The Enduring Legacy of the Wheel in College Football and Beyond

The "wheel route" in college football is a versatile and enduring play that has found its way into nearly every playbook. Its deceptive nature and ability to create mismatches make it a favorite among offensive coordinators. But the "Wheel" isn't just confined to the gridiron; it's also a term that resonates with fans of a popular game show, and even a historic rivalry between two universities. This article explores the multifaceted world of the "Wheel," from its strategic use in college football to its presence in pop culture and intercollegiate sports.

The Wheel Route: A Deceptive Weapon in College Football

The wheel route's effectiveness lies in its adaptability. It can be adjusted based on how the defense chooses to defend it. If the defense plays man coverage, the offense will attempt to create a mismatch by having a linebacker cover the wheel. Against Cover Three, the quarterback will try to thread the ball into one of the gaps between zones. If the defense plays Cover Two, communication between linebackers and corners is crucial to pass off the wheel man.

Variations and Implementations

Coaches have found various ways to implement the Wheel into their offensive schemes. For example:

Air Raid Offenses: The stick-wheel concept is a foundational piece of that offense.
Triple-Option Based Schemes: The post-wheel is the first passing concept a coach installs each year for his triple-option based scheme.

Creating Mismatches and Confusion

The wheel route is often combined with other routes like Posts, Drags, or Curls. This combination creates confusion for the defense and puts a receiver and another defender in the path of the defender trying to cover the wheel, increasing the chances of a successful play.

Defending the Wheel

The best way to stop a wheel is to pressure the quarterback, as the route takes time to develop as a deep ball. Some defenses use linebackers that are closer to hybrid safeties, which allows them to match up better physically with the players running the wheel.

The Wheel as a Decoy

The Wheel can be used as a decoy to occupy defenders so that other routes can get open. Even when not thrown, it can still be very effective.

Versatility and Options

The wheel gives the offense so many options, making it difficult for defenses to predict what will happen. A quarterback can make a quick flat pass if the defense shows pressure, thread the needle on an intermediate-range throw against a zone, or turn the route into a Go or back-shoulder fade against man coverage.

Coaching Philosophies

Some coaches, like North Carolina's Phil Longo, teach two "strike points" on the wheel, allowing players to catch the ball near the line of scrimmage or keep moving for a deeper throw. Others, like Hawaii's Brennan Marion, use multiple players running the wheel on the same play to overwhelm the defense.

Wheel of Fortune: More Than Just a Game Show

Wheel of Fortune is an American television game show created by Merv Griffin, in which contestants compete to solve word puzzles, based on a similar game Hangman, to win cash and prizes determined by spinning a giant carnival wheel.

Gameplay and Format

The core gameplay involves contestants spinning a wheel to determine the monetary value of each consonant they correctly guess in a puzzle. The show has evolved over the years, introducing various twists and features to keep the format fresh.

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Special Features and Events

Teacher's Week: One notable event is Teacher's Week, where educators participate as contestants. In one instance, Bridgette Donald-Blue, was a replacement for Vanna White.
Halloween Week: Halloween-themed weeks add a spooky twist to the show, with themed decorations and segments.
America's Game Salutes Our Veterans: Episodes honoring veterans are also a recurring theme.
Fan Fridays: A giveaway segment hosted by Maggie Sajak.

Memorable Moments and Viral Content

The show has had it’s share of memorable moments. For example, a contestant guessed "RIGHT IN THE BUTT!" on the $1,000 Toss-Up THIS IS THE BEST!, a moment which went viral.

Format Changes and Innovations

The show is constantly evolving. For example, the Prize Puzzle was moved to Round 2, and the Express wedge was removed.

Celebrity Appearances

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune features well-known personalities playing for charitable causes. Notable contestants include NFL legends Franco Harris, Gale Sayers, and Bob Griese.

A Family Affair

Bob Griese, a former Miami Dolphins star quarterback and college football analyst, once won an episode of Wheel of Fortune. His son, Brian Griese, was in the audience.

The Battle for the Wagon Wheel: A College Football Rivalry

The "Wagon Wheel" is the trophy awarded to the winner of the annual college football game between Kent State University and the University of Akron. The rivalry has a long and storied history, dating back to the late 19th century.

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The Legend of the Wheel

The legend says the wheel came from the buggy of John Buchtel, an Akron industrialist who was the main benefactor of the University of Akron. According to the legend, Buchtel lost the wheel in 1870 while searching for a site for his proposed college. His buggy became bogged down near a spring along the Western Reserve trail, which ran through what is now the Kent Campus.

The Challenge

When University of Akron officials heard about the wheel, they challenged Kent State to regain what they felt was rightfully theirs. Kent State accepted the challenge.

A Storied Rivalry

Kent State won the first Wagon Wheel, beating Akron 13-6. The rivalry was revived in 1972. Both teams became members of the Mid-American Conference in 1992, and they have played each other ever since.

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