Football 101: Zone blitz and 30 package

Updated: November 21, 2003, 8:54 AM ET
By Bob Davie | Special to ESPN.com
The 100th edition of the Ohio State-Michigan game pairs two of the best defensive teams in the country. The Buckeyes enter the game ranked sixth in total defense, while Michigan is ranked No. 7. Both teams have multiple defensive packages and the ability to do a lot of things with their schemes.

In fact, the Michigan and Ohio State defenses are similar in a lot of ways, but it all starts with an attacking philosophy. On running downs, both defenses will use the zone blitz to get the eighth man in the box to help stop the run. On passing downs, both units have several nickel schemes, including a three-down lineman package.

Today's class will look at how both teams use the zone blitz to get an eighth man in the box and also take a look at how they utilize the 30 package on third down.


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Bob Davie

College Football
Bob Davie, a veteran college football coach of 25 years, most recently as head coach at the University of Notre Dame, serves as an analyst on college football game telecasts and select studio shows.

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