Fulton Analysis: It starts up front

Other than several second half pass coverage miscues, the Ohio State defense turned in another stellar performance in defeating Nebraska 56-14.

Against the Cornhuskers’ pro-style offense, defensive coordinator Greg Schiano primarily played cover 1 man defense – as opposed to the cover 4 concepts the Buckeyes have been using against spread offenses.

Schiano’s game plan also reflected an evolution in how Ohio State sets its defensive front. In recent seasons, Ohio State used a 4-3 over front to the field regardless of offensive formation, with the 3-technique defensive tackle, Sam and Mike linebackers wide, and the 1-technique defensive tackle and Will linebacker to the boundary.

But on Saturday, Schiano again repeatedly used an under front to the field – particularly when the offense put its formation strength to the boundary. Perhaps paradoxically, by using the under front, Schiano ensured that he had the over alignment to the short field to match the offense’s formation strength, namely 3-technique Dre’mont Jones and Will linebacker Jerome Baker.

In so doing, the Will and Sam positions become more mirrors of one another, with both Booker and Baker sometimes lining up as inside linebackers and sometimes in the overhang area. Schiano is able to do so because both have the athleticism to play outside the box.