Ohio State’s first bye week provides the opportunity for a deeper dive into the Buckeyes’ new defensive scheme under co-coordinators Greg Mattison and Jeff Hafley – and how Ohio State’s opponents are now targeting that scheme, through the prism of the Michigan State game.

Ohio State’s base concept is an over front. The 3-technique and strong side defensive end align to the run formation strength, with a single deep safety (Jordan Fuller) and two “overhangs” (meaning aligning over the number 2 receiver outside the tackle box) – Shaun Wade and Pete Werner.

The back five defensive backs – including Wade and Werner – are detached from front six and align based on the passing strength. This allows the Mike and Will inside linebackers to stay in the tackle box and play run first.

Wade aligns to the passing strength with Werner generally opposite. The Buckeyes primarily play two coverage schemes – cover 1 man (man with a free deep safety) or cover 3-matchup zone. The latter effectively involves defenders playing man within their zone before trading off crossers. For cover 3, the matchup zone aspect is particularly critical for defending the seams to both sides of the middle of the field safety, with the slot corner carrying the vertical route.