TL;DR: Buffalo playbook is worth running for ONE formation — Trips Tight End. The power RPOs from this set are borderline broken. If you want a simple offense that just works, grab Buffalo, master the RPO Read Flat from Trips TE, and watch defenses scramble. Everything else in the playbook is gravy.
Why Run Buffalo Playbook
Let's be real — you're not running Buffalo for variety. You're running it for Trips Tight End.
This formation has power RPOs that make defensive coordinators want to throw their controller. The RPO Read Flat specifically? It's one of those plays where the defense literally can't be right. They crash down on the run? Pull it and hit the flat. They stay home? Hand it off for 6 yards.
The rest of the playbook? Solid but nothing special. You get your standard formations like Normal Y Close and some unique stuff like Strong Eye Jumbo. But honestly — Trips TE alone makes this playbook tournament-viable.
How to Set Up Trips Tight End Formation
Here's what makes Trips TE special:
- Drive Post — Streak the tight end, flat the halfback. Now you've got a high-low read in the middle AND horizontal stretches underneath
- Inside Zone — Just a rock-solid run when they start overplaying your RPOs
- RPO Read Flat — THE MONEY PLAY. Bubble screen left, flat route right, plus a read option. Literally attacks every level
Skip the Slot Screen though. Just don't call it.
How to Run RPO Read Flat
This play is stupid simple once you get it:
- Snap the ball
- Watch the edge defender
- If he crashes — pull and hit the flat route
- If he stays — hand it off
- If they're in weird coverage — check the bubble screen
That's it. Three options, one read. The defense can't stop all three.
What Makes Buffalo's Y Close Formation Work
Y Close isn't unique to Buffalo, but the plays here are solid:
Yale Play Setup:
- Always drag the slot receiver
- Against zone: Streak the tight end for a high-low
- Advanced setup: Custom stem the tight end down (Wire/Triangle → select TE → hold left bumper → push left stick down once or twice → drag). Creates a nasty flood concept
Master this one play and you've got an answer for ANY coverage. Hit the halfback, the drag, the corner route, the in route — options everywhere.
When to Use Buffalo's Other Formations
F Twins Over: Has automotion plays and QB runs. Use the right stick at the formation screen to switch QBs — you can put your backup or even a wide receiver under center.
Trips Halfback Weak: QB Blast for short yardage. That's it. That's the formation.
Bunch Wide: Popular formation but honestly — if you're in Buffalo, stay in Trips TE.
Common Mistakes Running Buffalo
People try to use the whole playbook. Don't.
You're here for Trips TE. Master those 3-4 plays first. Get REALLY good at reading that RPO. Once you can hit 70% completion on the RPO Read Flat against any defense — THEN explore other formations.
Another mistake: Not setting up your plays. The Drive Post works OK stock, but it's ELITE when you streak the TE and flat the halfback. Take the 3 seconds to set it up.
What Counters Buffalo's Power RPOs
Good players will:
- User the flat defender to take away your pull read
- Run exotic blitzes to confuse your reads
- Play super aggressive man coverage
Your counter? Stay patient. If they're usering the flat, the run opens up. If they're blitzing, hit the bubble screen. If they're in man — that Drive Post becomes money.
Remember: The whole point of RPOs is they can't be wrong if you read it right.
This is one free tip on mastering Buffalo's playbook. Members get the full offensive scheme with more setups, weekly meta updates, and film breakdowns showing exactly when to call each play. → civil.gg/become-a-member