The document discusses Urban Meyer's Utah Spread Offense. It provides an overview of the offensive system including formations, personnel, blocking assignments, routes, and key running and passing plays. Diagrams and explanations are given for various aspects of the offense such as protection schemes, reads, and how to attack different defensive looks. Copyright protection is claimed for the images contained in the presentation.

1. Urban Meyer’sUrban Meyer’s
Utah Spread OffenseUtah Spread Offense

2. Please ReadPlease Read
Each play in this presentation was taken from actual game footageEach play in this presentation was taken from actual game footage
from the 2003 and 2004 seasons and recreated as diagramedfrom the 2003 and 2004 seasons and recreated as diagramed
images. Each play is merely my interpretation of the actual play andimages. Each play is merely my interpretation of the actual play and
therefore the actual images contained in this presentation are nottherefore the actual images contained in this presentation are not
stated to be actual plays from the Utah System. These plays arestated to be actual plays from the Utah System. These plays are
consistent with plays ran from the tapes and all blockingconsistent with plays ran from the tapes and all blocking
assignments and pass routes are accurate. The images contained inassignments and pass routes are accurate. The images contained in
this presentation have been submitted to the U.S. Copyright Officethis presentation have been submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office
as copyrighted visual arts documents. Any attempt to duplicateas copyrighted visual arts documents. Any attempt to duplicate
these images will be in direct violation of U.S. Copyright protectionthese images will be in direct violation of U.S. Copyright protection
laws. ©laws. ©

3. Presentation BreakdownPresentation Breakdown
1.1. System ExplanationSystem Explanation
2.2. Formations and PositionsFormations and Positions
3.3. Keys and Reads in the Passing GameKeys and Reads in the Passing Game
4.4. Basic Running GameBasic Running Game
5.5. Pass Protection SchemesPass Protection Schemes
6.6. Run PlaysRun Plays
7.7. Pass PlaysPass Plays

4. Explanation of SystemExplanation of System
The verbiage used in this presentation has been created using some actualThe verbiage used in this presentation has been created using some actual
terms and position symbols used in the Utah system. Other terms and/orterms and position symbols used in the Utah system. Other terms and/or
symbols are those which have been compiled by research of other highsymbols are those which have been compiled by research of other high
school programs who run a spread oriented offense.school programs who run a spread oriented offense.
Information on the following pages will serve as a reference to betterInformation on the following pages will serve as a reference to better
understand the diagrams of this presentation.understand the diagrams of this presentation.

5. Formations
SoloSolo
TreyTrey
SoloSolo
TrioTrio
ThunderThunder
TriggerTriggerTrickTrick
ThunderThunder

6. Formations
EmptyEmpty
Pro IPro I
AceAce
Twins ITwins I
Over Wing-SlotOver Wing-Slot Wing-slotWing-slot
BunchBunch
DoublesDoubles

7. = Motion= Motion
= Pitch or Pass= Pitch or Pass
= Key or Read on Option, Pass, or Blocking Assignment= Key or Read on Option, Pass, or Blocking Assignment
= Ball Carrier or Potential Carrier= Ball Carrier or Potential Carrier
= Drop Step for Option Relationship= Drop Step for Option Relationship
= Set up to Throw after Fake or Boot= Set up to Throw after Fake or Boot

8. Player PersonnelPlayer Personnel
E J
X Z
RUtah’s Player Personnel SymbolsUtah’s Player Personnel Symbols
H Z
X Y
FPlayer Personnel Symbols withPlayer Personnel Symbols with
Regard to the Remainder ofRegard to the Remainder of
PresentationPresentation

9. Motion TypesMotion Types
• Across – motion from one side of the formation to the otherAcross – motion from one side of the formation to the other
• Back – motion back into a running back or pitch positionBack – motion back into a running back or pitch position
• Test – motion across until the plane of the center is broken and then back againTest – motion across until the plane of the center is broken and then back again
to starting position, used to detect coverageto starting position, used to detect coverage
• Jet – motion across ¾ to full speed either directly in front of or behind QBJet – motion across ¾ to full speed either directly in front of or behind QB
depending on whether in shotgun or under center, will either fake or takedepending on whether in shotgun or under center, will either fake or take
handoff.handoff.
• Right/Left – motion for back to leave back field either right or leftRight/Left – motion for back to leave back field either right or left
• In – motion in towards formation without going acrossIn – motion in towards formation without going across
Motion will be tagged at the end of the play preceded by the personnel symbol of theMotion will be tagged at the end of the play preceded by the personnel symbol of the
player who will be going into motion. The player will maintain his route after motion.player who will be going into motion. The player will maintain his route after motion.
(ex. Solo 9827 Z across)(ex. Solo 9827 Z across)

10. Route DeterminationRoute Determination
When calling routes for pass plays a number tree will be used. The numberWhen calling routes for pass plays a number tree will be used. The number
tree consists of (10) different numbers which represent a given route. When atree consists of (10) different numbers which represent a given route. When a
pass play is called, it will be in a form of (3) to (5) numbers. All numbers willpass play is called, it will be in a form of (3) to (5) numbers. All numbers will
be read from left to right and be designated to each eligible non-back fieldbe read from left to right and be designated to each eligible non-back field
receiver. If a route is desired for a back field receiver it will be tagged at thereceiver. If a route is desired for a back field receiver it will be tagged at the
end of the route sequence, which he will carryout to the side which he isend of the route sequence, which he will carryout to the side which he is
positioned. If back is not in the back field then he will receive a number inpositioned. If back is not in the back field then he will receive a number in
sequence depending on his position in the formation.sequence depending on his position in the formation.
(ex. Solo 6556 F Flare) ( ex. Empty R 92298)(ex. Solo 6556 F Flare) ( ex. Empty R 92298)
Call routes will be used to place routes which are not included in the numberCall routes will be used to place routes which are not included in the number
tree into a pass pattern. These routes will be tagged at the beginning of thetree into a pass pattern. These routes will be tagged at the beginning of the
numbers sequence and the number sequence will contain (1) less number. Ifnumbers sequence and the number sequence will contain (1) less number. If
two receivers are to run call routes then both tags will be called before thetwo receivers are to run call routes then both tags will be called before the
numbers sequence. If two are to run the same route then the symbols of eachnumbers sequence. If two are to run the same route then the symbols of each
will be called together and then the route will be named.will be called together and then the route will be named.
(ex. Solo Z shallow 579)(ex. Solo Z shallow 579)
(ex. Empty Z shallow H Choice 868)(ex. Empty Z shallow H Choice 868)
(ex. Empty Z H Shallow 878)(ex. Empty Z H Shallow 878)

11. 0 Oblique0 Oblique
2 Speed Out2 Speed Out
1 Slant1 Slant
3 Hitch3 Hitch
4 Deep Out4 Deep Out
5 Curl5 Curl
7 Dig7 Dig
9 Post9 Post
6 Post-Corner6 Post-Corner
8 Fade/Go8 Fade/Go

12. Examples of Call RoutesExamples of Call Routes
• FadeFade
• ZipZip
• Out and UpOut and Up
• StickStick
• ChinaChina
• BubbleBubble
• ShallowShallow
• Come BackCome Back
• WheelWheel
• PivotPivot

13. Keys and Reads in the Short andKeys and Reads in the Short and
Intermediate Passing GameIntermediate Passing Game
1.1. Front Identification and SignificanceFront Identification and Significance
2.2. Coverage Identification and SignificanceCoverage Identification and Significance
3.3. How to Beat WhatHow to Beat What

14. Front Identification and Number ofFront Identification and Number of
Defensive Backs in DefenseDefensive Backs in Defense
E T T E E T T E
E T N T E E T E
E T T E E T E
E T E E T E B
B B
M
B M B
B B
B
B B
B M B
B B
4-2 (5 DB’s)4-2 (5 DB’s)
5-1 (5 DB’s)5-1 (5 DB’s)
4-3 (4 DB’s)4-3 (4 DB’s)
3-2 (6 DB’s)3-2 (6 DB’s)
4-1 (6 DB’s)4-1 (6 DB’s)
3-4 (4 DB’s)3-4 (4 DB’s)
3-3 (5 DB’s)3-3 (5 DB’s)
3-3 Eagle(5 DB’s)3-3 Eagle(5 DB’s)
B B

15. 1.1. Less than 6 in box we run, unless 3Less than 6 in box we run, unless 3rdrd
and +5and +5
2.2. Must know who can come and pick them upMust know who can come and pick them up
3.3. Throw HotThrow Hot
4.4. Throw UncoveredThrow Uncovered
Defensive Front RulesDefensive Front Rules

16. Coverage Schemes and How toCoverage Schemes and How to
Recognize themRecognize them
•Cover 0 – 0 Deep with Man Under. Usually bringing other 6 defendersCover 0 – 0 Deep with Man Under. Usually bringing other 6 defenders
• Cover 1 – 1 Deep with Man Under. Drop, bring, or spy with extra defenderCover 1 – 1 Deep with Man Under. Drop, bring, or spy with extra defender
• Cover 2 – 2 Deep with Man or Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 4Cover 2 – 2 Deep with Man or Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 4
• Cover 3 – 3 Deep with Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 4Cover 3 – 3 Deep with Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 4
• Cover 4 – 4 Deep with Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 3Cover 4 – 4 Deep with Zone Under. Weak zone if bring more than 3
Types of CoverageTypes of Coverage

17. Cover 0Cover 0
B B
S
S
F
C C
E T T E

18. Cover 1Cover 1
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

19. Cover 2 Man UnderCover 2 Man Under
E T T E
B
S S
F F
C C

20. Cover 2 Zone UnderCover 2 Zone Under
E T T E
S S
F F
C C
B

21. Cover 3Cover 3
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

22. Cover 4Cover 4
E T T E
S S
C C
F F
B

23. How to Take Advantage of Different CoveragesHow to Take Advantage of Different Coverages
1.1. Cov 0- Pick Routes, Slant and Wheel, Back out of Back FieldCov 0- Pick Routes, Slant and Wheel, Back out of Back Field
2.2. Cov 1- Pick Routes, Slant and Wheel, Play ActionCov 1- Pick Routes, Slant and Wheel, Play Action
3.3. Cov 2 Man - Draw, Screen, Shallow Crossing RoutesCov 2 Man - Draw, Screen, Shallow Crossing Routes
4.4. Cov 2 Zone - Post into 2 Deep void, 3 verticals, UncoveredCov 2 Zone - Post into 2 Deep void, 3 verticals, Uncovered
Receivers with 7 man frontReceivers with 7 man front
5.5. Cov 3 - Curl/Flat, 4 verticals, Flood the underneath zonesCov 3 - Curl/Flat, 4 verticals, Flood the underneath zones
6.6. Cov 4 – Attack Flats and Hook Zones, Screen, DrawCov 4 – Attack Flats and Hook Zones, Screen, Draw

24. The Utah Run GameThe Utah Run Game
The running game is one of the strongest points of any Spread offense.The running game is one of the strongest points of any Spread offense.
The principal behind the Spread is to spread the field both vertically andThe principal behind the Spread is to spread the field both vertically and
horizontally. Buy doing this you force the defense to also spread out theirhorizontally. Buy doing this you force the defense to also spread out their
personnel which causes their players to have to defend more space.personnel which causes their players to have to defend more space.
Having to occupy and control added space helps to equalize talent levels.Having to occupy and control added space helps to equalize talent levels.
Over the next few pages I will go over the basic run plays in the UtahOver the next few pages I will go over the basic run plays in the Utah
offense. I will break each play down and show blocking assignmentsoffense. I will break each play down and show blocking assignments
against basic fronts.against basic fronts.

25. Basic Running PlaysBasic Running Plays
• ZoneZone
• Zone Read (Option)Zone Read (Option)
• F TrapF Trap
• QB TrapQB Trap
• CounterCounter
• Counter Read (Option)Counter Read (Option)
• Shovel OptionShovel Option
• Speed OptionSpeed Option

26. Zone / Zone ReadZone / Zone Read
E T T E
B B
Make End RespectMake End Respect
the Keep. If he doesthe Keep. If he does
not then Keep. Cannot then Keep. Can
have option call withhave option call with
predetermined pitchpredetermined pitch
man.man.

27. Zone vs Other FrontsZone vs Other Fronts
B M
B
E T E
E T E
B B
E T T E
B
E T E
B B
B
B

28. F TrapF Trap
B B
E T T E
Stick tight to downStick tight to down
blocks and look forblocks and look for
cut off backers.cut off backers.

29. Q TrapQ Trap
Stick tight to downStick tight to down
blocks and look forblocks and look for
cut off backers.cut off backers.
B B
E T T E

30. Trap vs Other FrontsTrap vs Other Fronts
B M B
E T E E T T E
B

31. Counter / Counter ReadCounter / Counter Read
B B
E T T E
Make End RespectMake End Respect
the Keep. If he doesthe Keep. If he does
not then keep. Cannot then keep. Can
have option call withhave option call with
predetermined pitchpredetermined pitch
man.man.

32. Counter vs Other FrontsCounter vs Other Fronts
B M B
E T E E T T E
B

33. Shovel (Crazy) OptionShovel (Crazy) Option
Read end, if he sitsRead end, if he sits
run speed option, ifrun speed option, if
he chases shufflehe chases shuffle
under him.under him.
B B
E T T E

34. Speed OptionSpeed Option
Zone hard playside,Zone hard playside,
do not let downdo not let down
linemen cross yourlinemen cross your
face.face.
B B
E T T E

35. Utah Protection SchemesUtah Protection Schemes

36. Types of ProtectionTypes of Protection
• 5 Man (Empty Formations B.O.B.)5 Man (Empty Formations B.O.B.)
• 6 Man (Back or TE in Blocking Scheme)6 Man (Back or TE in Blocking Scheme)
• 7 Man (Back and TE in Blocking Scheme)7 Man (Back and TE in Blocking Scheme)
• Slide (Gap Protection, Inside/Right/Left)Slide (Gap Protection, Inside/Right/Left)
• Roll (Spring or Roll Out Protection)Roll (Spring or Roll Out Protection)
• Quick (Cut or Aggressive B.O.B.)Quick (Cut or Aggressive B.O.B.)
• Boot (Play Action ProtectionBoot (Play Action Protection

37. B
E T T E
Big On Big Cup Protection
5 Man Protection5 Man Protection
Center Must check forCenter Must check for
Backer while giving ABacker while giving A
gap supportgap support
QB must make HotQB must make Hot
Read off of outsideRead off of outside
pressure.pressure.

38. W B
E T T E
S
#1 #2
Zone Side “One Man” Call
Center Must Help A gap
While Checking Will Backer
Big On Big
Inside to Out and
Check #1 to #2
6 Man Protection (No TE)6 Man Protection (No TE)

39. W B
E T T E
S
#1
#2
Zone Side “One Man” CallZone Side “One Man” Call
Center Must Help A gapCenter Must Help A gap
While Checking Will BackerWhile Checking Will Backer
Big On Big
Uncovered Linemen mustUncovered Linemen must
help Inside to Out andhelp Inside to Out and
Check #1 to #2Check #1 to #2
6 Man Protection (TE)6 Man Protection (TE)

40. W B
E T T E
S
7 Man Slide Protection7 Man Slide Protection

41. W B
E T T E
S
Roll or Sprint ProtectionRoll or Sprint Protection

42. B
E T T E
Quick ProtectionQuick Protection
Aim high thigh toAim high thigh to
get defender’sget defender’s
hands downhands down
Center Check for backerCenter Check for backer
and help A gapand help A gap

43. W B
E T T E
Boot ProtectionBoot Protection

44. Run PlaysRun Plays
From Various FormationFrom Various Formation

45. Solo Triple Option R (Zone L Read)Solo Triple Option R (Zone L Read)
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C
Option Reads

46. Trey Triple Option RTrey Triple Option R
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C
Option Reads

47. Ace H Back Triple Option RAce H Back Triple Option R
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C
Option Reads

48. Trio Triple Option RTrio Triple Option R
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C
Option Reads

49. Trio Triple Option R Z BackTrio Triple Option R Z Back
E T T E
B B
S
S
F
CC
Option Reads

50. Over Wing-Slot H Back TripleOver Wing-Slot H Back Triple
Option ROption R
E T T E
B BS
C
F
C
S
Option Reads

51. Thunder Shovel Option RightThunder Shovel Option Right
F BackF Back
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

52. Solo Z Right QB GutSolo Z Right QB Gut
F
E T T E
B B
S S
C C

53. Trigger QB Trap RTrigger QB Trap R
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

54. Trio Blast Left Z BackTrio Blast Left Z Back
E T T E
B B
SS
F
CC

55. B B
Trio Power Left Z BackTrio Power Left Z Back
E T T E
S
S
F
CC

56. B B
Trio Speed Option Rev RightTrio Speed Option Rev Right
Z BackZ Back
E T T E
SS
F
CC

57. Trio QB Counter RTrio QB Counter R
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C

58. Twins I Counter Right Z AcrossTwins I Counter Right Z Across
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C

59. Bunch Toss RightBunch Toss Right
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C

60. Bunch Counter LeftBunch Counter Left
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C

61. Thunder Speed Option RightThunder Speed Option Right
F BackF Back
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

62. Thunder Speed Rev Left F BackThunder Speed Rev Left F Back
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

63. Twins I Power R QB R MotionTwins I Power R QB R Motion
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

64. Pass PlaysPass Plays
From Various FormationFrom Various Formation

65. Thunder Z Shallow 9798Thunder Z Shallow 9798
E T T E
B B
SS
F
CC

66. Thunder Z Shallow 5665Thunder Z Shallow 5665
E T T E
B B
SS
F
C
C

67. Solo 7565 F ReleaseSolo 7565 F Release
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

68. Trey Roll Left 5554Trey Roll Left 5554
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

69. Trips X Y Shallow 95 F Curl LeftTrips X Y Shallow 95 F Curl Left
MotionMotion
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C
C

70. Trick Y Shallow F Pivot 898Trick Y Shallow F Pivot 898
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

71. Thunder 57555Thunder 57555
E T T E
B B
SS
F
CC

72. B B
Trio Split Screen F left MotionTrio Split Screen F left Motion
E T T E
SS
F
CC

73. Trio Tight X Shallow 595 F Curl LeftTrio Tight X Shallow 595 F Curl Left
MotionMotion
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

74. Ace Zone Left 8588Ace Zone Left 8588
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

75. Trio 9295 F ReleaseTrio 9295 F Release
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C

76. Empty Z F Pivot 979Empty Z F Pivot 979
E T T E
B B
S
S
F
CC

77. Thunder F Z Pivot 798Thunder F Z Pivot 798
E T T E
B B
SS
F
C
C

78. Thunder F Pivot 1598Thunder F Pivot 1598
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

79. Solo 7565Solo 7565
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

80. Trey 8559Trey 8559
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

81. Trick 84555Trick 84555
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

82. Trick 85588Trick 85588
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

83. Trick F Bubble H Choice 558Trick F Bubble H Choice 558
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

84. Trick F Bubble H Shallow 578Trick F Bubble H Shallow 578
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

85. B B
Trio Zone L Fake 5827Trio Zone L Fake 5827
E T T E
SS
F
CC

86. Trio Zone L Fake Hitch Screen RTrio Zone L Fake Hitch Screen R
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C

87. Bunch Toss R Fake Hitch Screen LBunch Toss R Fake Hitch Screen L
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C

88. Bunch Zone R Fake Y Hitch andBunch Zone R Fake Y Hitch and
Go 562Go 562
E T T E
B B
S
S
F
C C

89. Trio Zone R Fake Hitch Screen LeftTrio Zone R Fake Hitch Screen Left
and Lateral H Backand Lateral H Back
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C

90. Trio 7255 H TestTrio 7255 H Test
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C

91. Trio 7255 F Flat H TestTrio 7255 F Flat H Test
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C

92. Twins I Power Pass QB R MotionTwins I Power Pass QB R Motion
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

93. Trey Y Shallow 597 F CurlTrey Y Shallow 597 F Curl
Right MotionRight Motion
C
E T T E
B B
S
S
F
C

94. Trigger 55528Trigger 55528
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

95. Trigger Y Choice 8588Trigger Y Choice 8588
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

96. Trio Zone L Fake Bubble RTrio Zone L Fake Bubble R
E T T E
B BS
S
F
C C

97. Solo Zone L Fake 8888Solo Zone L Fake 8888
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

98. Solo 8558Solo 8558
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

99. Empty 95559Empty 95559
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

100. Trey X Choice 888 F CurlTrey X Choice 888 F Curl
Right MotionRight Motion
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

101. Trigger 24598 F InTrigger 24598 F In
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

102. Trigger F Shallow 7598 F InTrigger F Shallow 7598 F In
E T T E
B B
S S
F
C C

103. Trips Hitch Screen QB Throw BackTrips Hitch Screen QB Throw Back
Right F Left MotionRight F Left Motion
E T T E
B B S
S
F
CC

104. B B
Doubles Sprint Rev Right PassDoubles Sprint Rev Right Pass
E T T E
SS
F
C
C