Veer and Shoot is a high-tempo spread offense built on run-pass options (RPOs), zone running, and explosive vertical shots. Popularized by Josh Heupel at UCF and Tennessee.
Overview
Veer and Shoot combines elements of the spread offense with option football principles and Air Raid passing concepts. The system emphasizes extreme tempo, RPOs on nearly every play, and taking vertical shots off run action.
The offense uses full-field spacing to create one-on-one matchups and forces defenses to defend the entire width of the field. The quarterback must be a dual-threat who can execute RPOs without tipping run or pass.
Josh Heupel and Alex Golesh developed this system, leading Tennessee to historic offensive numbers including the nation's top scoring offense in 2022 (47.3 ppg).
History & Origin
Josh Heupel developed Veer and Shoot at UCF, leading the Knights to an undefeated season in 2017 and continuing to refine it at Tennessee where it produced historic offensive numbers.
Key Principles
- 1Extreme tempo - snap the ball before defense aligns
- 2RPO on nearly every play - QB reads post-snap
- 3Full-field spacing to create 1-on-1 matchups
- 4Vertical shots off run action
- 5Zone running as the foundation
- 6QB must be dual-threat
- 7Use the full width of the hashmarks
When to Use
Veer and Shoot is a system-level identity, not a situational call. Teams commit to this tempo and philosophy as their base offense. Most effective with a mobile, decisive quarterback.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Creates explosive plays
- +Difficult for defense to adjust at high tempo
- +RPOs put defenders in conflict
- +Wears down opposing defenses
- +Simple reads for players
Disadvantages
- −Turnovers can be costly at high tempo
- −Requires specific QB skill set
- −Can struggle against disciplined defenses
- −Limited adjustment time for offense too
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Heupel | Tennessee | Veer and Shoot | Original terminology |
| Alex Golesh | Auburn | Veer and Shoot | Heupel disciple |
| Jeff Lebby | Mississippi State | Veer and Shoot | Art Briles tree |
Matchups
Good Against
- +Slow defenses
- +Complex schemes that need alignment time
- +Man coverage
Avoid Against
- −Disciplined zone coverage
- −Elite pass rushers
- −Physical run-stuffing fronts
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Dual-threat QB
- ✓Athletes at receiver
- ✓OL comfortable with zone blocking
When NOT to Use This
- !Turnover-prone at times
- !Injuries to QB are devastating
- !Requires specific personnel