FanPost

Inside the Playbook: Ohio State and Michigan State

I've compiled a decent amount of work focused on these two teams this year. For those interested in some of the X's and O's and schematic things. Here's the links:

Ohio State

Thought I'd start a thread for those interested in what OSU runs, and that sort of thing. I should have two more posts come out today/tomorrow sometime, which I will link on here. I'll give a brief breakdown of each link so you know what you're clicking before you click it. Hopefully this is alright, and if you have any questions for me in regards to breaking things down, feel free to ask. Apologize as well for linking previews, but again, it helps me track readership better than I can on SBNation, and my goal is to start writing more non-Michigan-centric content and start getting further in depth with the other B1G teams.

Here's a general look at OSU's Flood play, which is probably their favorite way to attack defenses deep, something like this will be a play OSU will likely pull out on any down/distance, because it isolates defenders (including safeties and LBs) on WR in the cover 4, and it requires great communication and great eye-technique in cover 3 on the third and long plays:

LINK

Here's a corner-post concept. This is a lot like the flood route, but a little different. This will probably be done once or twice to take a shot more than anything, but against MSU's defensive scheme, I don't think this is a great option for them
LINK

Here's a link focused on OSU's pressure against Wisconsin. Somewhat similar personnel groupings and run-to-pass ratio, so expect this to be fairly similar
LINK

This is a play talking about Michigan, but OSU runs it much more (MSU runs it as well). It's how OSU uses a FB as an adjustment in to the inverted veer look.
LINK

OSU mixes up man and zone blocking schemes, but this year have gone mostly with a Power O concept (similar to MSU). Here's a round-up of Power O links for those interested
LINK

Here's a look at the origins of OSU's run game and how it relates a lot to the old single wing formation (something I coached for a few seasons, an interesting offense).
LINK

Here's a counter look that I hadn't seen before (didn't see it against Michigan, FWIW) that OSU runs out of the inverted veer. I wouldn't be surprised if they pulled it out against MSU if the backside LB chases and the backside safety focuses on coverage instead of LB level fill.
LINK

Michigan State

I also thing I've done some interesting things regarding Michigan State this year. Most of it is focused on their defense (I will have a post up tomorrow focused on their offense however, that I'll post here). Some of it is about their base 4-3 Over Cover 4, but I've also kind of fallen in love with a certain 3rd down nickel package Narduzzi pulls out a few times a game, and have written about it a few times.

How MSU will use their base offense to attack OSU's defensive weaknesses

LINK

How MSU will use their jet sweep package to take advantage of OSU's speed

LINK

Look at MSU's 4-3 Over and the adjustments their front makes and why (I would expect a lot of Jam and Cage this week)
LINK

A look at MSU's base cover 4 with it's strengths and weaknesses
LINK

A look at the adjustments they can make within that cover 4 scheme
LINK

How they adjusted that scheme to shut down ND
LINK

Ways offenses can attempt to dictate some things from Michigan State on defense
LINK

The simplified offensive playbook to get Cook into a rhythm (and really set the tone for the rest of the year)
LINK

Then 3 posts on one of my favorite nickel packages (I particularly like the last one below)
LINK 1
LINK 2
LINK 3

This is a FanPost, written by a member of the TOC community. It does not represent the official positions of The Only Colors, Inc.--largely because we have no official positions.