Ohio State's playbook is MONEY if you want a balanced attack that actually works. You get the best Normal Y-Off Close in the entire game, nasty under center stuff, and formations that'll have your opponent guessing all game.
Here's why this playbook slaps: You can pound the rock with Single Back Bunch TE, hit explosive plays with PA Buckeye, and when they start cheating up — boom, PA Snag for an easy touchdown. It's stupid simple.
What Makes Ohio State's Playbook Different
Three things make this playbook ELITE:
- Normal Y-Off Close — Best version in the game with plays like PA Buckeye and PA Snag
- Single Back Bunch TE — Stretch Alert Bubble is basically a cheat code
- Under center variety — Deuce Close and Wing Slot give you options most teams don't have
You're not just getting one good formation. You're getting a whole toolbox of stuff that actually works together.
How to Run Single Back Bunch TE (The Best Formation)
This formation is BROKEN good. Here's your gameplan:
Stretch Alert Bubble — Call this play at a high clip. The stretch hits hard, especially if your halfback has stiff arm or arm bar abilities. But here's the key — don't just hand it off every time. Read that bubble route. When they crash down on the run, flip it out there for an easy 10+ yards.
Inside Zone — Perfect complement to the stretch. When they start overplaying the outside, BAM — hit them up the gut.
Cross Drag and Verticals — These are your passing plays when they sell out to stop the run. Both create easy reads and get guys open quick.
When to Use Normal Y-Off Close
This is your passing formation. You could literally run four plays all game and win:
PA Buckeye — Same concept from other playbooks, but it just hits different in Ohio State's version. The spacing is perfect.
PA Snag — Probably the best play in the entire game. That short post on the left side is MONEY. Plus, the play action helps pick up blitzes — especially those loop blitzes if they become meta.
Mesh Spot — Great for when they're playing soft coverage. Multiple options, easy reads.
Red Zone Scissors — Your dynasty play. Has a flood concept with a backside in-route on the left. Perfect for when you need 6 points.
What About Short Yardage Situations
Split T Formation is your answer. Yeah, it's old school. But guess what? It works.
The fullback dive is actually pretty solid — not just some gimmick play. When you need 2 yards, this gets you 3. Plus, it's fun to run big man football and just pound it down their throat.
How to Set Up Your Under Center Game
Single Back Deuce Close:
- Halfback stretch — can flip it either way based on the defense
- 01 Trap for when they're crashing hard
- Flood Trail as your passing option
Wing Slot:
- 26 Duo — power football at its finest
- Halfback ISO Weak — hit the weak side when they overload strong
The key? Don't get predictable. Mix these formations and keep the defense guessing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People mess up this playbook in three ways:
1. They ignore the bubble on Stretch Alert Bubble — That's literally half the play. Make the read every time.
2. They don't use enough under center — Shotgun is cool, but those under center formations set up your play action game.
3. They get too cute — You don't need to use every formation. Master 2-3 and dominate with them.
When to Pick Ohio State Over Other Teams
Choose Ohio State when you want:
- Balance between run and pass
- Elite play action game
- Multiple ways to attack from under center
- Formations that work in both competitive and dynasty
If you just want to air it out all game, pick something else. But if you want to control the game and have answers for everything? Ohio State's your team.
What Counters Ohio State's Offense
The weakness? If someone can stop your run game consistently, you're forced into obvious passing situations. That's when the playbook shows its limits — it's built on balance.
Smart opponents will try to take away Stretch Alert Bubble early. When they do, hit them with PA Snag or switch to your under center stuff. Always have a counter ready.
This is one free tip on Ohio State's offensive playbook. Members get the full scheme breakdown with more plays and setups, updated weekly. → civil.gg/become-a-member