#20 SMU: How Lashlee Creates Explosives with Tempo

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Tempo by itself doesn’t create explosives—but tempo plus flexibility does. That’s the foundation of Rhett Lashlee’s offense at SMU, and it’s why they’ve become one of the most efficient and explosive teams in college football.

In this clinic, “Creating Explosives with an Up-Tempo Offense,” Lashlee walks you through how he simplifies decision-making for the QB by using formation structure and choice routes to turn good play calls into great ones—even when the defense adjusts post-snap.

Video: Choice

Tempo + Choice = Explosives

Lashlee’s philosophy is simple:

“I want the QB to always have an out. If I gave him a play that gave him a chance, we’ve done our job.”

That’s where choice concepts shine. Instead of banking on a perfect play call, Lashlee layers decisions within the route. He gives his quarterback leverage-based answers that adjust in real time to what the defense does—zone, press, bail, rotation—it doesn’t matter.

He explains how this worked in real tempo reps:

Call a shot vs. quarters
The safety rotates late
The WR reads it and sits it down mid-route for an easy first down
It’s still explosive—because it’s built to be

“We called a shot. They rotated to three. He sat it down. Still a big gain. That’s why we teach it this way.”

Fast Break Football That’s Built for Quarterback Success

Lashlee compares his system to a basketball fast break. Rather than forcing one option, it’s about spacing, pace, and giving the ball handler (your QB) the ability to attack what’s available.

Choice routes unlock quick decisions and leverage control
Formation into the boundary, bunch, and stacks help disguise intent
The playcaller’s job becomes easier—because the system handles the adjustment

#20 SMU: 2025 Outlook

After a Playoff run in 2024, the Mustangs return a top-tier OL, a rising star QB in Kevin Jennings, and a system built to out-execute defenses. The ACC won’t be surprised this time—but SMU is built to handle it.

Strengths: