Oklahoma’s 3-High Solution for Tennessee’s "Uber Splits"

Learn how Brent Venables utilizes an "Inverted" Mint front and 3-high safety shell to neutralize the ultra-wide splits of Tennessee’s Bryles-style offense. This technical clinic breaks down Oklahoma’s use of "Push Alerts" and Cover 8 (HQQ) mechanics to maintain a six-man box while creating a 4-over-3 coverage advantage.

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» In this episode:

• Tennessee’s “Flexbone” Evolution: Tennessee’s offense, derived from the Briles system, uses “uber splits” to force unique defensive adjustments similar to a Flexbone’s triple-option attack.

• The Inverted Mint Front: Oklahoma utilizes a 4i-0-4i alignment but “inverts” the Jack linebacker by placing him opposite the boundary or tight end to build a wall against field-side run schemes.

• 3-High “Push Alert” Mechanics: The defense employs a three-high safety shell that uses “push alerts” to seamlessly transition from a 3-over-2 triangle to a 4-over-3 coverage advantage against motion.

• Layered “Cut” Coverage: Venables combines a “spill and kill” run mentality with a modified Cover 6 (Cover 8) that layers defenders to cut underneath threats and cap vertical seams.

• The “Play-It” Philosophy: To counter Tennessee’s tempo and spacing, the front is designed as a “play-it” scheme, meaning the alignment remains set for the down regardless of offensive movement.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Tennessee's "Flex Bone" Evolution

00:23 - Oklahoma's 4-Down, 3-High Structure

00:40 - Comparing Georgia’s "Spider" Package

01:24 - Mint 3-High Mechanics and "Spider" package

02:13 - Venables' "Inverted" Tight Front Logic

02:53 - Coverage Structure and "Spill and Kill" Mentality

03:36 - Push Alert System and 3-over-2 Triangles

05:00 - Defending Spacing and Curl-Flat Concepts

06:12 - Modified Cover 6/8 and Cap Fits

07:18 - Layered "Cut" Coverage Execution

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» Other resources:

Georgia's 3-High Mint Package vs. Tennessee

Adapting the Saban Tree: Dan Lanning’s Modified 3-High & 4-Down Packages

Ohio State's Four-Down Three-High System vs. a Counter GY

Defending the Briles System: Tennessee vs. Florida ('23)

How to Stop 2-Back Spread Offenses (Using 5-1 Bear Front)

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© 2026 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

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