Williams is silver bullet for Aggie pistol
A good old-fashioned western duel figures to take place in Reno, Nev. on Saturday evening, and the Aggies have just the right bullet for their attack.
No, we’re not talking a high noon shootout between two Old West outlaws, rather, a pivotal game in the Western Athletic conference schedule between Nevada (6-1, 2-1) and Utah State (2-4, 0-3).
Both programs are coming off disappointing losses to Hawaii and both programs feature offenses utilizing the ubiquitous “pistol” formation. A hybrid formation which features the quarterback lined up four yards behind the center and the running back typically three yards behind the quarterback, the pistol differs from the traditional shotgun, which usually features an off-set back and quarterback seven yards behind the center.
First developed by current Nevada head coach Chris Ault, the pistol has grown in popularity in recent years, giving teams that incorporate it into their play books an added boost in the running game.
“It does have a little different dynamic to it,” said Utah State head coach Gary Andersen. “It allows the downhill zone schemes that a lot of teams run out of the off set back formation. It brings a little more physicality to the run game, no question.”
Aside from allowing the running back to get a “head start” and build up momentum prior to a play, the pistol can be incorporated in option style offenses. According to USU offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin, the formation’s unique set often confuses defenses which may cheat to one side of the field or another based on a traditional shotgun-read look, forcing defenders to stay disciplined – lest they be caught out of position.
“It’s an intriguing thing, especially when you run the read option,” Baldwin said. “If you ‘cheat a back,’ than (the defense) knows the side you’re going to read. But if you’re direct underneath the quarterback in the pistol, than the defense doesn’t know what side to read.”
Nevada’ pistol attack has been dynamic in terms of its effects. The Wolf Pack, who are currently sixth in the nation in rushing per game with an average of 288 yards, finished first in the country in rushing a year ago, and third in 2008. It is success like Nevada’s which has prompted many teams around the country to use the pistol, including Utah State.
The pistol figures to be one of several formations the Aggies go to on Saturday, when the team looks to reestablish the run game a week after rushing for only 58 total yards. According to Baldwin, Utah State will look to establish sophomore running back Kerwynn Williams early and often against the Wolf Pack defense, especially considering that the playmaker from Las Vegas, Nevada was one of the few bright spots in USU’s loss to Hawaii.
“He really played well last week,” said Baldwin. “We need to find a way to get him the ball a little bit more.”
Baldwin said Williams, who is currently second on the team in rushing with 205 yards, hasn’t been featured as prominently in the Aggie offense because Utah State has failed to win the battles up front over the course of the last two games. When Utah State has won the battle in the trenche,s however, Williams has been dynamic, showcasing a quick first step and shifty moves.
“We’re not winning the line of scrimmage enough for him to be effective,” Baldwin said. “But when we have I think he’s hit holes and he’s hit them hard and run the ball hard. Hopefully the offensive line can win the line of scrimmage and then you’ll see Kerwynn at his best.”
Baldwin and the offense won’t be limited in the ways they use Williams on Saturday. With injuries to many of the team’s top playmakers – including running back Michael Smith and receiver Stanley Morrison – Williams has had to fill a number of roles on the teams, including playing out of the slot as a receiver and playing on special teams. According to USU running back coach Ilaisa Tuiaki, Williams’ versatility and team-first attitude have been a saving grace amidst the team’s 2-5 start.
“It doesn’t matter what we ask him to do, he’ll want to compete and he’ll want to do the best with his ability,” said Tuiaki. “He can get out there and lineup as a receiver. He does punt returns, kick returns and does everything for us. He’s got a big role on this team as far as the success that we’ve had.”
Williams, who played as a receiver and option quarterback in high school, is currently third in the WAC and 25th in the country in all-purpose yards, and has been especially dangerous on kickoff returns for Utah State. The consummate teammate, Williams credits his versatility not to athleticism, but a desire to help his team.
“I just try to get good enough at everything so I can help my team win,” he said. “That’s really what it is. If coach wants me to go out and catch balls, I’ll go out and catch balls if it’ll help my team get the victory. If he wants me to go down and run down on kickoffs, than I’ll go run down on kickoffs.”
It was that attitude that got Williams noticed by Utah State out of high school. While he earned first team all-state honors and capped off a dynamic prep career at Valley High School with more than 4,000 rushing yards, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound back was not heavily recruited by major college programs, including nearby Nevada-Reno.
“They look at pretty much all in-state players and everything, and decide what they’re going to do from there,” Williams said, “But it was pretty much the regular recruiting process, as it was with everyone else.”
“An offer never came up or anything,” added Williams, who jumped at the chance to play in Logan when Andersen’s staff came calling. According to Williams, many schools were scared away by his small size, which he more than makes up for in speed and effort.
Despite the lack of an offer from Nevada, Williams doesn’t hold any hard feelings to the University of Nevada and its staff. He said he’s moved on from high school, and his only focus going into the Nevada game is winning.
“I never really go out with that mentality and all – that it’s payback,” said Williams, who will play in front of family and friends Saturday night. “I just go out and try to play as hard as I can and do the best I can to help my team get the victory.
While Williams gives Utah State’s offense a chance on Saturday, Baldwin said that the sophomore running back cannot do it alone.
“No running back is as good or as bad without the line of scrimmage… It’s time for us to win that, and then his abilities will show,” Baldwin said.
The question of whether or not Utah State’s offensive line can win the battle and help Williams to shine is still up in the air, but the sophomore’s commitment to helping USU knows no bounds. He’ll do whatever he’s asked to do, including, he said, chipping in in ways he hasn’t before.
“If it came up, and if coach Woods needed me to, I’d even kick an extra point.”
– adam.nettina@aggiemail.usu.edu