Film Review: Penn State at Ohio State, 2021, Part 1

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I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from and execution standpoint - from the 2021 Penn State at Ohio State football game.

Part 2 here. 

First, some thoughts:

Penn State Offense

  • This offensive line continues to be a massive liability for the offense as a whole. The right side particularly struggles, but the left side isn't without its issues. This is more pronounced in the pass game, but is pronounced in the run game as well, where poor technique and missed assignments occur often.
  • Clifford started out looking like his pre-Iowa self. Even before injury, he had issues facing the blitz. OSU put a lot of pressure on Clifford, and as the hits mounted, you started to see Clifford's eyes drop and technique suffer.
  • Jahan Dotson deservedly gets a lot of the attention, but I really like Parker Washington as well. With Dotson getting a lot of the focus, Washington has slowly improved his game and can do a lot of nice things out of the slot.
  • This offense features a ton of formation into boundary and a lot of screen RPOs (and still features some downfield RPOs as well). Combined with the regular use of motion (backs in and out of the backfield, TEs split out to in the formation, WRs moving across the formation), they find a lot of creative ways to win numbers, leverage, and help identify coverage.
Penn State Defense
  • Outside Wisconsin, I believe this is the best defense in the B1G. Iowa has an argument to be made as well, but I think the diversity and disguise that PSU brings to the table gives them higher upside (though may lower the floor a little). Since losing some DT depth, they have featured more odd fronts, but they have executed those well. Tons of games up front, lots of rotations on the backend. You never know what you are getting post-snap.
  • There are also playmakers at each level of the defense. I've heaped praise on Arnold Ebiketie, I believe he is has Day 1 draft pick upside, though he may end up Day 2 due to his size. Luketa isn't the pass rusher, but is great against the run. Their LBs are extremely fast, starting with former 5 star Brandon Smith. And the backend is very athletic and fun to watch, most prominently Jaquan Brisker. Also important, they really don't have a "weak" spot.
  • On the downside, while the heavy disguise and rotation is fun and often pays off, there are times it bites them as players start in non-optimal position. This can cause two problems: 1) Late getting to a spot they need to be either in coverage or gap responsibility; 2) More "wash" than you would typically see from standard levels, which can make bunch/drive/crossing routes dangerous.
Ohio State Offense
  • The offense as a whole remains extremely dangerous. They combine long-speed at all skill spots, with a high level of technical capability, particularly at WR. They do a great job attacking all three levels in the pass game, and because of that pass threat, are dangerous on the ground if you get your eyes out of the backfield. 
  • Stroud has made steady strides over the course of the year. He is reading coverages better than he was early in the year, and getting the ball out on time. I really like his timing on the short/intermediate game, which has really helped set route-artisan Jaxon Smith-Njigba off.
  • There are uncharacteristic issues on the OL, most regularly of the identification variety. Lots of issues getting stuck on defensive line slants in the zone scheme, not fluent enough in gap run schemes yet. They are starting to incorporate more gap, but they just aren't there yet. I think some of the size/leverage issues with playing "four tackles" has been a bit of an issue, as tackles are adjusting to the quicker game inside. It's still a very good unit, but they bust more often than we are used to them seeing. I also wonder if the course of the season is starting to wear on the young RB.
Ohio State Defense
  • Night and day disguise difference with this unit now compared to early in the year. Lots more pressure schemes and "creeper" pressures (still only bringing four rushers, but one an atypical rusher while you drop out a more typical rusher). You can see very clearly where the athletes are benefitting from the opponent having to actually process the coverage and coverage change ups that they are seeing, even if they still base Cover 3/Cover 1.
  • The defensive line had a good day. PSU OL makes a lot of DLs look good, but overall, some good pressure coming off the edge. The LB level is starting to flash too, particularly RB convert Steele Chambers (much better LB name than RB name). It still isn't where it needs to be overall, but compared to early season issues, it is at least solid now, though still capable of some busts.

 

 

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