Oregon State's playbook is STILL dominant months after launch. Here's the deal — you get everything. Run heavy, pass heavy, balanced. Doesn't matter what you want to do, this playbook has it.
The best part? It's not complicated. You don't need 47 hot routes to make these plays work. Just run the plays as designed and you'll move the ball.
Let me break down the formations that make this playbook special.
Why Gun Wing Pair X Close Is So Good
This formation is MONEY. The X Close package gives you everything you need to attack defenses.
First — move that ISO player wider. Then bring him ALL THE WAY IN. This simple adjustment changes everything.
Your three go-to plays from X Close:
- X Close Inside Zone — Just pound it. Simple, effective.
- X Close PA Verticals — This is the sneaky one. Defense thinks run or obvious pass. What they get? Seam attack on the right, high-low concept on the left sideline. Tough to defend.
- X Close Halfback Toss — When they start crashing inside, hit the edge.
Here's what makes PA Verticals special — you're running this from an 8 TIGHT END SET. The defense has no idea what's coming. You can literally just run the ball normally from this same look.
How to Use Wildcat Truly Close Formation
This formation is incredibly good. The motion plays alone make it worth running.
Key play: Motion PA Cross Switch
Pro tip — block the halfback or send him on a route instead of keeping the play action. You get REALLY good blocking this way.
For Blood One — snap the ball, then read from outside working in. Check the out route first. Work inside after that. Nothing there? Hit the dive. Simple progression.
Don't sleep on Inside Zone and 01 Trap from this formation either. Both hit hard.
What Makes Trips Tight Offset Weak Essential
This formation appears in TONS of playbooks. Master it here — you'll be comfortable running it anywhere.
Two plays you need to know:
- RPO Read Bubble — Quick decision, easy yards
- PA Verticals — Another version that just works
The beauty of Trips Tight Offset Weak? Once you get the fundamentals down in this formation, you can run similar concepts in multiple playbooks. It's like learning a universal language.
How to Dominate with Bunch Strong Offset
IMPORTANT — set your packages to default. You don't want the tight end in here.
This formation gives you the perfect balance of run and pass. Your core plays:
- Dagger — Very common online. Everyone runs it because it WORKS.
- Flood — Classic concept, always open
- Corner Strike — Attack the deep third
- Duo — When they expect pass, punch them in the mouth
Easy Dagger setup: Put your tight end on a post route. Streak the halfback. Add a drag route underneath. That's it. Easy read every time.
When to Use Why Off Trips
This formation has RPO Read Y Flat. Not a play you'll call every down, but when you need it — it's there.
What Other Formations Make Oregon State Special
Don't overlook these:
- Bunch Strong Nasty — Power formation with deception
- Bunch X Nasty — Similar concept, different alignment
- Trio Four Wide Zero Strong — Direct snap option for when you need speed
- Empty Base Four Verticals — Stretch the field vertically
Common Mistakes Running Oregon State
People try to get too cute. They start adding hot routes to everything. DON'T.
These plays work as designed. Run them stock first. Master the reads. THEN make adjustments if needed.
Another mistake — not using the whole playbook. People find one formation they like and spam it. You're missing out on what makes Oregon State great. The variety IS the weapon.
Why This Playbook Stays Dominant
Months after release, Oregon State is still top tier. Why?
Balance. You can literally do anything from this playbook. Want to pound the rock? Got it. Want to throw 50 times? No problem. Want to mix it up and keep defenses guessing? Perfect.
The formations complement each other. You're not learning 15 different systems — you're learning one cohesive offense with multiple looks.
Plus — no gimmicks. These are proven concepts that work at every level of play.
This is one free tip on Oregon State's playbook. Members get the full playbook breakdown with more formations, setups, and counters, updated weekly. → civil.gg/become-a-member