Coach Griff’s Film Room: Hoover to Becker: The Back-Shoulder RPO

This back-shoulder RPO breakdown shows how Josh Hoover and Charlie Becker attack Northwestern’s outside coverage. Coach Griff explains the safety’s reaction and the placement that makes the completion work.

Back to Coach Griff’s Film Room

The Situation

Indiana attacks Northwestern on first down with an RPO and an outside opportunity for Charlie Becker.

How the Back-Shoulder RPO Attacks the Outside Matchup

Coach Griff identifies the safety coming down as the reaction that gives Hoover a one-on-one opportunity outside. Hoover delivers the ball to Becker’s back shoulder, pairing the defensive read with precise placement.

What to Watch

• The safety’s reaction to the run action.
• Becker’s outside matchup.
• Where Hoover places the football relative to the receiver and defender.

Watch the Breakdown

Coach Griff’s Take

Recognizing the matchup is only the first step. The back-shoulder placement allows the quarterback and receiver to take advantage of the opportunity without relying on a receiver simply running past the defender.