Description

Sam Hullender, Assistant Coach, Missouri State

Full video on Glazier Drive: Cross Tags out of the SMU Power Spread Offense

OVERVIEW This coaching video breaks down the 3x1 cross route concept and its variations, showing how to create multiple looks while maintaining the same foundational elements. The system keeps protection consistent and provides quarterbacks with clear answers on both sides of the formation.

KEY CONCEPTS The 3x1 cross uses the same progression as 2x2 cross (left to right read) but features different flat control to the single receiver side. Protection is called to the single receiver, with the running back swinging to that side instead of to the cross/post/curl side. The slot receiver runs a pivot route to the field, giving different presentations while maintaining the same base rules.

GO ROUTE PROGRESSION The quarterback reads "yes/no" on the go ball based on one-on-one coverage. Against three-buzz or field rotation, this provides an easy answer to attack the corner. The receiver should defeat press coverage, restack by 10 yards, get eyes inside, keep shoulders north-south, and catch on the outside shoulder. The quarterback should keep eyes down the middle of the field on the snap to prevent the safety from jumping the throw—looking directly at the go route alerts the safety.

BACK SHOULDER ADJUSTMENTS When corners get inside leverage or cut off the receiver at 10 yards, the quarterback throws back shoulder balls to protect the completion. Even when receivers beat coverage deep, back shoulder throws keep the safety out of the play and prevent corners from making plays on the ball.

CROSS ROUTE RULES The cross route drives at the mike linebacker (even when displaced outside the box in 4-1 looks) then pushes vertical to reach 10-13 yards on the opposite hash. Against cover two, take the middle of the field. Against man coverage, stair step and break flat. Receivers must throttle down when needed to find windows and avoid running into coverage with the safety.

FORMATION PREFERENCES The staff prefers calling cross to the field in 3x1 sets and to the boundary in 2x2 formations, though the concept works both ways with proper adjustments.

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