Gus Malzahn's version of a Wing-T offense was once lauded as a solution to physically dominant opposing defenses. It worked against Alabama Football in 2010, 2013, and, aided by a strong defensive performance, it worked again in 2017.
It was Malzahn's penchant for gimmickry that gained the most attention. Trick plays, spread offense variations, and 'Hurry Up - No Huddle' earned Malzahn the reputation as an offensive wizard. There is no question that he pushed the boundaries of college football in productive ways. Also true is that offensive linemen, often five to ten yards downfield on passing plays, aided Malzahn greatly. Once that violation started being called, and defenses were given added time to substitute, Malzahn's wizardry reputation lost luster.
Mike Norvell and FSU fans are confident that Malzahn has plenty of wizardry left. Most important in Malzahn's scheme is a true dual-option quarterback who is a serious running threat. As the FSU Offensive Coordinator and play-caller, he has that in Boston College transfer Thomas Castellanos.
It is somewhat ironic that last season, a summary of UCF dissatisfaction pointed to Malzahn's play-calling as the No. 1 reason for UCF's three losses by midseason. Five more losses resulted in a 4-8 record, and a 10-15 result in Malzahn's final two seasons in Orlando.
Alabama Football and Kane Wommack know Malzahn well
Can Malzahn be reborn in Tallahassee? If he has success against Alabama Football, it will not be because Crimson Tide DC Kane Wommack is unfamiliar with Malzahn. Wommack has known Malzahn since the Alabama coach was in the eighth grade. "I was at Fayetteville High School and Gus was the head coach at Springdale High School. So you had Fayetteville Purple Dogs and the Springdale Red Dogs, and so we went up against each other. But my dad and Gus had been really close for years, and so I kind of knew him through that connection. And then he coached me, he was our offensive coordinator at Arkansas my sophomore year."
There is a good chance the senior Wommack has provided his son with good advice for slowing Malzahn's offense.
FSU fans are justified in believing Wommack's defensive scheme is vulnerable against mobile quarterbacks that can run as effectively as they throw. Jackson Arnold's rushing was nearly unstoppable against Wommack's defense last season. Against all rushers, Alabama was tied at No. 28 nationally last season, allowing 3.68 yards per carry.
Alabama football fans are also justified to believe an improved Alabama defensive front will dominate the FSU offensive line.
For nostalgia's sake, it would be fun if, when one of Malzahn's trick plays gets stuffed by Wommack's defense, a Scott Cochran-like response comes from the Alabama sideline.