They lined up with five receivers and an empty backfield, providing minimal protection for Testaverde.

Of particular interest, Mullen said, was the intermediate passing game with an empty backfield.

Inexplicably, the Trojans lined up with an empty backfield, and Leinart was stopped for no gain.

The empty backfield was confusing at times, but even if we were lined up correctly, we didn't make plays.

That is why the Jets operate largely with an empty backfield and five receivers.

Rutgers set up with an empty backfield.

They went with an empty backfield and five receivers at the line on about a half-dozen plays each game.

"But if we have to go out there and spread guys out and go empty backfield and throw, if that's what they give you, you take it."

It is a different offense, one that is often run with an empty backfield, and it mixes a pass-happy spread offense with the option.

Anywhere from one to three running backs may be utilized on a play (or even none, a situation typically known as an "empty backfield").