There were times during the 2007 football season, where Ohio State’s best offense (62nd nationally with 393 total yards per game) seemed to be their top-ranked defense. In 08′ however, coach Jim Tressel and offensive coordinator Jim Bollman are reaching into their bag of tricks and pulling out a formation which could prove deadly to their opposition: The Pony This offensive set, often in the I or Shotgun formation, was designed specifically to feature two skilled RBs in the backfield, with the hopes of creating deception when running the football or giving the quarterback more potential options in the passing attack. Several schools including national-powers West Virginia, Missouri and Oregon have implemented this offensive maneuver.
What to watch for in “The Pony”
1. OH the possibilities- With the bruising Chris Wells and the speedster Brandon Saine settled behind Boeckman at the same instant, defenses will have to prepare themselves for a number of scenarios. You could see a hand off up the middle or a pitch to the outside, a quick pass or even a reverse. The unpredictability will allow the Buckeyes to move the chains even against the toughest front lines and in the most hostile environment. OSU is known for their predominately conservative play calling but by adding an extra threat, the Buckeyes can make huge adjustments by changing very little to the in-game strategy. Huge runs by both no. 3 and 28 out of this formation at points throughout are quite possible, especially if they run this set 5-10 times per game. The one negative to using two tailbacks is the general lack of a fullback. Although both tailbacks have great size (Saine 6′1 220lbs , Wells 6′1 235), they will be thrust into situations where they must act as blockers and put themselves in line to take hits from lineman, linebackers and secondary players. While it probably is a non-issue, the potential for injury always makes for conversation.
2. TB makes life easy - Last season, Boeckman admitted to over-thinking defensive coverages and trying to force footballs into tight spots which would often lead to turnovers. With an exceptional pass-catching back in Brandon Saine and either Rory Nicol or Jake Ballard tight end, coaches have provided two check-down options for TB if the deep pass is not viable, thereby cutting down mistakes. Along with this, anytime you increase the potential targets on a football field, you open the possibility for a big play. Linebackers and corners are forced to spy, creating more single coverage and open territory. Last season OSU’s passing attack ranked 86th nationally (196 passing yards per game), far too low for a team with this much talent. Look for an increase, partly because of creative formations such as this one.
3. Where lineman earn their scarlet and gray stripes- Seldom do fans every get to appreciate the athletes defined as offensive lineman. In an offensive deployment such as “The Pony” however, Buckeye Nation will see first hand the true impressiveness of their skill. The two backfield options will incorporate a focus on pull-out blocking, a mix of run and pass protection and an increase in the knowledge of running sophisticated plays from the line of scrimmage. A key focus will be on tackles Alex Boone and Bryant Browning as they will not only take on ends but increased pressure from linebackers and blitzing corners. When a 6-8 330-pound human being can run past the line of scrimmage and open space, it is truly a sight to see and a reason why so few human beings can do what these five men do every Saturday in the fall.
4. Take Me Home,Country Roads (Columbus, OH?)- While it is still too early to simply declare Terrelle Pryor as the second half of OSU’s QB battery, by mid-season he should be. With his complement of foot speed and throwing ability, this formations seems right up his alley. From a comparison standpoint, the Bucks would show shades of last year’s WVU Mountaineers who featured QB Pat White and running backs Steve Slaton and Noel Devine. Needless to say, it worked out pretty well for the folks in Morgantown,WV. If Ohio State puts Pryor, Wells and Saine on the field at the same time, you can throw simplicity out the window. Not even Ohio Stadium would be able to predict the play from scrimmage, whether it was a QB sneak for 40-yards or a deep strike to Brian Robiskie.
3 users commented in " Buckeyes to show they’re no one trick “Pony” "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackThere is no doubt that the OSU offense HAS to get more creative. They were too predictable in the last two NCs.
I do worry a little about Beanie or Saine getting hurt trying to block a charging defensive end(USC has some big, fast ones), but hey, it’s football!
With all of the talent on this Buckeye offense, Tressel & Co. need to open it up to take advantage of all of the speed and athleticism.
I hope Boeckman has improved his “vision,” and doesn’t focus on just one player to throw to(telegraphing the pass). Craig Krenzel was a player of similar talent, and we know how he did.
Just don’t make dumb mistakes/turnovers Todd, and all will be well.
I may sound like a dork, but in NCAA 2008 I normally ran a ‘Pony’ formation out of the split offset shotgun. Worked well for me.
As for real life, Saine seems to have the hands to be a good receiver out of the backfield. I’ve heard Beanie has good hands too.
don’t forget about the pistol formation. I used that on NCAA o8 as well. Bottom line is you put Pryor, saine, wells, Robo, Hartline, Boeckman, Small, Flash, Posey, Stoneburner, Sanzbacher, Washington and One of our big te’s on the field you have more than enough talent to make plays. I think this will be the best line we’ve had since 95′ they just need to be put in position to score and limit turnovers(boeckman’s ints). Please todd take the easy pass.
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