While Briles' offense and Leach's offense share the "spread" title, they actually aren't very similar.
Leach's offense was built around gigantic splits in the offensive line, quick passes, and yards after catch. Those huge splits made run blocking extremely difficult and resulted in poor balance. Tech's offense simply needed a quarterback to throw a decently accurate ball within three steps and let the receiver run. Very little reading of the defense, mostly just throw to the first (very good) receiver and let him go.
In contrast, Briles' offense is only a spread by definition because the quarterback rarely goes under center. The offensive line has normal splits, which greatly aids in the running game. Notice that Baylor has the most balanced offense in the nation with over 300 yards passing and 200 yards rushing. Yes, Baylor is lethally quick with over 30 drives for a touchdown this season in less than 2 minutes, but it also runs the ball very well. Also, while Briles' offense does have plenty of quick passes, it should also be noted that it has a lot of very long touch passes. Briles has moved away from the "bubble screen" offense he ran early at Baylor and improved it to a full offense complete with a strong running game and crossing patterns. The quarterback is responsible for reading defenses and looking for 2nd and 3rd options when required.
Yes, Briles runs the spread by definition, but it is nothing like the run read option that UT used in 2004-2005 with Vince or the spread option that Tech used so successfully under Leach. It's a legitimately balanced offense that is one of the most difficult to game plan against in the country. It will be an interesting test to see how Manny Diaz prepares his team for Griffin and company for next week's finale. It will be an intense game.
