The Audible: How to Make it Work

In the third quarter of this season’s Michigan-Ohio State game the Wolverines had the ball on the Buckeyes’ 2-yard line. With 10 seconds to go on the play clock, the Wolverines were still in the huddle and appeared confused on what play to call. But they knew exactly what they were doing. Michigan broke the huddle and raced to the line of scrimmage, snapping the ball almost instantly. The play ended in the end zone and the Wolverines had their touchdown. Because they were “late” to the line of scrimmage, the defense didn’t have time to make any adjustments. They weren’t “late” by mistake. They were “late” on purpose. “It’s a chess match,” said Nick Howlett, offensive coordinator at Carroll College whose team has earned five straight Final Four appearances in the NAIA national playoffs. Everyone has seen the Colts’ Peyton Manning come to the line of scrimmage,