Ohio State doesn’t change the principles of their defense based on the opponent. This is what happens when your entire defense is stockpiled with some of the most talented players in the country.
While much has been made of Ohio State’s cover-four scheme, Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley are talented enough that the defense has run an abundance of straight up man-to-man coverage. The secondary’s coverage ability, combined with the pass-rushing prowess and athleticism from the front seven, has allowed Ohio State to stifle scrambling quarterbacks all season.
Man coverage with a QB spy
Against Baker Mayfield and the Oklahoma Sooners, Ohio State got basic and played cover-one spy during a huge moment early in the game:
Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield has the ability to make plays outside of the pocket, so the defense needed to protect against a possible quarterback run.