Seemed like there was a lot of surprise today when it was stated the :lsug: ran this about 50% of the time. Here's some links for those of you who: a. want to know exactly what it is b. want to learn more about it c. are just bored http://members.aol.com/queensarh/425/425.htm http://www.afca.com/pdf/02SM_Keith_Allen.pdf#search='425%20defense' http://www.afca.com/pdf/97new_mex.pdf#search='425%20defense'
Correct and I don't think LSU was in their nickel or dime package 50% of the time, a lot maybe but I think 50% is a little high. Even so 50% of the time is a hell of a lot different than 100% of the time, I want to see a 4-3 Defense because you better stop the run first in the SEC.
The question should really be does Miles run a 4-2-5 on 1st down and/or in running situations? Wasn't it Carl Reese who ran a 4-2-5 all the time when he was here under DiNardo? If my memory is right, we didn't have enough good LBers to play a more traditional defense. Those who know football understands that you are probably in a nickel or dime package quite often in the game, especially if your defense stops the run on first down.
The 4-2-5 can be different from the Nickel. The 4-2-5 usually has two CB's and three Safeties, while the Nickel has three CB's and two Safeties. The 4-2-5 usually has the Free Safety lined up over the middle, with the two Strong Safeties playing in the alley.
There also exists a 3-3-5 nickel that can be effective in double covering WRs, but leaves open the possiblity an OL will break free and open up a long run. Miles said he'd use a 4 man front though, so we don't have to worry about that.
Is the 4-2-5 a formation favored by a DC because of his defensive philosophy or is it dictated by the talent available?
Don't remember who brought the 50% up originally, just when that was stated, some were thinking that they didn't even know :lsup: ran it at all. 50% kinda high though. Don't have the means nor time to chart defensive plays of the entire season to prove this right or wrong. Opponent's formations will dicatate how you line up anyway. And JV, just b/c a nickel package is used, that doesn't make it a 4-2-5, you could easily be in a 3-3.
It seems like many 4-2-5 coaches take it around with them wherever they go. I know Joe Lee Dunn has used it at South Carolina, Mississippi St., and now Memphis. The New Mexico coach uses it every season - he even used Urlacher as the Free playing over the top. Arkansas used it under John Thompson, and I believe he took it with him to East Carolina. The 4-2-5 is unorthodox, so it can be tough to play against. I wouldn't call it a gimmick defense but it does seem like the coaches who use it do so every season.
