Youngstown State is always in the mix as a top FCS contender, and their offense runs through quarterback Beau Brungard, who also might have the best name in college football. In their opener, Brungard carried the ball 28 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Let’s break down the run scheme the Penguins used to feature their quarterback.
Q Counter
This is an interesting variation of Q Counter. First, they use an orbit return motion to draw defenders as the “pitch” player, even though there is no realistic threat of a pitch here. It still pulls two defenders out of the box. Second, they run G/R counter with a slight draw look built in. The timing works out perfectly, and it helps the counter hit downhill instead of bouncing outside like we see so often with this concept.
Similar look here, this time it’s G/H Counter with the running back working as eye candy for the pitch or throw. Brungard stays patient, hits it tight to the hole, and makes the safety miss in the open field.
Now we see an empty look paired with G/H Counter. It’s a great way to get a five man box, then run a plus one counter for a solid gain.
Quarterback Power
Not just power, but super power here by the Penguins. Kick by the H-back, pull by the guard, and a bonus blocker from the running back spot, all leading for the quarterback. Super power has a special place in our hearts, and this was a beautiful call by the Penguins. They do catch the defense in a “ton” stunt here, which helps, but the tight end does a great job working to the linebacker, the guard actually works to the safety, which is wild, and the running back kicks the overhang. That leaves a single safety for the quarterback to beat.
Now in the red zone, the Penguins go with power read. The defensive end jets upfield, forcing the pull read, and if the receiver does a better job on his block here, the Penguins get another one-on-one with the safety. One thing to note is the left tackle staying patient, checking his gap, then working to seal the linebacker off perfectly at the second level. That is certainly a plus in his column on this play.
Q Draw
The last quarterback run we’ll cover is Q draw. First, the Penguins burst from a bunch squeeze look into a spread two by two set. Then we see Q draw, and it’s tough to tell if this is essentially a pass run option, since Brungard checks his routes quickly before pulling it down and getting a lead block from the running back for a nice gain. If it is an option, it has clearly been practiced and well timed by the receivers, running back, and quarterback. Either way, they get the defense into its pass drops, the Mike works to the weak curl and flat as they spin into cover three, and the running back has such an open lane that he actually hesitates on whether to block the free safety or the pursuing defenders. Great design by the Penguins.
Final Thoughts
Youngstown State built their opener around Brungard, and it showed why. Between Q Counter, quarterback power, power read, and Q draw, the Penguins gave him a variety of ways to hurt a defense with his legs while still keeping the threat of the pass attached to nearly every look. The counter variations used motion and blocking angles to manufacture space instead of relying on athleticism alone, and the power calls leaned on physical, well coordinated blocking up front. If Brungard stays healthy and the Penguins keep building on this foundation, they will be tough to deal with in the FCS ranks all season.