The Ohio State Offensive Playbook Part III(b): The Zone Read

More, after the Jump:

I have discussed the zone read play here and here, so I will try not to be redundant.  But to understand the zone read's effectiveness and how it came about, it is helpful to fit the zone read into the larger offensive scheme.  As can be seen, the threat to the zone play is backside penetration--with the offensive line all stepping zone side the backside defender is left unblocked.  The offense must have a way to control this backside defender.  The traditional, under center zone play did so by having the QB naked bootleg threat.  The zone-read takes this concept one-step further, making the QB a run threat and having him read the defensive end.  This way, the defensive end is put in a bind--if he stays with the QB then the offensive line gains a numbers' advantage blocking the zone play.  If he chases the zone, then the QB can attack the evacuated space.  Other than the changed backfield action, the play is identical to the basic zone.  The line and wide receivers simply zone block to the play-side. 

Since the zone read's advent, defenses and offenses have been engaged in a constant chess match regarding the play, with the defense making moves like the scrape exchange to confuse the QB read (in fact, in the above clip you will see that Minnesota executed a scrape exchange with the DE crashing down and the Will LB scrapping around; which is why it is helpful to have a QB that runs a 4.3 when executing this play).  Meanwhile, the offense has created counters to slow the defense down, such as reading the defensive tackle, and the counter-plays 'Dash' and Counter-zone. 

OSU generally keeps things fairly basic in the zone-read game because it is not OSU's exclusive offense, but Ohio State has shown several variations off the play.  OSU has shown the propensity to throw the 'bubble screen.'   The bubble screen is simply a quick slip route by the inside receiver while the outside receiver stalk blocks.  (See diagram below, H/T:  ">SmartFootball).

The play can either be run as a true read off the defense, where the QB reads the circled 'backer above to determine whether to throw the screen or keep, or as a pre-called throw.  In either case, OSU ran this play numerous times in the Rose Bowl and again featured it in the jersey scrimmage this fall.

Another wrinkle OSU has shown is that--similar to Oregon--they will change the backside read to attack an inside defensive lineman, rather than an outside linebacker.  This was on particular display against Michigan, where Ohio State lined up in 2-tight ends, had the tight end block out on the outside linebacker, and leave the inside defensive end for Pryor to read (see clip below).  This left the Michigan defensive end often confused and unsure how to react.

Ohio State also likes to run  'quick' play-action passing off the spread zone-read fake.  This was particularly evident in the Oregon game.  OSU fakes the zone, has Pryor do a half-roll, and hit the inside receiver on a quick out.

This quick roll holds the outside force player who is responsible both for the outside flat and containing an outside run.  He must contend with the run threat Pryor brings, leaving the flat open for the quick out.  OSU will also fake the quick zone and throw quick slants.

The zone read and quick passing game remain an integral part of the OSU attack.  OSU will  generally tone down on running the zone-read to avoid exposing Pryor to too many hits.  But when OSU's offense is stalling or in a close game, OSU will turn to the zone read to take advantage of Pryor's unique run talents on the edge.