Description

Aaron Pflugrad, Pass Game Coord, Michigan State

The full video is available at:  Finding Completions: Creating Easy Reads for Your QB

MANAGING THE PERIMETER - RPO CONCEPTS

The coach introduces perimeter management through pre-snap RPO plays designed as "gifts" - high-percentage throws that consistently gain 6+ yards. The quarterback's pre-snap read involves counting blockers versus immediate threats and determining if the receiver can gain positive yardage after the catch. The emphasis is on clearing the line of scrimmage, accurate ball placement, and quick release timing to give playmakers space to operate.

BUBBLE ROUTES AND SPACE CREATION

Multiple examples demonstrate bubble routes and wide receiver screens used to exploit defensive alignment. When defenses bring extra defenders into the box to stop the run (like against Iowa with cover zero), the offense counters with one-man bubble routes to create easy completions in space. The key is "YAC" (yards after catch) - making one defender miss can turn a simple throw into a touchdown, especially in red zone situations when defenses stack the box.

TIGHT END ARC ROUTES AND BOUNDARY CONCEPTS

The coach explains "bling" concepts using tight end arc routes to target defenders responsible for run-pass exchanges. Against press or cloud coverage on the boundary, the tight end blocks initially then releases for an easy throw. If the corner follows the tight end, the quarterback keeps the ball and runs. This creates a simple read off wide zone action with built-in answers for different defensive reactions.

NAKED BOOTLEG CONCEPTS

Naked bootleg plays are demonstrated as extensions of the wide zone running game. The quarterback sells the run fake while receivers work behind and in front of the line of scrimmage. Examples include tight ends on drag routes and receivers finding open spaces when safeties rotate down to support run fits. The protection scheme leaves the quarterback clean with easy throwing windows.

WAGGLE PLAYS AND RUN INTEGRATION

Waggle plays involve run fakes to the same side as the bootleg, creating deception for linebackers and safeties. The coach shows third-and-one situations where tight ends sell run blocks before releasing to the flat. The key is getting defenders to commit to run responsibilities before exploiting them with quick passes over the top.

PROGRESSION FROM LAYUPS TO DUNKS

The coach transitions from basic concepts ("layups") to more advanced plays ("dunks"). Using 13 personnel (3 tight ends), the offense varies quarterback drop depths and launch points to keep defenses guessing. The goal is drawing the seventh or eighth defender into the box with run action, then throwing over them with post routes and deep outs.

ROUTE PROTECTION AND DEEP CONCEPTS

Advanced concepts include using the same formation and initial action to set up multiple route combinations. Receivers sell post routes before breaking to deep outs, using previous game film to establish patterns. The quarterback's ability to change launch points and mix run-pass concepts keeps pass rushers off-balance, creating opportunities for deep throws even against good defensive lines.

CORE PHILOSOPHY

The entire system emphasizes efficiency and positive EPA (expected points added) through high-percentage throws built off established run concepts. By integrating run and pass seamlessly, the offense creates easy reads for quarterbacks while keeping defenses honest in their run fits and coverage responsibilities.

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