Scheming an Exotic Front with Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines had a game plan ready for Penn State’s 7-man exotic front on 3rd downs. In fact, Michigan was so ready for it that after two 3rd and long conversions Penn State abandoned the front almost completely on 3rd downs. Let’s get into it!

Trips Bunch Squeeze- Q Sweep

Late in the first quarter Michigan faced a 3rd & 10 from their own 30 yard line. Penn State deployed a 3-1-7 personnel for their exotic front. They aligned seven players on the line of scrimmage and four defensive backs off. This has become a popular front designed to confuse offensive fronts and create chaos and pressure.

However, Michigan seemed to have a plan. The Wolverines aligned in a compressed trips bunch set, motioned the slot across the formation, and ran Q Sweep. The motion drew the safety across the field leaving two down blocks the the bunch and a pulling tackle on a corner. (Every corner’s worst nightmare) Needless to say, Michigan’s Quarterback ran for 13 yards and moved the sticks.

Trips Bunch- Now Screen

Later on the same drive, early in the 2nd quarter, Michigan faced a 3rd & 8 on Penn State’s 25 yard line. Michigan again lines up in a trips bunch set, but this time they are not compressed. Michigan motioned the slot wide this time, which will widen the corner, and throws a now screen to the outside receiver. With the tight end and offensive tackle leading the way works his way all the way down to the 6 yard-line.

For the second time Michigan used the aggression of the Penn State defense against itself. All seven defenders looked to get a hit on the Michigan quarterback, so Michigan was able to get two offensive linemen and the tight end clean downfield to block the remaining defensive backs.

Conclusion

By understanding the package that Penn State put on the field, Michigan was able to exploit them by getting the the edge of the defense quickly. Michigan used their tight ends bigger frame to help block on the edge, or in space, in order the accomplish this goal. Whether it was a compressed formation or not, the goal was clear, get the edge now and take advantage of Penn State’s aggression in this exotic look.

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