the biggest misconception is in your post... that Spread can not be balanced... you can use Miss State Playbook... like i did run pretty darn near 50/50... pass/run... and i would average right at 500 yards total offense... so... you can be "SPREAD" and still be "BALANCED"... maybe your question is leading more towards formations?

"E"

Either way, a balanced offense is more effective against the good guys. I have finally come to the conclusion that I do not do well unless I have a good mix of under the center formations. I tried Tulsa and Miss St and I just don't function well without being under center.

since using the pistol i've had a lot of very close games. i haven't been down more than 8 points when using the pistol. however, my run game is seriously lacking. there are a few plays i am able to mix in and get some solid yards. but when i use the pistol my run game seriously lacks. the tulsa PB had a great mix with some good option that would confuse the defense. im starting to mix in some flexbone lately. still have yet to find the perfect PB that fits my game. i used UCONNs for a solid 2 months. haven't been back since

i use the pistol b/c i dont stay balanced... i pass... pass... pass... pass... pass... pass... think about running but decide to pass... then pass some more... if its 4th and 1... i will prob pass... i just have my passing game so tight with the pistol... i dont care about being balanced...

if i was you i'd go UT's playbook... it is RIDICULOUSLY balanced...

"E"

k ill try. i need to lab the pistol with you so i can get better. i should have taken you up on the practice you offerend a few weeks ago. it was late and i was high. that will continue to happen haha but this time ill take advantage of it. im way more into practicing and trying different things than playing online. im done playing newbs. strictly DCS & playing people on this site. and now i started an offline dynasty with ARMY using the flex (those will be my only uses for NCAA 10) until next years game. (just in case everyone wanted to know haha).

Tennessee's playbook lacks in shotgun. I prefer Western Michigan's pb. However, TN pb is a better running pb.

ive been using arizona states playbook and im hooked.... i like ace formations and it has 4 of my 6 favorite shotgun formations, oh that brings to mind... on ps2 there was a shotgun empty ace form... does this not exist on ps3??? ive yet to come across a plybook with it.... anyways, i spend 80% of my time in shotgun but im with you zz.. i need to know that i can go under center and move the ball as well.... plus arizona states goaline set features maryland I.....
arizona state has ace: big, big twins, twin te, twin te slot, slot, y trips, trips, 4wr trey and in shotgun it has: slot, slot hb weak, y trips weak, trips, bunch strng, 4 wr trey and 5 wr trip... no I forms which i dont care for..... if im lining up in I form its going to be goaline lolol and PUNCH IT UP UR ***.

oh ya, it also has ace jumbo... one of my favorites!! my football playing experience was qb'n outta single back scheme,

^empty aces. i'd assume ND would have that. never looked at their PB tho.

no, i was using nd befor arizna st and they dont have it....
shotgun empty ace:

x x x o x x x
x x x
x

well i was "aiming" this to be a great debate question...cause i am in 4 dynasties and the play book i have been using has been the Illinois playbook...its a spread offense but when i use it and look at the plays they are looking to be to me somewhat of a balanced offense... i mean when i think "spread" i think shotgun... pistol...and wildcat....now maybe it's just me or maybe i am not a offensive junkie but... this Illinois playbook isn't what i expect outta a Spread offense...that's why i asked the question Spread or Balanced... so if yall can help me understand this more

I've used Arizona States pb off and on for two seasons. It's great for a team with fast folks.

ill answer it...

"balanced" is a mindset... not formations... mindset of play-calling...

you can run I form the whole game and be balanced... or run shotgun every play and be balanced... its all about distribution... now... as far as "NCAA 10" goes... there are some spread playbooks that lean towards being a good running playbook to stay balanced such as illinois... and miss state...

"E"

okay that's all i was asking...thanks for the info...