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USA Football's Play of the Week: 28 Sweep

By Dave McMahon, Special to USA Football

July 24, 2008, revised August 22, 2008

Misdirection and solid backfield blocking are the keys to the 28 Sweep.


The 28 sweep could also be called Student Body right. After the quarterback hands off the ball to the left halfback, everyone is going to the right. Here's how the play breaks down out of the T formation:

Left tight end: Makes downfield block against the defensive end and linebacker to his left.

Left tackle: Blocks the defensive tackle to his left.

Left guard: Blocks the defensive lineman in front of him to his left.

Center: Blocks the linebacker in front of him to his left.

Right guard: Blocks the defensive lineman in front of him to his left.

Right tackle: Blocks the defensive tackle in front of him to his left.

Right tight end: Blocks the defensive end in front of him to his left.

Quarterback: At the snap, rolls out to his left, and meets the stationary left halfback with the handoff. After making the handoff, he continues to roll out to the left side of the offensive line to carry out the fake.

Left halfback: Waits for the quarterback to roll out after the snap, and receives the handoff from the QB on the rollout while standing in his original position. He then runs behind the fullback and right halfback to the 8 hole, and heads to the line of scrimmage with the two blockers in front of him. The wider he can get on the outside, the more likely the play will be a success.

Fullback: Provides the important block of any defenders that get into the backfield past the defensive end. This will be an important block, and will eliminate any chance of a tackle for loss.

Right halfback: Provides the lead block for the left halfback. He will be running just a few steps in front of the left halfback, and will provide the first key block at the line of scrimmage. He will run to the 8 hole, and most likely put a block on an approaching linebacker. After this block, it's smooth sailing for a yardage gainer by the left halfback.

Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.