The 18 wheeler package is not a ground breaking scheme, it has been around in some variation since the single wing based on the idea that defenses typically do not have to account for the quarterback.
Stopping the run consistently is built around the fundamental idea that the defense has one extra defender on every play to get to the ballcarrier. However this all changes when the quarterback becomes a dual threat as a runner and thrower. It requires the defense to make a choice, add a defender to the box to account for the quarterback or depend on their defenders to beat a block and make the tackle.
This is the chess match that occurs throughout a football game, the offense looking to exploit a mismatch and the defense constantly looking to respond to their counter moves.
A successful rushing attack requires an offensive line that can handle the line of scrimmage and handle their assignments consistently. The package was built around a physical offensive line headlined by freshman Connor Williams and Patrick Vahe along with blocking tight end Caleb Blueitt. Add backs D’Onta Foreman and Chris Warren III to the equation along with Swoopes and the personnel is in place.
Notre Dame planned for the 18 wheeler package and was confident their front seven could handle it effectively without having to introduce an extra defender. Isaac Rochell (90) and Jerry Tillery (99) were the impact lineman counted on to defend it at the line of scrimmage. The Irish were more concerned about the deep pass attack against their fragile secondary.
Texas ran the 18 wheeler package 19 times (18 officially, 1 play resulted in a defensive penalty) for a total of 77 yards for an average of 4 yards per play.
Play No.
|
ND Defenders in Box
|
Texas Runner Number
|
Play Result
|
1
|
7
|
18
|
9 yard run
|
2
|
6
|
18
|
4 yard run
|
3
|
7
|
33
|
6 yard run
|
4
|
7
|
33
|
6 yard run
|
5
|
7
|
18
|
14 yard run
|
6
|
6
|
18
|
4 yard run
|
7
|
6
|
18
|
5 yard run
|
8
|
7
|
18
|
-1 yard run
|
9
|
7
|
33
|
3 yard run
|
10
|
8
|
33
|
3 yard run
|
11
|
7
|
18
|
Incomplete Pass
|
12
|
11
|
18
|
0 yard run
|
13
|
11
|
18
|
1 yard TD run
|
14
|
7
|
18
|
1 yard run
|
15
|
7
|
18
|
3 yard run
|
16
|
9
|
18
|
3 yard TD run
|
17
|
8
|
18
|
10 yard run
|
18
|
8
|
18
|
0 yard run
|
19
|
9
|
18
|
6 yard TD run
|
The 18 wheeler package made its 2016 debut in the second quarter at 12:26 from the Texas 12 yard line with the score tied at 7.
1/19 Tyrone Swoopes package pic.twitter.com/7wIxjf2by0— Mike Ray (@MikeRay34) September 7, 2016
Swoopes makes the appropriate read as #24 is blitzing from the offenses' right side would blow up the handoff to Foreman. Lineman #76 Kent Perkins pulls from his right guard position and #55 Conner Williams gets to the second level to allow Swoopes a hole into the secondary. The Irish did not have the numbers nor were they able to defeat the blocks to make the play. Texas gain of 9 yards.
Nine plays later, Texas has moved the ball into Notre Dame territory down to the 37 yard line. The Irish have held Swoopes and Co. to less than 3 yards only once and now they call in help.
On the next play, Notre Dame opens with 7 in the box and a safety in the middle of the field.
After two unsuccessful runs in the 3rd quarter, the package returns in overtime, score tied at 37. It is 3rd and goal from the 3 and Notre Dame shows 9 in the box.
Notre Dame had the numbers to stop the play and the players in the right position. It was set up for a 1 on 1 match up between #5 Morgan and Swoopes with a go ahead touchdown at stake. Instead Morgan takes a false step toward Foreman and is slow to locate the ball leaving Swoopes a path to the end zone. Touchdown Texas despite the numbers and play design suggesting it shouldn't have happened. Sometimes a player just has to make a play.
The game winning play in second overtime. 2nd and goal from the 6 yard line.
Sometimes the player just makes a play and that is exactly what the 18 wheeler package did.
Nine plays later, Texas has moved the ball into Notre Dame territory down to the 37 yard line. The Irish have held Swoopes and Co. to less than 3 yards only once and now they call in help.
Foreman's inside run goes for a 3 yard gain as the Irish stuff the box with 8 defenders. They have seen the offense drive for over 50 yards on the ground and their linemen unable to defeat blocks consistently. Your move Swoopes.10/19 Tyrone Swoopes Package pic.twitter.com/7IO6KmXuVE— Mike Ray (@MikeRay34) September 7, 2016
On the next play, Notre Dame opens with 7 in the box and a safety in the middle of the field.
The nickel back blitzes and other defenders are thinking run first. This means Swoopes has man coverage outside and a safety in the middle of the field. However John Burt is split wide to the left with a corner on his nose on a go route. Advantage Texas but Swoopes overthrows Burt and results in a missed scoring opportunity.11/19 Tyrone Swoopes Package pic.twitter.com/rh4rQKJZMp— Mike Ray (@MikeRay34) September 7, 2016
After two unsuccessful runs in the 3rd quarter, the package returns in overtime, score tied at 37. It is 3rd and goal from the 3 and Notre Dame shows 9 in the box.
Foreman goes to the right and takes 2 defenders with him which clears out the middle, poor read by #5 Nyles Morgan. Texas pulls #63 Alex Anderson and #47 Travis Beck runs a misdirection stepping to the right and then across the formation. Both Anderson and Beck take out the same defender leaving #90 Rochell untouched but just a step slow to keep Swoopes out of the end zone. However Rochell shouldn't have gotten that close as either Anderson or Beck should of gotten a hat on him.16/19 Tyrone Swoopes Package pic.twitter.com/yJVXvPt2yN— Mike Ray (@MikeRay34) September 7, 2016
Notre Dame had the numbers to stop the play and the players in the right position. It was set up for a 1 on 1 match up between #5 Morgan and Swoopes with a go ahead touchdown at stake. Instead Morgan takes a false step toward Foreman and is slow to locate the ball leaving Swoopes a path to the end zone. Touchdown Texas despite the numbers and play design suggesting it shouldn't have happened. Sometimes a player just has to make a play.
The game winning play in second overtime. 2nd and goal from the 6 yard line.
The Irish are all in to stop the run, a Texas touchdown wins the game. Penetration is the goal for any defender when needing to stop the run for little to no gain. Texas lost 2 starters on the right side of their offensive line earlier in the game when both right tackle #75 Tristan Nickelson and right guard Kent Perkins went down with leg injuries. Enter backups #63 Anderson and #58 Brandon Hodges both of whom were making their Longhorns debut. A miscommunication between the two results in #99 Jerry Tillery with a clean shot on Swoopes in the backfield. Notre Dame had the numbers to stop the play. Texas had the right play called to succeed despite the mismatch but the blocking assignments were not executed.19/19 Tyrone Swoopes Package pic.twitter.com/K9fvclN8G7— Mike Ray (@MikeRay34) September 7, 2016
Sometimes the player just makes a play and that is exactly what the 18 wheeler package did.
