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Ohio State barely escaped East Lansing with a 17-16 win. In large measure this was because Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio broke all tendencies and played extremely aggressive. Rather than utilize his base cover 4 defense, Dantonio generally blitzed one to two linebackers most plays – often bringing both an edge defender and an inside run blitzer. When not blitzing, Spartan linebackers often looked to shoot underneath gaps. Michigan State would then use a three-deep, two or three under zone behind.

Michigan State’s goal was to limit Ohio State’s edge run game with Curtis Samuel, cause confusion for the Ohio State offensive line, and place the Buckeyes behind schedule. Dantonio’s aggressive strategy was aided by the wind, which largely negated the coverage weakness of Michigan State’s safeties.

The Buckeyes adequately responded by running the football inside. Mike Weber ran aggressively with good vision. The Buckeyes were particularly effective with two variations off tight zone that insert a lead blocker at the point of attack – ‘gut and counter zone iso.