Penn State entered the game on Saturday ranked third nationally in total defense, but showed some susceptibility against bunch formations and switch routes in the weeks leading up to the game versus Ohio State.
A key factor that contributed to the success of the passing game on Saturday stemmed from a variation of the “Switch Concept.” A staple of the old “Run and Shoot” offenses of years ago, traditionally, the play is designed for the slot receiver to run a form of the wheel route to stretch vertically after passing underneath the outside receiver. The Buckeyes, however, utilized Tight End Marcus Baugh in the slot with Terry McLaurin crossing in front of Baugh on his release. The inside release caused confusion within the Penn State secondary and created a difficult matchup for both defenders. Baugh would run a corner route to the end zone against a smaller defensive back while McLaurin was matched up against a .inebacker in the middle of the field with a lot of open turf available.
Switch Concept
PSU struggled with the "Switch" concept versus Iowa. Ohio State exploited it to their advantage as well. pic.twitter.com/zz0KtZ5Np6
— Kyle Morgan (@NoHuddleScouts) October 30, 2017
The play call was brilliant as it caught Penn State in a defense where they had walked strong safety Marcus Allen down to the line of scrimmage as an extra pass rusher.
This left the Nittany Lions in a form of Cover 2, but rolled the safety who had vacated the middle of the field during pre-snap motion. McLaurin was able to read the safety and continued his path away from the closing safety.
Below, we take a closer look at the intricacies of the concept and how it proved to be successful in getting the Buckeyes into the end zone during the second quarter.
Better than the switch concept for the receivers, was the switch concept for the offensive line!!! Prince picked up the rush from the OLB, and Knox+Price picked up the Twist move between DE and DT – sweet and great protection!!!