Fulton Analysis: Defense passed first test vs. BG

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Against Bowling Green, the Ohio State defense likely faced a tougher task than the Buckeye offense. Despite this, the defense also turned in a superb performance.

Entering the contest, questions remained as to what stamp new defensive coordinator Greg Schiano would place on the Ohio State defense. If the game against the Falcons was any indication, Ohio State will continue to operate from its 4-3 over, cover 4 framework – but with significant changes in approach. In the first half, Ohio State almost exclusively rotated down at the snap to play cover 1. This places five Ohio State defenders in man coverage, with the boundary safety – Malik Hooker – rotating to play a deep middle of the field zone.

Cover 1 fit the Bowling Green offensive approach. With a Y-off that essentially functioned as a fullback, and an immobile quarterback, cover 1 was an effective way to get an extra defender in the box.

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But Schiano has long featured cover 1 – particularly combined with pressure coming from different angles.