GRADY BRINGS EXCITEMENT TO BULLDOGS’ OFFENSE

You can tell Jeff Grady learned a lot from Jim McElwain.

Grady, the Bulldogs Passing Game Coordinator and offensive playcaller, gave Red Wavers plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the creativity and boldness of the Fresno State offense this season in the 34-31 double overtime loss to Wisconsin.

Quarterback Ryan Colburn threw deep five times if not more. Ebahn Feathers ran for a first down in the Wildcat formation. Ryan Mathews took a snap at quarterback. Wideout Chastin West almost threw a touchdown pass to Marlon Moore, overthrowing it just a bit. Colburn operated the shotgun option formation to perfection. McElwain, now Alabama’s offensive coordinator and Fresno State’s OC in 2007, had to be smiling (that is, if he had time to watch).

The one play that stands out in my mind about how aggressive this offensive looks like it’ll be this year was on 2nd and 10 from the Wisconsin 24 yard line in the fourth quarter with the game on the line. With the ‘Dogs down 24-21 and less than 30 seconds left on the clock, Grady called for Colburn to go for it all, just missing the outstretched hands of Darren Newborne in the end zone instead of opting for a quick sideline pattern or slant. Kevin Goessling kicked the game-tying 41 yard field goal after that, sending the game into overtime.

I loved that call. It showed many things: Pat Hill has a lot of confidence in Grady, Grady isn’t afraid to pull the trigger on a gamble, and the coaching staff has a lot of trust in Colburn.

As for Colburn, sure he threw three interceptions and underthrew a couple of balls, but he makes up with his lack of arm strength by catering to his receivers’ strengths. When he throws to Ajirotutu, Colburn keeps the ball high so Ajirotutu can use his height advantage. The overtime touchdown was evidence of that. When he throws to a smaller guy like the speedy Wylie, Colburn gets enough air under the ball for him to get under it without breaking stride, as shown in the 70 yard touchdown strike in the first quarter that made it 14-0.

Grady puts Colburn in position to be successful, especially early in the game when Wisconsin was playing soft on the edges. Grady recognized that and called for quick outs to Chastin West, Marlon Moore and Wylie that resulted in Fresno State’s first touchdown. Colburn went 5-5 on that drive and his confidence soared after that.

Grady and Colburn work well together. Does the fact that Colburn wears Grady’s #15 jersey have anything to do with it? Hmmm….

It all adds to the excitement for Friday night’s showdown with Boise State. I’m sure McElwain will be watching that one.

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