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2025 Screen Game Research and Development – Case 2: Brown University’s Shovel Screen

2025 Screen Game Research and Development – Case 2: Brown University’s Shovel Screen

Posted by | May 28, 2025 | , , , , , | 0 |

“It’s been one of our best early down possession plays because you’re going to get stagnant looks.”
– Eddy Morrissey, offensive line coach, Brown University (RI)

 

 

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

Some of the brightest young minds in the country are enrolled at Brown University (RI), so it seems a bit paradoxical when offensive line coach Eddy Morrissey talks about the threat of “over-coaching” the Bears’ shovel screen concept. It has been its most efficient screen concept the last few seasons under the direction of head coach and offensive play caller James Perry. It’s been an early down staple in the Bears’ menu and is utilized from open personnel groupings such as 2×2 and 3×1. And according to the offensive staff, the reason why it’s been so successful is that it’s not overcoached. It’s been an extension of the run game and so inexpensive that the Bears will often “call it and run it” on early downs. The reason is the opportunity to get stagnant defensive looks with the purpose of getting ahead of the chains.

The shovel screen is based on six-man full slide and half-slide drop-back protection and manipulates the space on the second level generated when coverage defenders get depth. It’s even been used as a solid two-minute drive starter at the end of the half and end of the game. It’s great vs. zone coverage but can also have a good amount of success against man (providing a blocker can handle the defender responsible for the back in protection). And when you’re competing against some of the “hair-raising” fronts in the Ivy League like the ones at Dartmouth and Yale, it completely took them out of their pass rush rhythm.

We spent time talking with offensive line coach Eddy Morrissey to talk about why this screen is so effective and why it’s been a foundational principle in Coach Perry’s menu.

 

Why it Works:

While Coach Morrissey affirms that you can couple bubbles, nows, and quick game packages on the perimeter with this concept, at Brown, the receivers are purely taught to run defenders off, making them non-essential components of the screen. It’s the A-back where the play is targeted. He is taught to block his initial protection rules- whether it be half-slide or full-slide and then work directionally in the line of sight of the quarterback. Coach Morrissey talks about it being a two-second count clock but admits there is an art form to it. “He has to have an internal clock where he realizes he has to surrender the (pass rush) defender,” said Coach Morrissey. “It’s mainly about being inside out on the defender first, then turning up field to make the catch.

In full slide protection, the back needs to secure the edge for his count before working his head around to receive the ball.

 

In half-slide protection, the running back is tied into the man side of the protection. So, here he works his dual inside out, read first before snapping his head around to receive the ball.

 

It’s the quarterback’s job to get him the ball the best way possible after taking his three-step drop, then delaying off the line of scrimmage. He has to keep his eyes downfield and not stare at the rush. “He may have to shovel it or drop it over the top to him,” said Coach Morrissey. “You have to be creative. There is an art to it; you have to suck the defense to you. The earlier you throw it, the worse it is.”

The beauty of the shovel screen lies in the process of manipulating the defense into light run boxes. Since it’s considered to be an extension of the run game, Coach Morrissey talks about “minusing” the box down to five defenders. This can be done with 3×1 open and 2×2 open sets. “We want to get them into a four-man or five-man box where it’s clean so that we can declare who you are working with up front,” he said. We will get into rules later in the report, but essentially, there are only three boxes that the staff at Brown prepare for staying in vanilla 2×2, and 3×1 can only give a defense a couple of options.

 

“42” Box

 

“41” Box

 

“31” Box

 

Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of how this works, and best practices, and he identifies who else is using it. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams — as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Login below to get unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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Understanding Coverage Leverage in the Slot Choice

Understanding Coverage Leverage in the Slot Choice

Posted by | May 20, 2025 | , , , , , , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar with Zach Riepma
Offensive Coordinator/QB’s
Alma College (MI)
@z_rieps

 

 

The staff at Alma College uses animal names as the nomenclature for its choice menu. While the outside choice is code-named “Horse,” because of the “O” in the term, the inside choice is termed “Hippo,” because of the “I” in the name. But the difference is when the outside choice route is called, that receiver is primarily the target. When the inside choice is called, the quarterbacks works from slot to the outside on his read. “We teach the quarterback that if you hold on the inside choice and it’s not there you can come off to the outside route,” he said. “We’re calling this not to run stop routes, but to generate explosive plays.”

 

Outside Receiver Rules:

On the inside choice, the outside receiver is taught to run a form of a “spray” route, which tells him to widen his release and run either a hitch or stop. The entire purpose of the route is to generate space for the inside choice. The hitch footwork is traditionally three big steps, two little steps and settle and wait but the coaching point is to never get in the way of the choice route. “We tell him not to be in the progression read of the quarterback,” he said. “He needs to occupy the corner at all times. Essentially it turns into a smash if the slot works vertical or a levels concept if he works the stop route.”

 

Inside Receiver Rules:

Alma is an eleven-personnel outfit, so most times they throw the choice from 2×1 formation settings. But when they align in trips, the innermost receiver is taught to run “bury” routes which are in-breaking digs, hooks and curls just to get covered by the far safety in two-high structures. “We want to magnetize our choice tag,” said Coach Riepma. “We talk about clearing the inside receiver to get explosives to the tagged choice route.”

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2025 Screen Game Research and Development – Case 1: North Texas G/T Tunnel Screen

2025 Screen Game Research and Development – Case 1: North Texas G/T Tunnel Screen

Posted by | May 13, 2025 | , , , | 0 |

“If you have a receiver that can win against a high safety in the open field than more often than not, you will generate a big play.
– Sean Brophy, Pass Game Coordinator, University of North Texas

 

 

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

These days, the football offices in Denton Texas, are flooded with coaching visitors looking to find out all they can on the North Texas tunnel screen concept. They’ve seen the video and heard the clinics, but that’s not enough. They want to know exactly how the offensive staff has transformed this concept to continually generate explosives, including a 96-yard score earlier this season, which ranks among the highest single-play yardage producers in college football last season.

I was one of those coaches who were amazed by watching North Texas film on the concept this season. I thought they were among the best at running the scheme and I continually pursued pass game coordinator Sean Brophy to get him to clinic me on it and introduce it to our reader base. Graciously, Coach Brophy obliged and went into great detail on how he and his offensive staff teach the play.

 

How it Works:

There are two major distinctions that separate the G/T counter tunnel from traditional tunnel screens: one is the instant misdirection it provides to second-level defenders with pulls at the line of scrimmage. The other is the timing. These are fast screens, so the offensive line (Center, Guard, and Tackle) is able to get out right away without being held up at the line of scrimmage. And if your offensive menu consists of G/T counter run concepts, then it’s an easy additive to what you’re already doing. But even if you don’t major in gap schemes and you gave a speedy slot with the gall to catch the ball over the middle, this concept can easily be built into your system.

 

It’s one of those concepts that when it hits, it hits. It doesn’t need to be run more than three to four times a game. In fact, Coach Brophy told me that he’ll only carry it one way per week, and it has become more game plan specific. Most times, when you run it, you’re going to be short a hat against a safety unless it’s called away from rotation, strong or weak. But if you have a receiver that can win against a high safety in the open field- like North Texas did last season- then more often than not you can generate a big play.

 

“Flat and Fast:” Handling the Alley

At North Texas, the emphasis is on getting linemen out in space quickly. A major benefit of the G/T tunnel is that the backside of the concept (Center, Guard, and Tackle) is able to release immediately and get to their assignments. The teaching progression is taught as follows:

  • Backside Guard– This is the force defender blocker and the first out in the screen. He’s taught to work “flat and fast” to kick out the force defender.

 

 

But oftentimes, the force defender gets pulled with the misdirection. So, if nothing shows in the alley, he’s taught to “retrace” up the field and not get vertical immediately.

 

“We don’t want to get hung up at the line of scrimmage,” Coach Brophy told me. “We have to be able to identify when the alley disappears and be able to get up field and block a safety. There is some craftiness and nuance. Have to get the thing started.”

One of the more innovative things that the offensive staff at North Texas does is build in tags to help the offensive line recognize and block their assignments. Tags are used to identify who the alley defender is based on the force structure. This helps the alley blocker understand who he is working to. On each play, the offensive line is given the motion call, force call, and screen call. Once that is communicated, they are expected to go full speed and get their assignments blocked.

 

Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of how this works, best practices, and identifies who else is using it. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams, as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Log in below to unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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2025 Choice System Research and Development – Case 1: Lafayette’s Slot Choice Build-In

2025 Choice System Research and Development – Case 1: Lafayette’s Slot Choice Build-In

Posted by | May 6, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , | 0 |

“When that defender plays into the box, we talk about how it plays into the box.”
– TJ DiMuzio, offensive coordinator, Lafayette College (PA)

 

 

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

“It all starts with spacing.” That’s the common mantra being thrown around the Lafayette offensive staff room these days. As an RPO offense that is built around 10 and 11 personnel groupings, the Leopards are hell bent on providing enough space for their receivers to make plays in the open field.  And when you study the Leopards film you’ll notice that nearly 80 percent of their formations are built off either 2×2 open or 3×1 open sets.

So, offensive coordinator TJ DiMuzio and receivers coach Ryan Roeder work meticulously with his receivers on understanding base split rules in these formations. He uses the following framework as a guide:

 

2×2 Open Formations (MOF):

  • The number one receiver divides the bottom of the numbers to the sideline
  • The number two receiver is three yards outside the hash

 

 

3×1 Open Formations (On Hash):

  • The number one receiver divides the bottom of the numbers to the sideline
  • The number three receiver is on hash
  • The number two receiver aligns between the two of them

 

 

“Clear the Picture and Read the Tightest Defender”

These base split rules clean the picture up for the quarterback to identify the extra run fitter and read off him in the RPO game.  And most of the time in 2×2 formations extra run fitter will be the Sam or Nickel linebacker to the field and the Will linebacker into the boundary. The quarterback will just read the defender who is tighter to the box.

 

In 3×1 formations, that extra run fitter will be either the Sam or Nickel linebacker to the field or safety into the boundary. Again, the quarterback is asked to read the tightest defender.

 

Of course, the outlier is three-high defense, where the middle safety is typically taught to be the number six defender, and the read of the quarterback.

 

How it Works:

How Coach DiMuzio teaches the quarterback to read and throw off that defender will be the premise of this report. While there are many offensive coaches who have built a system around these similar principles, the way in which Coach DiMuzio goes about teaching the quarterback to be decisive is impressive. Lafayette’s run/pass ratio was nearly even last season, which tells us that his quarterbacks have a good understanding of how to make the right decision. Even so, the reinforcement for Coach DiMuzio is not for the quarterback to be right; but for him to be decisive. “We don’t talk about making a decision,” he told me. “We just talk about being decisive.”

In this report we are going to reveal both the inside choice and outside choice menu Lafayette builds into his RPO system and how Coach DiMuzio teaches the quarterback to make the right pre-snap and post-snap decision.

 

Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of how this works, and best practices, and he identifies who else is using it. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams, as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Log in below to unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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2025 Gap Scheme Research and Development – Case 4: Wrong Way Run Concepts

2025 Gap Scheme Research and Development – Case 4: Wrong Way Run Concepts

Posted by | Apr 29, 2025 | , , , , , , , | 0 |

“We try to make this like a kick return to the field hash”- Jeff Gallo, offensive coordinator, Monmouth University (NJ)

 

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

If you grew up in New Jersey for most of your life, like I did, you already know the reputation that Monmouth University football has carried throughout the state. At 33 years, head coach Kevin Callahan is the longest tenured head coach at the FCS level, and his 188 wins currently rank first nationally. He’s been there so long that he was staring back across the sidelines when a young Mike Kuchar lined up at defensive end for Sacred Heart University in the mid-1990s. And yes, he and his program dominated us as well.

So, when the offensive staff at Monmouth talks, football coaches around the state listen. And when I was evaluating their offensive tape this season, the Hawks’ Wrong-Way Run Concept jumped off the reel. Using a mix of counter and fast flow run principles, Monmouth produced uncanny numbers in generating explosives with them. Offensive coordinator Jeff Gallo terms them “Exits,” which essentially told the slot he was the ball carrier on the fly sweep element of the play while the offensive line blocked G/T counter, except for the Center, which I’ll explain later.

      

Run game coordinator Brian Gabriel built the Hawks’ run game on downhill principles like tight zone and gaps, so this build-in was a no-brainer in providing false keys to second-level defenders. “It gave us a great way to mess with linebacker run fits,” coach Gallo told me. “They would fly so high over the top, triggering pulls that this slows them down. We figured since the linebackers were gone with puller,s let’s eliminate the Will and Mike and let’s circle the boundary.”

And that they did this season. So much so that Coach Gallo often refers to the concept as a kick return, allowing his top slot receiver (who happens to be their kick returner) to get the ball in space with blockers in front of him. While some teams package the jet sweep with a quarterback counter away, it’s important to note that this was built as a “call it, run it” concept with no read element. Monmouth has traditionally had a pocket-style quarterback under Center, so Coach Gallo and his staff used the back to add onto the blocking scheme on the sweep element.

Why it Works:

At Monmouth, the concept is built upon giving the slot as much green grass as possible. This is done with FIB (formation into boundary) structure, which against four-down defenses, forces the Nickel into the boundary. Coach Gallo also prefers the concept with the ball off the hash so there is more space to operate.

“Slip to Seal” Block:

And because the quarterback is not a runner, there is no need for the offensive line to block a true G/T counter. Instead, the Center begins to block back- as it would in a true gap scheme- but then works to seal the box.

Coach Gallo calls it a “Slip to Seal” technique. “The goal is to have the Center block through the 3-technique to seal the box,” said Coach Gallo. But the main coaching point is for him not to get too much width into the alley. “We don’t want more bodies out there. If you can’t seal that linebacker, then he needs to stay vertical. We want fewer guys in space to block for the slot.” The play has been a great answer against Mint front defenses that play with 4i techniques. It allows the Center to work to seal the backside 4i.

Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of how this works, and best practices, and he identifies who else is using it. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams—as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Log in below to unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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When you join X&O Labs, you’ll get instant access to the full-length version of this report — including access to everything in The LAB and Film Room. That’s over 4,000 reports and videos. >>BONUS: When you join today, you’ll also get instant access to X&O Labs’ exclusive A.I. Protocols — showing you step-by-step how to unlock A.I. in your program.

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2025 Loaded Pressures Presentations, Research and Development – Case 2: Unblocked Pressure Analysis in Bear (5-0) Presentation Pressures

2025 Loaded Pressures Presentations, Research and Development – Case 2: Unblocked Pressure Analysis in Bear (5-0) Presentation Pressures

Posted by | Apr 22, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

It’s hard to believe, but it was already a decade ago when X&O Labs released its first full-length report on the Bear defense. It was a project we worked on with legendary Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster. We spent a week in Blacksburg reporting on the defense he used to defeat Ohio State back in 2015 and completely shut down the Buckeye run game. This study is more about pressure. But if you want insights in defending the run game with Bear, you can read the full Virginia Tech report here.

While his report mainly focused on run fits at the first and second levels, the study we present today is centered specifically around both five and four-man rushes that coaches are now devising from Bear or 5-0 front presentations. We used our AI protocols to diagnose where the most “time to pressure” occurs in these presentations both in four-man rushes and five-man rushes against six-man protection schemes.  We structured our research specifically around how Center directional slides and how the back ties into protection schemes. Before we dive into our findings, we thought it important to explain the contents of our research.

 

What are “Bear” Presentations?

Bear presentations are those in which all five offensive linemen are covered at the line of scrimmage. They are typically used in third downs to cover up offensive linemen, forcing them to declare their protection.

 

While most defensive coordinators rely on using five-man rushes from Bear presentations, there have been quite a few defenses this season that have mixed in simulated pressures- four-man rushes at the line of scrimmage- and play base seven-man coverage behind it.

 

Why They Work:

Quite simply, Bear presentations force the five offensive linemen to declare their protection rules. It basically eliminates any potential slide from the Center as he is forced to hold on the Nose, at least pre-snap. The beauty of the simulated pressure design is that once the ball is snapped, the defense can now bring only four defenders and by dropping one out it makes it difficult for the offensive line to declare protection.

 

Our Metrics:

We analyzed nearly 2,400 plays where defenses at the FBS level were in Bear (5-0) presentations at the first level and specifically studied how all these offensive lines most commonly set its protection schemes, then consequently how defenses devised its rush partners off it.

 

Common 6-Man Protection Schemes Against 5-0 Fronts

What we will uncover in this study are the specific four-man and five-man rush patterns that are most effective in these 5-0 presentations. But before we reveal our research, we thought it to be important to lay the framework of exactly what we studied. The crux of this report is centered around six-man protection schemes and how the offensive line declared its rules against these presentations. We segmented our research into the following areas:

  • Center Slide Directional Analysis
  • Field and Boundary Directional Analysis
  • Running Back Directional Analysis

 

Center Slide Directional Research

We start our study with the three most common ways in which the Center will protect against 5-0 fronts: Middle, left, and right. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the dataset, here’s a detailed breakdown of how teams structure their 6-man protection schemes against 5-man rushes from Bear fronts.

 

Center Slide Direction Analysis

Three primary center slide directions were identified:

  1. Center No Slide: (44.5%)
    • Most common protection choice
    • Center stays home and is responsible for A-gaps
    • 47% pressure rate – least effective of all slide directions
  2. Center Right Slide: (28.7%)
    • Second most common protection
    • Center slides right to help right guard
    • 30% pressure rate – moderate effectiveness
    • Often paired with HB-R alignment for additional protection
  3. Center Left Slide: (26.8%)
    • Least common slide direction
    • Center slides left to help the left guard
    • 09% pressure rate – most effective slide direction
    • Particularly effective when paired with HB-L (30% pressure rate)

 

Field vs. Boundary Analysis

The data also showed distinct patterns in how teams slide based on field position:

  1. Boundary Center Slide:
    • Center slides toward the sideline (short side)
    • 59% pressure rate
    • Most common at hash marks
  2. Field Center Slide:
    • Center slides toward the wide side of the field
    • 29% pressure rate
    • Creates better angles against Bear front interior pressure

 

Our analysis will provide a detailed roadmap for constructing effective 5-man and 4-man rush schemes against six-man protection, with clear patterns showing how center slide direction, RB positioning, and formation choices significantly impact rush rates.

 

 

Login to Continue Reading: Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of what our AI protocols found. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of videos and diagrams—as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Login below to unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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2025 Wide Zone Research and Development – Case 3: The Backside Fold Block on Wide Zone

2025 Wide Zone Research and Development – Case 3: The Backside Fold Block on Wide Zone

Posted by | Apr 4, 2025 | , , , , , | 0 |

“You have to find ways to not have your Tackle block that 3-Technique every damn play. To me, this was the best way to do it.”
– Ron Crook, (former) offensive line coach, Virginia Tech University

 

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

If you’ve been consistently reading our research this off-season on wide zone schemes, you’ll know that these Y-lead build-ins have become the flavor of the month. We’ve already worked with William and Mary on its two-surface lead play and South Dakota’s three-surface lead play on how each program has adapted the newest element of wide zone guru Kyle Shanahan’s creation. At Virginia Tech last off-season offensive coordinator Ty Bowen brought his two-surface adaptation over from his previous stop at West Virginia. But the difference was the Mountaineers were truly taking the front-side combination to the backside linebacker while the motion tight end would insert on the play side linebacker.

When Coach Bowen came to Blacksburg, he and offensive line coach Ron Crook taught the play side Tackle and tight end combo to work to the overhang because so many safeties react to the play side with the tight end working that way. It gave them a better chance of getting everyone back.

It was Coach Bowen who termed it a “non-adjacent combo” where instead of the Guard/Tackle involved in the combination, the Tackle works the combination with the motion tight end coming from the backside.

 

Essentially what it did was allow the play-side Tackle in wide zone to be as aggressive as possible on the C gap defender because he knew he had help with the motion tight end. All the lag fits that stymied the stretch of the wide zone were eliminated. “We would teach that tackle to get going on the defensive end and then all of a sudden we would get pinched inside and the play would get dented,” said Coach Crook.  There is no great answer to all those things. You start overcoaching the Tackle and he doesn’t know what to do. We struggled with that. This was a really good way to allow that Tackle to focus on coming off the ball and get protection for him to the inside. This was a way to do it without getting caught up overcoaching the Tackle.”

In order to not overcoach the play-side Tackle, Coach Crook emphasized driving his backside leg through the defender, without having to crossover. “We don’t open up and crossover,” he said. “We take the first step to the target. If you take a poor first step you are going to spend the rest of the play trying to make up for it. If you’re driving through the defender, the back will outrun the defender”.

 

In this report, we will not only uncover the details of how Coach Crook and Coach Bowen taught the “non-adjacent” combination block with the play side Tackle and Tight end but also reveal the one adjustment the Hokies made on the backside of the scheme that generated continual explosives in the A gap.

 

Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of how this works, and best practices, and he identifies who else is using it. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams—as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Login below to get unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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When you join X&O Labs, you’ll get instant access to the full-length version of this report — including access to everything in The LAB and Film Room. That’s over 4,000 reports and videos. >>BONUS: When you join today, you’ll also get instant access to X&O Labs’ exclusive A.I. Protocols — showing you step-by-step how to unlock A.I. in your program.

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2025 New Research and Development: Creating the Explosive Play Culture – Case 1: Explosive Pass Play Generation

2025 New Research and Development: Creating the Explosive Play Culture – Case 1: Explosive Pass Play Generation

Posted by | Apr 2, 2025 | , , , , , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

Our Study:

Let’s dispel the most common myth in our research. Explosive plays don’t just happen; they are constructed and can now be quantified. Using our exclusive A.I. Protocols, we analyzed over 1,000 explosive pass plays that were produced last season at the FBS level and went to task on measuring when they happen, why they happen, and how they happen.

 

Our Control Group:

We took the top 10 explosive pass offenses in the country last season at the FBS level. These are the programs that generated the most pass plays of over 20 yards or more.

They included:

  • Miami: 129 total plays
  • Syracuse: 128 total plays
  • Texas: 127 total plays
  • Ole Miss: 112 total plays
  • San Jose State: 112 total plays
  • North Texas: 107 total plays
  • LSU: 105 total plays
  • TCU: 104 total plays
  • Penn State: 103 total plays
  • Ohio State: 102 total plays

 

Our Metrics:

We analyzed 1,017 total pass plays, that produced 20 yards or more within these ten programs above to look at several factors on why these explosive pass plays occur. We segmented our research into the following sub-categories:

  • The Most Common Down and Distances where explosive plays are generated
  • The Most Field Zones where explosive plays are generated
  • The Most Explosive Pass Play Combinations Between the 21-40 Yard Lines
  • The Most Optimal Personnel and Formation Combinations that Generate Explosive Plays
  • The ideal pre-snap alignments coincide with each particular explosive route concept
  • The average catch depth for each particular explosive route concept
  • The correlations between play concept and down and distance that generated explosives

 

 

Login to Continue Reading: Click the link below to login. When you do, this page will expand, and you’ll see the full study where Mike reveals everything listed above. This is the largest study ever conducted on explosive plays in football. And, as always, our research reports include game film and diagrams. Login below to get unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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2025 Wide Zone Research and Development – Case 2: The Three-Surface Box Insert Play

2025 Wide Zone Research and Development – Case 2: The Three-Surface Box Insert Play

Posted by | Mar 24, 2025 | , , , , | 0 |

“When we transitioned from a gap scheme team to zone scheme we were concerned if we can rip through the backfield and smash a 9-technique with these Y-leads. When we tinkered with it in the spring we had a ton of success against our defense, so we knew we were on to something.”
– Jeff Nady, offensive line coach, University of South Dakota

 

 

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

Having played in the same system as Colin Kaepernick at the University of Nevada, Jeff Nady knows a mobile quarterback when he sees one. That was not the case this season in Vermillion, where 6-5 junior Aidan Bouman was already among South Dakota’s all-time passers in passing yards (6,402) passing completions (481) passing touchdowns (42), and passing attempts (724). So, he and offensive coordinator Josh Davis had to find other ways to equate hats in the run game that didn’t include designed quarterback runs. They may not have had a run-option at quarterback, but they did have an All-American tight end in 6-4 JJ Galbreath who was athletic enough to block in space and manhandle defenders at the second level.

After hours of studying the San Fransisco 49er film of how Kyle Shanahan uses George Kittle in these Y-lead build-ins to wide zone, Coach Nady and the offensive staff made a complete reformation from a gap run team into a zone run team.  “Once we made the decision to to run outside zone and broke down the Niners we found a match with our tight end,” Coach Nady said. “Running these Y-lead build-ins takes reps and it takes discipline. And once we decided to do it, we went all in.”

The South Dakota Staff termed it “box insert.” The foundation of the play is built out of 12 personnel- the foundational personnel grouping in the Coyote’s offense- where one tight end is used at the point of attack and the other is the motion element who assists in combination blocks to the play side. It became an easy way to create multiple double teams play side and was adaptable against many fronts.

 

“When transitioned from a gap scheme team to zone scheme we were concerned on whether or not we can we rip through the backfield and smash a 9-technique,” he said. “When we tinkered with it in the spring we had a ton of success against our defense, so we knew we were on to something.” This became the genesis of the box insert or Y-lead variation.  Last month, we researched and produced our report on how the University of William and Mary built these Y-lead concepts under the direction of offensive line coach Mario Acittelli. But the distinction lies in how Coach Nady and the offensive staff taught the play. While the William and Mary staff built these mainly to the two-man surface, South Dakota preferred them to the three-man surface, which required a good amount of teaching because of the high tendency of movement and the presence of what could be a dominant 3-technique defender.

We are going to uncover how the South Dakota staff built these box inserts into the three-man surface and how it taught its front to handle movement to the play side.

 

Visual Evidence:

The tutorial below will give you a better understanding of the Y-lead variant in the wide zone run concept.

 

>>Editor’s Note: In this exclusive report, Mike Kuchar pulls back the curtain on South Dakota’s record-breaking run scheme. You’ll get detailed diagrams of their most explosive play concepts, frame-by-frame video breakdowns of how they’re creating 6+ yards per carry, and Mike’s analysis of which programs are already adapting these concepts for 2025. Plus, you’ll see game film from South Dakota, William & Mary, and top FBS programs implementing these same concepts. Login below to expand this page to see the full report and video.

 

 

 

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2025 Loaded Pressures Presentations, Research and Development – Case 1: Top “Time to Pressure Analysis”: Slide and Man Side of Protection

2025 Loaded Pressures Presentations, Research and Development – Case 1: Top “Time to Pressure Analysis”: Slide and Man Side of Protection

Posted by | Mar 19, 2025 | , , , , , | 0 |

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

Report Summary: Our research demonstrates the exceptional effectiveness of “loaded presentation” defensive fronts on third downs. Analysis of 279 situations shows these three-to-a-side alignments generated quarterback pressure in nearly half (47.7%) of all plays, with defenders reaching the QB in just 2.42 seconds on average. This report breaks down how programs like East Carolina, James Madison, Navy, and Rutgers implement these loaded presentations, with detailed analysis of the four most efficient rush patterns that consistently disrupt offensive protection schemes across college football.

 

 

 

You are seeing it all over college football right now—these overloaded front presentations have become a mainstay for defenses in third downs. Whether defenses shift to it, stunt to it, or just line up in it, these three-to-a-side alignments not only dictate the slide side of protections but also manipulate the man side of protection schemes.

Last off-season, we showcased what Furman University (SC) was doing by overloading its front into the boundary to draw protection and coupling it with some form of corner pressure.

You can read the report here.

Moving forward an off-season later, we are seeing these presentations both to the field and to the boundary, and they are mixed with several pressure variations. Those pressure variations will be tabled for another report. In this study, we are focusing simply on the most efficient rush patterns from these loaded presentations and which ones generate the quickest time-to-pressure number, which is the amount of time it takes to get home on the quarterback. It’s important to now, we generated this entire research study using the A.I. Protocols we have developed over the last two years—and we were able to complete all the research in 25 minutes.

 

What are “Loaded” Presentations?

Loaded Presentations are fronts where there is a specific overload to one side of the center. It’s labeled as a “presentation” because it is a pre-snap presentation; it’s not an orchestrated post-snap. Mainly used in third downs, the defensive line will present a “three-to-a-side” presentation on one side of the formation, either to the field or to the boundary. It often places your best pass rusher where you want him to be.

 

Why They Work:

These loaded presentations can easily dictate offensive protection schemes. It forces the offense to slide to the overload presentation, essentially giving the defense a one-on-one opportunity away from it. This helps explain why these alignments are effective in three-man fronts—they allow the defense to create pressure through the A-gaps (gaps on either side of the center) while still maintaining the ability to defend both B-gaps with the alignment.

 

Our Metrics:

Using our A.I. Protocols, we analyzed 279 total third-down plays, where any of those defenses above showed loaded front presentations. The two base metrics we used to uncover how quickly defenders were able to get to the quarterback were the following: Core alignment and pressure metrics and pressure effectiveness metrics.

 

Core Alignment & Pressure Metrics:

This identified and analyzed pressure packages and specific blitz designs. This includes the following:

  • Specific pressure designs
  • Specific defensive line techniques were critical in understanding the pre-snap alignment of these loaded presentations.
  • Defensive shift patterns, which will show how the initial three-man alignment shifts or stunts post-snap

 

Pressure Effectiveness Metrics:

This tool measured how quickly defenders were able either to get home on the quarterback or cause enough pressure to alter this throw. This includes the following:

  • Time to pressure, which measures the effectiveness of different pressure packages
  • Unblocked pressure, which identifies when the scheme creates free runners to the quarterback
  • Number of rushers, which is an important distinction to make between pure three-man pressures versus disguised blitz packages

 

Defensive Alignment Nomenclature:

For this study, these were the main locations of defenders in these loaded fronts:

NRT = Nose Right Tackle: This refers to a defensive lineman aligned in a nose position (0 or 1 technique) on the right side of the offensive center.

NLT = Nose Left Tackle: This refers to a defensive lineman aligned in a nose position (0 or 1 technique) on the left side of the offensive center.

NRT (21):  This shows a defensive lineman in a nose alignment on the right side of the center, typically in a 2i technique.

NLT (21): This shows a defensive lineman in a nose alignment on the left side of the center, typically in a 2i technique.

DRT (23):  This shows a defensive lineman in a nose alignment on the right side of the center, typically in a 3-technique.

DLT (23):  This shows a defensive lineman in a nose alignment on the left side of the center, typically in a 3-technique.

LEO (Left End Outside):  alignments based on the numbers in our data:

LEO (04-07): Very wide alignment outside the offensive tackle, almost at a wide-9 technique

LEO (08-10): Traditional wide-9 technique, aligned on the outside eye of the tight end if present

LEO (11-12): Slightly tighter alignment, closer to a 7 or 6 technique

REO (Right End Outside) alignments based on our data:

REO (32-34): Wide alignment to the right side, similar to 9-technique

REO (35-37): Very wide alignment, used often for contain or wide rush angles

 

The diagrams below can be used as a reference as far as these alignments go:

 

How Alignments Dictate Patterns:

When we filtered all our alignment data using our A.I. Protocols, we found some interesting tells in how these overloaded presentations create pressure.

What’s interesting in our data is how these alignments are used in pressure packages.

Consider the following results:

  • When LEO alignments are very wide (04-07), they’re often paired with an interior twist game
  • REO alignments in the (35-37) range show up frequently in successful pressure packages, especially when combined with stunts.

 

The most common three-man alignments showed these patterns:

  • Strong preference for having an edge rusher in a wide alignment (LEO/REO techniques)
  • Common NRT and NLT stunt combinations for interior pressure
  • Wide-9 technique (LEO/REO) to create one on one pressure situations with offensive Tackle

 

 

Login to Continue Reading: Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of what our A.I. protocols found. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams—as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Login below to get unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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2025 Duo Research and Development – Case 2: The Bunch Duo Concept

2025 Duo Research and Development – Case 2: The Bunch Duo Concept

Posted by | Feb 19, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , | 0 |

 

“Everybody loves when Duo hits for 8 yards up the A gap, but we’ve had many more explosives on sprays when backers plug downhill and get trapped. The unblocked defender is usually the corner who is the worst tackler on the field.”
– Ryan Olson, assistant offensive line coach, Northwestern University

 

 

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

Duo runs are cutback runs in nature, so why not create a larger surface to provide the back with more entry points? Made sense. Which is why so many coaches across all levels are designing Duo runs from bunch formations. This allows a bigger Z to fold block on the support defender (often a safety) and forcing the corner- often the weakest tackler on the defense- to be the free hitter.

It’s built off a two-man surface into the boundary, which provides an easy declaration for the point linebacker (or will linebacker). This is where the play side combination is working to.

 

Remember, most coaches declare the play side of Duo to be the backside of the run action because that is naturally where the ball is going to wind back. This means that the combinations will work to the two-surface box linebacker and will rarely “point out” to any defender who is outside the point- a defender who will typically be a non-factor in the run game. The combinations on the backside (or compressed side) are working to the minus one linebacker in the box.

 

The backside tight end is given “sift rules,” where he is asked to stay as thick as he can on C gap defender. If the C gap defender hangs in the gap, the tight end will slow sift him to keep leverage.

 

If the C gap defender sticks inside, the tight end works him down the line of scrimmage.

 

The ball carrier is taught to press his aiming point on the inside hip of the center. Many coaches teach a “bang” or “bend” read on the minus one backer.

If he is a downhill fitter, the ball is taught to “bend” behind him.

 

If there is any back gap action where the minus one works outside, the ball is taught to “bang” inside and cram downhill.

 

I did talk to numerous coaches like the staff at the University of Buffalo, who will teach the point linebacker as the read in Duo. While the back is given the same post-snap “bang” or “bend” options above, they will talk more in pre-snap language based on the location of the point.

If the point is the play side “A-gap” cylinder, the back is expected to cut back behind him.

 

If the point is in the backside “A-gap” cylinder, the back is expected to hit front side.

 

Visual Evidence:

The tutorial below will give you a better understanding of the Bunch Duo Concept Variant.

 

Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of how this works, and best practices, and, he identifies who else is using it. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams—as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Login below to get unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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2025 Duo Research and Development: Case 1 – The Tackle Pull Variant

2025 Duo Research and Development: Case 1 – The Tackle Pull Variant

Posted by | Feb 4, 2025 | , , , , , , | 0 |

 

“When you run Duo to a three-man front with no weak overhang, the Tackle does nothing and fans to no one. So, why not just add him to the play side?”- Mario Acitelli, offensive line coach/run game coordinator, Utah State University

 

 

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

We’re all looking for ways to produce an extra hat to the play side of run schemes.

And with all the Odd front structures infiltrating the CAA conference, William and Mary offensive coordinator Mario Acitelli tweaked his Duo concept; by allowing his backside Tackle to pull and be part of the action play side. “When you run Duo to a three-man front with no weak overhang, the Tackle does nothing and fans to no one,” he said. “So, we decided we would pull him for the high safety and block everyone else the same.”

The Tackle is tasked to pull to the play side to handle the extra support defender. It became an immediate answer for weak-side pressure. “You can search the flanker to handle that, but it limits you formationally,” Coach Acitellii said. “If the weak safety blitzes you are pulling off the end, but the safety would be sitting there.”

So, when the backside Guard is uncovered- as he would be in Odd looks- he simply blocks the C gap defender, clearing the Tackle to pull.

 

Against Even looks, the D gap defender essentially becomes the read for the quarterback.

 

Visual Evidence:

The tutorial below will give you a better understanding of the Duo Tackle Pull Variant.

 

Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of how this works, and best practices, and he identifies who else is using it. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams—as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Login below to get unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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2025 Pin and Pull Research and Development: Case 2 – 3 Puller Runs

2025 Pin and Pull Research and Development: Case 2 – 3 Puller Runs

Posted by | Jan 28, 2025 | , , , , , | 0 |

 

“Running wide zone to the 3-man surface just got too expensive. If that 3-Tech is a badass, you’re going to have issues. So, why not run Pin/Pull and use the leverage to your advantage?” – Cedric Williams, offensive line coach/run game coordinator, FAMU

 

 

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

For over ten years, the heart of running backs coach Kevin Maurice’s off-season study on Pin and Pull run game centered on how he can prevent the back from getting ahead of his pullers. “I kept wondering how can I remedy this?” he continually repeated. “I had to make sure they understood the blocking at the point of attack” So, this past season at North Carolina Central, he emphasized challenging them to be assignment sound and it started with their alignment. This meant that in shotgun alignments, they would need to stack the backside Tackle to be in alignment with the pullers.

 

The second point of emphasis post snap was to teach them to make sure they were in line with the second puller and that meant staying within the near hip of that second puller.

 

“Too many times the running back gets ahead of the pullers because he feels the pressure of the C gap defender and we miss out on opportunities front side,” said Coach Maurice. “What that did is allow him to see the play develop and come up with a contingency plan at the point of attack. Sometimes if those pullers whiff, he has enough space between the pullers and the defenders to either cut the ball up or take it outside.” Essentially, Coach Maurice used two buzzwords to educate his backs on their reads: pin and pierce.

 

“Pin”– circle the defense

 

“Pierce”– puncture the defense

Finally, the last emphasis he made was to teach his backs not to put their hands on the pullers because that created ball security issues. “They put the ball on the ground because they lose concentration,” he said. “They are so concerned with the pullers in front of them.”

 

Why it Works:

Getting the third puller out is all predicated on where the minus one backer is. Typically, a backside lineman is responsible for working for him, but all too often the back block of the Center would take that puller off his course. So, instead, offensive line coach Cedric Williams began to pull his all-conference Tackle to handle the minus one. And he would entrust him with understanding where his leverage was. If that minus one linebacker was out of the box, then he would simply zone to him, without having to pull.

 

Visual Evidence:

The tutorial below will give you a better understanding of the 3-Puller Man Scheme

 

 

 

Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of how this works, and best practices, and he identifies who else is using it. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams—as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room.

>>>Login below to get unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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2025 Gap Scheme Research and Development: Case 1 – Y-Detached Play Side:

2025 Gap Scheme Research and Development: Case 1 – Y-Detached Play Side:

Posted by | Jan 21, 2025 | , , , , | 0 |

 

“Quite simply a tight end off the ball provides for more space and timing at the point of attack. Now, we’re not concerned about getting beat inside and giving up penetration.” – Alex Stadler, offensive line coach, Elon University (NC)

 

 

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

We’re all searching for ways to get bigger bodies on smaller bodies at the point of attack and keeping the Y off-the-ball playside does exactly that. G/T and G/Y counter schemes become D gap kick plays, where you’re almost guaranteeing the first puller to be matched up on a Nickel safety or outside linebacker rather than a hefty 5-technique defensive end. And if you have a tight end that can be physical on down blocks at the point of attack, keeping him off the ball allows for the timing and space needed to get the play started effectively.

Such was the case at Elon this season, where its tight end room was separated into two body types: a physically glorified offensive tackle who can pound people at the point of attack and a hybrid receiver type who was more accustomed to blocking in space. They were both able-bodied, blockers so why take them both off the field? Instead, Elon used a double Y-detached formation (the Phoenix called it “Rocky”) where both tight ends were in off-the-ball alignments.

 

The versatility of this formation allowed for Coach Stadler and the offensive staff to check the counter play to the most advantageous look. He’d often prefer to have his ass-kicker- who has since entered the portal and arrived at NC State- be at the point of attack while his hybrid type can be the second puller in G/Y schemes.

 

And if keeping their bigger tight end to the play side generated a heavy tendency, they would arc their hybrid tight end to get him on a safety eliminating him from having to down block a defensive end. “It just made it easier to execute with both of them being off the ball,” he told me.

 

Why it Works:

For starters, the timing and space cultivated from keeping the Y off the ball allows for a more physical block at the point of attack. Secondly, creating an additional gap play side guarantees the kickout block being on a D gap- and not C gap- defender, which can be an outside linebacker or safety. The first puller can be more aggressive to the three-surface on his kick out. Texas State, for example, will use its Y as the first puller to kick the D gap, while its second puller can be the backside Guard or Tackle.

 

Visual Evidence:

The narrated video below will give you a better understanding of the Y-Detached counter concepts from 12 Personnel:

 

 

 

Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of how this works, and best practices, and he identifies who else is using it. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams—as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Login below to get unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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2025 Pin and Pull Research and Development: Case 1 – Divide (or Segment) Runs

2025 Pin and Pull Research and Development: Case 1 – Divide (or Segment) Runs

Posted by | Jan 14, 2025 | , , | 0 |

 

The reasoning why midline reads are better coupled with Pin/Pull (rather than wide zone) is simple: A double pull concept combined with a vertical read element causes a defense to completely pause and cannot play fast.

 

By Mike Kuchar
Senior Researcher/Co-Founder
X&O Labs
@MikeKKuchar

 

 

Rhode Island offensive coordinator Pat Murphy has continually built his run game around what he calls “segment runs,” which essentially are divide runs, where the QB is asked to read any defender in any gap along the line of scrimmage. While many coaches have implemented some of these concepts with concepts like zone read, midline read, bash, etc.- Coach Murphy and his staff use all of them and will use them weekly. Its advantage is simple- it allows quarterbacks who aren’t necessarily run threats to be accounted for defensively.

This season, the Rhodies were struggling with an inexperienced offensive line and a backup quarterback, so he decided to build these reads exclusively into his Pin and Pull concept. The result generated 7.8 yards per play on gives and double-digit runs when the quarterback pulled the ball. Coach Murphy and his offensive staff took the Rhodies to a new level this season, registering an FCS semi-final appearance for the first time in four decades. And he did it by essentially retooling two base run schemes- tight zone and pin and pull.

 

Why it Works:

This season when Coach Murphy lost his original quarterback who may have been more mobile, he was tasked with preparing more of a pocket passer to be a dual threat, making defenses to respect the quarterback run game. Running traditional zone reads wouldn’t work because of their lateral nature. “You want to build in reads where he can get downhill quicker now,” said Coach Murphy. “Interior reads are much better. It was the widest play we can run with a read.”

The progression starts by deciding where he wants to divide the defense. While linemen have their rules based on the run concept, the divide gap is the read gap and cannot be blocked. Coach Murphy and his staff formulates the read each week is what makes the system unique. “It’s not something defenders see regularly. Often there is no one in the divide but the actual read defender because they are getting tight zone action one way and stretched opposite.”

 

Visual Evidence:

The tutorial below will give you a better understanding of the Pin and Pull divide read.

 

 

 

Editor’s Note: In this report, Mike reveals the details of how this works, and best practices, and he identifies who else is using it. And, as always, Mike includes a lot of video and diagrams—as well as shares where to find more game film in X&O Labs’ Film Room. Login below to get unlock the full report (and if you’re not a member, click the ‘Join’ button in the upper right-hand corner of this page).

 

 

 

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When you join X&O Labs, you’ll get instant access to the full-length version of this report — including access to everything in The LAB and Film Room. That’s over 4,000 reports and videos. >>BONUS: When you join today, you’ll also get instant access to X&O Labs’ exclusive A.I. Protocols — showing you step-by-step how to unlock A.I. in your program.

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