Fulton Analysis: Getting Outnumbered

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At its simplest, Ohio State lost against Penn State because of a blocked punt and field goal. But the Buckeyes were only in that position because of another game of offensive inefficiency.

Penn State amplified a script that is familiar against Urban Meyer’s offense. The Nittany Lions often slanted their front – based on Ohio State’s formation and tendencies – as follows:

· Y-Off and halfback to the same side – slant away from the halfback;

· Y-off away from the halfback – slant to the tight end.

· In-line tight end to the halfback – slant to the halfback

· In-line tight end opposite the halfback – slant to the tight end

The Nittany Lions brought an edge blitzer behind the slant – with the boundary safety generally coming down at the snap. Behind such aggressive fronts, Penn State frequently utilized a 3-deep zone to limit the Buckeyes’ vertical play action game – with only two or three defenders left in the underneath zones.