Texas Offense: Personnel and Formations...

What I'd like to present here are some of the Spring Game formations Texas' starting offense presented to Texas' base defense, the 4-3 under (3-technique DT to the boundary or away from passing strength). For more information regarding the 4-3 under defense, a simple google search of exactly that should suffice. So, what we can gather from these clips are the basics of what Shawn Watson and Joe Wickline may scheme vs an opponent who plays the 4-3 under defense. The general formations and plays will not change vs other defenses, but for those keeping better track of details, they may find that tidbit important. So, let's get to the personnel and formations. I won't get into much detail as those who know football better than me will not need it and it's also easier to keep things simple. Let's take a look at the Texas Spring Game personnel and formation overview.

What you'll see here is "12" personnel (1 RB, 2 TE) with the WR on the left "removed" from the formation in favor of 2 WR's to the right. The QB is under center with the RB deep behind him. This formation is also accompanied by some motion from the wing player. Notice the safety move with the wing player in motion, often indicating man coverage.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3416217

Next is "11" personnel (1 RB, 1 TE) with an in-line TE making a 3X1 formation, 3 receiving threats to the right, the field and 1 receiving threat to the left, the boundary.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3416283

This is "20" personnel (2 RB, 0 TE) and is referred to as a split-back formation.  We see the same WR alignments as the previous play. The RB's in this formation can stay in for pass protection or they may release into the receiving pattern.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3416310

The following is "11" personnel again, except all 3 WR's are split to the boundary. The QB is now in what is commonly referred to as the "pistol" formation, shotgun with a RB lined up a short distance behind him. Notice the RB shift positions to the right and slightly behind the QB. This will alter the type of run called and possible pass protection. The RB may also stay of course and you'll note the possible WR screen threat to the boundary.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3416337

Here is "22" personnel (2 RB, 2 TE) and the "I" formation, FB and RB in the backfield with QB under center. Both TE's are in-line. Notice the WR in "jet" motion from the left, he slows up and proceeds to block the edge defender with inside-out leverage, a kick-out block.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3416365

This provides a glimpse of how Watson will move players pre-snap to gain leverage and numbers. I would also anticipate seeing other plays in this series where the motion WR bypasses the block and releases into the pattern.

The following personnel is "10" personnel (1 RB, 0 TE) and the formation is a 3X1 WR spread formation. This personnel will be seen in a 2X2 WR spread formation and in formations with the WR's in "reduced" splits, alignment near the ends of the OL.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3418387

In the above clip, you can see the QB fail to properly set protection. The Mike (middle LB) easily drops down and to the left edge of the OL and has a clear path to the QB. The QB must realize there are 3 "blitzers" to each side of the OL and properly set the protection or recognize the free runner at the snap and immediately get the ball out to his "hot" read.

I'll go ahead and stop here. There are other personnel and formations, like "23" personnel (2 RB, 3 TE) in "heavy" formations Texas fans may see in short yardage or goal line situations. Also, there is a plethora of other alignments within the same personnel groupings Watson will use to game plan vs certain opponents. What I wanted to get accomplished here was to highlight the basics. I also wanted to hint at a few of the "surface games" played at the line of scrimmage (LOS). Watson and Wickline's "multiple" offense will seek to challenge defenses' gap integrity and physicality on the interior and perimeter of the line of scrimmage. All the while, using those same "surface games" as a jump-off to run various run-action quick passing plays as well as play-action to the intermediate and deep zones in coverage. I hope you enjoyed.