We break down a lot of football games, and every now and then we stumble onto something unexpected while watching film for a totally different reason. This was one of those moments. I was studying Tarleton State’s defense when UTC’s offense caught my attention, specifically how they used 20 personnel to create problems early in the game. In this article, we’ll break down a few of the concepts and formations that helped the Mocs jump out to a quick lead against the Texans.
Before we dive into the cutups, let’s talk about the formation that showed up the most for UTC when they went 20 personnel. Roughly 25 percent of their total offensive snaps came from a Trips Over look, with one receiver covered, out of a gun split backfield. It’s a formation that forces the defense into some tough decisions. How do you align to trips when one of those receivers isn’t eligible but can still block? How do you handle backfield flow with two backs? These are the kinds of structural questions this package was designed to ask.
Running Game
Q Power Bash
This isn’t how you would draw it up on the whiteboard. On paper, the pulling guard should climb to block the scraping linebacker, number 17. Instead, he takes the squeezing defensive end. The running back makes that linebacker miss, and the quarterback ends up as the lead blocker on a third-level defender. It is not clean, but it works. What really gives the play life is the backside corner blitz. If that corner does not come, the Texans have an extra defender to scrape over the top and likely make the tackle. One more thing worth pointing out is how well the Mocs’ offensive line handles the backside. The center and tackle work together to keep those defenders from getting back into the play.
Outside Zone Slice
UTC ran outside zone effectively in this game and probably could have leaned on it even more. On this play, they call it into a slant by Tarleton State, and the offensive line handles it with poise. They pass off defenders well and stay patient with their assignments. The backside tackle does a great job working inside of the stunting nose and then climbing to the second level. Since that nose ends up outside the offensive tackle, the running back makes a smart play by taking him on the slice block. That creates a two-for-one block on both the nose and the defensive end. With a five-on-four advantage up front, UTC climbs and combos to the linebacker. The back reads the slice, sticks his foot in the ground, and takes the crease for a solid gain. It is a clean example of how to execute outside zone slice.
Outside Zone Read
This one comes on 3rd and 27, so the light box makes sense from a defensive standpoint. Still, it’s a nice wrinkle off the outside zone look. The quarterback reads the backside defensive end, who squeezes hard down the line. That’s all he needs. He pulls it and takes off for a big gain. It does not move the chains, but it puts UTC into field goal range. Smart call, clean execution, and another example of how the Mocs built off their base concepts.
Inside Zone Bluff
UTC leaned on split zone quite a bit out of this look throughout the game. Like most teams, they eventually worked in what I call “Zone Bluff.” On bluff, the slice block bypasses the edge defender and climbs to the next most dangerous man, leaving the quarterback to read the edge. On this snap, they hand it off, but I think the pull was there. The defensive end surfs, but he squeezes just enough to make the quarterback’s decision debatable. Either way, it is a strong addition to the run game if you already have split zone in the call sheet. Bluff needs to be part of the package.
RPOs
Slant Bubble
This one is not groundbreaking or revolutionary. It is just smart football. UTC runs a clean RPO off their split zone look from 20 personnel, targeting the slant in the window against Cover 3. The quarterback reads it right, delivers a good ball, and the Mocs pick up a chunk play. Simple, effective, and a solid way to keep the defense honest.
Glance
Here the Mocs have the same idea. Motion the receiver across the formation, read the boundary overhang and throw the glance. Again, a smart RPO against Tarleton’s Cover 3 look.
Play-Action Passes
Both of these play-action calls are built off familiar concepts. What stands out, though, is how UTC protects them. They go full slide with max protection, using both backs to handle the edges off their split zone action. It is a solid setup that gives the quarterback time to push the ball downfield while pulling the linebackers toward the line of scrimmage. The protection holds up, the window opens, and the Mocs take their shot.
Verticals
Y Cross
Screen Game
The Mocs also dial up a well-designed screen off their split back look. It might even be a double screen. They use a “tear” motion to send the boundary back to the field and show a swing screen in that direction. At the same time, they leak the field-side back into the boundary and throw the screen going the opposite way. It does not appear to be a read, just a called misdirection play, but it is well executed. The Texans flow hard to the initial action, and UTC gets three blockers out in space for three defenders on the backside. It does not go the distance, but the design and timing are about as good as it gets.
UTC’s use of 20 personnel was a great example of how to build a package around formation structure and backfield action. Whether it was outside zone, split zone, bluff, or RPOs, the Mocs consistently stressed the defense with looks that created numbers or forced tough reads. They did not reinvent the wheel, but they played smart and executed with purpose. Against a defense like Tarleton State that plays fast and aggressive, UTC’s approach gave them the upper hand early.
So how are you using 20 personnel? And how are you taking advantage of the gun split back look to create problems for a defense?