College Football: How USC Used Playaction and Motion to Beat Notre Dame

This past Saturday, USC went into South Bend as heavy underdogs and, to the surprise of many, dominated the Irish.

How were they so successful? For starters, they controlled both lines of scrimmage, were more physical than the Irish and were able to run the ball (and they won the turnover battle 3-0).

Their physicality and control of the line set them up to run play-action.  Additionally, they used motion to garner favorable matchups against the Irish.

Here are some examples of how they used play-action and motion to their advantage.  As you read this, keep in mind that these examples were predicated upon them being able to run the ball and the offensive line dominating.

The First Touchdown

Let's start off simple.  This one should be pretty self-explanatory.

The first thing to note is that before this clip starts, RB Marc Tyler motions out of the backfield, taking the cornerback all the way to the sideline. This takes him out of the play.

Play-action fools No. 44 of ND, Carlo Calabrese, and Telfer is wide-open.

The Second Touchdown

Here is the second touchdown. It is nearly the same situation as last time; right hash, two or three yards to go. Only this time, it was first down instead of second.

Watch how the playaction frees up Woods.  As a result, he and Barkley are able to make a great play despite the first two options being covered.

First, the TD in real-time. Then, a break-down.  Then, real-time from another angle.

Motion Set-Up

This play came early in the game, and it may seem insignificant.  What is important to note, however, is how when No. 9, Lee, comes in motion, no-one on ND is running with him.  This, combined with a week of scouting, is an indication to the USC coaches that they can motion players across the field all day, without ND following.

Ignore the circle that is drawn in the video; that is the announcer's (as all are).  Watch the motion at the top of the screen. I apologize, because this was the best version I can get of this play.  Still, in the short time we see this play pre-snap, we see that no one on ND is moving.

This is important, and sets up the slides that follow..... 

Rhett Ellison Motion, Screen to Woods

This play is made possible because USC knows they can motion across the field without anyone following.

This time, USC puts one of their TEs, Ellison into motion. Again, no one follows him.

This lets TWO TEs for USC block two cornerbacks of ND.  Both are mismatches, and both men make great blocks.

First is the play in regular speed.  Then, it is broken down.

PA Pass to Telfer

This was the first play of the third drive for USC.  Again, they immediately go to play-action.

Notes are in the video, but keep an eye on how ND's defensive ends and linebackers continue to bite on the run.

PA Pass to Lee

As mentioned in the previous video, this is the very next play from scrimmage for the Trojans.

Same formation, slightly different personnel.  This time, No. 86 Grimble is at Tight End, and Lee is lined-up where Woods was.

Other than that, it is the same exact play.

Watch how ND reacts differently this time and how Barkley adjusts.