Why Tennessee’s "Big Nickel" Will Break College Football

[GBO2011]

Great graphic thanx man

Thanks! Love looking at defensive schemes. Also when looking at those two in comparison, we can do a lot more stunts with how Notre dame ran things than how we did because of the narrower splits. Looking at that 2012 defense makes me question everything I know about football

 

[GBO2011]

But, if the 4 2 5 works I’ll be fine with that

 

[stolitonic]

Missouri played a lot of 12 against us in 2024 if my memory is right

Think you meant 2023. We didn't play them the last two seasons.

 

[UTblood4life]

Thanks! Love looking at defensive schemes. Also when looking at those two in comparison, we can do a lot more stunts with how Notre dame ran things than how we did because of the narrower splits. Looking at that 2012 defense makes me question everything I know about football

Putting them side by side you can definitely see a whole different scheme, good job man

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Also a different version of the 3-4. The picture I showed above was how Notre Dame ran it in 2012.
And this is how we had it
View attachment 840376
One high safety instead of two, outside linebacker over there “J” is not on the LOS like in the other one, and much wider splits for your D-Lineman. The obviously there are other formations they line up in, but there are some noteable differences

With the offenses we seem today, we give up too mushy to the outside with only one safety.

 

[savannahfan]

I think what he means is you're playing a bigger player at the Star that can match up with a TE when the opposing offense is in 12 or 22 personnel.

Sorry, I do understand the "TE, "stars" to me are in the night sky. Did not know a defense could play with 12, let alone 22 players. But thanks anyway!!

 

[1974Vol]

Sorry, I do understand the "TE, "stars" to me are in the night sky. Did not know a defense could play with 12, let alone 22 players. But thanks anyway!!

Okay, I'm going to assume you are serious. TE= Tight End. The way offenses are designated is by the combination of running backs and tight ends in the formation. You are going to have 5 linemen, ( 2 guards, 2 tackles, and a center) and a Quarterback. An offense in 12 personnel has one running back and two tight ends. 22 personnel is two running backs and two tight ends. Tight ends are large receivers so when there are two in the game you need to cover them both. When only one TE is on the field a LB (Linebacker) will normally cover them. When there are two TE's in the formation, it creates a mismatch with your defensive backs. A Star in Tennessee's defense is a hybrid defensive back. They have been called a number of things at other schools and in the past - Rover, Monster, Spur, Viper, etc. They are generally a cross between a strong safety and a linebacker. Going back to the post I was clarifying, if the offense is in 12 or 22 personnel, you would most likely want a bigger stronger player at your Star position in order to better match up with the extra TE. I hope that helps to clarify it for you.

 

[savannahfan]

Okay, I'm going to assume you are serious. TE= Tight End. The way offenses are designated is by the combination of running backs and tight ends in the formation. You are going to have 5 linemen, ( 2 guards, 2 tackles, and a center) and a Quarterback. An offense in 12 personnel has one running back and two tight ends. 22 personnel is two running backs and two tight ends. Tight ends are large receivers so when there are two in the game you need to cover them both. When only one TE is on the field a LB (Linebacker) will normally cover them. When there are two TE's in the formation, it creates a mismatch with your defensive backs. A Star in Tennessee's defense is a hybrid defensive back. They have been called a number of things at other schools and in the past - Rover, Monster, Spur, Viper, etc. They are generally a cross between a strong safety and a linebacker. Going back to the post I was clarifying, if the offense is in 12 or 22 personnel, you would most likely want a bigger stronger player at your Star position in order to better match up with the extra TE. I hope that helps to clarify it for you.

Thanks