Southern Miss Playbook and Scheme

[Roy38]

Ace Sets:
Note: Plays listed in red = linked play


I-Form Sets:
Note: Plays listed in red = linked play


Shotgun Sets:
Note: Plays listed in red = linked play



Goal Line:
Note: Plays listed in red = linked play

[Roy38]

Formation Audibles:
Notes: Plays listed in red = linked play

Spoiler: show

Plays are listed in the following order:

Right Stick Up = Quick Pass
Right Stick Right = Deep Pass
Right Stick Left = PA Pass
Right Stick Down = Run

[Roy38]

Southern Miss Scheme

The goals of this scheme are as follows:

1. Provide a complimentary ground game with the spread passing attack.
2. Have an offense that can go up-tempo or no-huddle if needed.

Opening Play - Ace: Big > WR Screen (WR Swap)

First, use the “WR Swap” formation package. This places the Flanker (or right side) WR on the Split End (or left) side. This gives two advantages:

1. Allows the primary WR to work against a team’s second best CB.
2. Allows the primary WR to work one-on-one against the CB on the open field side when progressing into the audibles.

Now, any play from the Ace: Big formation (Stretch, HB Toss, Speed Option, Y Shallow Cross, etc.) can be used, but this play offers a big play threat from the beginning that attacks soft coverage or blitzes. The WR Screen can also be used multiple ways:

1. Run the screen right, as intended, to the Flanker (which is now the secondary WR due to the WR Swap formation package).
2. Flip the screen to the Split End (the primary WR).
3. Run the screen right, except to the HB. To set this up, hot route the Flanker to a different route or block in order to move the CB out. Then, hot route the HB to a Drag route. This route will take him behind the lead blockers or wall.
4. Run the screen right to the HB as described above, but motion the Flanker over to the Split End side showing an Ace: Big Twins look (which is one of the audibles).

Regardless of the screen, the HB’s Drag route will always be to the right side of the field. It doesn’t matter which hash mark the ball is on, it will always be right. Also, hot routing the HB to a Drag route, even if he isn’t the primary receiver, provides a safety valve if the WR Screen breaks down. Bubble screens are also possible out of this set-up, but can be difficult to pull off.

Audible “A” – Ace: Big Twins > HB Slant 18

Formation Audibles:

• Slants
• Smash
• PA Ctr Waggle
• HB Counter

If the Flanker has been motioned to the Split End side, man or zone coverage is easily determined. Based on the coverage and alignment, the initial play can be run, or audibled to this set. If the defense is in man coverage, a quick audible to HB Slant 18 is available to the attack the open side. If the defense overloads the open side, the run can be flipped or audibled to the HB Counter.

Audible “X” – Ace: Bunch Swap > Z Spot

Formation Audibles:

• Backside Slant
• Seattle
• PA Boot Over
• HB Slash

Moving from Ace: Big to this formation places the TE’s inside the bunch on the right side. Having two TE’s on that side improves the run blocking for HB Slash. This allows the run to attack multiple gaps. It can be run inside as intended, or drifted outside the TE’s if they seal the edge. Also, the primary WR is left one-on-one to attack the weaker CB and allows the other receivers to break down the coverage. All of the passing plays from this formation are strong vs. all types of coverage.

Audible “Y” – I-Form: Twins > Load Option

Formation Audibles:

• Slants
• Switch
• PA Power O
• HB Power O

This is the power set. Moving to this formation places the secondary TE at the FB spot to act as a lead blocker for the Load Option to attack the outside, or to open a gap in the inside with Power O. The passing game from this set is limited, but Switch provides some interesting options. In its current format, it’s a Scissor route: Outside WR running a post and the inside WR running a corner. With those routes available, other routine passing concepts can be created (Smash, Flood, Sail, etc.) with a few simple hot routes.

Audible “LB” – Shogun: Y-Trips HB Wk > Read Option

Formation Audibles:

• Stick
• Four Verticals
• PA WR In
• HB Off Tackle

Again, the TE’s are key to this formation. One TE is lined up next to the RT, the other in the slot WR position next to the Flanker. This improves the running ability with the Read Option or the HB Off Tackle runs that flow in their direction. Running from the Shotgun is a nice change of pace and keeps the defense thinking about the run commitment.

Audible “RB” – Shotgun: Bunch Quads > Inside Post

Formation Audibles:

• Spacing
• Drag Under
• Stick
• QB Blast

From a running standpoint, QB Blast is an effective play if the defense is in man coverage. If the defense is in Cover 2 Man, all defenders will shift to the quad set leaving the inside vulnerable as five OL are left to block four. If the defense is in zone coverage, the run is still possible, but more defenders will be in the area to shut it down. The emphasis of this formation is passing and it is well suited to attack all defenses. This formation causes major problems for the defense as its guaranteed to have a coverage breakdown.

Audible(s):



Play Breakdown:

Runs:

• HB Dive
• HB Slant 18
• HB Counter
• HB Slash
• Load Option
• HB Power O
• Read Option
• HB Off Tackle
• QB Blast

Pass (Screen):

• WR Screen (or HB Screen)

Pass (Quick):

• Quick Slants (and varieties)
• Backside Slant
• Spacing
• Stick

Pass (Deep):

• Corner Strike
• Smash
• Z Spot
• Seattle
• Switch
• Four Verticals
• Inside Post
• Drag Under

Pass (PA):

• PA Deep In
• PA Ctr Waggle
• PA Boot Over
• PA Power O
• PA WR In

[SirHellraiser]

you shoudl play my friend kward he loves old miss that he uses all the time

[Roy38]

My offense features a mobile QB. If you prefer using a classic drop back passer, you could sub out the option plays for:

Audible "Y" - I-Form: Twins >

HB Toss
HB Blast
HB Counter

Audible "LB" - Shotgun: Y-Trips HB Wk >

HB Base
HB Mid Draw
HB Counter

[morsdraconis]

Wow man, that's an AWESOME breakdown of the playbook and scheme. I plan on doing the same thing for the Stanford playbook and my offensive scheme in it soon.

GREAT stuff man. Thanks for doing this (and it's REALLY awesome to see this stuff over here instead of all on Utopia).

[Roy38]

Thanks! I'll be following up with this playbook and scheme routinely. I'm constantly tinkering with my scheme, which makes it hard to actually create a scheme because things are constantly changing. Right now, I'm using a few different audibles focusing on the pass as opposed to the run to create more passing looks for users who tend to pass first then run. The one thing I don't like about this playbook is most formations use the same formation audibles. It's either some variety of "Slants" or "Four Verticals" which to me is a waste because I can create those plays through hot routes. I'd much rather have a play like "Switch" from the I-Form: Twins formation that I can create plays with because their routes can't be hot routed. I like having diversity!

Word of warning: Inserting tables can be a little cumbersome. I'm always "previewing" my post before I go final to make sure everything lines up right - and I still make mistakes. I tried to use an Excel sheet and Word document to upload, but both were too big to upload to this site. I also tried to use google docs to have a website host my document, but for some reason it wouldn't accept it either. It would be 10x easier to do it this way, but I got tired of trying to make it work so I did it the old fashioned way.

[Roy38]

Here's an another wrinkle...

Audible "A" - Ace: Big Twins > Stick

Instead of using HB Slant 18 in this spot, you could use Stick instead. This gives you Slants, Smash, PA Ctr Waggle, HB Counter, and Stick all from the same set. I would then use either the HB Stretch or Speed Option from Ace: Big to give an outside run option instead of the WR Screen play. This also opens up Audible "LB" for something else since you're using Stick from the Ace: Big Twins set.

[souljahbill]

Best thread EVER!

[Roy38]

Here's a wrinkle for teams with solid FB's or for team's whose starting TE and FB are better than the second string TE...and a way to create a "Tackle Over" alignment (huh?).

As you can see with my scheme, I'll often utilize a TE as a FB when I audible to I-Form sets. I created this because:

1. My TE's were better than my FB from a blocking standpoint.
2. Allows me the freedom to tinker with personnel using Formation Subs in the I-Form sets.

For the most part, this works well from a lead blocker standpoint, but (call me old fashioned) I like to have a well-rounded FB at my disposal to run the rock with sometimes and TE's typically aren't great ball carriers. Having a great FB would allow you to start in I-Form: Normal, then shift him to a TE when audibling to the other formations. You would run the same concept, using WR motion (if able) to mimic I-Form: Twins, then run the play selected or audible to another play. For example:

Opening Play - I-Form: Normal > Run
Note: * = pass play

Options could include HB Counter Wk, HB Lead Draw, Option Pass*, FB Fake HB Toss, FB Dive, End Around, or Slam Fk End Around. Obviously, there are more plays than this, but I would prefer avoiding plays that overlap each other. For example, I could run Power O from this set, but I have Power O available as a Formation Audible for I-Form: Twins.

I mentioned I like to tinker with my personnel. Let me give you another idea I'm currently using. At the conclusion of my first dynasty season, I lost my starting FB to graduation. I was unable to sign a FB that season, so I had to find another option because I was going to take a walk-on at that position. I found a 6'-2", 320 lbs. 3* G who had solid Run Blocking skills, but needed some time to groom into a better pass blocker. His greatest asset: Speed and Acceleration. He came in with 75 speed and 95 Acceleration. I thought about switching him to FB, but I noticed his Agility suffered along with the normal Awareness drop. If his awareness hadn't been so high to begin with, and the fact he had zero ball carrier skills or hands of any kind, I ended up leaving him at G. However, I could still use him at FB through Formation Subs and still allow him to develop at his natural position without the ratings hit.

Opening Play - I-Form: Normal > Run
Note: Formation Sub - G at FB position

Now, if I'm looking to run no matter what front I'll be facing, I come out in I-Form: Normal. This way, I'm getting him as a lead blocker in my I-Forms or get more of a "Tackle Over" alignment when I audible back into my Ace Formations as he'll move into a TE position next to the LT. I wouldn't suggest using any offensive lineman to fill this role due to their Speed and Acceleration typically being pretty low. If they are slow, they will hinder the play more than help it especially when lined up at the FB position.

[SirHellraiser]

I have a few questions

Do you use all the audibles? and if you do use all of them how do you get them all because you are limited with the A button b,y,x and Rb LB buttons?

[Roy38]

I have a few questions

Do you use all the audibles? and if you do use all of them how do you get them all because you are limited with the A button b,y,x and Rb LB buttons?

I'm not quite following you...

You are limited to five "base" audibles that you can select that are mapped to the A, X, Y, LB, and RB buttons (XBOX 360). To access these audibles, tap "X", then select which base audible (A, X, Y, LB, and RB) or play you want to go to. You also have "formation" audibles at your disposal (which are unchangeable) that are accessed by tapping "X", then using the right stick up, right, left, or down to select a "Quick Pass", "Deep Pass", "PA Pass", or "Run". Potentially, you have 30 plays to select from (6 that are selectable - 1 Base play and 5 Base Audibles). Obviously, if you are no-huddling, you have the entire playbook at your disposal to use as a base play with their subsequent formation audibles.

• Base Play (+ four formation audibles)
• "A" Audible (+ four formation audibles)
• "X" Audible (+ four formation audibles)
• "Y" Audible (+ four formation audibles)
• "LB" Audible (+ four formation audibles)
• "RB" Audible (+ four formation audibles)

You may notice I have plays listed as a base or opening play, but then you can audible to any of the others from that play. For example, I may use I-Form: Normal with my G at FB setup as my base or opening play, but then I can audible to any of my base audibles or formation audibles. I hope this answers your question.

[SirHellraiser]

i dont get it can i add you to xbox

[Roy38]

Sure. Try this...

1. Go to practice mode and pick offense.
2. Pick a play from any formation you wish. This is your base or opening play.
3. Press "X" to call an audible. You'll see an on-screen notification in the upper left hand corner. You may have to press "RS" (I think) to pull up your audible window.
4. At this window, you will see your audibles listed for A, X, Y, LB, and RB. These are your base audibles. These audibles can be changed to your preference.
5. Also at this window, you will also see a picture of your right stick that indicates which way you need to push it for "Quick Pass", "Deep Pass", "PA Pass", and "Run". These are the formation audibles for your current play and formation from #1. These audibles can't be changed and are automatically assigned by the programmers. Not all formation audibles are the same from playbook to playbook and you'll have to figure out what plays they are from the play art using the coach camera. For example, if you are using the Southern Miss playbook and are in Ace: Big and formation audible to "Run", it's a HB Dive. If you're in another playbook and select Ace: Big and formation audible to "Run", it may be a HB Counter, HB Stretch, etc. In other words, each playbook may be different.
6. Move right stick up to select a "Quick Pass". You will revert back to gameplay mode once you've chosen this. Bring up your coach camera to view the play art by holding "RT" (I think). You will see your play has changed (typically, this is a Quick Slant type play or some form of one. I you chose this play from #1, you will see the same exact play.)
7. Press "X" to call an audible again. This time, move the right stick right to select a "Deep Pass". Again, you'll revert back to gameplay mode. Bring up your coach camera to view play art and you will see your play has changed again (this time with a play with longer or deeper routes).
8. Repeat this process for "PA Pass" and "Run". Each time, you'll be given a new play - either a play action pass for "PA Pass" or a run for "Run".
9. Press "X" to call an audible. This time, select one of your base audibles (A, X, Y, LB, or RB). You'll revert back to gameplay mode with your new play and/or formation.
10. Press "X" to call an audible again. This time, select one of your formation audibles with the right stick as described above. You are now in a different play within the same formation.

[xavier]

I need this info for the PS3

[Roy38]

I need this info for the PS3

I think it's like this:

A = X
X = Square
Y = Triangle
LB = LB
RB = RB
RS = RS

[Roy38]

Here's a nice wrinkle for those who like using the Shotgun...

Audible "LB" - Shotgun: Trips TE > TE In

Formation Audibles:

• Slants
• TE Corner
• PA Deep Attack
• HB Off Tackle

This play is outstanding as it attacks both Man and Zone coverage well. Outside WR running a Curl, Middle WR running a Streak, Inside WR running a Drag, TE running an In, and HB running a wheel. The inside routes (WR Drag, TE In) create a Shallow Cross concept which places a great deal of stress on the MLB in a hook zone. If he pulls or shades towards the Drag route, hit the In route behind him. If he drops back to cover the In, hit the Drag. Simple and effective. Here is what the formation looks like:

WR...WR...WR............T..G..C..G..T..TE

........................................QB...HB

Keeping within my scheme, if I use it as an audible moving from any two TE set (Ace: Big, Ace: Big Twins, etc.) or I-Form (replacing one of the TE with a FB) this formation moves into this alignment:

TE..TE..WR1.................T..G..C..G..T..WR2

.........................................QB...HB

Since you're showing 1022 (1 HB, 0 FB, 2 TE's, and 2 WR's) or 1112 (1 HB, 1 FB, 1 TE, and 2 WR) personnel, the defense will most likely be in it's base formation (4-3, 3-4, etc.). Once your formation shifts into position, Man or Zone coverage is easily determined. If the defense is in their base formation and using Man coverage, both WR's are now covered by an OLB or an OLB and S depending on the defensive play call. In most instances, this match-up favors the offense as most LB's lack the coverage skills necessary to blanket the WR's. If the defense is in Zone coverage, the TE's become more viable receiving threats since the CB's, S's, and or LB's are playing soft (i.e., not in their hip pocket).

This play is fantastic at beating Man coverage, especially in this alignment. One change I like to make is to hot route the HB to a Drag route opposite of the WR's Drag route. This helps create a natural pick between the OLB covering the slot WR and the MLB covering the HB (if applicable) further developing the WR's Drag route. By doing this, the WR's Drag route runs to the open side of the field while the WR running an In and HB running the opposite Drag clears out the defenders. If the Drag is open, you'll have two defenders to beat - the trailing LB and either the FS or SS. If the Drag is covered, the WR running the In is another excellent option for 10-15 yards.

[AustinWolv]

Great thread.