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This matchup is going to come down to discipline and execution.
Offensively, Ohio State has opportunities to control the game with gap runs and motions. Washington’s run fits are a mess, especially in their 6-1 front, and they struggle to pass off routes in bunch or condensed looks. The Buckeyes have to stay clean in protection against their pressure and stunts, so four-man slides and clear ID rules are critical.
Defensively, it starts with keeping the Huskies’ quarterback bottled up. Demond Williams Jr. is athletic, and he’s got a good deep ball when he’s on time, but if Ohio State collapses the pocket inside and takes away his wide escapes, it can disrupt his rhythm.
Washington wants to live in zone runs and mix the read game, but their offensive line has real issues with stunts and blitz pickups. If the Buckeyes stay gap-sound, communicate through their condensed sets, and stay alert for their screen game, they will be in position to dictate the tempo on both sides of the ball.
Ohio State Offense vs. Washington Defense
Coverage & Structure
- Heavy Cover 1 base, mix in Cover 2 (Tampa as the changeup).
- 6-1 front shows up often, but Washington will also play base 4-down.
- DBs struggle to hold up past two seconds in man coverage.
Weaknesses
- Run fits are awful – big issues in the box (confusion, poor gap integrity).
- Gap schemes (power/counter) have gassed the Huskies — Colorado State mauled them in 6-1.
- Poor at passing off routes in bunch/condensed sets (natural picks hurt them).
- LBs overcommit to run → PA to TE in the box is wide open.
- Motion messes with Washington (especially away from the run in man, they lose a body).
Plan of Attack
- Use motion (JJ/Tate isolations, ID mismatches).
- Bunch/Mesh/Flood/Sail → stress coverage rules
- Bunch/condense sets → work rubs/mesh/weak flood/weak sail.
- Gap scheme runs – make them prove they can fit it.
- Slants vs Cover 1: outside leverage CBs, no inside help (esp. low RZ). QB has green light inside the 5 to check to No. 4.
- Throwback RB routes – LBs lose track.
- TE leak for explosives vs backside pursuit.
- Protection: heavy stunts/pressures → use 4-man slide to stay clean.
- Take deep shots vs 1-high, work quick game vs Tampa 2.
Ohio State Defense vs. Washington Offense
QB (Demond Williams Jr.)
- Athletic, escapes early. Must collapse interior gaps to suffocate.
- Accurate deep ball if in rhythm/on time. Disrupt timing.
Run Game
- Stop outside/mid zone.
- Diverse read game: zone, gap, bash → must be gap-sound.
- MLB (“Penny” look) helps clean up fits.
- Under-center run game is weak – mostly OZ. Attack edges.
Pass Game / Protection
- Air raid concepts – force QB inside to A/B escape lanes.
- 6-man pressures stress protections → their OL struggles.
- Stunts wreck them – multiple sacks on tape. Keep dialed up.
- PA off OZ is solid – back side must stay disciplined.
Formations / Screens
- Heavy condensed/bunch sets → communicate coverage rules.
- Slow screen game is dangerous – must rep in practice.
Keys
- Contain QB on 3-step – don’t let him flush wide.
- Prep zone read adjustment (QB is a threat).
- Eyes for screens every day in practice period.
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