Fulton Analysis: Cracking the Code

In fighting to a 30-23 overtime victory, Ohio State not only had to overcome an excellent Wisconsin defense but also being caught by surprise by the Badgers’ defensive strategy. Rather than utilize their standard 2-4-5 nickel spread defense, Wisconsin played its base 3-4 odd front.

The odd front limits Ohio State’s ability to create double teams and attack the A-gap bubble with its base tight zone run play. The Badgers frequently blitzed the inside linebacker to the halfback side to further constrict inside running lanes.

And by using their outside linebackers as overhang defenders between the offensive tackle and slot, Wisconsin made it more difficult for Ohio State to run outside – most notably with speed option, where the outside linebacker would string the play so that the safety could come downhill to take the pitchman.

The Buckeye offensive line – particularly its tackles – struggled throughout the game with reach blocking Wisconsin’s stellar linebacker corps.

Behind that 3-4 front – rather than primarily use the man coverage that Urban Meyer and his staff expected – Wisconsin generally played zone. Specifically, Wisconsin mixed in cover 3, cover 4 and quarter-quarter-half (cover 4 to the field cover 2 to the boundary). The latter – also known as cover 6 – was perhaps Wisconsin’s primary coverage.