Thursday, December 30 Florida State: 586 Screen Right
By John Mackovic Special to ESPN.com
Florida State will run 586 Screen Right out of its three-receiver offense. The Seminoles use it to slow the rush and get the ball outside to running back Travis Minor. Against Florida in the first series, Florida State ran two screens and two draws just to slow the rush down. So I would expect this play against Virginia Tech early in the game to slow down defensive end Corey Moore and the Hokies' strong pass rush. Quarterback Chris Weinke (14) is in the shotgun between two split backs -- Minor (23) and Jeff Chaney (24).
The receivers begin their deep routes to take the cornerbacks away from the play. The tackles -- Tarlos Thomas (60) and Brett Williams (72) -- begin their retreat to block the defensive ends. Chaney, the backside back, checks for a blitz. Minor steps inside Thomas, who is trying to block Corey Moore, to hide behind the line. Already in the shotgun, Weinke doesn't rush, staying where he receives the ball from the center to allow the rush to get upfield.
After holding their blocks at the line of scrimmage, guard Jason Whitaker (68) and center Eric Thomas (57) release their men inside. Then Whitaker and Thomas head for the "alley" -- one takes the outer alley and the other the inner alley. The backside guard -- Justin Amman (64) -- releases late for clean-up duty, in case a linebacker tries to make a play. Meanwhile, Minor slides outside and turns to Weinke. He should be "standing on a dime" -- standing in place ready to receive the ball. Weinke will drift back to draw and encourage the rush before throwing the ball to Minor over the rush. Minor will then proceed upfield with at least Whitaker and Thomas in front of him to clear the running path.
It would not surprise me if Florida State used this play as an audible away from Corey Moore. With his great quickness, he could redirect and jump on the play. I expect the Seminoles to use 586 Screen early in the game and often. It's their best change-up play against pressure. Other reasons? With two backs in the backfield, the Seminoles can use maximum protection. If they want to double-team Moore, one of the backs can stay in and help double-team. It gives them a possibility of maximum protection to throw. And Florida State's full run game is possible out of this set. They can run draws, traps and sweeps. It gives them as much of the kind of offense that they want.
