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2002
Play Spotlight- Illinois
Illinois spreads the field
In this week's play spotlight I'm going to break down how Illinois
used the 4 wide receiver to set to spread the field against the Wolverines.
Even though Michigan won the game 45-28, the Illini were able to rack up
impressive 1st quarter yardage and score 13 points before turnovers doomed
them.
The Michigan Defense
Michigan runs a
modified 4-3 defense. Here's a diagram and a top view of how the
defense sets up in typical zone coverage.
The 4-3
defense depends on the the quality and size of the down linemen
(defensive ends and tackles) to shut down the run. The linebackers
need to be quick and athletic, strong enough to step and stop the run
but quick enough to defend the middle of field against the pass.
Besides the four down linemen (2 DTs and 2 DEs), there are three line
backers- two to the inside and one outside of the TE (or in the photo
the slot receiver.) Two cornerbacks and two safeties are the standard
defensive backfield configuration. Many stunts can be run to apply
pressure to the opposing quarterback on passing downs. The outside LB
and and CB's can be used to blitz to further complicate matters for
the opposing offense.
The Illini Formation
Illinois decided to
attack the Michigan defense by spreading the field with a 4 receiver
formation.
I really like
this formation I'd live to see the Wolverines run this more frequently.
At first glance it seems to be an obvious passing formation but that's not
what Illinois has in mind...
The Michigan Response
The combination of a
no huddle offense and the four receiver formation initially causes the
confusion in the Wolverine defensive ranks. The Wolverines
actually mis-substitute and and only have 10 men on the field for this
play. Illinois takes advantage of the confusion and runs a
straight a dive that gets 8 yards. Not bad rushing yards out of
a passing formation...
Go Blue!
Phil Callihan
UMGoBlue.COM- By Fans...For Fans
phil@umgoblue.com
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