split t for*ma*tion
What Is The Definition Of Split-T Formation In Football?
The split-T formation is an offensive formation in football that was popular in the 1950s. In the split-T formation, the offensive linemen are split into two groups,
offensive linemen and running backs which gives it the namesake split T-shape. The split-T formation was replaced by the more modern I formation in the 1960s.
What Is The Origin Of The Split-T Formation?
The roots of the split-T formation originate from the University of Missouri and coach Don Faurot. In the early 1940s, Faurot created this formation by stretching the line of scrimmage to 14 yards (from the pre-existing 7 yards) and then stacked a running back and tight end behind the quarterback and placing a lone wide receiver off the edge of the sideline.
The concept came from when Faurot was a player at Missouri. He was intrigued by the quickness and dominance of the “two-on-one” situation where a fast break can lead to quick points and strategized ways to adapt it onto the football field.
His concept was successful and an innovative advance of the offensive schemes of the day. In the year he implemented split-T, the Tigers roared to an 8-1 season that led to a berth in the Sugar Bowl. They could not complete their upset bid of vaunted Fordham due to rainy conditions that made the formation less than optimal.
What Happened To The Split-T Formation?
Although this formation was popular in the 1950s, it was soon replaced in the 1960s with the more modern I formation.
Do Teams Use The Split-T Formation?
Today, college and professional teams rarely, if ever, use the split T formation. Some high schools continue to use the formation.
One of the last instances of a professional team using this formation came in an opening season game featuring the NFL’s oldest rivalry, the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. With Mitch Trubisky under center, the team went into the split-T with three backs behind him; Jordan Howard was lined up behind Trubisky, gadget back Tarik Cohen was to the right of Howard, and Michael Burton was split to the lift. The play was an homage to the storied history of the Chicago Bears in the NFL and an interesting way to open the season.
Example Of How Split-T Is Used In Commentary
1. Well, that play certainly came out of the dustbin. It’s not something you see these days with the I formation being so prevalent, but the Cowboys just went into a shocking split-T formation not seen since the 1950s!
Sport The Term Is Used in
1. Football
Also Known As:
1. Sliding T formation