 Up the Gut: Matt Keller (23) FB blasts through an inspired Michigan State defense. The Spartans held on though, upsetting the Buckeyes 28-24.
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The Offense
The option ground game can be a real threat in this year's Ncaa Football '99. I am sure, judging by the current Player Attribute Polls, that many of those PSXer's out there just love torturing the computer as well as friends and foes with a wicked serving of "gained ground" off the option. Pretty soon your opponent starts to shut it down (yeah right!). Soon you are a little apprehensive about tossing that pitch for a BIG fumble. You have the lead, why blow it now? Time to mix it up. Time to keep it on the ground. Time to keep the clock ticking. Time to try a Halfback Counter.
 Halfback Counter |
The halfback counter is good play to mix in with your attack out of the "I" formation. This misdirection play is "slow to develope" giving those big offensive linemen time to open holes. This is key against defenses that stack 'em up on the line. It can be viciously effective against a goaline defense. If and when your half back gets through the hole, most of the defenders are behind him due to the consolidation of so many defenders at one point of attack. You get through, you could see gold, without having to fuss with going wide.
 The Recipe
1. At least three very good offensive linemen, with emphasis on run blocking to open the hole.
2. A HB with good acceleration, agility, and top speed.
3. Possibly a WR or TE to put in motion to further assist in opening the hole, or blocking down field.
4. Good deception, and good timing.
5. As always, a little luck.
Figure 1 Missouri's #32 Devin West is lined up on in the "I" formation. A WR is put in motion to be released to assist in opening the hole, blocking any defender that is near. This could also be a TE coming from the opposite side of the play.
NOTE: This play can have exceptional success if ran to the weak side by flipping the play (R1), and utilizing the man-in-motion as a blocker. | 
Figure 1
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Figure 2 The ball is snapped and both backs are moving left, with the half back soon to cut right. The FB lures a LB(s) in the opposite direction of the play. The WR is released at the hole, already assisting in the opening. Keep you eye on the SS watching for a possible blitz.
NOTE: Sometimes when the WR in motion is too close to the QB on the hand-off, the QB will keep it, "tuck it under and go". | 
Figure 2
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| Figure 3 The three good interior offensive linemen have already opened up a big hole pancaking someone in the process, with the WR ready to take on whoever is next. Be sure to push the speed button (X) when reaching the line of scrimmage. Make your cut (if needed) to the inside left at about a 15 degree angle. | 
Figure 3
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| Figure 4 With everyone excuting as planned and the defense at his back, the HB is on his way to burn a trail putting a few more digits in the "rushing" column. If you happen to confront heavier traffic than as illustrated, try pushing the speed (X) in a repeatious manner trying to burst through a late developing hole or bounce into a opening. | 
Figure 4
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Versus A Strong Safety Blitz
| Figure 5 This can be a real spoiler against the HB counter in Ncaa Football 99. Be sure to take note of the SS, watching for any sign of blitz. If so, you might choose to bump this one quickly to the outside, or tuck and sneak it with the QB. | 
Figure 5
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| Figure 6 This one gets ugly with the blitzing SS tackling the HB at the hand-off of the ball. | 
Figure 6
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