The wishbone
Mike Gundy called Oklahoma’s offense a “wishbone” and “triple-option” offense today. pic.twitter.com/Kl6Ei9JJig
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) November 26, 2019
Contents
Origins and History of Wishbone Offense
Emory Bellard and Texas Longhorns
Emory Bellard, a University of Texas assistant, created the wishbone offense in an attempt to revive the troubled Longhorns’ offense. With an abundance of talented running backs on the team, it made sense to place three gifted rushers in the backfield, creating a triple-option attack. This innovative offensive formation went on to impact college football during the 1970s and 80s, becoming one of the most iconic and explosive offenses in the sport.
Barry Switzer and Oklahoma Sooners
At the urging of Texas head coach Royal, Emory Bellard taught the wishbone offense to Barry Switzer, leading to its adoption by the Oklahoma Sooners. This proved highly effective, as Oklahoma not only became one of college football’s dominant teams but also helped spread the popularity and success of the wishbone offense during this era.
National Championships in College Football
The wishbone offense went on to influence several National Championships in college football. Considering the back-to-back success of Texas and Oklahoma during their use of this offensive strategy, it’s clear that the wishbone was a major driving force behind their victories. As a result, the wishbone offense remains a lasting example of the importance of innovation in college football.
Fundamentals of Wishbone Offense
Quarterback Responsibilities
The quarterback is crucial in the Wishbone offense, as they must make quick decisions based on the defense’s movements. The QB needs to be skilled at reading the defense and determining whether to hand off to the fullback, keep the ball, or pitch it to a running back. Additionally, the quarterback is responsible for initiating the snap and making play calls to adjust to the defense.
Running Backs and Fullback Roles
In the Wishbone formation, there are three running backs:
- Fullback: The fullback lines up directly behind the quarterback and is typically the most powerful back. They act as lead blocker or ball carrier in short-yardage situations.
- Running Backs: The two running backs line up on either side of the fullback and are primarily responsible for carrying the ball on option plays. They require speed, agility, and the ability to follow blocks created by the offensive line and fullback.
Offensive Line and Blocking Schemes
The offensive linemen consist of:
- Center (C): responsible for protecting the quarterback and controlling the line’s decisions.
- Offensive Guards (OG): responsible for blocking the interior defensive linemen and linebackers.
- Offensive Tackles (OT): responsible for blocking the edge rushers and sealing off the outside lanes.
Wishbone blocking schemes often rely on double-team and zone blocking techniques. By working as a cohesive unit, the offensive line creates lanes and gaps for the running backs and fullback to exploit.
Tight Ends and Wide Receivers
Tight ends and wide receivers in the Wishbone offense typically have limited receiving opportunities, as the formation is run-heavy. However, they play a crucial role in blocking for the running game:
- Tight End (TE): Positioned beside the offensive tackles, they are responsible for blocking outside linebackers and securing the edge for running plays.
- Wide Receivers (WR): Required to block cornerbacks and occasionally safeties to create paths for the ball carrier, but can also catch passes in play-action situations.
By understanding the key responsibilities of each position, a team can effectively execute the Wishbone offense and keep defenses guessing.
Variations and Evolution of Wishbone Offense
Triple Option
The Triple Option is a key component of the wishbone offense. It involves the quarterback reading the defense and deciding to either hand the ball off to the fullback, keep it and run himself, or pitch it to a trailing halfback.
- Quarterback reads the defense
- Options: Handoff, keep, pitch
Veer
The Veer is another variation that builds upon the wishbone formation, focusing on rapid decision-making by the quarterback to exploit gaps in the defense.
- Quarterback makes quick decisions
- Designed to exploit defensive gaps
Flexbone
The Flexbone formation is a modern adaptation of the wishbone offense. It features a fullback lining up behind the quarterback and two wingbacks, also known as slotbacks, behind the line of scrimmage.
| QB | FB | Slotback | Slotback |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | X | O | O |
- Modern adaptation of the wishbone
- Fullback and two wingbacks or slotbacks
I Formation
The I Formation is another run-heavy offensive formation consisting of a fullback and tailback lining up directly behind the quarterback, in a straight line.
| QB | FB | TB |
|---|---|---|
| C | X | X |
- Straight line formation
- Fullback and tailback behind the quarterback
T Formation
The T Formation can be considered as the precursor to the wishbone offense. In this formation, the quarterback lines up under the center with the fullback directly behind him, flanked by two halfbacks on either side, forming a “T” shape.
| QB | FB | HB | HB |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | X | O | O |
- Precursor to the wishbone offense
- Fullback, two halfbacks form a “T” shape
Y Formation
The Y Formation, also known as the T formation, is a variation of the wishbone offense where the quarterback lines up under center, with the fullback directly behind him, and two halfbacks split on either side, forming a “Y” or wishbone shape.
| QB | FB | HB | HB |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | X | Y | Y |
- Variation of the wishbone offense
- Fullback, two halfbacks forming a “Y” shape
Notable Coaches, Teams, and Players
Darrell Royal, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, was the architect of the wishbone offense. Under his guidance, Texas became known for its strong running game, winning three national championships in 1963, 1969, and 1970. One of Royal’s key players was running back Steve Worster, a crucial part of the Longhorns’ success during the wishbone era.
Emory Bellard, an assistant coach at Texas A&M, was also instrumental in developing the wishbone offense. Before joining the college ranks, he led San Angelo Central High School to a state title in 1966. Bellard’s innovations in the wishbone helped pave the way for its widespread adoption in college football throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Another notable coach who adopted the wishbone offense was Bill Yeoman of the University of Houston. Yeoman used the wishbone to great success, leading the Cougars to several conference titles during his tenure. His wishbone teams regularly ranked among the top rushing offenses in the NCAA.
At the University of Alabama, legendary coach Bear Bryant also implemented the wishbone offense, with significant success. Quarterback Monnig T. and running back Breckenridge High School (both notable players for their prowess in the wishbone) played crucial roles in leading Alabama to multiple SEC titles and national championships during Bryant’s tenure.
One of the earliest instances of the wishbone offense can be traced back to Ox Emerson, a center for the Detroit Lions in the 1930s. Emerson used the wishbone formation as part of his offensive attack, providing a blueprint for its future development.
In summary, some of the most significant figures and teams associated with the wishbone offense in football include:
- Coaches: Darrell Royal, Emory Bellard, Bill Yeoman, and Bear Bryant
- Teams: Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies, University of Houston Cougars, and Alabama Crimson Tide
- Players: Steve Worster, Monnig T., Breckenridge High School, and Ox Emerson
Wishbone Offense in Modern Football
Spread Offense
The wishbone offense, widely popular in the 1970s and 1980s, has seen a decline in usage in modern football. The emergence of spread offenses has significantly contributed to this trend. Spread offenses focus on spreading the field horizontally, utilizing short passes, and utilizing space to create mismatches against the defense. This contrasts with the run-heavy, misdirection-focused wishbone offense. As football evolved towards a passing-centric game, the wishbone offense began to lose ground to modern approaches like the spread offense.
Air Raid
Another offensive approach that has diminished the popularity of the wishbone offense is the air raid offense. The air raid is an extreme version of the spread offense, emphasizing an even heavier reliance on passing. Quarterbacks and receivers play a more significant role in the air raid offense compared to the wishbone offense, where running backs are the focal point. With the focus on passing in today’s game, the air raid offense has become more prevalent than the wishbone offense, which primarily leans on the running game.
Service Academies
While the wishbone offense has mostly faded from the landscape of modern football, it continues to find a home in specific situations. One such example is within service academies such as Army and Navy. These military institutions emphasize discipline and execution, traits that work seamlessly with the wishbone offense principles. The option-based attack forces defenses to stay disciplined and fundamental. Though not as common today, the wishbone offense continues to thrive in these situations, presenting a unique challenge to opposing teams.
In conclusion, while the wishbone offense has lost much of its prominence in modern football due to the spread and air raid offenses’ rise, it still sees some usage in service academies that value discipline and execution. The wishbone offense might not be as widespread as it once was, but it remains an essential part of football history and continues to showcase its potential in specific situations.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Wishbone Offense
Advantages in Running Game
The wishbone offense is a powerful offensive scheme in football, which primarily focuses on the running game. Some key advantages of this formation include:
- Triple-option attack: The wishbone formation utilizes three running backs in the backfield, creating a triple-option attack that exploits defenses by forcing them to commit to one specific runner. This allows the offense to capitalize on potential mismatches and offers flexibility for the quarterback to optimize play selection.
- Speed and misdirection: The wishbone offense heavily relies on speed and misdirection to create confusion among the defense. The offense’s quick and agile running backs can quickly change direction, resulting in successful running plays.
- Balance and versatility: The wishbone formation offers a well-balanced and versatile offensive scheme that is tough for defenses to predict. With multiple running options at their disposal, the offense can constantly adjust and adapt to the defense’s strategy.
Limitations in Passing Game
Despite its benefits in the running game, the wishbone offense faces some limitations when it comes to the passing game. Some key limitations are:
- Limited passing options: Since the wishbone formation prioritizes running plays, the passing options tend to be limited. With fewer receivers available on the field, the quarterback may struggle to find open targets.
- Predictability: Due to its focus on the run game, opposing defenses may come to anticipate the offense’s plane, making it easier to set up pass coverages and disrupt the quarterback’s attempts.
- Adjustment time: Implementing the wishbone offense requires significant adjustments for both the coaching staff and the team. This can be particularly challenging for teams that are more accustomed to traditional offensive football schemes, which tend to be more pass-heavy.
Overall, the wishbone offense offers various strengths in the running game, such as the triple-option attack, speed, and versatility. However, the offense experiences some limitations in the passing game, primarily due to limited passing options and predictability.