4-2-5 DEF in the BIG

blion72

All-Conference
Oct 30, 2021
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how do you feel about this DEF approach in the BIG? Seems like you better have big fast LBs in those two positions, and a truly monster 1 Tech DT. This style seems to be suited to play certain teams, but the power teams this does not seem to fit. Our roster is already small at LB and PJ is the only 1-T DT body type we have on the DL. feels like it is a good fit for tOSU, and Md but not so much Auburn, UMich and MSU.
 
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VaDave4PSU

All-Conference
Aug 19, 2003
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We don't get the luxury of ending the year with OSU so the one time make it sloppy, ground and pound is not exactly the favorable way.

They play 3 WR 1 TE and have an RB who can run and catch. Build to defend that.
 

blion72

All-Conference
Oct 30, 2021
1,579
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We don't get the luxury of ending the year with OSU so the one time make it sloppy, ground and pound is not exactly the favorable way.

They play 3 WR 1 TE and have an RB who can run and catch. Build to defend that.
yes unfortunately we play some teams that are completely opposite ends of the spectrum. Illinois approach may not exist in any other conference.
 

s1uggo72

All-American
Oct 12, 2021
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how do you feel about this DEF approach in the BIG? Seems like you better have big fast LBs in those two positions, and a truly monster 1 Tech DT. This style seems to be suited to play certain teams, but the power teams this does not seem to fit. Our roster is already small at LB and PJ is the only 1-T DT body type we have on the DL. feels like it is a good fit for tOSU, and Md but not so much Auburn, UMich and MSU.
Actually imo the best way to play it is with 2 2’s not a 1&3 and then have them 2 gap
Play big nickel in the secondary
 

Got GSPs

All-American
Aug 31, 2003
7,982
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Teams have employed nickel defenses for decades, so it’s not new. I think being able to employ this as a base against some spread type offenses Could make sense. It’s not going to fare well against teams that have huge o lines and are happy just ramming the ball down your throat. Think what Illinois or Minnesota would do with their 8 offensive linemen in a formation.
 

J.E.B

All-Conference
Jul 8, 2001
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The big boys always seem to have an endless supply of 325lbers in the middle of the DL, big and fast rush ends, and 240lbers at LBer. Not many on the PSU roster fit that mold.
 

psu31trap

All-Conference
Oct 29, 2021
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Early on Saban used a 3-4-4. Depending on the play his defense was able to camouflage a 3-2-6 defense. He got away with this for two reasons. He had a NT in the middle and two legit 1-Tech DT which demanded double teams. However, the jewels to his “D” were the OLB’s. Tweeners that could fall back on passing plays or hit the edge to rush the QB. Bottom line, everything comes down to depth and player development.
 
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