M isdirection is a small part of

Nebraska’s offensive attack, but can

be very effective. We run several counters
Diagram 4 Nebraska’s Counter Game

from a variety of formations.

If we play against a team that reduces
their defense to the split end side of a for-
mation, we will try to attack that side with
counters.
We do different things with the fullback
to gain an extra blocker on some of our
counters. If we run the counter trap to a
split end side we can use the fullback to We either offset him or short motion him
block an extra defensive back. We can use to insure he is in position to block the
the fullback from his regular five yards defensive end. On the lead play, only the
deep alignment, we can offset him, or put backside guard is pulling.
him in short motion.
Diagram 5
Diagram 1: Regular Alignment

Diagram 6
Diagram 2: Offset
Milt Tenopir

Offensive Coordinator

University of Nebraska

Diagram 3: Short Motion
Lincoln, Neb.
The pulling guard will be responsible for
the frontside linebacker when the play is
run to the split end side. If we run the play
to a tight end side vs. a 4-3 defense, the
pulling guard has the middle linebacker.
The tight end blocks the defensive end if
the playside tackle is uncovered and the
fullback will block the playside linebacker.
Diagram 7

The word trap signifies climbing into the

line of scrimmage by the pulling lineman.
Counter trap is a play that we are trying to
force under the defensive end. After the ball
carrier takes a delayed counter step, he exits
toward the guard-tackle seam. If we run the
play to the tight end side, we normally have
the fullback seal backside on the play. We also have a play that we show simi-
A play similar in action to the counter lar action on, but try to make it an outside
trap is the fullback lead. Again, if we run to play. We call it counter sweep lead.
a reduced split end side, the fullback is Again, if we run it to a split end side
responsible for the end man on the line of reduced defense, the fullback will load or
scrimmage. hook the defensive end. We try to give that

• Proceedings • 78th AFCA Convention • 2001 •

defensive end as many looks as we can.
On the counter trap, the fullback ran at the
end, then released outside for secondary
support. On the fullback lead play, the full-
back is going to kick out the defensive end.
Now on the counter sweep lead, he is
going to hook the defensive end. The
pulling guard and tackle, when they hear
"sweep" called in huddle, will gain depth on
their pulls.
We tell the guard to be one yard deeper
than where he started once he clears the
center area. We have the tackle get two
yards deeper then where he started once
he clears the center area.
The depth differential will cause there to
be separation between the pullers and aids
the tackle to clear any pile-ups.
The guard, on his pull, is thinking play-
side linebacker when he clears the full-
back’s block. The tackle is thinking to block Nebraska averaged 41 points and 349 yards rushing per game last season to
secondary support. continue the Cornhuskers’ string of impressive running attacks in 2000. The
Diagram 8 Huskers again led the nation in rushing last season.

Make a Difference: Insist on Secure

When the runningback gets the hand-off
after his counter step, he flattens out his
path, getting on the tail of the pulling offen -
sive tackle.
Diagram 9
Assistant Coaches’ Contracts When
Moving to a New Position
AFCA members moving into a new position as a head
coach can make a difference when it comes to improv-
ing the football coaching profession.
Coaches who are in the process of interviewing for a
head coaching position should make it a point to ask that
assistant coaches’ contracts run from July to July or the
equivalent (such as January to January plus six months)
when negotiating with an institution’s representatives.

We will also run the counter sweep with Only those within the profession can put an end to poor
the quarterback from gun formation. contracts.

It’s up to you.

• Proceedings • 78th AFCA Convention • 2001 •