With Offense Sagging, Tomey Hits A Homer

If you want to irritate Arizona football coach Dick Tomey, ask him about his offense.

(Yes, he has one this year.)

“Seriously, Mr. Tomey, about that offense. It’s finally moved into the 20th Century since you broke down and hired a real offensive coordinator, eh? That Homer Smith can reeeaaally coach.”

Bristle, bristle.

“Not that your program is infamous for lacking punch on offense or anything.”

OK, so we didn’t phrase it quite like that. We’re not the Tucson media, after all. But you get the point. Tomey certainly has.

The Arizona Daily Star spent 30 inches the other day detailing Tomey’s inability to attract and develop top-flight running backs, for example. He never should have let Washington State get Michael Black, the story contended.

It’s as if the critics can’t wait for Black to terrorize the Wildcats when the Cougars visit Arizona Stadium for Saturday night’s Pacific-10 Conference matchup.

Tomey, of course, has been hearing about his team’s offensive deficiencies for years. The excellence of the famed Desert Swarm defenses has only magnified the issue.

Before this season, Tomey turned to an old friend in Smith, the Thomas Edison of college coordinators. At 64, Smith owns an MBA from Stanford and a master’s in theology from Harvard.

His football reputation was built largely at UCLA, where he was offensive coordinator in four Rose Bowls. In 1972, when he and Tomey worked under Bruins coach Pepper Rodgers, Smith’s offense averaged 470.6 total yards and 400.3 yards rushing - records that stand today.

Through four games at Arizona, the Wildcats have struggled to a 2-2 start, thanks largely to an offense that ranks ninth in the conference.

Clearly, the turnaround will take time.

By hiring Smith, however, Tomey will never prove the critics wrong. If the offense produces - and there are signs it eventually might - Smith is the savior. If it doesn’t, Tomey is ultimately responsible.

“But Dick Tomey’s a smart, confident head coach,” WSU coach Mike Price interjected. “He’s not worried about his ego or anybody else’s ego.

“I don’t think it’s a put-down to coach Tomey. Homer’s good, and everybody knows it.”

Including WSU defensive coordinator Bill Doba, who has spent much of the last week breaking down Arizona film in preparation for Saturday night’s game in Tucson.

“Two years ago or a year ago - and I’m not knocking the other guy - there were two or three formations,” Doba said. “In their last three ballgames, I think we counted something like 29 different formations.”

Personnel is a huge factor.

“I think certainly Homer has added his own personal touch to what we’re doing,” Tomey said. “And he’s very, very capable and very experienced.

“But I think we have better players on offense this year than we’ve had for a couple years. I think we have different kinds of player, maybe.”

Like freshman quarterback Keith Smith, who purportedly covers 40 yards in 4.4 seconds. He’d give most any coordinator more options.

“This kid just adds so much more to your offense,” Doba said. “They can run option with him, and they do, which eliminates a lot of coverages as far as man protection. So that worries you a little bit.

“And he’s a guy that just makes things happen.”

Since taking over for Brady Batten midway through Arizona’s second game, Smith has put his speed to use. He ranks second on the team in rushing, having gained 211 yards - just 83 behind tailback Gary Taylor.

Throw in senior receiver Richard Dice, who has burned WSU in the past, and potential exists.

“We have more capability than we did, say, a year ago for sure,” Tomey said. “I think obviously, you have to have players.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo