Nebraska's Counter Game - Trojan Football Analysis

Misdirection is a small part of
Nebraska’s offensive attack, but can
be very effective. We run several counters
from a variety of formations.
If we play against a team that reduces
their defense to the split end side of a formation,
we will try to attack that side with
counters.
We do different things with the fullback
to gain an extra blocker on some of our
counters. If we run the counter trap to a
split end side we can use the fullback to
block an extra defensive back. We can use
the fullback from his regular five yards
deep alignment, we can offset him, or put
him in short motion.
Diagram 1: Regular Alignment
Diagram 4
We either offset him or short motion him
to insure he is in position to block the
defensive end. On the lead play, only the
backside guard is pulling.
Diagram 5
Nebraska’s Counter Game
Diagram 2: Offset
Diagram 3: Short Motion
Diagram 6
The pulling guard will be responsible for
the frontside linebacker when the play is
run to the split end side. If we run the play
to a tight end side vs. a 4-3 defense, the
pulling guard has the middle linebacker.
The tight end blocks the defensive end if
the playside tackle is uncovered and the
fullback will block the playside linebacker.
Diagram 7
Milt Tenopir
Offensive Coordinator
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, Neb.
The word trap signifies climbing into the
line of scrimmage by the pulling lineman.
Counter trap is a play that we are trying to
force under the defensive end. After the ball
carrier takes a delayed counter step, he exits
toward the guard-tackle seam. If we run the
play to the tight end side, we normally have
the fullback seal backside on the play.
A play similar in action to the counter
trap is the fullback lead. Again, if we run to
a reduced split end side, the fullback is
responsible for the end man on the line of
scrimmage.
We also have a play that we show similar
action on, but try to make it an outside
play. We call it counter sweep lead.
Again, if we run it to a split end side
reduced defense, the fullback will load or
hook the defensive end. We try to give that
• Proceedings • 78th AFCA Convention • 2001 •

defensive end as many looks as we can.
On the counter trap, the fullback ran at the
end, then released outside for secondary
support. On the fullback lead play, the fullback
is going to kick out the defensive end.
Now on the counter sweep lead, he is
going to hook the defensive end. T h e
pulling guard and tackle, when they hear
"sweep" called in huddle, will gain depth on
their pulls.
We tell the guard to be one yard deeper
than where he started once he clears the
center area. We have the tackle get two
yards deeper then where he started once
he clears the center area.
The depth differential will cause there to
be separation between the pullers and aids
the tackle to clear any pile-ups.
The guard, on his pull, is thinking playside
linebacker when he clears the fullback’s
block. The tackle is thinking to block
secondary support.
Diagram 8
Nebraska averaged 41 points and 349 yards rushing per game last season to
continue the Cornhuskers’ string of impressive running attacks in 2000. The
Huskers again led the nation in rushing last season.
Make a Difference: Insist on Secure
Assistant Coaches’ Contracts When
Moving to a New Position
When the runningback gets the hand-off
after his counter step, he flattens out his
path, getting on the tail of the pulling offensive
tackle.
Diagram 9
We will also run the counter sweep with
the quarterback from gun formation.
AFCA members moving into a new position as a head
coach can make a difference when it comes to improving
the football coaching profession.
Coaches who are in the process of interviewing for a
head coaching position should make it a point to ask that
assistant coaches’ contracts run from July to July or the
equivalent (such as January to January plus six months)
when negotiating with an institution’s representatives.
Only those within the profession can put an end to poor
contracts.
It’s up to you.
• Proceedings • 78th AFCA Convention • 2001 •