What defense are we running?

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• louism2wash Member Posts: 363

  August 1

  Here is what ChatGPT had to say:
  
  Ryan Walters installed what he calls the “Air Strike” defense during his tenure at Purdue (2023–2024), carrying over the same core schematic philosophy he developed at Illinois Wikipedia+15On3+15journalgazette.net+15.

  🔍 Key Features of the “Air Strike” Defense

  1. Front Alignment & Pressure Packages

  • Typically features five players across the front: three down linemen and two stand-up edge rushers (sometimes the strong safety or linebacker stands up) Last Word On Sports+3journalgazette.net+3On3+3.
  • This configuration allows for a mix of rushing all five, rushing four with one edge dropping into coverage, or dropping both edges and rushing just three, creating disguised pressure and confusion for opposing offenses Reddit.

  2. Man‑Heavy Coverage (Cover One / Man‑1)

  • Purdue operated almost exclusively in man coverage, with a single high safety (Cover One) providing over‑the‑top support typically 15–20 yards deep Wikipedia+15Mgoblog+15Addicted To Quack+15.
  • Corners and linebackers were often aligned in “island” matchups, with very few snaps in zone; a notable game against Ohio State featured over 93% man coverage and extremely aggressive blitzing MgoblogReddit.

  3. Aggressive Blitz Rates

  • Walters’ scheme was characterized by high blitz frequency, often sending 6 or even 7 defenders. In one charted game, Purdue blitzed on over 70% of snaps—though many were actually just the five-man front framed as blitzes Mgoblog.

  4. Explosive‑Play Insurance via Single‑High Safety

  • The lone deep safety’s job was to “kill off” explosive plays—a last line of defense behind the man coverage structure. At Purdue, Dillon Thieneman predominantly played that role, lined up 20+ yards off the line on most snaps to limit big plays SI+3Mgoblog+3Addicted To Quack+3.

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• whatshouldicareabout Member Posts: 12,990

  August 1

  ChatGPT matches what I've heard, with a base 3-4 with 1 NG, 2 DT, and 2 edge rushers on the LOS.

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• Tequilla Member Posts: 20,098

  August 1

  You'll see a mix of 4 and 5 man fronts depending on the opposition

  For the 4 man fronts it's going to primarily consist of 2 DTs and 2 EDGE guys, 2 MLBs, and then 5 DBs … I would expect this type of lineup to be what we're using primarily against spread/passing teams and in passing down situations

  For the 5 man fronts, you're going to have 3 DTs with the middle DT being more of the traditional run stuffing NT type, 2 DTs, and 2 EDGE guys … probably 4 DBs in this situation

  Where you'll some mix/match is going to completely depend on the quality of our edge rushers and their ability to set the edge on run downs. There's more DL/EDGE depth than we've had in a while so it will get mixed up a bit.

  The hallmark of what Walters has traditionally succeeded is disguising blitzes and coverages … it's a very friendly system for good DB play

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• RaceBannon Member, Moderator, Swaye's Wigwam Posts: 113,575

  August 1

  The bend and break defense against the corn fed boys

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• Tequilla Member Posts: 20,098

  August 1

  I wouldn't say that at all Race …

  If you go back to 2022 his defense at Illinois caused Michigan all kinds of problems and frankly should have won that game in the Big House

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