Football The Rivalry

Reading the Buckeye Leaves: Michigan Week

by Tony Gerdeman
Ohio State Michigan

 

So often the emotion of this game renders any thoughtful analysis useless.

Records don’t matter, stats don’t matter.

What matters is that Ohio State defends against a throwback to a Michigan tight end.

Here are a few other nuggets to watch for on Saturday.

When Michigan Has the Ball

Michigan thrives on a Power running attack behind multiple tight ends and the use of a fullback. The Wolverines must be effective in this area to move the chains and limit 3rd and long situations as they have only managed to convert on 33% of their 3rd downs this season.
The threat of the run will allow more manageable passes by backup quarterback John O’Korn.

From multiple tight end formations Michigan is able to create matchups versus a free safety or linebacker to generate passing yards. Here they are able to bait a strong safety into the box based on the formation, then freeze the safety with play action to throw behind the vacated area. Ohio State may counter this threat with three safeties to create balance and versatility in the secondary while still being stout enough to defend the run.

Ohio State has increased its creativity pre-snap on third downs of late, either showing Sam Hubbard or Nick Bosa at middle linebacker while moving others around the line of scrimmage. By walking defenders around it forces the offensive line into miscommunication or allows for the Buckeyes to overload a gap. If the Buckeyes are able to limit the run game, it could result in a number of opportunities on third and long.

When Ohio State Has the Ball

Michigan has struggled in defending the outside run, and really any play that stretches their defense horizontally. Since the loss at Iowa, Ohio State has shown a desire to establish an outside running game in a variety of ways. Whether it is a pitch, Jet Sweep, or Bubble Screen, the result is all the same as these plays are designed to conflict or freeze key defenders.

Last week saw the insertion of a backside pass to J.K. Dobbins in the flat that is intended to conflict the linebacker of box defender to that side. Once the Buckeyes are able to exploit this it will open up the vertical passing game while simultaneously forcing the defense to chase the play and wear down as the game moves along.

The key force in the middle for the Wolverines is Maurice Hurst Jr. A likely early first-round draft pick this Spring, Hurst will be a handful for the Buckeye offensive line.

Wisconsin proved they could use his skill set against him as they ran delayed draws and cutbacks towards his vacated gap. The following play worked because of the Wisconsin offensive line showing a pass protection blocking scheme, essentially baiting him to rush the quarterback.

The Buckeyes used a similar idea to break Mike Weber free for an 82-yard touchdown versus Michigan State a few weeks back, which was highlighted in the Buckeye Breakdown.

Buckeye Breakdown: Ace in The Fold

Ohio State will need to rely on a steady dose of RPO plays to slow up the pass rush of the Wolverines while attacking the middle of the field behind the linebackers.

Hudson likes to blitz the quarterback when lined up over a tight end on the line of scrimmage. As we saw versus Michigan State, Marcus Baugh will be a key receiver in this scenario and a likely dump off for Barrett to avoid the pressure.

Finally, Penn State used and abused Michigan linebacker Mike McCray. While I fully expect Michigan to take drastic measures to not allow McCray in Man Coverage ever again, there is a chance this matchup will present itself.

The Buckeyes need to find out early if Michigan will switch the assignment with a safety or offer bracket coverage to that side. Regardless, the Wheel Route is a great option to draw Man Coverage even against a Zone defense due to the fact the zone defender must carry the assignment downfield.

 

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