How did 2017 Auburn drop 40 Points on Georgia?

by Jake Hubenak | @hubenak_j

In 2017, Auburn faced a Georgia team that was ranked #1 in the country at the time and was moments away from winning a National Championship. Georgia’s defense gave up 295 YPG and 16.4 PPG and Auburn handed them the first of their two losses that season. So how was Auburn able to put up 40 points and 488 total yards against a team that was more physically talented than them? Motion and tempo. 

Auburn used some sort of motion or tempo on about 90% of their plays and were able to eventually wear down and confuse this talented Georgia defense. Although, Auburn didn’t score their first touchdown until 4 minutes remaining in the 2nd quarter, they stuck with their game plan, protected the football, and eventually blew open the game against one of the best defensive coaches in college football.

Formation Unbalanced - Double Post

Auburn’s First TD

  • Tempo after a first down on their own sideline

  • Georgia defense late on subs and communication

  • Motion causes miscommunication between safety and nickel

  • Double post clears out nickel and occupies backside safety

  • No frontside safety help (caused by confusion) allows for 1 on 1 throw to the outside post for a TD

Split Zone - Arrow Screen

Split Zone - Bluff Keep

Two Different Versions of Split Zone Read

  • Bread and butter play throughout the game

  • Simple read for QB and allows him to play fast and decisive

  • Using different personnel to attack the defense (WR on arrow route/FB to block extra defender)

  • Motion helps QB see the numbers advantage

  • 1st clip, defense adjusts and loses track of the WR back across the OL, QB recognizes numbers to the field

  • 2nd clip, no adjustment and just a straight DE read for the QB with a hat for a hat in the box

Formation Unbalanced - Jet PA RB Throwback Screen

The Dagger TD

  • Have a little fun with it!

  • Jet motion with PA sweep fake

  • Full flow following the PA to get defense chasing

  • Great patience by the RB to allow defense to commit before slipping out

Georgia was the most talented team on the field that day and it showed when Auburn tried to line up and run their base offense. The run game wasn’t as productive and the QB was moved off of his spot time after time. This isn’t to say not to run your base offense, but you also have to understand when you are at a talent disadvantage and help put your players in the best position to win. Auburn put together a great game plan and trusted their guys to go out and execute. 

Motion and Tempo can be the great equalizer!

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