Each week of this football season, I'll take a look at Ohio's opponent to break down what kind of offensive and defensive schemes they run. This week, I'll take a look at the Hampton Pirates. Today, I'll break down the defense.
Breakdown
Hampton's defense is the strongest part of the team. It really isn't close.
The Pirates return eight defensive starters and two incoming transfers, one of whom is Kapri Doucet, a transfer linebacker from Oklahoma.
Hampton allowed 24.5 points and 340.5 yards per game last year and should only improve this season, especially if the offense doesn't put the defense in negative spots throughout the game.
Offensive coordinator Tim Albin said the Pirates run a multiple front with three or four down linemen, depending on the situation.
They also run multiple types of coverage, which ranges from man-to-man to all types of zone coverages. Ohio's quarterbacks will have to be ready for all different looks. Albin said they were "multiple in their coverages."
Hampton boasts three defensive linemen that are more than 300 pounds. The rover and the rush end are about 220 each, designed to rush off the outside.
The thing that stood out to me on film was Hampton's team speed on defense. The defensive line can move far better than one might expect, and the linebackers have great closing speed.
At 13:32 of this YouTube video, Norfolk State lines up in a spread look, two wideouts and a tight end to the right, a wide receiver to the left.
Hampton counters with a 4-2-5 look, with a linebacker kicked out in the slot. It's tough to tell, however, as the camera angle isn't the greatest.
At the snap, the quarterback hands to the running back in a read option play. The defensive line gets an excellent push, so much so that the center, #62, is blown into the backfield by a defensive tackle.
Hampton didn't have to blitz, and Albin said they don't blitz often. If the Pirates can get pressure by blitzing just four, they'll give the Bobcats offense fits.
The running back has to take a severe angle out wide and cut it upfield with the play having already been strung out.
He'll get about a yard and a half before he's met hard by four Pirates. One of them, #57, Jayso'n Davidson, sticks his arm into the fray and gets the ball. The Pirates recovered the fumble and took over on downs.
Judgement
Hampton's defense has some serious dudes. The Pirates defense can give the Bobcats offense fits if the Bobcats start to struggle with self-inflicted problems. Ohio should be able to run the ball up the middle and grind the clock, especially with running back A.J. Ouellette back in the fold.
The Pirates don't like to blitz, but if the Bobcats run the ball effectively, then the Pirates will be forced to put more men in the box. That will open up the field for Quinton Maxwell.
Ohio should roll in this one, but Hampton's defense is no slouch.
