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3-3-5 defense

NebChicago

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Oct 14, 2009
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Can someone breakdown this defense’s philosophy for me?
And if it’s a good fit in the B1G?
 
Can someone breakdown this defense’s philosophy for me?
And if it’s a good fit in the B1G?
I think it might better to take advantage of tweeners who have a set of wheels. When you see recruiting video of a guy who flies to the ball, that’s the kind of guy they want. That gets NU a better win total in the B1G, and perhaps a couple of quality Dlinemen from thinking about Indy.
 
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I'm the last person who should discuss the 3-3-5 but from what I've read its advantages lies in deception, as in attacking the offense from unpredictable directions. It tends to confuse offensive linemen because they don't know where the pressure is going to come from. Downside is that is it susceptible to allowing big plays.
 
While I can’t say I know all the intricacies of the 3-3-5, it does seem that it would be a useful scheme when there are tweeter type players.

For example you have an OLB who is not huge but great at rushing the passer or a safety who is not great in coverage but a very good tackler and can play our rover spot, etc

Looking forward to actually seeing it in action
 
I was about to post a thread about this. I personally think that we have good enough leaders in Robinson, Reimer, Henrich and Gifford that give us a chance at having a decent year in this defense.

I am cautiously optimistic because this defense might give up big plays and potentially a fair amount of points in Year 1, but I think we will force a lot of turnovers. And teams that win the turnover battle typically win the game.

Check out TCU-Michigan in the CFP Semifinal, and you’ll have a good idea how the 3-3-5 works against a physical Big 10 team. Tony White’s 3-3-5 at Syracuse last year was really solid, too, for a place like Syracuse.
 
Can someone breakdown this defense’s philosophy for me?
And if it’s a good fit in the B1G?
Jmo but it's a cover up for not having enough talent up front. Mix in and bring down smaller faster guys and create chaos with different angles and bodies. It can work but you'd better have guys that can tackle well and a couple dudes up front that don't move.
 
I ran 3-5-3 for HS for about 5 years and it was amazing. Easy to install super fun to run and you can attack from a lot of different spots.

IF a team wants to run right at you and I mean literally right up the middle, basically just A gap stuff, you might run into issues. But there is no running room outside and lots of plays get stretched out and guys get brought down from behind.
 
I ran 3-5-3 for HS for about 5 years and it was amazing. Easy to install super fun to run and you can attack from a lot of different spots.

IF a team wants to run right at you and I mean literally right up the middle, basically just A gap stuff, you might run into issues. But there is no running room outside and lots of plays get stretched out and guys get brought down from behind.
May I ask what was your teams record those 5 years?
 
Jmo but it's a cover up for not having enough talent up front. Mix in and bring down smaller faster guys and create chaos with different angles and bodies. It can work but you'd better have guys that can tackle well and a couple dudes up front that don't move.

This is correct, but it should be added that's not necessarily a bad thing. The term "cover up" seems a little harsh. I view it much more as "tailoring the scheme to your personnel" which is what good coaches do.
 
May I ask what was your teams record those 5 years?
No, you may not! Haha

So, we were challenged on offense, to say the least.

The very first time I used the 3-5-3 we went on OT at 0-0...we lost 6-0 in OT.

We never let up over 24 points while running the 3-5-3. We were probably right around .500 over that time.
 
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No, you may not! Haha

So, we were challenged on offense, to say the least.

The very first time I used the 3-5-3 we went on OT at 0-0...we lost 6-0 in OT.

We never let up over 24 points while running the 3-5-3. We were probably right around .500 over that time.
Fair enough if your offense couldn’t score points..
 
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I ran 3-5-3 for HS for about 5 years and it was amazing. Easy to install super fun to run and you can attack from a lot of different spots.

IF a team wants to run right at you and I mean literally right up the middle, basically just A gap stuff, you might run into issues. But there is no running room outside and lots of plays get stretched out and guys get brought down from behind.
Five linebackers huh.. interesting
 
There have not been a lot of P5 teams that run a 3-3-5, especially P5 teams that have significant size up front. When Syracuse was running it, they had at least one 220 DE play significant minutes. It will be interesting to see if having size up front will make it more difficult to run straight at the defense.
 
This is correct, but it should be added that's not necessarily a bad thing. The term "cover up" seems a little harsh. I view it much more as "tailoring the scheme to your personnel" which is what good coaches do.
It may sound harsh but imo there is a reason you see schemes like this that typically come from smaller programs. They are trying to find a way to compete without talent in certain spots. Don't mean we can't win with it and that it won't be fun to watch. Until we get to winning and better quality depth the 3-3-5 will help us. It is also possible we get better players for the 3-3-5 and perfect it.
 
It may sound harsh but imo there is a reason you see schemes like this that typically come from smaller programs. They are trying to find a way to compete without talent in certain spots. Don't mean we can't win with it and that it won't be fun to watch. Until we get to winning and better quality depth the 3-3-5 will help us. It is also possible we get better players for the 3-3-5 and perfect it.
There is a reason you see schemes like the option run game in smaller programs, they are trying to find a way to compete without talent in certain spots.

But when you have the most talented option QBs the offense can win titles.

I believe that you recruit to the schemes you want to run. Rhule recruits speed and measurables to run the schemes he wants to run. I don't at all believe he chose schemes based on this staff having an inability to get the players they want.
 
Its a scheme that almost all teams have in their playbook. It is viewed as high risk, high reward as the defense takes more gambles than a 4-2 or 4-3. I think any scheme will work as long as you have the coaches and players to run it. Nebraska will still line up with 4 linemen at times, just like they will come out in dime at times as well.
 
There is a reason you see schemes like the option run game in smaller programs, they are trying to find a way to compete without talent in certain spots.

But when you have the most talented option QBs the offense can win titles.

Since when?

I believe that you recruit to the schemes you want to run. Rhule recruits speed and measurables to run the schemes he wants to run. I don't at all believe he chose schemes based on this staff having an inability to get the players they want.

Maybe not, but he also doesn't have many of his guys in yet.
 
Who runs the option as a base offense? service academies

He brought in 40 new players since he was hired. That is about 1/3 of the team.

I was referring to the option offense can win titles with the right QB part. But I think you knew that.

Yeah, good point on the new players. Still could be that the scheme gets adjusted for the personnel he has and may change once he has the other ⅔ his guys.
 
When we had the 4-3, people wanted to go to the 3-4 because we couldn’t get that rush end that was a game changer (minus Gregory) and enough DTs. Then we switch to a 3-4 and can’t get a OLB that can rush the QB and a true NT.

If the 3-3-5 helps ‘tweeners,’ which we seem to be able to get, then I’m all for it. Outside a few notable exceptions, we’ve really struggled to get enough quality NT/DT depth and EDGE difference makers.
 
The 3-3-5 defense, also known as the "odd stack" or "30 stack" defense, is a defensive alignment that features three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs. This formation is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for both aggressive and conservative defensive strategies. Here are the strengths and weaknesses of the 3-3-5 defense, specifically in the context of the Big Ten conference of college football:

Strengths:
  1. Versatility: The 3-3-5 formation is highly adaptable to various offensive schemes and can easily shift into different defensive alignments, such as a 4-2-5 or a 3-4. This flexibility allows defensive coordinators to make quick adjustments based on the offensive formation.
  2. Pass Defense: With five defensive backs on the field, the 3-3-5 is well-equipped to defend against the pass. This can be particularly beneficial in the Big Ten, where spread offenses and passing attacks have become more prevalent in recent years.
  3. Speed and Athleticism: The 3-3-5 emphasizes speed and athleticism on the defensive side of the ball. By replacing a traditional defensive lineman with an additional defensive back, this formation can better match up against faster, spread offenses that are common in college football.
  4. Disguising Blitzes and Coverages: The 3-3-5 defense can make it difficult for opposing offenses to identify blitzes and coverage schemes pre-snap. This can lead to confusion for the quarterback and offensive line, potentially resulting in sacks, turnovers, or other negative plays.

    Weaknesses:
  5. Run Defense: One of the primary weaknesses of the 3-3-5 defense is its vulnerability to power running games. With only three defensive linemen and three linebackers, this formation can be susceptible to being overpowered at the line of scrimmage, especially by the traditionally strong rushing attacks in the Big Ten.
  6. Size and Physicality: The emphasis on speed and athleticism in the 3-3-5 defense can come at the cost of size and physicality. This can be problematic when facing larger, more physical offensive lines and running backs in the Big Ten, as it can lead to defenders being pushed around and worn down over the course of a game.
  7. Gap Control: With fewer players in the box, the 3-3-5 defense can sometimes struggle with gap control and assignments. Miscommunications and missed assignments can result in big plays for the opposing offense, particularly in the run game.
  8. Inexperience: The 3-3-5 defense is not as widely used in college football as other defensive schemes, such as the 4-3 or 3-4. As a result, players may be less familiar with the nuances and responsibilities of the 3-3-5, which can lead to difficulties in execution, particularly for younger players or those new to the system.
 
You will hardly ever see just 3 dudes up front

It will almost always be 5.

In the end almost every front is odd and it is almost always 5.

Some coaches get crazy about counting hand in the dirt vs not in the dirt but it is all 5 man fronts in the end.

The only differences is the slanting.

The issue for the O is if you can or can't pull/trap.
 
I was referring to the option offense can win titles with the right QB part. But I think you knew that.

Yeah, good point on the new players. Still could be that the scheme gets adjusted for the personnel he has and may change once he has the other ⅔ his guys.
Nebraska in the 90's relied on option principals and a running QB to win titles. If a P5 team wanted to run that offense and were able to get the best players to run that offense, they could win titles today.

Why would he hire a guy that has run nothing but the 3-3-5 if he was going to change the scheme in 2 or 3 years? Pointless
 
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The 3-3-5 defense, also known as the "odd stack" or "30 stack" defense, is a defensive alignment that features three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs. This formation is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for both aggressive and conservative defensive strategies. Here are the strengths and weaknesses of the 3-3-5 defense, specifically in the context of the Big Ten conference of college football:

Strengths:
  1. Versatility: The 3-3-5 formation is highly adaptable to various offensive schemes and can easily shift into different defensive alignments, such as a 4-2-5 or a 3-4. This flexibility allows defensive coordinators to make quick adjustments based on the offensive formation.
  2. Pass Defense: With five defensive backs on the field, the 3-3-5 is well-equipped to defend against the pass. This can be particularly beneficial in the Big Ten, where spread offenses and passing attacks have become more prevalent in recent years.
  3. Speed and Athleticism: The 3-3-5 emphasizes speed and athleticism on the defensive side of the ball. By replacing a traditional defensive lineman with an additional defensive back, this formation can better match up against faster, spread offenses that are common in college football.
  4. Disguising Blitzes and Coverages: The 3-3-5 defense can make it difficult for opposing offenses to identify blitzes and coverage schemes pre-snap. This can lead to confusion for the quarterback and offensive line, potentially resulting in sacks, turnovers, or other negative plays.

    Weaknesses:
  5. Run Defense: One of the primary weaknesses of the 3-3-5 defense is its vulnerability to power running games. With only three defensive linemen and three linebackers, this formation can be susceptible to being overpowered at the line of scrimmage, especially by the traditionally strong rushing attacks in the Big Ten.
  6. Size and Physicality: The emphasis on speed and athleticism in the 3-3-5 defense can come at the cost of size and physicality. This can be problematic when facing larger, more physical offensive lines and running backs in the Big Ten, as it can lead to defenders being pushed around and worn down over the course of a game.
  7. Gap Control: With fewer players in the box, the 3-3-5 defense can sometimes struggle with gap control and assignments. Miscommunications and missed assignments can result in big plays for the opposing offense, particularly in the run game.
  8. Inexperience: The 3-3-5 defense is not as widely used in college football as other defensive schemes, such as the 4-3 or 3-4. As a result, players may be less familiar with the nuances and responsibilities of the 3-3-5, which can lead to difficulties in execution, particularly for younger players or those new to the system.
We’re going to find out real quick with #5, #7 next Thursday..
 
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When we had the 4-3, people wanted to go to the 3-4 because we couldn’t get that rush end that was a game changer (minus Gregory) and enough DTs. Then we switch to a 3-4 and can’t get a OLB that can rush the QB and a true NT.

If the 3-3-5 helps ‘tweeners,’ which we seem to be able to get, then I’m all for it. Outside a few notable exceptions, we’ve really struggled to get enough quality NT/DT depth and EDGE difference makers.
This. So hard to find a really good NT and really good OLB at the same time. I think Nebraska as a state has a lot of 4-3 DE and TE body types.

At some point maybe some or these freak athletes like Fidone and Nelson may need to be converted to OLB. Not those 2 specifically, but hs kids in the future.

I also think we have been hurt by a lack of pass rushing 3-4 DE's. I'm hopeful Lenhardt will change that.
 
Nebraska in the 90's relied on option principals and a running QB to win titles. If a P5 team wanted to run that offense and were able to get the best players to run that offense, they could win titles today.

Yeah, I'm aware we used that to win championships in the 90's. I just kind of assume that since nobody has been able to do it since in the last 25 plus years, it's probably not a sustainable model these days.

Why would he hire a guy that has run nothing but the 3-3-5 if he was going to change the scheme in 2 or 3 years? Pointless

I didn't know that. Figured he was just more of a nickel guy. Didn't realize he was exclusively 3-3-5. If that's the case, then you're right...that would be pointless.
 
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This. So hard to find a really good NT and really good OLB at the same time. I think Nebraska as a state has a lot of 4-3 DE and TE body types.

At some point maybe some or these freak athletes like Fidone and Nelson may need to be converted to OLB. Not those 2 specifically, but hs kids in the future.

I also think we have been hurt by a lack of pass rushing 3-4 DE's. I'm hopeful Lenhardt will change that.
My opinion is that attempting to compare what the 3-3-5 personnel look like or their assignments as compared to the 4-3 or 3-4 is pointless. In most 3-4, the nose tackle is a 2 gap defender, trying to eat up blocks and plug the run on an overwhelmingly large percentage of the snaps. In this defense, the NT will stunt and will be asked to be a part of a pass rush and can do similar in the run game. Not very often with the NT simply try to eat space, he will be trying to get into the backfield.
 
My opinion is that attempting to compare what the 3-3-5 personnel look like or their assignments as compared to the 4-3 or 3-4 is pointless. In most 3-4, the nose tackle is a 2 gap defender, trying to eat up blocks and plug the run on an overwhelmingly large percentage of the snaps. In this defense, the NT will stunt and will be asked to be a part of a pass rush and can do similar in the run game. Not very often with the NT simply try to eat space, he will be trying to get into the backfield.
Didn't know that. Thanks. Can't wait to watch this all unfold.
 
Nebraska in the 90's relied on option principals and a running QB to win titles. If a P5 team wanted to run that offense and were able to get the best players to run that offense, they could win titles today.

Why would he hire a guy that has run nothing but the 3-3-5 if he was going to change the scheme in 2 or 3 years? Pointless
Unfortunately if our D is worth a salt in the next 2-3 years we will probably be looking for a new DC and not many of them run 3-3-5, unless we promote from within.. When we got White I was under the impression he was likely headed for HC job in the coming years.
 
Unfortunately if our D is worth a salt in the next 2-3 years we will probably be looking for a new DC and not many of them run 3-3-5, unless we promote from within.. When we got White I was under the impression he was likely headed for HC job in the coming years.
perhaps. White has only been a DC for 3 years plus a bowl game. If I were a betting man I would say he will be here 4-5 before leaving for a HC position, assuming all goes well.
 
perhaps. White has only been a DC for 3 years plus a bowl game. If I were a betting man I would say he will be here 4-5 before leaving for a HC position, assuming all goes well.
Fair enough.. I just remember the Cuse fans being upset because they wanted him to be the next guy.. The way CFB is now tho who knows
 
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There is a reason you see schemes like the option run game in smaller programs, they are trying to find a way to compete without talent in certain spots.

But when you have the most talented option QBs the offense can win titles.

I believe that you recruit to the schemes you want to run. Rhule recruits speed and measurables to run the schemes he wants to run. I don't at all believe he chose schemes based on this staff having an inability to get the players they want.
I don't either, just hoping he has enough of what he needs to start with.
 
Charlie Strong when he was at South Carolina started the 3-5-3 then Jeff Casteel at WVU perfected it. Now Gibson who was at WVU now at NC State runs it. Now you have the 3-3-5 scheme which is similar but more pass stopping players. Good defense I ran it as a High school coach. Gets speed out there
 
I ran 3-5-3 for HS for about 5 years and it was amazing. Easy to install super fun to run and you can attack from a lot of different spots.

IF a team wants to run right at you and I mean literally right up the middle, basically just A gap stuff, you might run into issues. But there is no running room outside and lots of plays get stretched out and guys get brought down from behind.
How were gap responsibilities assigned with that extra LB? Was it basically like bringing an extra safety into the box?
 
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