As you watch today's college football games, look for a odd trend: the spread punt formation.
Punts? Laugh all you want, but during the first week of the season, many teams used a set with five players on the line, two lined up wide and three blockers in front of the punter.
The result? One punt block I witnessed at a Mountain West Conference game, another the nation saw Monday by UCLA against Tennessee, and at least five near-blocks at other games. The biggest upset of the opening week was keyed by East Carolina's block of a Virginia Tech punt. All from that formation.
If special teams is so integral to football, why are so many teams changing to this set?
"It gives the punt team a chance to get in their lane a bit faster and release a bit quicker on coverage," said Sacramento State coach Marshall Sperbeck, whose team uses a traditional punt formation. "Teams are looking for ways to get creative.
"We actually see that (today) against Colorado State."
Sperbeck said the formation has appeared within the last three seasons. Unfortunately, what's good in theory isn't always good in practice, especially when 11 guys are involved.
What to watch
Cal at Washington State, 3:30 p.m., CSN. The first Pacific-10 Conference test for the Bears should be worth seeing. What to do
Texas Tech at Nevada, 6:05 p.m. Drive to Reno for what should be the best nonconference game in the region this season.
What to surf
www.nytimes.com/2005/ 12/04/magazine/ 04coach.html?pagewanted=all. Go into the New York Times' archive for an insightful article on Texas Tech football coach and offensive whiz Mike Leach.
Friday's results
American League
• A'S 11, Orioles 2
• Blue Jays 6, Rays 4
• Red Sox 8, Rangers 1
• Twins 10, Tigers 2
• Indians 9, Royals 3
• White Sox 10, Angels 2
• Mariners 3, Yankees 1
National League
• Pirates 7, GIANTS 0
• Phillies 3, Mets 0
• Reds 10, Cubs 2
• Braves 10, Nationals 5
• Brewers 3, Padres 2 (11)
• Marlins 4, Cardinals 1 (11)
• Rockies 5, Astros 3
• Dodgers 7, D-backs 0
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