Theoretical Football

Theoretical football is the notion that American football is an exceedingly complex sport that requires a branch of learning. Its goal is to accentuate the cerebral, academic, and quantifiable aspects of American football. - Denauld William Brown

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Defending The Best Offensive Minds Topic: Urban Meyer Head Football Coach Ohio State University
By Denauld William Brown

This is a continued series on how to read and defend offensive formations pre-snap. We will discuss the pre-snap formations run by Ohio State University Head Football Coach Urban Meyer. We are taking a detailed look at his Utah playbook and some of the formations that lead him to a BCS win in 2004 to capping off a perfect 12-0 season. We will also give an in-depth look at some of these formations intent that defines this master architect.

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Pro Unbalanced Number of running backs: 1 Number of receivers: 2 Number of Tight ends: 2 Formation Type: Male Formation demeanor: Run

What type of strategy would you use vs. an Urban Meyer offense? It is a tough question to answer being that he is the god father of many of the bastard formations that you see in todays modern day spread offense. Since the forward pass a formation that does not maintain the eligibility, of all 5 potential eligible offensive players, should be considered an irrational formation. There are 10 times more irrational formation combinations than rational. Rational meaning that all 5 eligible offensive players maintain their legal eligibility prior to the ball being snapped.

The formation that you see above focal point of this formation. is unbalanced. The Y is There are a few questions that covered which renders him need to be asked about what all ineligible. Whenever an offense of this really means? The does this, they sacrifice the chances of running the ball have eligibility of one player in order increased by going unbalanced. to re-center the formation. ReWhy does Urban Meyer sacrifice centering the formation in this a heavy tendency of run for this case has created the illusion that formation? A defense has many the short side of the formation is more chances of being wrong, at a disadvantage. The new both pre-snap and post-snap, center can be treated as one of rather than being right. Urban two people. First, the offensive Meyer knows this and can take guard to the side of the F. advantage of the illusion that he Second, the offensive guard to has created and can also stress the side of the XX. The offensive the defense by extended the Y guard to the side of the X will that is in ineligible. likely be the new center because the R has now become the

Pro Number of running backs: 1 Number of receivers: 4 Number of Tight ends: 0 Formation Type: Female Formation demeanor: Pass

Any defense that you is a very good offensive feature a duel threat employ vs. a bunch set mind and his formations quarterback. A 4 strong likely has a bunch check reflect the success of Utah formation throws most depending on the concept. from 2004. What is it about quarters based coverage's We have discussed this this formation that stands off because, of the offset pistol formation in out the most? This is a 4 inhereint rules when it our discussion on Noel strong formation. Meaning comes to crack replace, Mazzone, UCLAs offensive that 4 out of the 5 eligible and relating and reacting to coordinator and master offensive players are on the new #3 receiver post architect. It has subtle one side of the center. This snap, in the passing game. advantages that are difficult is not necessarily an Any disadvantages that the to notice with the naked advantage for the offense offense may have pre-snap eye. Depth of the back but rather a disadvantage of because of this 4 maximizes the vision of the for the defense. Given the Strong formation are running back pre-snap. land scape of college negated by the reality that Depth also allows for the football X most defense the F or #3 receiver, can full development of a run coaches have a quarters realistically get into pitch play especially in a zone based coverage package for phase with the quarterback running game. Urban Meyer spread type teams that off of dive action.

Pro Slot Number of running backs: 1 Number of receivers: 3 Number of Tight ends: 1 Formation Type: Male Formation demeanor: Run

There is a misconception about the existence of gaps that really needs to be clarified. Gaps that need to be defended are not necessary tied to just the box. Gaps are defined by relationships, and those relationships are defined by formations, and formations sit on top of the football field. This formation is very difficult to defend because it preys on the responsibilities of the defense when it comes to both slot and wing adjustments. A question that can be asked is why did Urban Meyer keep a close proximity of the Z to offensive tackle?

Pro Number of running backs: 1 Number of receivers: 3 Number of Tight ends: 1 Formation Type: Male Formation demeanor: Run

Empty sets are interesting because they imply pass and in most cases would be confirmed post snap by a pass play. The interesting thing about this particular formation is the R on the line of scrimmage. When both #2 receivers, in this case the R and the Y, are on the line of scrimmage, teams typically want to run the football. This comes from years of studying formations and their natural demeanor. An empty set negates this philosophy so the question is why does the Urban Meyer place the R on the line of scrimmage? Defensive coaches usually make a decision to either blitz empty or to max cover it and usually nothing in X between. Utah has a very successful year and Urban Meyer is a master at creating formations to sustain his dynamic offense.