OODA Loop and the Oregon Offense

Chip Kelly uses many quotes/phrases ("win the day"), metaphors (watering the bamboo), and concepts to motivate his players.  One concept he uses for his offense is known as the OODA Loop strategy.  Originally aired on espn's "College Football Live,"  it's an interesting tactic that Chip uses, and once again illustrates his offensive genius.  But where did OODA Loop come from, and what does it stand for?

OODA stands for: Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act.  It's a concept originally applied to the combat operations process, often at the strategic level of military operations.  The concept was developed by military strategist and USAF colonel John Boyd.

Where does Oregon come in on all this?  I wish I could find the video on espn for you, but can't.  It's still interesting to read about, however, so don't go away!

For Oregon, Observe is their shotgun formation, which buys them space and time to "Observe" the defense.  Orient is how Oregon understands the defensive "keys," and whether or not their showing false keys.  Keys are whether they're blitzing or not, man or zone, who's crashing, etc.  Decide is when the play is started, Oregon "decides" the direction of the play on the fly basically.  Based on what the "keys" were showing them.  Act- fast players who practice fast, play fast (under a minute between snaps, 120 snaps a game), and run fast, so that larger - stronger teams are fatigued by the second half.

The end result?

One of the nation's most potent offensive attacks that averages nearly 55 points per game.  For an example of how Oregon uses this tactic, and wears a team out over the course of the game, check this video from 2010 between Stanford and Oregon.