How Oklahoma Creates Big Plays in the Passing Game

With many college offenses using RPO’s (run-pass options) as a primary play, defenses have adapted to use more quarters coverage. Quarters coverage gives the defnse the ability to play with two extra defenders in the box against the run, and adapt to a cover 4 against a downfield pass. Defensive coordinators like this versatility to deal with the run pass options, as they do not have to make the perfect call every play.

The Oklahoma Sooners use many of these run pass options in their offense. Naturally, Houston uses quarters often on defense as well.

Although quarters is the vogue, versatile defense to use against the modern spread offense, it is not without its flaws. Against a 2x2 spread set, the safeties pattern read the route of the slot receiver. In a traditional zone, their eyes would be on the quarterback. In the pattern-read quarters coverage, their eyes are on the slot receiver. Lincoln Riley, the offensive coordinator for Oklahoma, takes advantage of this. He slips the running back out of the backfield on a vertical route. The play is drawn below.

Against quarters coverage, the route is ensured to create a 1 on 1 match-up with an inside linebacker. With the safeties looking at/reading the slot receivers after the ball is snapped, they will react to the corner routes and open up the deep middle of the field. The play can be found on youtube, at the 8:13 mark of the first quarter against the Houston Cougars (see the video link below).

https://youtu.be/OvpUU3QTBO4?t=812

If Oklahoma can create big plays on offense, their season is far from over.

For another breakdown of Oklahoma's Offense, check out my blog link below:

http://theofficialpetersreport.blogspot.com/2016/08/stick-adjustment-adding-some.html

P.S.: My Book is now available on Amazon