Coach Griff’s Film Room: Hoover to Marsh: The Red-Zone RPO Read
This Indiana red-zone RPO breakdown follows Josh Hoover’s touchdown throw to Nick Marsh against Northwestern. Watch how the safety’s reaction, route contact and ball placement shape the play.
Back to Coach Griff’s Film Room
The Situation
Indiana uses a run-pass option in the red zone against Northwestern. Coach Griff follows Josh Hoover’s read and the throwing window for Nick Marsh.
How the Indiana Red-Zone RPO Creates a Throwing Window
In Coach Griff’s reading of the play, the safety stepping toward the run creates the opportunity for Marsh’s quick post. Contact at the line disrupts the route’s timing, but Marsh fights through it and Hoover delivers the touchdown throw.
What to Watch
- The safety’s first steps and Hoover’s eyes through the run fake.
- Marsh’s release and the contact that delays his route.
- The throwing window and Hoover’s placement.
Watch the Breakdown
Coach Griff’s Take
The read creates the opportunity; timing and placement finish it. I would consider widening Marsh’s alignment slightly to give the route more room. RPO throws need to come out quickly, which makes the disruption at the line an important part of this play.
