By: Dallas Bowlin
Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host
The All Vol Call In Show
Josh Heupel is renowned for his innovative 'Veer and Shoot' offense, an evolution of the traditional option-based Veer. This system, adapted to fit the modern spread offense, incorporates the fast-paced, explosive style that defines today's football. Art Briles, often credited as the founder of the Veer and Shoot, has seen his offensive philosophy evolve through his protégés, including Dino Babers (Syracuse) and Kendal Briles (his son). Heupel, having learned the Veer and Shoot during his time at Oklahoma under coach Bob Stoops and offensive coordinator Mike Leach (RIP Pirate), has further adapted the system to fit his vision. His latest adaption turns an already scary offense into a potential juggernaut. To understand why this wrinkle transforms the offense, you have to first understand the Veer and Shoot.
The Veer and Shoot typically operates out of the shotgun formation with 3-4 receivers (Heupel usually opts for 4), spreading the defense by positioning outside receivers near the sideline and inside receivers on the hash marks. This alignment creates significant space, challenging defenses to cover nearly the entire field. Additionally, Tennessee’s fast-paced tempo can catch defenses off guard, often leaving them out of position or even facing the wrong direction.
Wide splits vs Kentucky's splits
Alabama defender facing the wrong direction.
Traditionally, the offense uses 11 personnel, featuring one tight end, one running back, and three wide receivers. This has generally been the norm for Heupel’s system. However, a notable wrinkle emerged in Tennessee’s 51-10 victory over NC State, where the Vols frequently employed 12 personnel, including two tight ends and a running back. Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle highlighted this shift on VolCalls, noting, “It (12 personnel) was something that we knew we wanted to be able to do this year... and it’s going to pop up multiple times this season. It was good to see our guys execute it and believe in it, especially since it was different from our usual look. Playing with two tight ends, the wideouts were excited.”
Tennessee lined up in 12 personnel
With NC State employing a 3-3-5 defense, Tennessee capitalized on their opportunities in the run game. The extra tight end bolstered the Volunteers' blocking, leading to 249 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 44 attempts. In the passing game, the added tight end created mismatches against linebackers, resulting in six receptions, 71 yards, and two touchdowns from Tennessee’s tight ends.
Against the Wolfpack, the Vols ran 31 plays with 12 personnel on the field, compared to just 30 plays with 12 personnel throughout the entire previous season, where it was mostly used around the goal line. NC State head coach Dave Doeren was also taken by surprise: "There was a lot of 12 personnel, two tight ends, one back tonight with their offense. And so, you know, credit them for changing up. Because if you watch them, most of their formations you’re going to see are four wides and one tight end formations."
This offensive flexibility should be alarming to Tennessee’s opponents, who already struggle to contain the Vols' high-powered offense.
Photo(s) | ABC, ESPN.
*Stat provided by SECStatCat
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