The Oregon Ducks currently sit as the number one scoring offense in the Pac-12 conference. They have done so behind a well balanced attack orchestrated by Coach Joe Moorhead. Though the passing game continues to improve with each passing week, it is the run schemes that have caught my eye. The Ducks are doing exactly what Coach Mario Cristobal set out to do; have an explosive offense with a tough, physical presence at the line of scrimmage. In doing so, Coach Moorhead has come up with some interesting run plays, including one I had not seen before.
Double Pull Power RPO
Against the Colorado Buffaloes, the Ducks pulled out a play that I can only describe as a Double Pull Power. It’s a gap blocking scheme with two pullers that they used to great affect. The play uses both the incredible strength and athleticism of the Oregon offensive line to create something unique. On top of all of that, Coach Moorhead goes a step further and attaches a passing option to it.
In this Double Pull Power play, the Ducks use a type of blocking scheme akin to what you would see in the usual Power play from 10 personnel. Here the playside tackle kicks out the defensive end while the playside guard and center block down to pin defenders to the back side of the play. The backside tackle will pass set and cut off any pressure from that side. The pullers in this blocking scheme are the backside guard and tight end, and they will lead the running back through the playside B-gap.
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The RPO portion of this play is also interesting as it is a third level read where the quarterback reads the safety. The only route that seems to be an option is the post by the most inside receiver. The other two routes are used to occupy the corner and apex defender. If the safety rushes the line to aid against the run, the QB has the option to throw the post route. If the safety plays the pass, the QB simply hands the ball off.
In the clip above, the safety stays high to cover the post route, and the Anthony Brown hands the ball to Travis Dye. The offensive line does a really good job of getting on defenders and taking them completely out of the play. Dye goes untouched until the second level and picks up a nice chunk of yardage.
The Double Pull Power play encapsulates exactly what the Oregon Ducks offense is. It’s an offense that has the physical prowess up front, though it’s no “academically prowess”, in addition to a creative personality that makes it potent against opposing defenses.
Coach Eric Boles
Newark, Ohio
Top Photo Credit: Twitter
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Eric resides in Central Ohio, just outside the capital city of Columbus. He is a former offensive assistant and return game coordinator for the Ohio State – Newark/Central Ohio Technical College Titans football program.
He is an OSU-N graduate, having completed a Bachelor of Arts program in psychology.