Setting the edge. Playing contain. The force player.
We hear these terms used by coaches, players, announcers, media members, and fans, but what do they really mean? How do they fit into Ohio State’s defensive philosophy? What do they look like on the football field?
Before examining the concept in more detail and looking at some film, it’s important to understand former co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash’s base defensive alignment and gap responsibilities (also known as 'run fits'). We've has previously written about the Silver Bullets' base 4-3, over front in which run defenders are responsible for a single gap or running lane, known as a one-gap defense (Keep in mind that football terms are not universal; different coaches often use different verbiage when referring to the same concept).