Looking at our roster/recruiting targets, I can't help but think that the coaching staff could/should be looking to move to the 3-4 down the road. We have a ton of hybrid types who could fit perfectly into that scheme...
3-4 Rush LBs: Spence(deadly off the edge), Lewis and Marcus (guys who aren't good in coverage but are amazing pass rushers)
3-4 DEs: Washington, Bosa, Pittman, Bennett, Sprinkle (DT frame with skills to play the 4-3 DE but better at the point of attack, and lacking elite speed)
Nose Tackles: Schutt, Hill, Price, Munger(?), Marcelys Jones, Chris Carter
The 2014 linebacker targets could also fit in very nicely. I've heard that both Booker and Berger project as Viper types, which would definitely translate to the 3-4 OLB spot. Also, with both Mitchell and Johnson committing, we have some great incoming talent at MLB, but are still recruiting guys like McMillan and Garrett who are ILB types as well. And Mitchell could honestly play any of the LB spots in a 3-4, he's great off the edge and can also play the middle. And with how great ND and Bama have looked recently, I bet Urban has taken notice.
honestly dont think Id mind it that much. The way Meyer recruits on defense, it wouldnt be a bad idea. Because he recruits alot of them versitale athlete type linebackers and quicker defensive lineman. it wouldnt be a bad idea.
#Buckeyes
Exactly, it works great at Bama, it's gotten ND to the national title game this year, and it works in the NFL. I'd love to see it here.
I wouldn't cheer for Michigan if they were playing the Taliban.
It would honestly have to depend on the offensive allignment.
We typically line up in a 4-3 or even a 4-2-5 defense against a 2back/pro set. Where the Defensive End puts his hand down.
And the Viper/Defensive End stands up in a 3-4 against single back or spread packages.
I think the switch in philosphy half-way through the season really helped this Defense find its self
http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2012/12/17145/a-season-breakdown-part-i-defensive-scheme
“Right now, Michigan is not at the pinnacle of college football, and that’s all Urban Meyer cares about...He’s been there and knows what it takes to get there.”
I think another year of 4-3 (start schooling these talented young LBs we've had come in the last 2 classes), then by 2014 (after we lock up some top LBs in the 2014 class) it'd be great to start moving to a 3-4.
Barrett Jones (Bama A-A Center) said the other day that it's much more difficult for a college offense to play against a 3-4 defense, and I tend to believe he knows what he's talking about. I also just think that when you look at teams like the Steelers or Patriots (in years passed, believe the Pats moved to the 4-3 defense as of a year or two ago), or Bama in CFL the past couple of years--when a 3-4 defense has the right personnel, they are very difficult to combat. But that's purely based on my own biased love for the 3-4 defense.
The other thing for me, I didn't care for having both Hankins and Goebel on the field at the same time this year. I felt like because of the fact that neither was that effective a pass rusher, you basically had two space-eating/run-stuffers, and only two true pass-rushers on the field (Simon and Williams). Which was great against the run, not so great against the pass (except in games where Simon or Williams went hog-wild). With a 3-4, you'd have your space-eating run-stuffer in the middle, and at least 3-4 pass-rushers (2 DEs and often 1-2 OLBs blitzing at any given time). Just my 2 cents tho. If you run the 4-3 and at least 1 of your DTs is an effective pass-rusher (ala Cam Heyward at OSU in years past), then you're not at quite as much of a disadvantage.
Well we didn't lose a game this year Ill say " if its not broke, don't fix it". But would we be able to anytime soon with our not so great of depth at LB, not the the players can't but do we have enough right now to run the 3-4?
Wherever you are, there you be!
I like your argument in every position but nose tackle. Most of those guys aren't true nose tackles aside from Carter or possibly Hill.
I actually really like the idea. It wouldn't hurt to throw in a few different formations. I remember watching Florida when Urban was there and they had a lot of defensive formations. Spence would be deadly here.