Back in 2014 Oregon had one of the most explosive offenses in all of College Football. Mark Helfrich and Scott Frost directed a unit that routinely scored 50+ points in a game. Part of their success was the ability to stretch the field with Four Verticals Passing Concepts. The executed 4 Verts in a variety of ways, but I am particularly intrigued by the way they ran it out of Empty.
Formation into the Boundary
Empty (3x2)
To the Boundary (Verticals)
#1 to the Boundary breaks off vertical route vs. Bail Coverage (Curl)
#2 Splits the CB and Safety
#3 Runs the “Bender” to Green Grass
To the Field (Smash Concept)
#1 Slant/Hitch (sit down in open space)
#2 Post Corner
I love the idea of running 4 Verts out of Empty, but you definitely need a plan vs. Pressure. You can either throw Quick Game to the Field or have #3 to the Boundary be the “Hot” Receiver vs. a Blitz. If the QB can make a quick read and get the ball out on time, this Concept and put a lot of stress on the defense!
