• College football teams score less often from the 1-yard line using the shotgun formation compared to under-center plays. • Despite lower success rates, the shotgun is used more frequently than under-center plays at the 1-yard line. • Coaches cite fear of fumbled snaps as a reason for favoring the shotgun, despite data showing no fumbles on under-center snaps from the 1-yard line in the study. • The shotgun formation leads to more negative-yardage plays and penalties near the goal line.

Midway through the second quarter of Alabama football's 2023 home win over Ole Miss, Ja'Corey Brooks blocked a punt that gave the Crimson Tide offense a first-and-goal from the Rebels 1-yard line. But instead of plowing ahead with a quarterback sneak or calling for a running back to plunge over the

See Full Page