Urban Meyer’sUrban Meyer’sUtah Spread OffenseUtah Spread Offense

Please ReadPlease ReadEach play in this presentation was taken from actual game footage Each play in this presentation was taken from actual game footage from the 2003 and 2004 seasons and recreated as diagramed from the 2003 and 2004 seasons and recreated as diagramed images. Each play is merely my interpretation of the actual play and images. Each play is merely my interpretation of the actual play and therefore the actual images contained in this presentation are not therefore the actual images contained in this presentation are not stated to be actual plays from the Utah System. These plays are stated to be actual plays from the Utah System. These plays are consistent with plays ran from the tapes and all blocking consistent with plays ran from the tapes and all blocking assignments and pass routes are accurate. The images contained in assignments and pass routes are accurate. The images contained in this presentation have been submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office this presentation have been submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office as copyrighted visual arts documents. Any attempt to duplicate as copyrighted visual arts documents. Any attempt to duplicate these images will be in direct violation of U.S. Copyright protection these images will be in direct violation of U.S. Copyright protection laws. ©laws. ©

Presentation BreakdownPresentation Breakdown1.1. System ExplanationSystem Explanation

2.2. Formations and PositionsFormations and Positions

3.3. Keys and Reads in the Passing GameKeys and Reads in the Passing Game

4.4. Basic Running GameBasic Running Game

5.5. Pass Protection SchemesPass Protection Schemes

6.6. Run PlaysRun Plays

7.7. Pass PlaysPass Plays

Explanation of SystemExplanation of System

The verbiage used in this presentation has been created using some actual The verbiage used in this presentation has been created using some actual terms and position symbols used in the Utah system. Other terms and/or terms and position symbols used in the Utah system. Other terms and/or symbols are those which have been compiled by research of other high symbols are those which have been compiled by research of other high school programs who run a spread oriented offense. school programs who run a spread oriented offense.

Information on the following pages will serve as a reference to better Information on the following pages will serve as a reference to better understand the diagrams of this presentation. understand the diagrams of this presentation.

Formations

SoloSolo

TreyTrey

SoloSolo

TrioTrio

ThunderThunder

TriggerTrigger TrickTrick

ThunderThunder

Formations

EmptyEmpty

Pro I Pro I

AceAce

Twins ITwins I

Over Wing-SlotOver Wing-Slot Wing-slotWing-slot

Bunch Bunch

DoublesDoubles

= Motion= Motion

= Pitch or Pass= Pitch or Pass

= Key or Read on Option, Pass, or Blocking Assignment= Key or Read on Option, Pass, or Blocking Assignment

= Ball Carrier or Potential Carrier= Ball Carrier or Potential Carrier

= Drop Step for Option Relationship= Drop Step for Option Relationship

= Set up to Throw after Fake or Boot= Set up to Throw after Fake or Boot

Player PersonnelPlayer Personnel

E J

X Z

RUtah’s Player Personnel SymbolsUtah’s Player Personnel Symbols

H Z

X Y

FPlayer Personnel Symbols with Player Personnel Symbols with Regard to the Remainder of Regard to the Remainder of PresentationPresentation

Motion TypesMotion Types• Across – motion from one side of the formation to the otherAcross – motion from one side of the formation to the other

• Back – motion back into a running back or pitch positionBack – motion back into a running back or pitch position

• Test – motion across until the plane of the center is broken and then back again Test – motion across until the plane of the center is broken and then back again to starting position, used to detect coverageto starting position, used to detect coverage

• Jet – motion across ¾ to full speed either directly in front of or behind QB Jet – motion across ¾ to full speed either directly in front of or behind QB depending on whether in shotgun or under center, will either fake or take depending on whether in shotgun or under center, will either fake or take handoff.handoff.

• Right/Left – motion for back to leave back field either right or leftRight/Left – motion for back to leave back field either right or left

• In – motion in towards formation without going acrossIn – motion in towards formation without going across

Motion will be tagged at the end of the play preceded by the personnel symbol of the Motion will be tagged at the end of the play preceded by the personnel symbol of the player who will be going into motion. The player will maintain his route after motion. player who will be going into motion. The player will maintain his route after motion.

(ex. Solo 9827 Z across) (ex. Solo 9827 Z across)

Route DeterminationRoute DeterminationWhen calling routes for pass plays a number tree will be used. The number When calling routes for pass plays a number tree will be used. The number tree consists of (10) different numbers which represent a given route. When a tree consists of (10) different numbers which represent a given route. When a pass play is called, it will be in a form of (3) to (5) numbers. All numbers will pass play is called, it will be in a form of (3) to (5) numbers. All numbers will be read from left to right and be designated to each eligible non-back field be read from left to right and be designated to each eligible non-back field receiver. If a route is desired for a back field receiver it will be tagged at the receiver. If a route is desired for a back field receiver it will be tagged at the end of the route sequence, which he will carryout to the side which he is end of the route sequence, which he will carryout to the side which he is positioned. If back is not in the back field then he will receive a number in positioned. If back is not in the back field then he will receive a number in sequence depending on his position in the formation.sequence depending on his position in the formation.

(ex. Solo 6556 F Flare) ( ex. Empty R 92298)(ex. Solo 6556 F Flare) ( ex. Empty R 92298)

Call routes will be used to place routes which are not included in the number Call routes will be used to place routes which are not included in the number tree into a pass pattern. These routes will be tagged at the beginning of the tree into a pass pattern. These routes will be tagged at the beginning of the numbers sequence and the number sequence will contain (1) less number. If numbers sequence and the number sequence will contain (1) less number. If two receivers are to run call routes then both tags will be called before the two receivers are to run call routes then both tags will be called before the numbers sequence. If two are to run the same route then the symbols of each numbers sequence. If two are to run the same route then the symbols of each will be called together and then the route will be named.will be called together and then the route will be named.

(ex. Solo Z shallow 579) (ex. Solo Z shallow 579)

(ex. Empty Z shallow H Choice 868) (ex. Empty Z shallow H Choice 868)

(ex. Empty Z H Shallow 878)(ex. Empty Z H Shallow 878)

0 Oblique0 Oblique

2 Speed Out2 Speed Out

1 Slant1 Slant

3 Hitch3 Hitch

4 Deep Out4 Deep Out5 Curl5 Curl

7 Dig7 Dig

9 Post9 Post6 Post-Corner6 Post-Corner

8 Fade/Go8 Fade/Go

Examples of Call RoutesExamples of Call Routes

• FadeFade• ZipZip• Out and UpOut and Up• StickStick• ChinaChina• BubbleBubble• ShallowShallow• Come BackCome Back• WheelWheel• PivotPivot

Keys and Reads in the Short and Keys and Reads in the Short and Intermediate Passing GameIntermediate Passing Game

1.1. Front Identification and SignificanceFront Identification and Significance

2.2. Coverage Identification and SignificanceCoverage Identification and Significance

3.3. How to Beat WhatHow to Beat What

Front Identification and Number of Front Identification and Number of Defensive Backs in DefenseDefensive Backs in Defense

E T T E E T T E

E T N T E E T E

E T T E E T E

E T E E T E B

B B

M

B M B

B B

B

B B

B M B

B B

4-2 (5 DB’s)4-2 (5 DB’s)

5-1 (5 DB’s)5-1 (5 DB’s)

4-3 (4 DB’s)4-3 (4 DB’s)

3-2 (6 DB’s)3-2 (6 DB’s)

4-1 (6 DB’s)4-1 (6 DB’s)

3-4 (4 DB’s)3-4 (4 DB’s)

3-3 (5 DB’s)3-3 (5 DB’s)

3-3 Eagle(5 DB’s)3-3 Eagle(5 DB’s)

B B

1.1. Less than 6 in box we run, unless 3Less than 6 in box we run, unless 3rdrd and +5 and +5

2.2. Must know who can come and pick them upMust know who can come and pick them up

3.3. Throw HotThrow Hot

4.4. Throw UncoveredThrow Uncovered

Defensive Front RulesDefensive Front Rules

Coverage Schemes and How to Coverage Schemes and How to Recognize themRecognize them

•Cover 0 – 0 Deep with Man Under. Usually bringing other 6 defendersCover 0 – 0 Deep with Man Under. Usually bringing other 6 defenders

• Cover 1 – 1 Deep with Man Under. Drop, bring, or spy with extra defenderCover 1 – 1 Deep with Man Under. Drop, bring, or spy with extra defender

• Cover 2 – 2 Deep with Man or Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 4Cover 2 – 2 Deep with Man or Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 4

• Cover 3 – 3 Deep with Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 4Cover 3 – 3 Deep with Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 4

• Cover 4 – 4 Deep with Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 3 Cover 4 – 4 Deep with Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 3

Types of CoverageTypes of Coverage

Cover 0Cover 0

B BS

SFC C

E T T E

Cover 1Cover 1

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Cover 2 Man UnderCover 2 Man Under

E T T E

BS S

F F

C C

Cover 2 Zone UnderCover 2 Zone Under

E T T E S S

F F

C C B

Cover 3Cover 3

E T T E

B BS S

FC C

Cover 4Cover 4

E T T E S S

C C

F F

B

How to Take Advantage of Different CoveragesHow to Take Advantage of Different Coverages

1.1. Cov 0- Pick Routes, Slant and Wheel, Back out of Back FieldCov 0- Pick Routes, Slant and Wheel, Back out of Back Field

2.2. Cov 1- Pick Routes, Slant and Wheel, Play ActionCov 1- Pick Routes, Slant and Wheel, Play Action

3.3. Cov 2 Man - Draw, Screen, Shallow Crossing RoutesCov 2 Man - Draw, Screen, Shallow Crossing Routes

4.4. Cov 2 Zone - Post into 2 Deep void, 3 verticals, Uncovered Cov 2 Zone - Post into 2 Deep void, 3 verticals, Uncovered Receivers with 7 man frontReceivers with 7 man front

5.5. Cov 3 - Curl/Flat, 4 verticals, Flood the underneath zonesCov 3 - Curl/Flat, 4 verticals, Flood the underneath zones

6.6. Cov 4 – Attack Flats and Hook Zones, Screen, DrawCov 4 – Attack Flats and Hook Zones, Screen, Draw

The Utah Run GameThe Utah Run Game

The running game is one of the strongest points of any Spread offense. The running game is one of the strongest points of any Spread offense. The principal behind the Spread is to spread the field both vertically and The principal behind the Spread is to spread the field both vertically and horizontally. Buy doing this you force the defense to also spread out their horizontally. Buy doing this you force the defense to also spread out their personnel which causes their players to have to defend more space. personnel which causes their players to have to defend more space. Having to occupy and control added space helps to equalize talent levels. Having to occupy and control added space helps to equalize talent levels. Over the next few pages I will go over the basic run plays in the Utah Over the next few pages I will go over the basic run plays in the Utah offense. I will break each play down and show blocking assignments offense. I will break each play down and show blocking assignments against basic fronts.against basic fronts.

Basic Running PlaysBasic Running Plays

• ZoneZone• Zone Read (Option)Zone Read (Option)• F TrapF Trap• QB TrapQB Trap• CounterCounter• Counter Read (Option)Counter Read (Option)• Shovel OptionShovel Option• Speed OptionSpeed Option

Zone / Zone ReadZone / Zone Read

E T T E

B B

Make End Respect Make End Respect the Keep. If he does the Keep. If he does not then Keep. Can not then Keep. Can have option call with have option call with predetermined pitch predetermined pitch man.man.

Zone vs Other FrontsZone vs Other Fronts

B M B E T E

E T E

B B

E T T E

B

E T E

B B B B

F TrapF Trap

B B

E T T E

Stick tight to down Stick tight to down blocks and look for blocks and look for cut off backers.cut off backers.

Q TrapQ Trap

Stick tight to down Stick tight to down blocks and look for blocks and look for cut off backers.cut off backers.

B B

E T T E

Trap vs Other FrontsTrap vs Other Fronts

B M B

E T E E T T E

B

Counter / Counter ReadCounter / Counter Read

B B

E T T E

Make End Respect Make End Respect the Keep. If he does the Keep. If he does not then keep. Can not then keep. Can have option call with have option call with predetermined pitch predetermined pitch man.man.

Counter vs Other FrontsCounter vs Other Fronts

B M B

E T E E T T E

B

Shovel (Crazy) OptionShovel (Crazy) Option

Read end, if he sits Read end, if he sits run speed option, if run speed option, if he chases shuffle he chases shuffle under him.under him.

B B

E T T E

Speed OptionSpeed Option

Zone hard playside, Zone hard playside, do not let down do not let down linemen cross your linemen cross your face.face.

B B

E T T E

Utah Protection SchemesUtah Protection Schemes

Types of ProtectionTypes of Protection

• 5 Man (Empty Formations B.O.B.)5 Man (Empty Formations B.O.B.)

• 6 Man (Back or TE in Blocking Scheme)6 Man (Back or TE in Blocking Scheme)

• 7 Man (Back and TE in Blocking Scheme)7 Man (Back and TE in Blocking Scheme)

• Slide (Gap Protection, Inside/Right/Left)Slide (Gap Protection, Inside/Right/Left)

• Roll (Spring or Roll Out Protection)Roll (Spring or Roll Out Protection)

• Quick (Cut or Aggressive B.O.B.)Quick (Cut or Aggressive B.O.B.)

• Boot (Play Action ProtectionBoot (Play Action Protection

B

E T T E

Big On Big Cup Protection

5 Man Protection5 Man Protection

Center Must check for Center Must check for Backer while giving A Backer while giving A gap supportgap support

QB must make Hot Read QB must make Hot Read off of outside pressure.off of outside pressure.

W B

E T T E

S

#1 #2

Zone Side “One Man” Call

Center Must Help A gap

While Checking Will Backer

Big On Big

Inside to Out and

Check #1 to #2

6 Man Protection (No TE) 6 Man Protection (No TE)

W B

E T T E

S

#1 #2

Zone Side “One Man” CallZone Side “One Man” Call

Center Must Help A gapCenter Must Help A gap

While Checking Will BackerWhile Checking Will Backer

Big On Big

Uncovered Linemen must Uncovered Linemen must

help Inside to Out and help Inside to Out and

Check #1 to #2Check #1 to #2

6 Man Protection (TE)6 Man Protection (TE)

W B

E T T E

S

7 Man Slide Protection 7 Man Slide Protection

W B

E T T E

S

Roll or Sprint Protection Roll or Sprint Protection

B

E T T E

Quick Protection Quick Protection

Aim high thigh to Aim high thigh to

get defender’s get defender’s

hands downhands down

Center Check for backer Center Check for backer

and help A gapand help A gap

W B

E T T E

Boot Protection Boot Protection

Run PlaysRun Plays

From Various FormationFrom Various Formation

Solo Triple Option R (Zone L Read) Solo Triple Option R (Zone L Read)

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Option Reads

Trey Triple Option RTrey Triple Option R

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Option Reads

Ace H Back Triple Option RAce H Back Triple Option R

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Option Reads

Trio Triple Option RTrio Triple Option R

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Option Reads

Trio Triple Option R Z BackTrio Triple Option R Z Back

E T T E

B B

SS

F

CC

Option Reads

Over Wing-Slot H Back Triple Over Wing-Slot H Back Triple Option ROption R

E T T E

B BSC

F

CS

Option Reads

Thunder Shovel Option Right Thunder Shovel Option Right F BackF Back

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Solo Z Right QB GutSolo Z Right QB Gut

F

E T T E

B BS S

C C

Trigger QB Trap RTrigger QB Trap R

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trio Blast Left Z BackTrio Blast Left Z Back

E T T E

B B

SS

F

CC

B B

Trio Power Left Z BackTrio Power Left Z Back

E T T E S

S

F

CC

B B

Trio Speed Option Rev Right Trio Speed Option Rev Right Z BackZ Back

E T T E SS

F

CC

Trio QB Counter RTrio QB Counter R

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Twins I Counter Right Z AcrossTwins I Counter Right Z Across

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Bunch Toss RightBunch Toss Right

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Bunch Counter LeftBunch Counter Left

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Thunder Speed Option Right Thunder Speed Option Right F Back F Back

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Thunder Speed Rev Left F Back Thunder Speed Rev Left F Back

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Twins I Power R QB R MotionTwins I Power R QB R Motion

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Pass PlaysPass Plays

From Various FormationFrom Various Formation

Thunder Z Shallow 9798 Thunder Z Shallow 9798

E T T E

B BSS

F

CC

Thunder Z Shallow 5665Thunder Z Shallow 5665

E T T E

B BSS

F

CC

Solo 7565 F ReleaseSolo 7565 F Release

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trey Roll Left 5554Trey Roll Left 5554

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trips X Y Shallow 95 F Curl Left Trips X Y Shallow 95 F Curl Left MotionMotion

E T T E

B BSS

F

CC

Trick Y Shallow F Pivot 898Trick Y Shallow F Pivot 898

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Thunder 57555Thunder 57555

E T T E

B BSS

F

CC

B B

Trio Split Screen F left MotionTrio Split Screen F left Motion

E T T E SS

F

CC

Trio Tight X Shallow 595 F Curl Left Trio Tight X Shallow 595 F Curl Left MotionMotion

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Ace Zone Left 8588Ace Zone Left 8588

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trio 9295 F ReleaseTrio 9295 F Release

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Empty Z F Pivot 979Empty Z F Pivot 979

E T T E

B BS

S

F

CC

Thunder F Z Pivot 798Thunder F Z Pivot 798

E T T E

B BSS

F

CC

Thunder F Pivot 1598Thunder F Pivot 1598

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Solo 7565Solo 7565

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trey 8559Trey 8559

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trick 84555Trick 84555

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trick 85588Trick 85588

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trick F Bubble H Choice 558Trick F Bubble H Choice 558

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trick F Bubble H Shallow 578 Trick F Bubble H Shallow 578

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

B B

Trio L 5827 Z ActionTrio L 5827 Z Action

E T T E SS

F

CC

Trio Zone L Fake Hitch Screen RTrio Zone L Fake Hitch Screen R

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Bunch Toss R Fake Hitch Screen LBunch Toss R Fake Hitch Screen L

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Bunch Zone R Fake Y Hitch and Bunch Zone R Fake Y Hitch and Go 562Go 562

E T T E

B B

SS

F

C C

Trio Zone R Fake Hitch Screen Left Trio Zone R Fake Hitch Screen Left and Lateral H Back and Lateral H Back

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Trio 7255 H Test Trio 7255 H Test

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Trio 7255 F Flat H Test Trio 7255 F Flat H Test

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Twins I Power Pass QB R MotionTwins I Power Pass QB R Motion

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trey Y Shallow 597 F Curl Trey Y Shallow 597 F Curl Right MotionRight Motion

C

E T T E

B BS

S

F

C

Trigger 55528Trigger 55528

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trigger Y Choice 8588Trigger Y Choice 8588

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trio Zone L Fake Bubble RTrio Zone L Fake Bubble R

E T T E

B BSS

F

C C

Solo Zone L Fake 8888 Solo Zone L Fake 8888

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Solo 8558 Solo 8558

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Empty 95559Empty 95559

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trey X Choice 888 F CurlTrey X Choice 888 F CurlRight MotionRight Motion

E T T E

B B

S S

F

C C

Trigger 24598 F InTrigger 24598 F In

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trigger F Shallow 7598 F InTrigger F Shallow 7598 F In

E T T E

B BS S

F

C C

Trips Hitch Screen QB Throw Back Trips Hitch Screen QB Throw Back Right F Left MotionRight F Left Motion

E T T E

B B SS

F

CC

B B

Doubles Sprint Rev Right PassDoubles Sprint Rev Right Pass

E T T E

SS

F

CC