Fulton Analysis: A new identity?

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In its 62-3 win against Nebraska, the Ohio State offense redefined its identity. Although it mixed coverages, Nebraska based out of its cover 4 scheme on early downs with a frequent use of cover 1 or cover 3 on third down. Echoing other opponents, the Cornhuskers employed a soft back zone to allow its edge defenders and safeties to play aggressively downhill against the run.

But Ohio State responded by smartly amplifying its strategy of targeting the resulting zone coverage holes. The Buckeyes did so in two primary ways.

First, Ohio State threw on 16 of 27 first downs. The Buckeyes mixed hard play action looks with center Pat Elflein pulling to set full slide protection either towards or away from the run fake. In so doing, Ohio State emphasized play action that looked like their base run plays. Below Ohio State faked a buck sweep with Elflein setting the front side edge.

Ohio State also relied heavily on empty formations. The Buckeyes frequently split out tight end Marcus Baugh, often sending the halfback in motion to widen the defensive zone coverage.