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How should Ohio State attack Oklahoma?

+17 HS
buckeye phi's picture
September 14, 2016 at 4:44pm
68 Comments

OK - so knowing what we know right now - how should Ohio State attack Oklahoma? 

While it's still far too early in the season to say we know as much as we'd ideally like to know about the Sooners, there are a few things that can be learned from their loss to Houston. 

The first thing we know is, that without that rare 109.99 yard "kick six", it would have only been a three point victory for the Cougars.  Not exactly a blow-out. 

Secondly, it looks like Oklahoma's rushing defense is very sound this year.  Houston was only able to total a little over eighty yards on the ground.  The Sooners' second opponent, La-Monroe, slightly less.

However, the Cougars were able to exploit some weaknesses in OU's pass defense.  Capitalizing on several big play opportunities, they finished with well over 300 yards through the air. 

Those who watched the Sooners fall to Clemson in their play-off match-up at the end of last season may recall that the Tigers were able to make some big plays in the passing game as well.  The Louisiana Monroe blow-out was also somewhat noteworthy because even the Warhawks were able to pass for more than 270 yards against Oklahoma.

Oklahoma lists their starting corners at 6'0" and 5'10.  There would appear to be at least some size advantage for the Buckeyes in that regard.  In fact, it's widely believed that the Sooners' Dakota Austin is at least an inch shorter (probably two) than his listed height.  A 5' 8" corner is an issue at this level.

That's where Head Coach Buckeye Phi would begin his game plan.  It seems everyone is concerned about whether Ohio State will be able to run on Oklahoma's defense successfully.  And rightfully, so.  The early results would certainly tend to bear this concern out.  So why not attack the Sooners at their weakest points?

Ohio State can start several wide receivers who are over 6 feet tall.  Now, these are highly athletic receivers - who are in the starting rotation, anyway - not back-ups being called off the bench merely due to their height.  The fact that they're taller than OU's projected starters is really just an added benefit - but a significant added benefit, in this case.  For instance, Noah Brown is 6'2" - as is Austin Mack.  Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin are each 6'1", for that matter.

Ohio State's offensive brain trust just has to be willing to "take what the defense is giving them" - as the old saying goes. The Buckeyes should try to isolate a taller receiver on one of those shorter defenders from time to time - and toss out some jump balls.  Of course, this should be in conjunction with a more conventional passing attack - keeping in mind that the Sooners have been particularly susceptible to the deep ball as well. 

As Oklahoma's coaches are forced to compensate by providing extra help in the secondary - then the Buckeyes can go back to emphasizing the ground attack more as the game wears on. 

And naturally, the resurgence of Urban Meyer's H-backs should continue.  It's doubtful any defense the Buckeyes will face will have an answer for that.

Defensively, a great deal depends on the play of Ohio State's tackles. Specifically, the 3 technique tackle position.  Michael Hill is solid at the 1 technique spot - but even there, depth is an issue. 

Houston's defense was able to disrupt the interior of the line verses the Sooners.  The Buckeyes may be able to do the same - but they really haven't shown that kind of ability with any consistency yet.  However, if they do struggle in this regard, all is not necessarily lost. 

Over his long career, defensive co-coordinator, Greg Schiano, has been known for his creativity when it comes to the blitz.  He may have to devise a way to help those tackles out a little with a few blitz packages.  Specifically, run blitz packages. 

Speaking of Schiano, Ohio State's early success with their pass defense has been well documented.  The "cover 1" look has truly showcased Malik Hooker's special skill set.  It also capitalizes on Damon Webb's coverage abilities.  Webb, a former cornerback, has really been the unsung hero in the secondary to this point.  If he wasn't covering his man as well as any corner would, Hooker would not have had the same number of big-play opportunities. 

Of course, the same could really be said of the Buckeyes' corners - Gareon Conley, Marshon Lattimore and Denzel Ward - along with nickleback, Damon Arnette. 

The point is, that offensive coordinators are sure to start finding ways to attack that cover-1 scheme.  Schiano would be wise to stay a step ahead in that sense and at least mix in some other coverages -  more so than he has to date.  Gotta keep that cover-1 in the toolbox, though. 

Otherwise, it's kind of an "if it ain't broke - don't fix it" kind of approach as far as this ol' Buckeye is concerned.  

So, how would you approach it?

 

 

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