WATCH: Chad Morris explains how his Arkansas offense plans to execute the run-pass-option
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Razorback fans got a small sampling of Chad Morris’ offense in the spring game but the real unveiling will come Sept. 1 in Fayetteville against Eastern Illinois. Based on his successful track record of offensive coaching, it will be a sight to behold for fans eager to see points put up on the board.
During a recent ESPN video segment, Morris caught up with college football analyst Tom Luginbill to help explain his offense to Arkansas fans. Luginbill asked the Razorback coach to explain his version of the RPO, or run-pass-option offense.
Before getting to that point on the field, however, Morris explained that his quarterbacks must first be able to identify defensive coverages to see where the advantages exist for the offense. If the defensive backs are playing conservatively and are backed off, his quarterback and receivers must be on the same page to read it and react in real time.
“The first thing (the QB) does is identifying the front,” Morris explains in the video. “He sees it’s an under front, he checks his yes/no (the coverage of the cornerbacks). If they are playing off, we have the capability of yes/noing (throwing the ball) out there. We like it? Let’s take it. In a traditional look, two-shell look, safety on or a little outside the hash, we are thinking if he’s on or outside the hash, chances are he’s going to stay in that area. So he’s going no. I check it, I peek it now my eyes go to my (front seven defensive) box play.”
If the defensive backs are playing up tight against the Razorback receivers, the Arkansas quarterbacks will know to take advantage of the numbers up front and check to a run. That’s where the video below begins, as Morris explains what his QBs will see and read upon snapping the ball and reading whether to hand off, throw it or take off and run. However, the reading isn’t just done by the QBs, the Arkansas running backs must be aware at all times and flip from running to pass blocking at a moment’s notice.
Great coaching points here from Arkansas Head Coach Chad Morris @coachchadmorris on the stick RPO reading the Mike with the RB path “Ball to Backer” on a QB pull and pass to become part of the protection. #spreadoffense pic.twitter.com/04MPohk58V
— SpreadOffense.com (@SpreadOffense) May 5, 2018
(Video courtesy of Spread Offense)
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
