and alot of Shotgun formations.
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The complexities of learning these blocking schemes and doing it as a cohesive unit can be difficult. They won’t be running on all cylinders to start the year. I could some stumbles early then when they reach familiarity and trust with each other it could take off to another level. Regardless of how good the offense is, if the defense doesn’t provide the support you end up with how EWU looked with EB at QB. Lots of scoring, but giving up lots of scoring and always in questionable barn burner games.
 
Kadeezy said:
The Go-Go offense is a modern, fast-paced offensive football scheme that blends elements of traditional power football with spread concepts, often out of two-back shotgun formations. It was developed by Brennan Marion, a former college coach who made the scheme famous while coordinating record-breaking offenses at smaller programs like Howard University.

🧠 Key Characteristics of the Go-Go Offense:​

  1. Two Running Backs in the Backfield
    • Unlike most spread offenses that use one running back, the Go-Go consistently keeps two backs in the backfield.
    • Backs are often aligned side-by-side or slightly staggered, giving the offense multiple run/pass threats on both sides of the formation.
  2. Shotgun Formation
    • The quarterback lines up in shotgun, but the offense still emphasizes the run game—a blend of zone reads, power runs, and RPOs (run-pass options).
  3. Tempo and Misdirection
    • High-paced tempo is used to wear down defenses.
    • Motion, fakes, and deception are used to keep defenses off-balance, particularly with jet motions and play-action looks.
  4. Power + Spread Hybrid
    • Combines downhill running with wide formations and vertical passing concepts.
    • It's not purely finesse like some Air Raid schemes; it incorporates physical blocking and gap-scheme runs.
  5. Creative Formations & Pre-Snap Movement
    • Frequent use of motion and unorthodox alignments to disguise intentions and stress defensive assignments.
    • Sometimes includes stacked receivers, compressed sets, or unbalanced lines.

🆚 How It's Different from Other Offenses:​

OffenseBackfieldFocusKey Traits
Go-Go2 RBsBalanced (run + pass)Tempo, misdirection, versatility
Spread1 RBPass-firstWide formations, fast tempo
Air Raid1 RBHeavy pass4-5 WRs, quick throws
Pro-Style1-2 RBs + FB/TEBalancedUnder center, play-action, varied personnel
Wing-T/Option2-3 backsRun-heavyMisleading motions, pulling linemen

✅ Why It Works:​

  • Confuses defenses by forcing them to prepare for both power runs and modern passing schemes.
  • Creates mismatches, especially with motion and dual-back threats.
  • Maximizes talent, particularly when there are multiple capable backs or hybrid athletes.

🏈 Notable Usage:​

  • Howard University (2017): Brennan Marion’s offense upset UNLV 43–40 as a 45-point underdog—the biggest point-spread upset in college football history.
  • Has since influenced college programs and some NFL wrinkles (e.g., Ravens with Lamar Jackson occasionally use similar two-back shotgun sets).
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The Go-Go Offense, created by Brennan Marion, is a fascinating blend of triple option, spread, and pro-style concepts—but like any scheme, it has its soft spots. Here’s a breakdown of its potential vulnerabilities:

🧩 Structural Weaknesses​

  • Ineligible Receivers in Unbalanced Sets: To create unique formations, the Go-Go often uses unbalanced looks that “cover” a receiver, making them ineligible downfield. Defenses that recognize this can ignore the covered player and reallocate coverage or pressure elsewhere.
  • Predictability in Personnel: While the offense thrives on deception, it leans heavily on heavier personnel (e.g., 21 or 12). Against defenses that match well and disguise coverage, this can limit flexibility.

🧠 Mental Strain on Quarterbacks​

  • Complex Reads: The offense often tags multiple options onto a single play—pre-snap read, post-snap read, handoff, QB keeper, and RPO. That’s a lot of mental processing, especially for younger QBs.
  • Tempo Dependency: Marion uses one-word calls to speed up execution, but if the QB struggles to process or defenses adjust quickly, the tempo advantage can evaporate.

🛡️ Defensive Adjustments​

  • Susceptible to Disciplined Defenses: The Go-Go thrives on confusing defenders with motion and misdirection. But well-coached, assignment-sound defenses—especially ones familiar with option principles—can neutralize its edge.
  • Limited Red Zone Creativity: Some critics argue that the Go-Go’s spacing and misdirection are less effective in tight quarters, where defenses compress and simplify their read.
 
Ut-Grizfan said:
It utilizes a lot of Triple Option and Wing-T concepts with a modern twist, in particular to how the O-Line blocks and alot of Shotgun formations.
Click to expand...

To counter it effectively, a defense needs discipline, flexibility, and smart pre-snap recognition. Here are some schemes that match up well:

🧠 4-2-5 or 3-3-5 Hybrid Defenses
  • These nickel-based looks offer the versatility needed to handle the Go-Go’s multiple formations and RPO threats.
    • Extra DBs for coverage flexibility: Helps defend against bubble screens, motion-based passes, and vertical shots.
    • Five-man box with fast-flowing LBs: Ideal for reacting to option reads and misdirection.
    • Disguise and rotate coverage: Can confuse the QB’s post-snap reads, especially when facing tempo.

  • 🛡️ Pattern-Match Quarters (Cover 4)​

    This coverage adapts to route combinations and is excellent against spread-to-run systems like the Go-Go.
    • Safeties read and react: They can support the run or match vertical routes depending on the offensive release.
    • Minimizes conflict defenders: Reduces the stress on linebackers who might otherwise be caught between run fits and RPO zones.

  • 🔄 Simulated Pressure Packages​

    Because the Go-Go relies on quick reads and tempo, simulated pressures can disrupt timing without sacrificing coverage.
    • Show blitz, drop into zone: Forces the QB to hesitate or misread coverage.
    • Rotate safeties post-snap: Can bait throws into trap zones or confuse option reads.

  • 🧱 Base 3-4 with Zone Blitz Concepts​

    If you want to get creative, a 3-4 with zone blitzes can overload protection while keeping coverage sound.
    • Edge containment vs. QB keepers: Crucial when defending triple-option elements.
    • Interior disguise: Helps against inside zone and counter schemes.
    • The key is discipline and disguise. The Go-Go wants defenders to chase ghosts—so the best counter is a defense that plays assignment-sound football and forces the offense to earn every yard.
 
One disclaimer here, when I went through the schedules for all the FCS teams, I did my calculations for Sac State based on the believe they would be let into the FBS as an independent and would redshirt a lot of players to save FBS eligibility. As we know, this did not happen, but I am still sticking with my original call for a team that went 3-9 last year with a 1-7 conference mark.
South Dakota State, L by an ugly margin
Nevada, L but this is a winnable game
Mercyhurst, W because you can't help but win this one
Central Arkansas, W but if this was in Conway, AR the score would be reversed
Cal Poly, W see Mercyhurst
Weber State, L but I may be giving Weber more credit than they deserve
Northern Colorado, W see Mercyhurst
Montana, L Bobby finds a way to end the road loss streak at Sac
Eastern Washington, W seems like everyone wins on the we stole the idea from Boise turf
Portland State, W see Mercyhurst
Idaho, L my hate for the potato head is outweighed by claims of dynasty, and what was that other one, ah yes, powerhouse
UC Davis, L Davis has owned this recently
overall record 6-6 Big Sky 4-4
 
Wolf777 said:
The co

The complexities of learning these blocking schemes and doing it as a cohesive unit can be difficult. They won’t be running on all cylinders to start the year. I could some stumbles early then when they reach familiarity and trust with each other it could take off to another level. Regardless of how good the offense is, if the defense doesn’t provide the support you end up with how EWU looked with EB at QB. Lots of scoring, but giving up lots of scoring and always in questionable barn burner games.
Click to expand...

With our game against them later in the year unfortunately means they will probably have most if not all the kinks ironed out or close to it.

On that same note however our Defense should also by that point have found its footing, and the 3-3-5 does match up well vs that kind of offense.
 
I do have concerns regarding the ability to put together a scout team that can adequately depict the Go Go offense so the defense can see a realistic version and make adjustments during preparation for the game.
I think it's safe to say none of the payers and/or coaches have tried to defend it.
 
AnotherGrizFan said:
I do have concerns regarding the ability to put together a scout team that can adequately depict the Go Go offense so the defense can see a realistic version and make adjustments during preparation for the game.
I think it's safe to say none of the payers and/or coaches have tried to defend it.
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That's why you watch film. Right now the coaches have 2 years of UNLV film they can watch and then they'll have about 7 games of Sac State they can watch. It's not like defending the triple option.
 
Actually, it is exactly like defending a non-typical form of the triple option...and that's only one component that the defense will have to deal with. I'm going to suggest that you go watch some of that readily available film you speak of.
 
AnotherGrizFan said:
Actually, it is exactly like defending a non-typical form of the triple option...and that's only one component that the defense will have to deal with. I'm going to suggest that you go watch some of that readily available film you speak of.
Click to expand...
Yep, we should just forfeit the game. “We” don’t stand a chance.
 
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