I think the identity of the future offense is beginning to emerge, and I think what you'll see is basically a hybrid spread-option, power-run attack. Let me explain:
A spread offense tends to be more effective against bigger, slower defenses, because of the ability to close on the ball laterally. A power run offense tends to be more effective against faster, smaller defenses since the straight-ahead running negates the benefit of the defenses' speed, and exposes their size by forcing smaller players to tackle larger backs at the point of attack.
The spread is excellent at moving the ball between the 20s, but suffers in the red zone where the compressed field means that there are defenders in the area who can make plays on the edge. Similarly, it tends to have difficulty in short yardage situations.
It seems evident to me, then, that the ideal offense would be one that can adapt to both a spread option running attack, as well as a power run game when necessary. It is my view that this is Pelini's vision for a modern offense and that he has intended to execute such an offense since he came to Nebraska. Everything about our recruiting and the direction of the play calling has signaled this shift.
I believe that the hiring of Beck was Phase 1 of this plan, and that Bo has always intended to eventually move Beck in as the OC. Watson was retained to help with the transition and Bo intended to replace him at the earliest available opportunity with Beck. He could have made the change after 2009, but I believe two things held him back: One, our relatively charged performance against Arizona, and two, the fact that we appeared to be poised to make a legitimate run at an MNC in 2010. I think Bo rolled the dice and figured he wouldn't squander that opportunity by revamping the offensive staff at that time. But with the dismal results in 2010 and the move to the Big Ten, there is no better time than now to make the changes and possibly make a run in 2011 when Ohio State will be rebuilding and Martinez will be a RS junior, and Burkhead will be a senior.
The fact that we have not recruited---or even really tried to recruit--many WRs is not an accident. It's not as though Bo is ignorant of the holes on his own roster. But we have lots of talent at the RB position and I believe that Bo's vision is to utilize both smaller, faster backs in the running game in the mold of Oregon's LaMichael James (i.e., Abdullah and Green), plus bigger backs in the power run game/wildcat (i.e., Rex, Legate). I also think he intends to have the backs play a significant role in the passing game with screens and bootlegs.
I believe the passing game will consist of mostly screens and play action passes to the RBs and TEs, with a relatively minor contribution from the WRs. All in all, it will be a smaller part of our offense.
The QB in this system will not be asked to make all the throws, but will be expected to move the chains with his feet, something that Martinez, Carnes, Turner, and Starling all appear capable of doing. I think the relatively diminished importance of the passing game in this scheme is one reason we probably will not have dedicated QB or WR coaches, but probably will have a dedicated RB coach since the RBs will be expected to contribute in a variety of ways.
So, in conclusion, look for the offense to work as a hybrid of both systems, with an emphasis on solid line play, mobile QBs, a simplified passing game, and dynamic, multifaceted RBs.