Here are a couple of quotes I found about the splits...
To back up what I have been posting:
"The modern versions of the Air Raid have tended to mute the wide splits and overly pass-heavy emphasis of the original Air Raid. Run/pass options (RPOs) and dual-threat QBs have been a major boon to the system and allowed teams to get enough out of their running game to be balanced and stop defenses from embracing the same kind of extreme, pass-focus to stop them."
And from another article:
The final issue with wider splits along the offensive line is with the running game.
Although the idea is to create wider rushing lanes as well as passing lanes, in reality by putting the offensive linemen farther apart it makes it much more difficult for them to execute the double team blocks so essential in controlling the first level of defenders.
If you never win the initial block at the line of scrimmage, then you will never be able to run the ball effectively. Obviously, running the ball is not a primary concern for Leach, but it is one of the clear differences between him and some of his disciples who have gone on to be successful.
Art Briles, Sonny Dykes and Dana Holgorson all utilize various versions of the offense they learned from Leach and fellow Air Raid developer Hal Mumme. The most polarizing difference is all three make a commitment to running the football.
And not only do they run the ball, they run the ball very well. Tellingly, their linemen maintain traditional splits because it helps them create angles and doubles teams. It also has not taken away one bit from their passing game as all three routinely have been in the top ten, along with WSU, in passing yards nationally.
Adapt or Die.
