Why the decline?

[burtledog]

Hey SBV guys:
I have a question of historical import. SBV has always been great because you can run 3 good option plays (IV, OV, Trap O...yes, I know you can run a midline), and a pro styled passing game. With the pro-style passing (and split backs being easy to get out of the backfield) + the options, why did it fall out of favor with the big schools (I and IAA). Doesn't quite make sense. I remember when the SWC and SEC were either veer or bone. I understand why the bone had to change or die, but the SBV seems to a layman to still be very viable.
Greg

[bluedevil4]

It's a very good question to ask why the SPV has had such a rapid decline. I watched (live) for the first time a SPV team this Friday and they ran wild over the other school's D. I was very impressed.

My guess to the reason starts with the Flexbone. It is a mirrored offense so both sides of the field are always a threat. There is no obvious run strength. With the veer, there is a determined run strength, so the defense knows what plays can be ran in what directions. The outside veer for instance, can only be ran at a TE side (occasionally a WB side also), so it gives away the POT for certain plays.

Also, I think it has to do with practice time. With a two back set like the veer, both backs have to practice running the dive track and the pitch track, which can take extra time. The flexbone allows one back to practice the dive track and the other (or two other) back can focus on the pitch. The flexbone also has backs closer to the edge to help block on the perimeter.

This is my buest guess. I'm sure there are others.