Coach - 

For many of you this might not be one you can watch tonight, but it may be worth watching later, especially to get some ideas for wrinkles for your play off push. The game is tonight at 10:30PM eastern.

UNLV (6-1) and No. 17 Boise State (5-1) are set to clash in what could be a preview of this year's Mountain West Championship. Both teams have jumped out to strong starts, holding 2-0 records in conference play as they approach the midpoint of the 2024 season.

Each squad's only blemish has come against top Power 4 opponents. Boise State narrowly lost to Oregon, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation, 37-34 in Week 2. Meanwhile, UNLV suffered a heartbreaking overtime defeat at home to Syracuse, 44-41. 

Outside of those setbacks, both teams have been dominant. Head Coach Barry Odom and the Rebels boast wins over two Big 12 teams, Houston and Kansas, and recently knocked off Oregon State on the road. Head Coach Spencer Danielson and Boise State, on the other hand, has put up impressive numbers, including a decisive 45-24 win over Washington State, scoring 45 or more points in four of their six games.

We’ve had members of each staff in our clinics.  Today we will look at assistant QB Coach at Boise State Steve Cooper’s approach to RPO progression, and UNLV Offensive Coordinator Brennan Marion and his popular Go-Go Offense.

RPO Progression - Steve Cooper, Boise State

Steve Cooper shares how the RPO progression breaks down the decision-making process into four key phases, centered around numbers, leverage, and personnel. 

The pre-snap phase involves a simple "yes or no" decision by the quarterback, based on the defense’s alignment and coverage. If the numbers favor the offense—like a mismatch in coverage—the quarterback opts to throw. If not, the focus shifts to reading the unblocked defensive player, dictating whether to hand off or keep the ball.

The progression continues with the quarterback’s read on the defensive end. If the end crashes, the quarterback keeps the ball, transitioning to the perimeter phase. This phase mirrors a triple-option, allowing for a pass if the defense reacts a certain way. Teaching players to recognize the "keep" and "give" sides, as well as emphasizing personnel strengths, is key in making effective pre-snap and in-play decisions.

Video: RPO Progression

Go-Go Offense - Brennan Marion, UNLV

Brennan Marion's Go-Go Offense is a testament to his creativity and deep understanding of offensive dynamics. 

This unique offensive scheme features a fast-paced, two-back shotgun formation that allows for a multitude of possibilities. Marion's innovation lies in maximizing misdirection and unpredictability. 

By incorporating quick reads, option concepts, and unconventional alignments, the Go-Go Offense keeps defenses on their heels, forcing them to react rather than dictate. His use of dual running backs creates multiple threats in the backfield, offering versatility in the running game while opening up explosive passing opportunities. 

Marion’s offense emphasizes tempo and spacing, enabling quick strikes and big plays. The adaptability of the Go-Go Offense showcases his creativity—he blends traditional and modern elements, making it effective at various levels of play. His willingness to challenge conventional wisdom has made him a rising star in the coaching world, redefining offensive strategy.

For Marion, it starts with his understanding of his personnel. That understanding fuels his creativity. Here is an example of how he puts four quarterbacks in the game to create an explosive play off a Wide Zone action.

Video: Wide Zone Special

This game is sure to be full of creativity in all phases of the game. Be sure to check it out.

Good luck this weekend!

Coach Grabowski and the CoachesClinic Team

P.S. Sunday is National Tight Ends Day and we have a flash sale on all of the clinics that have highlighted training and utiliziing the Tight End.  Check that out here (59% off prices will appear Sunday).