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tOSU Defense question

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ScarletNGry

ScarletNGry

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Does anyone think there is a chance we start seeing some 3-4 defense being incorporated in the near future? I know our defensive line is probably our greatest strength this year but next year we will be loaded at LB and it may be nice to get a few more of them on the field at once. Plus we are starting to get the reputation that teams can pass on our D at will and doesn't a 3-4 help with that? It provides better zone coverage and allows us to mix in a variety of zone blitzes with those speedy LBs. I think someone asked this before but it was not really discussed.

Any thoughts?
 
I highly doubt it.

We might move an LB into a rush end position in the 4-3... but you really can not move from a 3-4 to a 4-3 randomly.... totally different D, with different assignments (in a 3-4, the three down lineman are basically blockers for the LB's... I doubt we want to waste all our D-line talent, buy using them as blockers).

That and the kids would need to learn the whole new system... Some of the LB's could be used as FB's, TE's, SS, special teams, etc. We will just need to rotate the guys and keep them fresh like we do the D-line.... man does the D look like it will be tough for the next couple of years!!
 
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like gbear I don't see it happening, but you can't help but think about it with the depth we have at LB. I am a Steelers fan so I like to think I know a little about the 3-4. The 3-4 defense is designed to have your linebackers make most of the plays. In that system you need big defensive lineman(Marcus Green would be a candidate) who eat up blockers and take on double teams so the linebackers can fill the gaps and make plays. The variation on sure passing downs with D'Andrea or even Hawk lining up as a DE is a strong possibility. Like gbear said, I think our D-line is too talented to use them the way you would have to to run the 3-4. It sure is nice to have the talent to even consider it...
 
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Actually, I see teams getting more into hybrid nickel defenses as their base defenses with less linebackers.

Take South Carolina for example, they were running a 4-2 defense as their base defense. Worked at really well for them. I heard that another team (Arizona?) was moving towards a 4-2 defense as well.

I see teams moving in this direction before I see them moving to a 3-4.

- Rip
 
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I think OSU is heading that direction in their own way. Dantonio last year with Cie Grant at WILL basically gave him another safety on the field at all times. With so many passing teams out there, it makes sense. Hawk doesn't really seem to give us that kind of edge, but he's just such a player, you don't replace him.
 
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