NCSU - 3 3 5 with 4i front

Sep 17, 2024, 3:45 PM

Just some thoughts on the Xs Os. On occasion, we have struggled with 3-3-5 defenses with NCSU being one of those.

NCSU uses a 3-3-5 defense with a tight front (4i - the nose tackle will line up directly across from the center and the two DEs will be slightly inside the tackles).

In that front, the DEs cover the B gaps and the DT covers one of the A gaps, and they will use one of the linebackers to cover the other A gap. This structure is more about covering gaps than getting a helmet on a helmet, which is how some offenses tend to look at the box. As a consequence, it looks like a light box but NCSU will fill the gaps. This front tends to work well against interior runs; however, does not do as well on the edges with counter plays. I think Mafah is going to break a couple of long runs and get chunk plays. OL seems very good at executing GT counters this season. The reasoning is that the 4i alignment allows you to easily pin the DEs that have cheated inward and then the pulling GT are getting outside against those hybird LBs, which are undersized. I think Matt Luke is going to be able to attack this front but we won't have as much success with inside zones.

Moving back from the front, NCSU will put more athletic hybrid LBs on the field in that structure. That gives them speed and the ability to cover on the back-end. Also, it allows them to have blitz packages that can really come from anywhere on any given play, so it is hard to account for down to down. That is how they will get pressure, more through disguising the blitz than a guy like Pwoo or TP3 that are natural pass rushers. So there is a chance with good OL/TE/RB block discipline to get favorable match-ups as long as we aren't out of position.

They like to run one high safety concepts, which means their LBs will need to be able to match our TEs in the seams... I like this match-up from Brinny. Also, they tend to run man concepts regularly on the outside, which opens up crossing routes. They had a couple of busts downfield against UT because of going man on the outside with only a single high safety. If CK2 can read the D, and not get confused due to identifying the extra rusher, he should have some opportunities to hit the seams and crossing routes for man beaters. There might even be opportunities down field with switch routes (think TLaw hitting Amari Rodgers for a TD against ND in the ACCCG) if he can keep his cool.

I am excited for the game - what are your thoughts?

flag link

military_tech

thumb_down

thumb_up

Good analysis.

Re: NCSU - 3 3 5 with 4i front

NCSU - 3 3 5 with 4i front

Good analysis.

Re: NCSU - 3 3 5 with 4i front

Re: NCSU - 3 3 5 with 4i front

Re: NCSU - 3 3 5 with 4i front

TigerBoard POTD