The play is taken from The Mississippi State vs. Auburn game
earlier this season. Auburn had been giving Mississippi State Cover 0 on third
down most of the game up to this point. This defense is called in anticipation of a longer pass concept. It is designed to create pressure quickly and force an early throw short of the sticks. Dan Mullen picks up on this and decides
to run an inside zone scheme out of empty with attached bubble screens. The
play is diagrammed below.
The attached bubble screens ensure that the defense
allocates five defenders to cover the five receivers. If the defense decides to
blitz off the slot, Prescott has the option to throw to the uncovered slot. The
inside zone scheme leaves the backside defensive end unblocked, which creates a
5 on 5 matchup for the offensive line. The key block against this defensive
front is the right tackle getting inside of the 3 technique to seal him off.
The next figure shows the right tackle working down the line
of scrimmage to cut off the 3 technique, as well as the other developing
blocks.
The next figure will give any offensive line coach a tingle.
The right tackle has sealed the 3 technique. The center is double teaming the
front side 3 technique that has stunted inside,
and will eventually work up to the inside linebacker.
The last figure shows the center about to seal off the front side
inside linebacker, creating a hole that Dan Mullen himself could run through. The play results in a touchdown.
I have always been a fan of the Dan Mullen – Urban Meyer
style of spread offense. It is a mutt of many old pro-style 2 back schemes
mixed with option football. I want to spend more time analyzing both Meyer and
Mullen this past season and see how the offenses have evolved and what Tom
Herman has brought to it as well. If you have any resources on them please
leave it in a comment, I would appreciate it.
