In part one of this two part series we discussed BYU’s use of “Jet” and “Zoom” motions. In part two we’ll discuss their use of “Escort” and “Orbit” motions when attacking defenses. An “escort” motion is typically when they bring a player, usually a tight end, across the formation to lead block or kick an edge player. Orbit is when the motion player works behind and around the quarterback, think planets orbiting the sun. Let’s dig into how the Cougars used these motions to attack defenses in the run and passing game.
Escort Motion
On our first clip we’ll see the Cougars use escort motion to go from empty to bringing their tight end into the box to run quarterback split zone. The concept here is spread out the defense, quickly add a bigger body, then run the quarterback in the plus-one game.
Here we see escort motion again but this time with standard split zone running scheme. The defense doesn’t get near enough defenders into the box quick enough and the Cougars are off to a big gain.
How does BYU protect their run game off escort motion? Well, they start with RPO, and here’s a good one. They run their escort motion and split zone concept, but to the field they run a slant/screen combo. The unique part here is the slant, which starts as a stalk block, then works into the slant windows. The safety comes flying down on the screen and sees the slant get hit for six points.
To build on it again, here’s the shot play off of this action. We get escort motion, max protection and that gives the Cougar QB plenty of time to take the deep shot for a huge completion.
Orbit Motion
The Cougars run with orbit motion, but that won’t be featured below. Many of those runs we see are outside zone off of orbit motion and while they are bad concepts, there’s nothing special to show you. However, we will take some time to look at the passing and screen concepts off of that orbit motion.
On our first example the Cougars bring orbit motion and pair it with a dig wheel concept into the boundary. They read the boundary safety, he spins down in Cover 3 to attack the orbit leaving the dig open in the void behind him.
The next phase is the orbit swing screen. Fake the run one direction, get the receiver going the other direction, in space, with blockers. Good design, good execution.
Here we get that “rebound” orbit motion with a flood concept in the boundary. Let the motion attract attention and throw the sail behind it.
Here’s the best concept the Cougars have off of their orbit motion. Orbit motion, make it look like the swing screen first. Then show G/T Counter up front. But what they’re really trying to do is throw tunnel. Make the defenders on both sides work out, then throw a screen coming back in. Great design, even better execution, and a huge gain for the Cougars.
Final Thoughts
BYU is on track to be a top team in college football this season, and with their ability to manipulate defenses and run the football the sky could be the limit for the Cougars. Ultimately we’ll see in a few weeks when they play at Notre Dame what they’re made of. But if they can run the ball, motion, and stay creative in play calling, I think they have a shot to make it a game with the Irish.
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