Defensively Speaking: Alex Grinch's Defense

After reviewing hours of University of Oklahoma defensive videos, I now have several
observations and thoughts. But for me, the key question still remains: Is this the best base
defense for our personnel considering our upcoming 2022 season? So, let’s take a look and
examine the scheme.

The above graphic shows the most fundamental 3-4 (3 DLs and four LBs) look against a vanilla offensive set. While we just don’t see this vanilla offensive set much anymore, it is helpful in defining the basics of a 3-4 base-set defense. Later, we’ll jump into more about how a 3-4 (or even a 3-3-5) looks in application. For now, do not worry about the two safeties. The first and most obvious element to note is that there are three true defensive linemen (DLs), which includes a 0-technique nose tackle (NT). Hence the name “3-4” defense. All that the term Zero technique means is that the NT lines up over the offensive center but with no shading and even up helmet-to-helmet and but not favoring one side or another. The nose tackle may be responsible for both A-gaps (called a 2-gap, 3-4) or just one A-gap with Mike LB responsible for the other A-gap. More on this later about these differences. Please note that the cornerbacks (CBs) are shown above in a simple heads-up press (up close) alignment.

Since this is the first of a series of Defensively Speaking articles for this season, I’m including a visual that describes defensive alignment nomenclature. The visual may help explain gap terminology and shading techniques. You may want to print a copy of this article to help you keep track of defensive alignments during a USC football broadcast. In the visual, the below circles with T, C, G and Y letters mean:

Offensive Tackle (T)
Offensive Guard (G)
Center (C)
Tight End (Y)

The numbers in the visual shows the defensive players alignment with respect to the T, G, C or Y players.

So, when you hear someone say a zero technique or 3 technique you’ll know where along the Line of Scrimmage (LOS) the player is lined up.

While at the OU, the kind of defense that defensive coordinator Alex Grinch utilized was a 3-4 with an occasional 3-3-5 (3 DLs, 3LBs and 5 secondary players depending on personnel and opponent. I think the below look from last season’s UT game will help us at least understand how our defense might look under DC Grinch. The base defense looked like this against a 12 set (i.e., 1 RB & 2 TEs) offense:

Against the one back & two TE formation shown above (a 12 set), OU shows a classic college football 3-4. Note that the nose tackle is in a 0+ technique (with a slight shading to the strong side of the offensive center also called an “over”) and the defensive tackles are in 5+ and 3 techniques, respectively. The Strong safety is on the hash supporting run while the free safety is deep reading the inside flex receiver on the hash mark. This offensive formation is prevalent in the Pac-12 and other conferences as well. My key question: is the NT in a one-gap or a two-gap mode? The answer turns out to be a one gap for this play. Most of OU’s approach with the NT over center under Grinch was two-gap except on certain passing downs and situations when a true NT one-gap was used. However, He also used a loop technique with the NT where he would loop around the center into the B or C gaps. This looping by the NT helps confuse upfront blocking assignments and opens up more effective edge pressure by an OLB or even a nickel/safety.

The result of this play was a touchdown due to a missed tackle by the safety and a great block on the cornerback.

In this screenshot, we see the base set in a goal-line situation:

In this goal line situation, note only three DLs with eight linebackers and safeties in two-point stances (standing upright). This is both a running defense and run play-fake pass defense from the two-yard line. In this case, the play was a pass to the strong-side (right side) which was incomplete. This is an even defense with the guards covered up but not the center by a NT.

On the next play, UT scores a running touchdown using a passing formation with an inside fake and pulling guard…please note, still only three DLs

So, what does it all mean for our base set this coming 2022 season? From my perspective, we have the personnel to make a 3-4 or 3-3-5 work. There are some key questions to ask however including:

1. Will tackling really improve…for real? We’ve all heard this for years now and the results
   have been lacking. I am cautiously optimistic but concerned about cornerback run
   defense.
2. Are we going to be physical for four quarters?
3. Will our down three DLs be conditioned to handle the up-tempo offensive pressure?
   BTW, there is a new NCAA rule change that will penalize a team if a player takes a dive
   (fakes an injury which stops the clock).
4. Who will take the Mike and Will ILB roles? We’ve got talent but not depth.
5. How will the secondary react to a different coverage scheme especially the CBs, safeties
   and nickel in various combinations?
6. What are the best ways to deploy Tuli, since he is a true difference maker?
7. Will this scheme be effective against a power football team e.g., Stanford, Utah and
   Notre Dame?
8. Can our playmakers make the plays and create a positive turnover situation? This is
   especially true with the secondary and linebackers.
9. Can we create 3rd down pass pressure on the opposing QB with just four players (3 DLs
   and a Rush end linebacker)?
10. Is this defense more effective in edge containment? Is it designed to stop a true RPO
    (Run/Pass option) team with a running threat QB?
11. We will we see a penetrating defense for a change, but do will we give away too many
    big plays as a result? Grinch has historically stunted in the box often during games while
    utilizing a combination of nose tackle, linebackers and nickel backs

As you probably expect, there are a lot of open questions before this 2022 season starts. We will get a better idea as the season begins, but my educated guess is that some answers will emerge in August just before the Rice game. I fully expect that there will be necessary adjustments to make after that opening game. An opener always forces adjustments but an opener with new players, scheme and coaching staff will demand significant adjustments but what this defense lacks in depth it really has great athleticism. I hope opposing teams underestimate this defense…they’re going to get a nasty surprise.