said defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow. They're one of the better teams that can run the option
like Navy but they throw the ball too so that makes it even more challenging.
Cal Poly runs the triple option, but it has more than three offensive threats.
Unlike other schools that run the triple option, which may go a whole game without throwing a pass, Cal Poly has a dangerous
passing game.
Ramses Barden scorched the Football Championship Subdivision last season, breaking many records held by Jerry Rice. Barden was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the NFL Draft - not bad for a wide receiver on a run-focused offense playing for an FCS (formerly D-1AA) school.
These guys throw balls
said defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow. They're one of the better teams that can run the option
like Navy
but they throw the ball too
so that makes it even more challenging.
Simply running the option can give the defense fits. Cal Poly runs a Flex-Bone option, meaning its base offensive package will have two slot backs. There will be two wide outs who may line up on the same side or opposite sides. It's a derivative of the wishbone style option.
Once the game begins, Ohio's defense will have to defend the traditional triple option components - a fullback taking the ball up the middle, a quarterback keeping it, and the pitch man. Against Cal Poly, the Bobcats will also have to defend the pass.
There are difficulties associated with defending the triple option even before the game gets underway. Because only a handful of teams run the triple option, and it's so different from traditional offenses, it's difficult for the scout team to effectively mimic it in practice.
But Ohio linebacker Lee Renfro said the scout offense has done a fine job preparing the defense for tomorrow's game. Winning will come down to the extent of Ohio's discipline.
If I've got the quarterback
I can't worry about diving in and taking the dive or going to pitch
or he's taking off
Renfro said. It's just doing your job and counting on the guy next to you to do his job.
While doing their job and counting on their teammates is what defensive players have to do during every game, the scheme and game plan to stop an option team is completely different, Renfro said. However, Ohio will have a template for those changes.
Ohio faced a triple option team last season in the Virginia Military Institute, which Ohio defeated 51-31.
Renfro said VMI and Cal Poly are similar - VMI had a quarterback who ran a lot, while Cal Poly's quarterback can throw
the ball.
It's a tough thing to defend
