Collin Klein's QB Run Game

You can't talk about Klein without talking about the QB run game.

Collin Klein’s offense could look very different than what he ran at Kansas State in his past two years as OC there. For example, as is his nature, he ran the heck out of his QB Will Howard (who transferred to Ohio State) last year. A quick Google search for his recruiting profile does show he was listed as a dual-threat.

Texas A&M’s QB Conner Weigman is not such a player and is coming off a foot injury that ended his season last year. So it’s doubtful the QB run game is going to be a prominent part of the offense. However, it would feel unjust to Klein not to showcase this part of his offensive repertoire.

These plays are great QB run schemes that any offense that runs Zone, Power, or GT Counter could implement. So while I’m not sure we’ll see the Aggies run them, these plays showcase Klein’s ability to get creative and build off base plays.

Zone Read Arc

Kansas State featured plenty of zone read in this game, and this variation fit nicely out of their 12 personnel looks. This offense isn’t afraid to jump in and out of personnels and formations by the way. There’s classic 12 personnel TE/Wing looks, fullbacks with their hands in the dirt, and the empty looks (which will be featured in the next two plays).

Moving on to this play. It’s normal zone read, but they pull the Wing to block the first defender that shows up outside the defensive end (who is the QB’s read). This is simple. It’s a staple QB run play that’s not “designed” QB run, but is always present in their zone schemes. So this play is on here simply because it was a nice red zone play, and because it shows that Klein dresses up his staples.

Empty QB Power

Kansas State did not fair well against Texas. Hopefully this game was a learning for Klein and he’ll have the Aggies prepared this year. Let’s not dwell on the game, but just this play.

As I mentioned, Klein has no problem moving in and out of formations with different personnels. They are in an empty 11 personnel formation with the TE in-line on the right side. This formation allows them to run one-back power with the QB, still getting the kick-out from the TE — kind of). He abandons the block and looks to go out for a route. They also leave the backside defensive end unblocked, which is interesting, but the QB gets in the hole so fast it doesn’t matter.

Okay back to the TE releasing on a route. Kansas State had a healthy dose of both pre-snap and post-snap RPOs mixed in their offense. So it wouldn’t have been surprising to see the WRs running some sort of concept, and to see the QB look there first to see if he had an opening. Not the case here. All the WRs are blocking except this TE. So maybe it was a mistake and I’ve spent to much time thinking about one man’s error. But leaving the defensive end unblocked leaves me scratching my head.

No matter. The play works because of Texas’ alignment in a MOFO structure. The in-line TE adds an extra gap that the Longhorns don’t have a man for (which is why it’s such a shame he left the blocking scheme to run into the end zone for no reason). The QB cuts this play up a little early (not behind the pulling guard), and it still works out.

Again, the play is on here because it showcases Klein’s creativity to dress up a base play out of a fun formation.

Empty QB GT Counter

Empty again. Now the Wildcats are in their familiar 12 personnel with a TE Wing to the field. They are unbalanced as well with the number two WR on the ball. As that alignment suggests, the solo WR comes by on a jet motion for the QB to mesh with and read the defensive end.

The blocking scheme is GT Counter and the backfield action is Bash (back away). So the QB could hand the ball if the end were to squeeze or he can keep if the end takes the jet which the end does here. They run GT counter normally too, so this play is the same for the OL but different for everyone else. That’s usually the mark of good offensive design because you’re able to get your not complicating anything for the OL, but you’re able to challenge the defense to put the every elusive numbers advantage in your favor.

The Takeaway

QB run game probably isn’t going to be the feature in Klein’s new offense at Texas A&M, so while these plays featured cool QB run game schemes built off schemes that are probably in everyone’s playbook, these plays demonstrate that Klein knows how to dress up a concept. While they run the base versions of these plays (Zone Read, Power, and GT Counter), these plays were creative alternatives.

Additionally, they were done in bigger personnel groupings but could’ve been run out of smaller ones too. So there’s the ability for adaptability to whatever personnel Texas A&M will base out of.

Next up will be a look at Klein’s use of RPOs.

Until tomorrow,

Emory Wilhite

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