clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Lost in the Moment: Maryland's Two-Play Flexbone Package

Behold ESPN3's crystal-clear image!
Behold ESPN3's crystal-clear image!

Was I the only one that noticed Maryland in a flexbone/triple option formation twice against Morgan State on Saturday? Probably not, but I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned yet.

It was Maryland's second play from scrimmage on the day, on the 30-yard line. They lined up in a formation oddly reminiscent of Navy's triple-option set, probably because it happens to be the exact same.

Robinson was under center; Davin Meggett was the fullback; usual receivers Ronnie Tyler and Kerry Boykins were the wingbacks (see above). Tyler motioned before the snap and received a pitch from Robinson; he took the ball for about eight yards.

The same happened two drives later, this time when the ball was on the 24. Again, Tyler motioned and received the pitch; this time, he was taken down at the line of scrimmage.

That's what games like Morgan State are for, of course: working on some different, new looks. It's sort of like preseason. But I find it tough to believe that Maryland would work on that entire formation for just a Ronnie Tyler reverse, so perhaps we'll see some triple option on the way in future games.

Then again, this is the coaching staff that had the "Portis Package", which consisted of two plays: run right and run left.

Either way, it's worth keeping an eye on. A few people suggested it half-heartedly after the Navy game, and the coaching staff might've agreed.