Things I Miss: Chapter 1

I miss the split back offense.  For a period of time (during my impressionable youth) the split back offense was a major staple of Saturdays and Sundays, filtering down to lower divisions.  The vast majority of split back sets were running the Veer, or some variation of the Veer.  Not all teams needed a true option QB to be successful, since you could still get outside with a sweep IF both backs were good blockers.  The fact that you had two tailbacks on the field at once is probably the thing that I endeared most about the formation.   Of course, this is probably as good an explanation as any for the demise.  Few star recruits want to play in an offense where they not only have to split carries, but run block (gasp!) for a teammate.  The success that I-backs had in the 70's at USC, and in the 80's at Nebraska nailed the coffin shut on the split back set.  So, a toast to you old formation, may you live out your days in Jr Pee Wee in splendor!

 

  

~ Zorro ~