BYU deploys nine linemen in formation that defies traditional rules
Offensive line coach TJ Woods explains the strategy behind the 'Tank' package that evolved from seven to nine players on the field.
By Mateo Thompson ·
BYU football utilizes a formation featuring between seven and nine offensive linemen simultaneously. The strategy places two to four linemen in the backfield while the rest align on the line of scrimmage. Offensive line coach TJ Woods installed the package when he joined the staff from Georgia Southern in 2024.
The formation gained attention following the Cougars' 27-20 victory over Arizona State on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The game featured a controversial sequence where quarterback Bear Bachmeier fumbled the snap. The ball sat between his legs near the two-yard line before running back Sione Moa recovered it for a touchdown. The Big 12 Conference later issued a statement confirming officials erroneously awarded the score.
Woods noted the scheme originally required seven linemen but has expanded to nine this season. He cited the ability to keep players like Joe Brown and Trevin Ostler involved in meaningful snaps as a primary advantage for the offensive unit. The coach referred to the group as the O-line corporation, a term describing himself and three assistant coaches who oversee the trenches.
Center Bruce Mitchell said the formation keeps every player engaged. Mitchell credited Woods for prioritizing the deployment of as many offensive linemen as possible. He joked about potentially sneaking in a tenth lineman in the future. Mitchell admitted he is not certain who designs specific plays but attributed the core philosophy to Woods.
BYU did not employ the Tank formation during its touchdown drive against Arizona State, despite using it successfully to score against UCF the previous week. The Cougars will face No. 3 Utah in a showdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday. The game is scheduled for 10 a.m. on ABC.
The decision to use the formation against the Utes remains to be made by the coaching staff. The package allows the team to maximize its depth in the offensive line. Woods stated the strategy relies on trust in young players capable of handling the unique alignment requirements.
