New 4-2-5 Defense

[RustShack]

Does the new DC not get to have a say in the defensive sets?

Usually good coaches hire guys who share philosophies. It limits your coaching candidates sure, but you want someone who fits in.

 

[Tre4ISU]

We ran a 4-3 and a 4-2-5 during dime or nickel packages

I think my new favorite thing is going to be the 4-2-5 dime package.

 

[Tre4ISU]

4-2-5 has always been my favorite defense. I loved watching TCU in the MWC run it and Gary Patterson said he always ran it because it is best equipped to stop the Spread. I liked the 3-4 but in this league you seem to need more DBs not Line backers.

We didn't play 4 LB.

 

[Tre4ISU]

I think the nickel is a 4-2-5 formation, but a 4-2-5 isn't necessarily a nickel. I think the 4-2-5 just becomes a nickel if one of the 5 is a nickel type hybrid LB/CB.

The nickel was traditionally a 3rd true corner. Now it apparently means anything that's not a 240 lb LB.

 

[besserheimerphat]

4-2-5 has always been my favorite defense. I loved watching TCU in the MWC run it and Gary Patterson said he always ran it because it is best equipped to stop the Spread. I liked the 3-4 but in this league you seem to need more DBs not Line backers.

What Patterson did differently at TCU was to allow the front 6 to make one call, the 2 DB on one side to make another call, and the 3 DB on the other side to make a 3rd call depending on what pre-snap keys they see. So he'd have 3 defensive "QBs" on the field adjusting the call and resulting in goofy things like zone coverage on the short side of the field and man coverage on the wide side (or vice versa), along with 4, 5 or 6 man rushes. Imagine a college QB trying to decipher all that and then find an open receiver.

 

[tolfbfan]

I know we have a new coaching staff, and they are doing great so far. Just word of caution, we ran this 4-2-5 defense before, and we were lousy. Stats may not show it but thought we improved significantly with the 3-4-4. Plus, easier to recruit linebackers than d-line with our school recruiting challenges. Hope Campbell and staff can find these d-line guys to compete in the Big 12. With what I have seen so far, I am hopeful we'll be more successful this time around in the 4-2-5. The defense shouldn't be on the field as much with a run focus offense also.

There is the key my friends. Building up the defense is very important, but a great running game is equally important for ISU to be truely competitive.

 

[Bobber]

There is the key my friends. Building up the defense is very important, but a great running game is equally important for ISU to be truely competitive.

Agree 100%. The last time I recall ISU being half way decent(in the McCarny years) we always had solid running backs and run games (even in the Seneca Wallace years)

 

[BeachAve]

I would like to see Harvey start with Harris at LB and Jones/Northrup as the hybrid safety. But where does that leave Knott and Peters? They will both be seniors and might end up seeing very little playing time. Seeley will be a senior as well but I have never been impressed by him.

Soecial teams? Those guys would be beasts

 

[CyInDFW]

For all those wanting Levi on the field more...if he shows he can play a hybrid spot he will line up there. He will definitely be on the field more than some are saying because of his leadership skills.

Levi was the defensive player Campbell called before talking to any other defensive player on the roster when getting to ISU. He wouldn't have done that if he didn't see something in the guy worth keeping.

 

[CyInDFW]

There is the key my friends. Building up the defense is very important, but a great running game is equally important for ISU to be truely competitive.

I've said it before, but here it is again...no ISU team has gone to a bowl game without a 1000 yard rusher or two guys combining for 1000 yards.

 

[CyFy]

Some people need to be less concerned about Peters size and look more about his play on the field. He was the most consistent LB we had. He was almost always in the right spot and he made open field tackles when most didn't. I think we have some really good young LBs but they will learn a lot by watching Peters for another year

 

[JustRedman]

Bump. Interesting. I feel like Campbell owes some of us some $.

 

[BCClone]

Bump. Interesting. I feel like Campbell owes some of us some $.

We don’t play a 4-2-5.

 

[JustRedman]

No, but we run a 3-3-5.

I thought about a 3-3-5 defense at points this season. 3 DL, 3 LB, 2 DB, 3 S look. I think showing the offense a 3 safety look puts the opposing OC in a strange spot. Many of our opponents look to stretch the field regardless of down and distance. So, 3 safeties gives them concerns about throwing deep. The 3 LBs are responsible for interior WRs and RBs, the 2 true DBs cover the outside receivers. The blitz packages could be disguised, as there are enough guys in the secondary to cover any blitzes. Send a DB and a S rolls to that side of the field to play man or zone, still leaving 2 S over the top. Send a safety (any of 3) and the other 2 still have deep responsibility. Send a LB and a safety can cover the slot on that side. Play man or zone, because of the numbers in the secondary will allow it. Seems like there would be SO many different looks and designed blitzes\coverages to confuse QBs which is desperately needed to slow down these offenses. I also believe that with 3 safeties they could play closer to the line of scrimmage, our DBs could play more bump and run. WR bubble screens could be defended more aggressively as there are guys behind you to back you up. Less 10 yard cushions by our corners.

 

[NorthCyd]

No, but we run a 3-3-5.

 

[tman24]

Took me way to long to realize the was a bumped thread.

 

[Doc]

If I bumped all the threads I was right in it’d be a full time job.

 

[WastedTalent]

I wouldn't hate a return to a 4 man front. I know it's not feasible, but I'd like to play both sets. 4 man front against teams like Iowa, Texas, and KSt, then the 3 man for most others.

 

[Frak]

I wouldn't hate a return to a 4 man front. I know it's not feasible, but I'd like to play both sets. 4 man front against teams like Iowa, Texas, and KSt, then the 3 man for most others.

I'd like to see it more on a play by play basis than game by game. And I think that having Will McDonald at LB should allow them to do it. If he can play SAM in the 3-3-5 and then move down to DE (moving Uwazarike inside) on more running downs, that would make the defense really flexible.

 

[Cyclonepride]

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