I have not read this article in depth but intend to go back later for a longer, closer look. I will admit to being puzzled by the extreme criticism of Mullen's offensive system and especially the claims that now that's he's at UF the Gators will never throw the ball again. Or some slightly less exaggerated version of that claim.
I did a little research on MSU and some other teams and understand even less why some are so opposed to his system.
For example, 2017 season State ran for (these are slightly rounded off numbers) 3000 yards, passed for 2000. Alabama ran for about 3400 yards, passed for about 2500. Clemson ran for about 2600, passed for 3000. Louisville ran for about 3000, passed for about 3700.
Quarterback carries....Fitzgerald ran 162 times. Hurts carried 137, Clemson's Kelly Bryant had 164 carries and Lamar Jackson had 208 carries. I don't hear a lot of talk about those other teams wearing out their quarterbacks or putting them in harm's way by running too much.
MSU's offense doesn't seem to be completely run heavy, at least compared to some other more successful teams and their quarterback isn't running it way more than other signal callers. So, what gives? Is it the play design that causes concern or what? I see that they run more than they throw but the splits don't appear to be 1960 Ohio State type offensive numbers.
Football analysis board members.....care to shed any light?