3 Play-Action Concepts Built Off ODU's Run Game That Stress the Defense

Last week we broke down how ODU is rewriting the run game. When you can run the ball that well out of that many looks, the next step is obvious: make the defense pay with play-action. ODU has plenty of shot plays off their run game that stretch the field vertically, but what I want to zero in on here are three subtle play-action concepts that will give defensive coordinators fits.

TE Leak

We have all seen tight end leak, and most of us have installed it at some point. What makes ODU’s version different is the play-action. This is not just a standard mesh fake. The action is designed to look like zone read with the quarterback pulling the ball. Instead of taking off, the quarterback steps back and lofts it to the tight end leaking out wide open. It is a perfect way to blend their heavy zone read game with a play-action shot in the red zone.

H Seam off Split Flow

Another staple in the Monarchs’ run game is split zone. The natural next step is to build play-action off that split flow and work the H-back up the opposite seam. This is a tremendous concept for isolating the H on linebackers who are flowing downhill with split-zone action. Any time you can work a player across the formation and up the seam, especially against quarters, you are going to get him isolated on a linebacker. Unfortunately, the quarterback misses his mark here.

The Monarchs come back to the concept later hoping to hit on it this time. The H-back is arguably just as open, but the quarterback gets flushed from the pocket and misses a shot at a wide open touchdown.

Running Back Pipe

I can already hear the 7-on-7 coaches in the bleachers with their backpacks screaming, “See, it’s a legit play!” But ODU does a great job selling quarterback run action, then pulling up to hit the running back up the pipe. This is a nasty design that will stress any split safety defense.

Here it is again against a two-high look for another long touchdown. It is not something you can run over and over, but if the quarterback run game is strong and those linebackers are flying downhill, it is a nice counterpunch to your run scheme.

Final Thoughts

If you run the ball as well as the Monarchs do, you better have something built off of it. ODU’s play-action game is exactly that. These concepts are built off the run schemes they hang their hat on, and they find ways to out-leverage the defense where it is most vulnerable, particularly linebackers carrying routes vertically.