Using single back set, the quarterback isn't under center and isn't in a seven yard "shotgun" stance. The snap is received four yards - not quite "shotgun" so "pistol" - back with the theory being the one back can create short, quick angles into the line of scrimmage.
A run option for the quarterback will attack the flanks, and a pull-up, 10-15 yard pass option is available from any formation.
Kelly and his staff got early look at the film, starting last spring. ". we looked at Nevada extensively, We knew going into the Nevada game we weren't going to have a game from this season to break down and go on."
Last season the Wolfpack ran the scheme to perfection, posting a 13-1 season record and knocking off California, Boise State and Boston College along the way.
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick took every advantage of the scheme, passing for 3022 yards (233-359-8) and 21 TD's. He also ran for a net of 1206 yards and 20 more TD's. He single-handedly averaged 302 yards of total offense per game.
However, Kaepernick has graduated, so Ault will have to call upon his Hall Of Fame coaching credentials to prepare a new quarterback for his first career start in Autzen. A daunting challenge.
Tyler Lantrip is the fifth year senior who has to fill Kaepernick's shoes.
"We've seen Tyler on film." said Kelly. "because he played in games last year."
"He's . been in the system for a while and has run this offense. He's big like Colin was, can run, looks like he's got some athletic ability. Throws the ball really, really well. So, I don't think they will change that much."
With or without Kaepernick, Kelly expects the Wolfpack to stay true to their roots.
"He's the inventor of it," said Kelly of his counterpart. "It is his offense. He knows it inside and out and when you play someone like Coach Ault, he has the answers to the question before you ask the question."
"He knows if you take ?this' away, he's coming back with ?that'."
"For us it just comes down to playing a sound defensive football and doing a great job of getting off of blocks and tackling."
Rishard Matthews will be Lantrip's first look when the Wolfpack throws the ball. Matthews led the team with 879 receiving yards last season. Shane Anderson, Aaron Bradley and TE Zach Sudfield join Matthews in talented group of receivers.
"That group of receivers may be their best group on the team," said Kelly.
The Wolfpack's ground attack churned out 4091 yards last year. Nevada will go at least two, perhaps three deep at running back. Junior Nick Hale emerged at the top of the depth chart after only 14 carries last year but Mark Lampford and Mike Ball combined for 678 yards as the second and third options behind the graduated Vai Taua.
Kick-off is set for 12:30 pm. Gates to the parking lot open four hours in advance.
