This was supposed to be an offseason project.
Instead of spending months mastering the fine intricacies of a lesser-known, yet extremely successful, system in advance of a trip to AT&T Stadium, the plans have changed. Ohio State is scheduled to take on TCU and Gary Patterson's vaunted 4-2-5 defense back in Arlington in just over nine months' time, but with a Cotton Bowl matchup against USC looming, the Buckeyes have had to begin prep work for this unique look earlier than expected.
Under the watch of coordinator Clancy Pendergast, the Trojans operate a 4-2-5 system similar to the one made famous in Ft.