Inside the Playbook: The Power of the Spread Offense

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Regardless of how much Michigan decides to spread the field, at the end of the day this is going to be a power running team. By that, I mean they are predominately going to use a power O blocking scheme to pick up yards in the run game. In this article we are going to look briefly at the traditional power O run play, and then look at how Michigan runs it to both sides of the formation out of the gun, as well as how this makes life difficult for defenses.

Power O
Here is a look at your typical Power O blocking scheme from an I-formation. The two keys are the kick out block by the first back (a U-back or a FB, here, a FB) and the pulling opposite ("O") guard to the playside hole.
Power_o_medium

Inverted Veer
Believe it or not, the inverted veer is really a Power O blocking play. Many know that you can run the same blocking scheme with the inverted veer up front, down to the pulling guard, but it works because the "kick out" block is accomplished by kicking out the DE by optioning off of him. Literally, just like you'd run power, if the DE stays out then he's blocked out (nominally, if there is indecision in the inverted veer, the QB keeps).
Slide1_medium
On the other hand, if the DE crashes down, he is essentially blocked in. In this instance, by giving to the RB, it's similar to the FB passing the EMOL, turning, and sealing him inside and giving the RB the edge.
Slide2_medium
Slide4_medium

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To read more about how Michigan is using power blocking in their spread attack, follow the link to Maize n Brew

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