{mosimage}The spread-option attack, and/or the many variations that come with it, is the hottest offense in college football. This formation gives teams with less talent pull off upsets and teams with more talent to dominate. By having a Dual threat QB who can run and throw, you can frustrate any defense at the college level. Having said that I noticed a trend this season when a team rolls the dice with this type of offense; injuries.

In no way am I an X's and O's guy. I watch football but never played organized football outside of intramural college flag b.s. Having said that, I did play basketball but don't consider myself and X's and O's guy with that sport either. Moving on, common sense tells you that in 2007 Oregon, Florida, West Virginia and Illinois all lost games (arguably) due to their QB's getting injured.

Among the starting QB's injured: Dennis Dixon (knee--out for season), Tim "Heisman" Tebow (shoulder-played), Patrick White (finger-missed action), Juice Williams (missed action).

Dennis Dixon was the leading candidate for the Heisman this year when his knee gave out against Arizona (previously injured). Oregon was looking great on offense, but when he went down they fell apart, losing their final 3 games. When he was healthy, he combined with Jonathan Stewart to give Oregon one of the best backfields in college football. Now Oregon is left preparing for a non-BCS Bowl without Dixon.

Tim Tebow just became the first sophomore Heisman winner. But unfortunately for UF, that's just a consolation prize for what could have been. If the Gators still had Chris Leak, they could be playing for a national title against Ohio State. Chris Leak, or possibly a capable, healthy running back could have helped too.

Tebow became the first QB to run for over 20 touchdowns but he also operated with a bum shoulder the second half of the season. In their loss to Georgia, his injury was a certain setback. In fairness, the UF defense was not as good this year either. So shouldering the blame on Tebow's shoulder (yes, I did) is not completely fair. But all in all, it did not help. Next year if UF wants a healthy QB, Tebow needs to have about 10 tds rushing and should be handing the ball off to another guy gaining 1000 yards.

Patrick White is another guy mentioned for the Heisman, once before he was injured against USF and once before he was injured against Pitt. In both games, he was injured. In both games, WVU lost. His backup, Jarret Brown, does not look as good running that offense as White but not many do. Pittsburgh may have won anyways but it certainly mad a huge difference. USF won a bit more comfortably but again, it had to play a large role in an away game at Tampa.

Isiah "Juice" Williams was injured in a tough battle against Missouri, that saw the Illini lose. Missouri may have still won the game but Juice is their best QB. He beat Ohio State late in the year when he was healthier and looked like a 2008 heisman candidate while doing so. Time will tell (USC game-Rose Bowl) if those thoughts are accurate or not. RB Rashard Mendenhall and a talented receiving core also helped. Williams missed time in more than 1 game.

Along with Injuries, NFL preparation is another reason to dislike the spread-option attack. A QB can rush for 1200 yards, but without a developed passing game his draft status could fall. Michael Vick and Vince Young are both guys who have succeeded under a spread system, with Texas winning the title game on Young's back.

In the end, I just wonder if the spread is used too much by teams that don't need to use it. If you have a QB who can run, then let him run. Just make sure you don't get too greedy. Protecting your #1 QB should be top priority. Maybe they should consider winning the old fashioned way (with wrinkles) and bust out a full option attack when they need to. This year a bunch of spread teams changed the game but their injured QB's stopped them from playing for a title.

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