Coming off a heartbreaking, last-second loss to Michigan the week prior, the Minnesota Golden Gophers knew they'd be facing yet a tough test for the second time in as many weeks when they entered Ohio Stadium Saturday night.
Though quarterback Mitch Leidner had set a new career record in passing yards against a tough Wolverine pass defense, he'd be facing yet another top-five unit in the Buckeye secondary.
After failing to establish the run at any point throughout the evening, Leidner and company began to move the ball through the air once again, getting the ball out quickly to a multitude of receivers and tight ends. Seven different Gophers would record receptions on the night, but the top target was clearly senior wideout KJ Maye, who tallied 10 catches on the evening.
The Gophers' third drive of the game would see them record a first down for the first time, but after only moving the ball 30 yards and eventually punting, the sequence would largely be forgotten. However, one person that vividly recalled that drive was Ohio State safety Vonn Bell.
On a defense full of NFL-caliber talent, Bell has emerged as one of the unit's best play-makers. The junior from Georgia ranks third on the team in tackles while leading it in passes-broken-up.
Yet Leidner would go right at the mid-season All-American, trying to expose the man-to-man coverage that the Buckeyes have shown against pro-style offenses like Minnesota's. Facing 3rd-and-4, the Gophers sent Maye on a short crossing route, picking up the first down easily.
Though the yardage would be negated thanks to an illegal block downfield, the play's effect would stick with Bell, who bit on an initial outside move to allow Maye room to make the play inside. The idea is part of the "Trail" concept, which clears out defenders in solo coverage first and letting the intended receiver follow behind, assuming he's created space from his defender.
The short motion from the outside receiver helps the QB make his first read, knowing that if the cornerback follows him the whole way, the defense is playing man-to-man and the trail route should be open. If not though, there is a good chance the first receiver may gain separation and be the main target.
As the Gophers would face another third down later in the half, they'd return to the concept while backed up against their own goal line. Given the situation, it was no surprise when the Buckeyes would come after Leidner on the play.
Though Bell and his fellow defensive backs were in 'Cover 1,' a form of man-coverage in which the Free Safety drops into a deep, middle zone allowing the rest of the group to play aggressively without fear of giving up a big play.
Yet instead of letting the OSU front four attempt to get pressure on their own, defensive coordinator Luke Fickell dialed up a scheme often run with zone coverage behind it. Darron Lee rushed to the outside 'D' gap, forcing the running back to pick him up on the outside while two linemen slanted two gaps over.
The other end, Tyquan Lewis, dropped back into a short 'Robber' zone, attempting to read the eyes of the quarterback and make a play on any short crossing routes. Meanwhile the inside linebackers both came through the 'C' gap just inside of Lee. This blitz freed up Josh Perry to come untouched, forcing Leidner into a quick throw before laying a big hit that drew a targeting penalty before getting overturned upon further review.
This time though, Bell wouldn't be fooled. Before the ball had even left Leidner's fingers, the safety was breaking on the ball knowing it was headed once again in his direction, thanks to same formation, short motion, and initial outside route from Maye.
"They ran that play earlier. They knew we were in man so they were going to try and pick me," Bell said after the game. "Being that No. 1 is their guy, they wanted to get the ball to him. I took a picture in my head, I said they were going to run that play again, I jumped in front of him and made the play."
This wasn't the first time Bell has picked off Leidner in his career, and while he had previously helped seal a win for Ohio State, this effort ensured the momentum would be in favor of the Buckeyes for the remainder of the night. The OSU offense would add three more touchdowns of their own, building a lead that would never be lost.
With big games against the pro-style attacks of Michigan State, Michigan, and potentially Iowa looming, the Buckeyes will need to lean heavily on Bell and the Silver Bullet secondary to achieve their goal of repeating as national champions. It certainly appears that no. 11 is up for the challenge.
