Air Raid evolution: Pioneering offense passes test of time

By RALPH D. RUSSO
AP College Football Writer

Twenty-five years since Hal Mumme unleashed the groundbreaking Air Raid offense on the Southeastern Conference it has become pervasive throughout football. But outside of Mike Leach, Mumme’s protege and Air Raid Godfather, most coaches are running an evolved form of the offense, with more running plays, more varied formations and an assortment of motions and misdirection. Air Raid principles and concepts can be found in just about every modern passing game from NFL to high school. But at the highest levels of the sport, it’s hard to find anyone actually running the Air Raid.