The focus should be on creating a team whose sole focus is on beating O$U. If you can do that, a tall order no doubt, then you can beat anybody.
- Starting with offense, the speed in space concept will work against most teams but that is not what is needed to beat the Buckeyes. They will always have more talented defensive backs than we will have wide receivers. A pro style offense is what is called for. Watch the NFL today and you'll see a lot of under center play by QB's, full backs that lead into the hole, downfield routes, play action, back shoulder throws and running backs that are hard to bring down (not burners).
- The offense JH ran when he first got here is more adept at beating the Buckeyes than what we have now. You have to grind out drives, use the clock, and score consistently. The only way to slow down the Buckeyes offense is to keep them off the field. Pick a system, recruit specifically to it (like Wisconsin does) and perfect it.
- Physical running attack, big receivers that can catch a back shoulder fade, TE's open off of play action, one shifty guy on the field at the slot (not the entire WR room)
- Don Brown is not the answer. Again, no matter what defensive backs we recruit, O$U will always have faster wide receivers. The NFL runs zone coverage 60% of the time. That's because it works, and leads to less big plays. It allows defensive backs to "face" the offense and be forward facing. This is how routes get jumped, interceptions happen, and keeping people in front of you happens best. Having your corners constantly turning and running with receivers forces them to have their backs to the play and find the football. This is one of the most difficult things a corner can be asked to do. The big plays are what have killed this team over the past 5 years.
- Structure a defensive line that is stout against the run, with a front 6/7 that are great at being run stoppers who can occasionally get to the QB on 3rd and long. If you can stop the run, and you keep receivers in front of you via zone coverage (and tackle well), then there will be a lot of 3rd and longs. Recruit corner backs and corners only. In today's game you need one safety. Everyone else needs to be able to run and play aggressive zone coverage.
- The overall philosophy is to grind the opponent down utilizing a dominant run game while taking shots using play action. I'm all for occasional swing passes, screens, etc. But this speed in space concept is not going to win us championships. If you have solid RB's then you'll have plenty of chances to break a run. Keeping receivers in front of you and making them earn it by driving the entire field forces them to execute and utilize clock. Speed in space by Michigan will not beat speed in space by O$U - only a superior physical team will.
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