2023 Missouri Part 2: Wide Zone Weak

Looking at how Kirby Moore utilized formations and motions to run the ball away from the Tight End.

Any Wide Zone team must be able to run equally strong and weak. Last week, we began with how Missouri designed its Wide Zone strong runs. (ICYMI: Wide Zone Strong)

To clarify “Strong” refers to a TE or at least a 3-man surface. “Weak” means to a 2-man surface, in this instance, it’s always a guard and tackle only.

Wide Zone Weak is almost an entirely different play. Though the techniques of the offensive line are the same, the way the line must adapt to different fronts is completely different.

Wanda

Wanda is a tag to alert the offensive line that they have no help. These are important distinctions for the offensive line because edge pressure will kill Wide Zone if not handled properly. In a strong declaration, the tight end or fullback will take care of the edge. In weak, the offensive line must handle it themselves. This will alert the tackle that they might need to “Fan” or push the double teams 1 linebacker wider because there are fewer guys in the blocking scheme.

11 Personnel

Missouri is primarily an 11 Personnel team. (11 means 1 running back 1 tight end, and 3 wide receivers.) Most of their variations revolve around this grouping.

Much like in their strong variations, static 2x2 weak was not something they did very much. If the defense aligns their flat or alley defender wide enough for the slot receiver, this can work well. Problems arise if that defender starts to cheat the box more. This can be a gamble because a late blitz play-side would kill this play.

Running Wanda from 3x1 is a much safer play. Most defenses don’t play with an overhang away from trips, meaning there isn’t as much risk of an edge blitz. Looking at the entire picture, defenses must be sound to both sides. Rolling away from trips would shut down Wide Zone weak, but leave you outnumbered strong.

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