If you’ve tuned in to watch Georgia Tech in 2024, there’s one play you can’t help but associate with them: Counter. Tech leaned on this concept heavily, running it over 200 times with multiple variations. In this article, we’re going to break down these variations and show how they work together to relentlessly attack a defense.
G/T Counter
This clip shows the Yellow Jackets executing their bread-and-butter G/T Counter against a four-down front. The guard does an excellent job "logging" the defensive end, while the tackle gets just enough of the linebacker for the running back to slip through. Watch the play-side guard and tackle work together to move the 3-tech, allowing the tackle to climb up to the backside linebacker. From there, it’s all about the running back using his speed to run away from the third-level defenders for a massive gain.
This next example of G/T Counter highlights its versatility against an odd front (Tite). Once again, the defensive end is effectively "logged," and the tackle climbs to the play-side linebacker. Tech also executes a solid combo on the backside linebacker, who flows away from the play in response to the opposite back’s action. It appears there’s a bust on the defense, as the boundary defensive end, or overhang, drops off with that same action, leaving the Canes a defender short. Still, the running back only has one defender to beat, and he does just that, turning it into a touchdown.
Another variation of G/T Counter for the Yellow Jackets involves running it to the tight end side. The tight end arcs to the second level, picking up the “Sam” linebacker, while the guard delivers a clean kick-out on the defensive end. The play-side linebacker gets caught in the wash, freeing the tackle to climb to the safety, although he never gets there. The running back bursts through the gap for another explosive gain.
The final example of G/T Counter we’re breaking down comes from 10 personnel against a 3-high defense—and it’s a thing of beauty. The guard works all the way out to pick up the overhang defender, while the tackle climbs to seal off the middle linebacker. The outside receiver also plays a key role, delivering an excellent block to spring the play. This clip perfectly showcases how to adjust the scheme to exploit a different defensive alignment, maintaining the integrity of the concept while maximizing its versatility.
I couldn’t resist, here’s a beautiful G/T Counter for a touchdown against UNC.
Related Content: Georgia Tech G/T Counter Cutup
G/Y or (H) Counter
Georgia Tech’s use of shifts and motions adds another layer to their offensive scheme. One effective wrinkle is what Dan Casey refers to as “escort motion.” In this example, the Yellow Jackets use “escort motion” to run G/Y Counter against FSU. The guard kicks the defensive end, while the tight end works all the way to a third-level defender. Anytime you get blockers to the third level, it’s almost guaranteed to result in a big play—and this one is no different.
Here’s another example, this time with the tight end flexed. The play-side tackle shines on this rep, working up to the backside linebacker who’s trying to scrape over the top. Instead of fighting the linebacker’s momentum, the tackle takes him exactly where he wants to go—right out of the running back’s path.
Related Content: Georgia Tech G/Y Counter Cutup
Q Counter
In this clip, Georgia Tech runs Q G/Y Counter with a toss read built in. This subtle adjustment likely serves to help widen the defensive end, creating more space for the guard to deliver the kick-out block.
Georgia Tech also showcased a Q G/R Counter out of 10 personnel. This variation positions the running back as a lead blocker, giving him a better angle to pick up the second-level defender after the guard kicks out the defensive end. It’s an effective adjustment, particularly against “light box” defenses, and adds another layer to their 10-personnel package.
Related Content: Georgia Tech Q Counter Cutup
Ways Tech Protects Counter
Georgia Tech employs several variations to help protect their counter plays. One of the most effective methods is incorporating a quarterback read, adding a layer of decision-making that keeps the defense honest.
Another method involves reading the counter while the tight end releases to the flat on a shoot route, adding a quick throw option to stress the defense horizontally.
Another variation tags a simple RPO, like a bubble screen, onto G/T Counter. This gives the quarterback an option to throw it based off of pre-snap alignment.
One of the most popular variations in 2024 to protect G/T or G/Y Counter is the G/Y Counter Bluff Reverse—or whatever you prefer to call it! This example works so effectively that the play-side guard and tackle simply escort the receiver into the end zone for an easy six points.
Conclusion
Georgia Tech excels at mixing up their counter concepts, utilizing a variety of shifts and motions to keep defenses off balance. These adjustments allow the Yellow Jackets to run counter from multiple personnel groupings and angles, creating favorable matchups—even against more talented teams, as evidenced by their win over Miami. It’ll be exciting to see how Brent Key and his offense continue to evolve their run game in 2025.