Vanderbilt's Aerial Attack from the Backfield
Last Saturday, Vanderbilt lit up the scoreboard against Georgia State. But buried beneath the offensive fireworks was something coaches at every level should pay attention to. The Commodores did a phenomenal job getting players open from the backfield in the passing game. I don’t know how much of it was truly by design, but either way, the results were worth studying. Especially at the high school level, where the best offensive weapon is often a dynamic running back, this type of usage can be a cheat code. Let’s break down how Vandy schemed their backs into the passing game and how you might be able to steal some of it for your own system.
Verticals with a Rail
Setup: Vanderbilt aligns in a 2x2 set with the tight end into the boundary and the running back aligned to the field. They send the boundary receiver in jet motion pre-snap. The two field-side receivers push vertically, one to the middle of the field and the other outside, pulling coverage with them. Meanwhile, the running back runs a rail route up the far hash. The jet motion receiver will act as the outlet into the play-side flat.
The Action: The combination of motion and vertical threats overloads Georgia State’s Cover 4 shell. The field safety drives on the post. The corner carries the deep out. The overhang chases the flat route and only realizes the bust too late. Ideally, the overhang would handle the flat while the hook defender carries the back vertically, but that’s a big ask. The play action off the jet motion and the vertical stem by the back creates just enough hesitation and confusion to break the coverage. The result is a shot play that nearly scores.
Bonus: Vanderbilt creates a natural six-man protection off the play action, with the tight end holding down the backside.
Coaching Points:
Motion Timing: Drill the motion to be fast and timed up to cross the formation right at the snap. This maximizes the eye candy for second-level defenders.
Rail Route: Teach the back to get to his landmark quickly and with urgency. In this case, the aiming point is the hash. Just as important, coach him to get his head around early so he’s ready for the ball as soon as he clears the second level.
Texas Route
The Setup: The clips show two versions of the same concept. One ends in an incompletion, the other in a touchdown. Both start from a 10 personnel 2x2 “Doubles” set with mirrored slot fades on each side. The running back releases on a Texas route, also known as an angle route, working to the flat then cutting back underneath th linebacker.
The Action: In the first clip, Georgia State plays double bracket coverage, which leaves the linebacker one-on-one with the running back. The back wins across the linebacker’s face, but the quarterback throws the slot fade instead. In the second clip, Georgia State plays Cover 1. Again, the linebacker is isolated in man coverage, and this time the quarterback hits the back in stride. The route wins again, and it turns into a touchdown.
Coaching Points:
Running Back’s Route: Coach the back to sell the fast-to-flat path before snapping back inside. Selling the flare widens the linebacker and creates separation.
The Throw: Quarterbacks need to deliver the ball on time and on a rope. The goal is to hit the back in stride so he can turn it into a big gain.