JD PicKell: Jeff Lebby will bring new pace to Oklahoma offense

On3’s J.D PicKell is preparing college football fans for the upcoming season, taking an in-depth look at rosters across the country. And on Monday, it was the Oklahoma Sooners turn as he evaluated their offense. PicKell gives his insight on the Sooners offense and explains the new pace offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby will bring this year.

“The third piece of this is probably the most notable piece with Jeff Lebby,” said PicKell. “When you talk about his offense, they’re going to go no-huddle and no mercy. They were top five last year in terms of plays run per game. That tells you two things — one, they were going fast, and two, it was working. 80.5 plays (ran) per game, top five in the country, they were rolling.”

Lebby is a University of Oklahoma alum and decided to return home to his alma mater this past December. The Sooners were able to pry him away from the Ole Miss Rebels with a contract that made him one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in college football. And for a good reason. His high-octane, fast-paced offense helped make the Rebels one of the most dangerous offenses over the past two seasons. It also helped turn quarterback Matt Corral into a dual-threat Heisman hopeful quarterback this past year. And with his offensive expertise, he’s looking to do the same for Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

Lebby’s offense can control the game

The fast-paced, no-huddle offense that has made Lebby a rising star in the college football coaching ranks does not just have benefits for his offense but it also has a significant impact on opposing defenses as well.

“This does a couple of things to the defense first and foremost makes them tired, tired mentally. Second, you’re tired physically, ” PicKell continued. “Instead of going and wrapping up on that running back, you might kind of try and just throw a shoulder into him because you don’t want to exert the physical energy — advantage Oklahoma. Third, you don’t allow them to get set the defense that they want to get set up. You (the defense) can’t be complex with your calls. So, for Oklahoma, you get a really simple picture on defense.”

Oklahoma has always been known for its high-powered offenses led by an elite college quarterback. And under Lebby, that tradition is likely to continue. However, that does heavily depend on how well Gabriel can learn and implement his new offense. If he can do so, the Sooners can enjoy a bounce-back season and reclaim their spot at the top of the Big 12 conference.