DC of the last few seasons, Bob Diaco, is now the HC at UConn.

The Irish are shifting from a more conservative, simple base 3-4 to an aggressive, many base 4-3 under new DC Brian Van Gorder (former Atlanta Falcons DC).

Lengthy article ensues for those interested:

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football...-vangorder

Good read, thanks for the heads up!

From 5/8... He identified the same issues (2 deep shell, week at OLB)

(05-07-2014 04:46 PM)ruowls Wrote:  Well to kick off the long summer....



ND has quite a bit of transition going on. They have a new OC and DC and are switching the defensive scheme and tweaking the offensive scheme.



The offense is trending more toward a spread read option run package with a greater usage of the QB's athleticism. They will also try to improve intermediate pass route production.



On defense, they are switching from a 3-4 to an attacking 4-3. Their strength is in the DL and secondary (primarily the secondary). They have an All-American LB candidate that they have talked about and tried moving him around the field on defense.



I'll start the discussion on what I think would be fun to see in South Bend.



Double TE look and make their weaker LBs cover you in space. You can isolate their weak side LB in space and make him have to read run and pass. For starters, come out in 2x2 double TE. First permutation, motion receiver across formation that is lined up with their star LB. The result is that you get tripps on the side with the weaker LB and force them to cover with him or use their FS to cover the tripps down low. Or, it forces them to substitute to a nickel defense. Second permutation, flex the TE opposite the star LB. Now ND has to make a choice. Decalre the line strength as strong and put the SS to the line strength over the TE or declare the flex side as strong and have the SS cover the flexed TE. If the SS goes to the flex TE, motion the opposite receiver and again you have the vulnerable LB exposed in pass coverage on a slot receiver. Lastly, flex both TEs and Rice is in their base 2x2 spread with the lesser LB having to cover 1 of the flexed TEs.



There you have it. The way to beat ND in South Bend.