Coach -

It’s been a while since Mizzou was consistently mentioned as one of the top teams in college football, but head coach Eli Drinkwitz has the Tigers in the conversation.

Let’s take a look at the season preview then dig into the teaching progression behind one of their base plays, the outside zone.

Season Preview Capsule

Despite past success in 2013-2014, Missouri faces a tougher SEC landscape now. While they missed Alabama in 2023, key wins and a strong showing in the Cotton Bowl suggest potential.

This year's team boasts a strong returning core, potentially the best in the SEC. An efficient offense led by quarterback Brady Cook and star receiver Luther Burden is poised to continue their dominance. The transfer portal bolstered the running game and further solidified the defense. Depth across the board, particularly on the defensive front seven, adds another layer of strength.

However, consistency remains crucial. Minimizing penalties and turnovers, which plagued them against top teams like Georgia and LSU, will be essential to achieving their ambitious goals. With a favorable schedule and a talented roster, Missouri has a legitimate shot at a 10-2 season and a potential run in the expanded College Football Playoff.

Missouri Strengths:

Offense:

Returning Talent: Potentially the most experienced and talented offensive unit in the SEC.
Efficient Passing Game: Led by QB Brady Cook with a 66% completion rate and a talented receiving corps featuring Luther Burden III and Theo Wease.
Balanced Attack: Mixes a strong ground game with explosive passing plays.
Red Zone Efficiency: Ranked 3rd in the nation in red zone efficiency in 2023.
Low Turnovers: Only turned the ball over 6 times in 2023.

Defense:

Strong Run Defense: Ranked highly in run defense during the 2023 season.
Pass Rush: Led by returning star Johnny Walker Jr.
Depth on Defensive Front Seven: Bolstered by transfers, offering numerous options and rotation possibilities.
Veteran Linebackers: Experienced core provides stability.
Solid Secondary: Though not the strongest unit, it's not a weakness either, with good veteran safeties.

Clinic: Brandon Jones - Outside Zone Teaching Progression

Offensive Line Coach Brandon Jones gave a thorough presentation at the most recent C.O.O.L. Clinic. He covered the philosophy behind the play, details the teaching progression and drills with coaching points, and illustrated the play with game film. Here’s an overview of the drills he uses to teach the play.

Drills to Enhance Outside Zone Execution

Base Block Drills

Objective: To teach linemen to execute the initial block on the outside zone play.
Setup: Have linemen face a defender (using a blocking sled or a live defender). The linemen should practice taking their first step toward their landmark, engaging with the catch-hand, and driving the defender laterally.
Focus Points: Quick first step, catch-hand placement, and pressing the defender upfield.

Half-Line Drill

Objective: To simulate the outside zone play with a focus on half of the offensive line.
Setup: Set up the center, guard, and tackle on one side of the line with a defensive front. The quarterback and running back should also be involved to simulate the play’s timing. The drill begins with the snap, and the linemen work together to reach their landmarks, execute double teams, and climb to the second level.
Focus Points: Communication, footwork, hand placement, and transition to the second level.

Second-Level Fit Drill

Objective: To train linemen to identify and block second-level defenders after engaging with a defensive lineman.
Setup: After executing the initial block, linemen practice disengaging and moving to the linebacker level. This drill is often done with a coach or player acting as the second-level defender who moves laterally or vertically.
Focus Points: Quick recognition, maintaining leverage, and proper hand placement on the second-level defender.

Outside Zone Pod Drill

Objective: To work on the combination of individual blocks into a cohesive unit effort.
Setup: This drill involves three linemen (a tackle, guard, and center) working against three defensive linemen or a sled. The focus is on the combination blocks, such as the double team between the guard and tackle, and the timing of climbing to the second level.
Focus Points: Synchronization of footwork, timing of double teams, and transitioning to the second level.

Catch-Hand Drill

Objective: To refine the use of the catch-hand in outside zone blocking.
Setup: Using a defender or a sled, linemen practice engaging with the outside hand (catch-hand) while the inside hand remains ready to push and steer the defender laterally. This drill should emphasize the importance of maintaining balance and control.
Focus Points: Proper hand placement, body control, and pressing the defender upfield.

Video: Catch Hand Drill

Tempo Drill

Objective: To simulate the game pace and condition linemen to execute the outside zone under high-pressure, high-speed situations.
Setup: Conduct this drill at full speed with the entire offensive line, quarterback, and running backs. Run a series of outside zone plays back-to-back with minimal rest to simulate game conditions.
Focus Points: Maintaining technique under fatigue, quick decision-making, and consistency in execution.

Conclusion

The outside zone is a play that can dominate defenses when executed with precision and discipline. By focusing on key coaching points like footwork, hand placement, and second-level awareness, and reinforcing these through targeted drills, you can develop an offensive line that consistently excels in the outside zone scheme. The commitment to mastering these fundamentals will pay dividends on the field, turning your outside zone into a go-to play in your offensive arsenal.

-Coach Grabowski, Coach Kauffman and the CoachesClinic Team