Alright folks, Kobra here, and we’re diving deep into a fantastic offensive play: the Gun Normal Flex Close – Mtn PA Cross in College Football 26.

This play, originating from the Gun Normal Flex Close formation, is designed to attack the middle of the field with a potent play-action concept. It truly offers a dynamic way to move the chains.

It’s a versatile play that can catch defenses off guard. We’ve got Moore X lined up wide left, while Wingo Y is in the left slot. On the right side, you’ll see Endries A next to the right tackle and Mosley B tight right. Our RB, Wisner RB, is right of the quarterback, and the maestro himself, Manning, is under center. This Gun Normal Flex Close – Mtn PA Cross is definitely one to add to your playbook.

 

• Play Name: Mtn PA Cross
• Formation: Gun Normal Flex Close
• Play Type: Pass
• Concept: Play-Action Cross
• Personnel Group: 11 Personnel

• Florida Atlantic
• Spread
• Texas

 

• Moore X: Lined up outside wide left
• Wingo Y: Lined up in the left slot
• Endries A: Lined up next to the right tackle
• Mosley B: Lined up tight right
• Wisner RB: Lined up left of the quarterback

• Moore X: Flat
• Wingo Y: Seam
• Endries A: Deep Cross
• Mosley B: Curl
• Wisner RB: Flat

The Gun Normal Flex Close – Mtn PA Cross is a play-action passing concept designed to create big plays over the middle. Initially, the play fakes a handoff to the RB, drawing linebackers and safeties towards the line of scrimmage.

This deception effectively opens up space behind them. The core of this play relies on the Deep Cross by A, which aims to get behind the second level of the defense. Meanwhile, the Seam by Y attacks the middle of the field vertically between defenders, and the Curl by B provides a quick outlet.

Consequently, the Flats by X and RB offer immediate check-down options, ensuring the QB always has a safe throw. This play-action element is key to the success of the Mtn PA Cross.

• 1: Wingo Y (Seam)
• 2: Endries A (Deep Cross)
• 3: Moore X (Flat)
• 4: Mosley B (Curl)
• 5: Wisner RB (Flat)

• Y (Seam): This route attacks vertically, aiming to outrun or split a trailing man defender, creating a big play opportunity down the seam.
• A (Deep Cross): The crosser can create separation by running across the defender’s face, especially if the defender gets caught in traffic. This is a primary target for the Mtn PA Cross.
• B (Curl): The Curl offers a quick stop-and-go move that can shake a trailing defender, providing a reliable short-yardage option.
• X (Flat) & RB (Flat): These routes are effective as quick outlets if man coverage is too tight downfield, ensuring positive yardage.

• A (Deep Cross): The Deep Cross finds the soft spot between zone defenders, particularly against Cover 2 or Cover 3, creating a significant gain opportunity. This is a hallmark of the Gun Normal Flex Close – Mtn PA Cross.
• Y (Seam): The Seam route exploits the void between linebackers and safeties in zone coverage, especially effective against Cover 2 or Cover 3, creating a vertical threat.
• B (Curl): The Curl route sits down in open zones, providing a safe and easy completion against various zone schemes.
• X (Flat) & RB (Flat): These routes pull flat defenders out of position, opening up space for other routes or providing a quick, safe throw against zone blitzes.

• Play-Action Deception: The run fake effectively freezes linebackers and safeties, creating open lanes for the crossing route. This is crucial for the success of the Mtn PA Cross.
• Middle Field Attack: The Deep Cross targets the vulnerable middle of the field, which can lead to significant chunk yardage.
• Versatile Against Coverage: It has answers against both man and zone schemes, offering flexibility for the QB.
• Multiple Reads: With five progression reads, the QB has options to find an open receiver, even if the primary read is covered.
• Quick Outlets: The Flat and Curl routes provide immediate, safe throws if pressure arrives or deeper routes are covered. This ensures the Gun Normal Flex Close – Mtn PA Cross is rarely a negative play.

• Strong Pass Rush: A quick pass rush can disrupt the play-action and force an early throw or sack.
• Coverage Over the Middle: If the defense plays Cover 4 or has a strong middle linebacker, the Deep Cross can be bracketed.
• Long Developing Play: The Deep Cross needs time to develop, making the QB vulnerable if the offensive line struggles.
• Predictable if Overused: Constantly running the Gun Normal Flex Close – Mtn PA Cross can allow defenses to anticipate and adjust.
• Tight Window Throws: Against good coverage, the Deep Cross might require a precise throw into a small window.

• 2nd & Long / 3rd & Medium: Ideal for picking up significant yardage and moving the chains.
• Coming Out of a Run-Heavy Drive: The play-action is most effective when the defense is expecting a run. This is where the Mtn PA Cross shines.
• Red Zone (Goal Line): The crossing route can be effective against condensed defenses, creating space for a quick score.
• Against Blitzing Defenses: The quick outlets to the Flats can punish aggressive blitzes.
• When You Need a Big Play: This play has the potential for explosive gains, especially if the Deep Cross gets open. The Gun Normal Flex Close – Mtn PA Cross is a true game-changer.

• Sell the Play-Action: Ensure your RB and QB execute a convincing run fake to draw in defenders.
• Read the Safeties: Identify single-high or two-high safeties to determine the best initial read.
• Trust Your Progression: If the primary read isn’t open, calmly work through your progressions to find an open receiver.
• Protect the QB: Ensure your offensive line holds up against the pass rush, giving the Deep Cross time to develop.
• Vary Your Usage: Don’t run the Mtn PA Cross too often; use it strategically to keep defenses guessing.

• QB (Manning): Needs good play-action mechanics, accuracy on deep throws, and the ability to read defenses quickly.
• A (Moore): Requires good route running to get separation on the Deep Cross and strong hands to secure contested catches.
• Y (Wingo): Needs speed and vertical threat ability to stretch the field with the Seam route, and the ability to find open windows.
• RB (Wisner): Essential for a convincing play-action fake and reliable hands for the Flat route check-down.
• OL: Must provide solid pass protection, especially for the longer developing Deep Cross.

Q: What makes the Gun Normal Flex Close – Mtn PA Cross so effective?

A: Its effectiveness comes from the play-action drawing defenders in, opening up the deep crossing route over the middle, and providing multiple safe outlets.

Q: How do I counter this play on defense?

A: To counter the play, focus on strong pass rush to disrupt the QB, and utilize zone coverages that flood the middle of the field or bracket the deep crosser.

Q: Can this play be used in the Red Zone?

A: Absolutely! The crossing route can be very effective in the condensed Red Zone, creating quick scoring opportunities if executed well.

Q: What kind of QB is best for this play?

A: A QB with good deep accuracy, solid play-action mechanics, and the ability to quickly cycle through reads is ideal for the Gun Normal Flex Close – Mtn PA Cross.

Q: Are there any common adjustments to this play?

A: While this breakdown doesn’t include specific hot routes, common adjustments might involve converting the Curl or Flat into a different route based on defensive alignment, or motioning a receiver to create a new look.

 

 

There you have it, folks! The Gun Normal Flex Close – Mtn PA Cross is a truly dynamic play that, when executed correctly, can be a cornerstone of any successful College Football 26 offense. Its ability to stretch the field and attack the middle makes it a formidable weapon. Practice those reads, sell that play-action, and you’ll be racking up big plays in no time.

Now go out there and dominate with the Gun Normal Flex Close – Mtn PA Cross!