Chalk Talk: Air Raid
The Air Raid has been discussed extensively in Husker circles ever since Dana Holgorsen arrived in Lincoln. But what is it, and can we expect Nebraska to run it this year? So lets break down the Air Raid Offense on this edition of The Chalk Talk Chronicles.
What is the Air Raid Offense?
The Air Raid offense is a high-powered, pass-heavy offensive system designed to spread out defenses, create mismatches, and move the ball quickly through the air. Originally developed in the 1980s and 1990s, this system has revolutionized how football is played at both the college and high school levels—and it has even made a noticeable impact in the NFL.
Origins and Evolution
The Air Raid was created by Hal Mumme and Mike Leach, who first implemented the system while coaching at Iowa Wesleyan and Valdosta State. Their goal was to simplify the offensive playbook and maximize production by emphasizing speed, spacing, and timing in the passing game. While traditional offenses often focused on the balance between the run and the pass, the Air Raid flipped that idea on its head. In some Air Raid systems, teams pass the ball up to 80% of the time, using quick, short throws as a substitute for a traditional running game. The Air Raid has influenced not just other college programs but also pro offenses. Coaches like Lincoln Riley, Kliff Kingsbury, and Dana Holgorsen have used Air Raid principles to develop explosive offenses and star quarterbacks. Even in the NFL, elements of the Air Raid are used in hybrid systems to add diversity to offensive attacks.
The Core Principles of the Air Raid
- High passing volume: The QB is the centerpiece and will often throw 40 to 60 times a game.
- Wide receiver spacing: The Air Raid will use 4 to 5 wide receivers spread across the field to stretch defenses horizontally.
- Simple playbook: Air Raid offenses will usually have a few plays but they’re drilled to perfection. Each play can have a read option built in or some aspect of the RPO.
- Fast tempo: Many Air Raid teams use a hurry-up or no-huddle offense to wear down the defense and control the game’s pace.
- Short, quick throws: Short throws are designed to help neutralize the pass rush and act as an extension of the run game
Will Nebraska run the Air Raid this year?
The answer to that question is yes and no. You will definitely see Nebraska run an Air Raid-like scheme when they are in their two minute offense but besides that you probably won’t see much besides the occasional Mesh and Stick plays mixed in during games. Why? The Air Raid just doesn’t work in the Big Ten, just look at Wisconsion ever since Luke Fickell took over as their head coach. While Dana Holgorsen has a history and an excellent track record running the Air Raid, he knows as well as anyone that if you can not run the ball you will not win in the Big Ten. Instead you’ll see Nebraska run more plays with 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends, and two receivers on the field) and other similar “Pro-Style” formations.
Conclusion
The Air Raid offense is more than just a strategy; it’s a bold, innovative philosophy that has reshaped modern football. Its emphasis on simplicity, speed, and space allows teams to maximize their offensive potential, often leveling the playing field against more traditionally dominant programs. By empowering quarterbacks to make quick decisions and giving receivers room to operate, the Air Raid turns the passing game into an efficient, high-percentage attack. Its core principles, spreading the field, using tempo, and running a limited number of plays to perfection, have made it especially appealing to high school and college teams looking to compete with fewer resources. Ultimately, the Air Raid stands as a revolutionary force in football, proving that creativity and precision can be just as dangerous as brute strength.