Fulton Analysis: Another Step
The Ohio State offense was able to use its matchup with UNLV as a tune-up to hone its mid-range passing game. In so doing, the Buckeye offense may be developing an identity – one that is consistent with new coordinator Kevin Wilson’s past offenses.
In facing the Buckeyes, UNLV eschewed their base 4-3 defense to copy previous Ohio State opponents, frequently combining a shaded 3-man odd front in front of a soft cover 3 or 4 zone. UNLV often only rushed three defenders to buttress that coverage.
Ohio State quickly adjusted its run game against the odd front, using a counter tackle dart play that the Buckeyes frequently deployed against such looks during the 2014 season. Note how the block for pulling right tackle Isaiah Prince is made easier by the overhang defender having to respect the bubble threat.
More importantly, the Buckeyes built upon last week’s use of run-pass option, wide receiver screens on the edge – by this week featuring middle of the field pass concepts. To do so, Ohio State used what have perhaps been its two most successful pass schemes this season – mesh and an outside zone/backside slant run-pass option.
On its second touchdown drive, the Buckeyes ran mesh twice, with J.T. Barrett first hitting H K.J. Hill on the shallow cross route,
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