Gus Malzahn has a simple rule in his offense. Always have an identity.
Their identity is probably something like this:
WE ARE A TWO BACK RUN/PLAY-ACTION/RPO TEAM THAT WILL KEEP CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE DEFENSE & DEFENSIVE COACHES
Here’s a play broken down from their first Georgia game that fits perfectly into the Auburn Identity.
Formation:
Using a Tackle over formation Auburn gets into an unbalanced set that forces Georgia’s hand with how they will defend the run to the right. Georgia has to keep their pass coverage aligned to the passing strength on the left to make sure they can cover all three eligible receivers.
Auburn now has the look they want to best use their extra lineman at the point of attack.
Front:
Georgia’s under front lines up in a 1 technique, 4 technique and walked up backer in a 9 technique. Power is great against this because all the blocks are down blocks to the inside gaps unless nobody shows and you can then call for a double which the RG does here.
Technique:
I love watching how Centers make tough blocks like a back block to a 3 technique. Watch the Endzone view to see how he steps using short quick steps and gets his body aligned before going to attack the 3.
In fact, this whole backside of power is like poetry in motion with the skip pull getting perfect depth around the Center and the Y’s hinge block sealing off the inside gap and then picking up the Defensive End.
It’s why I think Power is truly one of the most finesse run plays you can execute in football!
[vimeo id=”260075675″]
Conclusion:
If you decide to run power, you have to commit to it. But it is well worth the time in my opinion because it can be used for far more then just a single run play and even if you don’t have perfect personnel there is always a solution.
Run it with a Jet Motion. Change your personnel to the Wildcat. Read the Defensive end. Go unbalanced when you don’t have a Tight End to attack under or odd fronts.
Because once you start running it well, it is darn near impossible to stop.
Nice guard play