The "mac" or middle linebacker helps call the defense and serves as the "first responder" for the defense against the run, looking to plug gaps and spill blocks to the outside linebackers (or nickel and dime defenders as the case may be) and his partner the "rover" linebacker. The Times first reported his hiring Monday. It's pretty common for coordinators to double up as position coaches for the most important position on their unit. One was down and distance. With one of the pass-rushing outside linebackers replaced by a nickel DB, the defense is left with only a single edge rusher on the field (the B-backer in Orlando's defense). Orlando turned down that job, too. How you practice around here is going to be how many reps you get, Orlando said. Thats not to say those seven months were for naught. - Rudolphs Cowboys managed a season-low 13 points (All-American wide receiverJames Washingtonmanaged just 32 yards in the win). Herman isnt shy about issuing compliments to his defensive lieutenant. Stanley, he has natural mobility. It was during his time at Utah that he learned to assemble the 3-4 pressure package that made him an attractive hire for Herman and then a successful coach at Houston. The notion that the Big 12 doesnt play defense is false. Figueroa served as the single down lineman and was joined on the line of scrimmage by Jackson, Echols and one USCs more traditional linebackers, either Ralen Goforth or Palaie Gaoteote. The name of the game for Orlando is attacking opponents where they are always weakest -- in their ability to handle pressure and confusion with little reaction time. Its not likely to last forever. Todd Orlando, defensive coordinator, Houston. Weve got to be mindful of the stuff were doing or asking him to do. Were starting to try and create things like that defensively, so at least when theyre coming in there and theyre game planning us, you know, maybe it eliminates some plays youd normally see if youre vanilla. The Tite Front works because it forces the offense to bounce everything outside. It left a big void in our defensive line, experiencewise, Pili said. What I think were all starting to learn defensively theres some four-down stuff thats really good but the number of people you can get off the ball based on how the offense is attacking can be advantageous to you.. A little has to do with the pace of the game too. Before that, his inaugural Utah State defense ranked seventh in points allowed. In fact, Todd Orlandos defense is towards the bottom of the conference in points allowed per game, per SportsPac12s latest. Visit our online store to order your copyto get more in-depth analysis on the 2018 season. Theres a reason why he was let go. The Longhorns created four total sacks (averaged 2.33 a game). The odd front (three defenders) gave Orlando flexibility. We are excited to have Todd join our Trojan football program, USC coach Clay Helton said in a release. Orlando is widely considered a fast-rising coach in the industry, and players, like Roach, say Orlando should be a head coach someday. Will Alabama transfer Ishmael Sopsher be healthy enough to do so? If the guard stays on the 4i (double team), both the Mike and Will are left free to flow with the play and what DC doesnt want is ILBs free-flowing to the ball? I think its a smart move. The way you practice is the amount of plays youre going to get. The arrangement wasnt ideal for anyone involved, least of all the new defensive coordinator tasked with toughening up a unit that, for seven months, was barred from standing next to each other, let alone colliding. Its OKto fail, man. The result was a hurried throw from Daniels, an incompletion on fourth down, and a victory for USC. Up front, the Longhorns moved third-down specialist Breckyn Hager into one of the 4i-technique DE positions, where his scrappy playing style allowed him to battle bigger offensive linemen despite his smaller stature (6'2" 240). Orlando has proven in previous stops that hes capable of a quick reboot; though, never quite under the current circumstances he now faces. Then Utah State's defensive coordinator, Orlando flew to Columbus, Ohio to interview with Herman for Houston's defensive coordinator job. The diagram below illustrates the fronts usefulness versus a popular Spread play, the Power Read. His defenses would mix in three-down looks, but that was only about 20 percent of the time. Without a Spring Camp to provide real first-hand understanding of Todd Orlando's defensive scheme as well as Vic So'oto's preferences as defensive line coach, these are best guesses. Though it did prove to be the origin of one of college footballs best coordinator-head coach relationships. Hes a guru, said Texas junior safetyBrandon Jones. Imagine if this actually happens. When youre giving up that many rushing yards, thats not a good thing with us, Orlando said. Last year, Orlando helped the Longhorns shed more than 10 points per game allowed on defense despite working with 10 of the 11 starters from2016's porous unit. We need everyone to execute at the utmost level to make things work. We all saw how that worked. Orlando, who last coached defense at Texas, called the virtual install time a blessing in disguise. Even if it might only take his new defense so far. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. 9 Texas pummels No. The Longhorns were putrid in 2015 and 2016, allowing the third- and sixth-most rushing yards in school history. Longhorns defensive coordinator Todd Orlando debuted his "cowboy" package in a 45-14 win over Louisiana Tech last Saturday. Defensive coach Todd Orlando of the Texas Longhorns reacts during play against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second . But while Herman's motives started from a simple "What gave me fits as an offensive coach?" One of the key subplots to USCs season opener against Arizona State is the performance of the Trojans defense, more specifically the secondary. This article appeared in Athlon Sports' 2018 Big 12 Regional Football Preview Editions. In 2019, that all fell apart. Every time USC football scrimmaged, there was one side of the ball that dominated much of the live periods: the defense. So its difficult to judge just how good the defense truly is at this point. FAU's defense ranked 50th in the country in 2019.In 2021 FAU's defense had its up and downs, ranking 99th against the pass, 75th against the run, and 86th overall, but was in the top 50 in scoring defense. USC coach Clay Helton says hes noticed benefits from the Trojans unprecedented start to an unusual, pandemic-shortened season. Email. One of those games came in a 13-10 victory over Texas. But instead of sending four rushers, USC sent six (Figueroa, the four linebackers and Hufanga) on the final three plays, which forced Daniels, who rushed for 111 yards, to beat the Trojans with his arm. What is the current state of play for one of the elite QB prospects on the board? Todd Orlando looks to bring more physicality to USC's defense this year. Orlando's rover is typically one of the team leaders in sacks as a result of this strategy. So what did game No. As of Thursday morning, it has apparently filled out the rest of its coaching staffit has apparently filled out the rest of its In reality, Texas players say their responsibilities change little from week to week. The Trojans run defense would be better with defensive lineman Jay Tufele, who opted out of the season a few months ago and entered the NFL Draft. 3 Kansas in 75-59 win. Orlando, 47, is considered a rising head coaching candidate, and his contract reflects that. This positionless style of play allows hybrid players, primarily at linebacker and defensive back, to play a larger role. You get those guys in the program, they make us all look great. If you practice soft, youre going to play soft, Orlando said. If that sounds like thinking, its because it is. Playing defensive end Marqez Bimage in a similar role produced better results for Texas late in the season. Odd-front defenses with nickel and dime packages on the back end are en vogue across college football. It could afford to, considering Arizona State wasnt making it pay through the air. Herman calls Orlando the best defensive coordinator in the country. It wont get any easier, either, with the trojans facing Notre Dame right after their bye and still have games against UCLA and Arizona State on the schedule. Hes at his best when hes trying to get into the backfield, and thats what he was mainly asked to do on Saturday. Gone were the inside linebackers who were so effective as blitzers. Jackson played with his hand in the ground a bit, just not as frequently as he did last season. - Grier hurt himself early in the contest against Texas, but Locks 52.9 completion rate in the Texas Bowl was one of his worst of the year. Eventual Florida defensive end signee Princely Umanmielen cited the three-man front as one of the reasons why he decommitted from Texas back in October. Enter your email address to follow this blog & make sure to follow on MatchQuarters.substackcom. (Liberty vs Arkansas 22), Dec. 22 Blitz of the Month Georgias Pod Alignment, Blitzing from the Odd Stack vs a Pro Style offense (Ole Miss vs Kentucky 22). Texas finished 7-5 and Orlando was fired as part of a staff overhaul. Orlando utilizes a number of disguised blitzes and coverages out of his 3-4 front, which can cause havoc for an offense trying to sort through things quickly. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, Winter storms ease drought conditions in California, report shows, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78. USCs defense got two hits on Daniels and forced three incompletions on those three plays. If youre thinking in football, youre playing slow.. Since then, the USC defense has been getting torched time and time again, with their worst performance arguably against Oregon State as the Beavers ran for over 300 yards to upset them in Los Angeles. 3 overall pick),Baker Mayfield(No. This allows the B backer to be a free player and essentially go get the football! The Longhorns base with a true Nickel as well, and align him opposite the Jack, primarily with the passing strength. groupings are being countered by many defenses basing out of a Nickel defense. A Pasadena native, he currently lives in the South Bay. Arizona, the Trojans opponent this weekend, had its first game canceled, so its difficult to predict what the offense will look like, but USC can probably expect a heavy dose of running back Gary Brightwell, who is stepping in to replace the departed J.J. Taylor. The point behind that question is not that hard to grasp: Is a complex scheme necessary to give USC a winning edge, or should a simplified scheme be used in Week 1, to not load players with too many assignments, reads, or details? Johnson and Wheeler added another 17 run stuffs combined as the linebacker position went from being a major deficit to a team strength. Though Jackson is officially an outside linebacker now and is listed at 20 pounds lighter than he weighed a year ago (from 275 to 255), it doesnt seem like his role has changed a ton, at least from what he showed Saturday. Then well get an idea of what the defense is truly capable of after losing contributors like DT Marlon Tuipulotu, CB Olaijah Griffin and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Talanoa Hufanga. Some offense will come out and run the triple-option, which is really different and as a defense really strains us, Orlando said. A safety begins with his role in installation before even glancing at another spot. Youre going to be based on how hard you run to the football, how you get off blocks and how you tackle.. The football bona fides were clear. Hybrid players allow an almost endless amount of ways to blitz and pressure an offense without losing coverage ability (youre dropping a speedy LB/DB instead of a rigid D-lineman). Click here to buy a copy today or visit your local newsstand! It has been quick to the ball, aggressive in its pass rush situations, effective at creating interceptions and disruptive in clogging the line of scrimmage on run plays. This season has not gone according to plan for anybody, especially the defense, and major changes will be headed USCs way. The Big 12 is not new to the concept of smaller faster players playing on the defensive side of the ball. Todd Orlando sees USC defense as work in progress USC defense showed positive signs in opening win over ASU Coach Todd Orlando of the USC Trojans during USC football practice at the. He spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons under Mario Cristobal and FIU, where he won a share of the Sun Belt title and a bowl game victory. After leaving FIU, Orlando went north to coach Utah State, where their defense ranked 7th and 12th in scoring defense during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, respectively. Odds & lines subject to change. You have pass rushers out there, TaQuon Graham, Marqez Bimage, Joe Ossai guys that can get after the quarterback. Hands-on coaching was limited to distanced learning. Orlando now becomes the seventh defensive coordinator in seven seasons for FAU. The 2019 National Championship saw a battle of Spread teams that featured two of the most efficient offenses in the country (and two of the best QBs as well). Theyre helping us as a coaching staff and that stuff, you cant put a price on those things.. Find out which 3 #USC players go to the Bears in an NBC Sports Chicago mock draft. Orlando said that shift occured because of practice habits and strong relationships between the defensive staff and its players. Cornerback is a different situation. If you dont, its going to be limited. The Longhorns are taking away a weapon (the QB), while also preventing running backs from getting behind them for big gains. Pac-12 reporter and columnist Jon Wilner, on the first episode of our USC Trojans: Wired Podcast, responded to those questions as follows: The two units that require the highest level of cohesiveness take quarterback out are the offensive line and the secondary. Bastrop Cedar Creek defensive end Alfred Collins said new defensive coordinator Chris Ashs even front as a reason why he signed earlier this month. One question I am asking to college football experts is this: Should Todd Orlando emphasize complexity of scheme or simplicity of scheme against Jayden Daniels and the Sun Devils on Saturday? If that sounds like the start of a football romantic comedy, it isnt you wont find two more hard-nosed personalities than Orlando and Herman. The inside LB corp consists of a Mike and what is referred to as a B backer. The reason for this is the design of Orlando's defense, which favors speed over size at the middle linebacker position. He said on the first day of practice that it was clear these guys knew more than they would have coming into a fall camp in a normal year, which is quite a statement when you consider they didnt have a spring. Safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Isaiah Pola-Mao are expected to take on more active roles in directing the defense. Two Former NBA Players Receive Prison Sentences For Fraud Scheme. A clearer picture of USCs new defense should crystallize in the coming days, with contact no longer limited. Orlando has previously doubled as linebackers coach, a position that USC split last season between Johnny Nansen, who coached inside linebackers, and Joe DeForest, who coached outside linebackers. So in addition to having a blitz package, Orlando teaches his rover how to disguise insert blitzes through the A and B gaps. The Cyclones and Longhorns most notably did it while using a 3-safety Dime package for parts of the season. MQ takes a look at Texas 3rd Down pressure package versus Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Former Texas DE Malcolm Roach criticizes Todd Orlandos scheme, Quick thoughts from No. It comes as no surprise that in a league that is at the forefront of the evolution of the Spread would feature unique defenses within the league to counter the offensive onslaught. Drake Jackson, who spent last season as more of a strict defensive. Fail big.. Those disguised blitzes cause an opposing quarterback to think, which is critical against tempo. Orlandos players have a different term for that distinction. Is USC defense ready to take a leap in Year 2, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window). Orlando served as Hermans DC for two years in Houston, coaching a pair of top 30 defenses. You know, he was a linebacker previously, and hes really strong, so being able to move in this system is really a high priority, defensive line coach Vic Sooto said. Orlando walked into the interview room and saw his Aggie defensive film already on the screen. Through spring and summer, the physical, hard-nosed brand of defense Todd Orlando promised to bring to USC remained strictly theoretical. Herman wanted a coordinator capable of calling a multiple defense, and Orlando fit that bill. Texas didnt do much to stop the onslaught late in the game (no one did), but there are some definite takeaways. Orlando needs opposing offenses to be one-dimensional, and against great quarterbacks that means sacrificing numbers in the box. FAU's defense . The loss of Jay Tufele, who opted out to focus on the NFL draft, has already thrust senior defensive tackle Brandon Pili into the starting lineup. 9 Texas 75-59 win No. Herman said Orlando would be the first assistant in his foxhole. The timing between Daniels and his receivers was off all game. Arizona State realized that early, and its two main running backs, DeaMonte Trayanum and Rachaad White, rushed 24 times for 160 yards against USC. His role evolves into something else over these next few weeks. The two DEs (4is) in the B gaps close off the lifeline for every Spread team, the conflict gaps. 1 overall pick), Rudolph (3rd-round pick),Will Grier(preseason All-American) andDrew Lock(projected first-round pick). Once I left, I thought we were one and the same.. USC's new defensive coordinator didn't waste time schooling Trojans on new scheme New USC defensive coordinator Todd Orlando didn't let the COVID-19 shutdown stop him from familiarizing the Trojans to his defense. Texas junior defensive endMalcolm Roachsaid an Orlando film session is everything youd want it to be. That means a detail-oriented outlook focused to the point where Orlando will call out a player for a 12-inch step instead of a 6-inch one. He knows everything thats going to happen. We understood the reason why we were running what we were running, Roach said. This is where the separation begins.. Saban has finally embraced the change as well, throwing the ball more than he ever has before with Tua Tagovailoa. No. Gone were the experienced players in the secondary who could force the quarterback to hold the ball for an extra second or two. USC played just five defensive linemen against Arizona State. Like Iowa State, Texas has a three-safety Dime package that they utilize against pass-heavy offenses (think Kingburys Tech) or in obvious pass downs where Orlando wants to drop eight and flood the zones. This might be the most talented position group on the USC roster, but there are still some concerns. That establishment between Orlando and his team started in earnest following the Longhorns worst defensive effort of the season, a 51-41 loss to Maryland in Week 1. Texas run defense didnt suffer in that time either. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Get your first month for $1. Mason Rudolph, a third-round pick of the Steelers, failed to clear the 300-yard mark only twice in 2017. He finished with three tackles and one tackle for loss, which counts as a quiet night for the sophomore linebacker. Get full team previews, schedules, scouting reports, conference predictions, and national rankings. Every week is a challenge. Thats in large part due to the variance of the offensive minds. But Barry and USC opted not to continue their discussions, and Orlando became the leading candidate. Theres no favoritism. Orlando, 48, spent the last three seasons as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Texas, where he was one of the highest paid assistants in college football. https://trojanswire.usatoday.com/2021/10/13/todd-orlandos-defense-has-been-getting-exposed-all-year-long/. Orlando took a linebacker off the field, added a third safety and unveiled Texas lightning package.. Texas OL spring preview: Here are your big humans, Despite recent struggles, bracketology projections still like the Longhorns, Longhorns Daily News: Former Texas HC Charlie Strong joins Alabama, Nick Saban as defensive analyst, Longhorns Daily News: Texas alum Bijan Robinson is toughest player Alabamas Will Andersons played against in college career. But when the Trojans needed Jackson the most, they turned him loose and let him do what he does best at the end of the game: rush the passer. Arizona State still had some success against this front with a 17-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the look. LOS ANGELES USCs season-opening 28-27 win over Arizona State offered a glimpse of what first-year defensive coordinator Todd Orlandos defense will look like. One question I am asking to college football experts is this: Should Todd Orlando emphasize complexity of scheme or simplicity of scheme against Jayden Daniels and the Sun Devils on Saturday? As I wrote in early 2019 after Texas defeated Georgia, Orlando's defense uses hybrid players and different alignments to put pressure on offenses. None of that stuff. End Jacob Lichtenstein is expected to be a contributor this season, and freshman Korey Foreman will be ready on third down early in the season. Clancy Pendergast there wasnt a lot of mystery to his defense. 16.2ASU19.6Washington21.8Oregon23.0Utah23.2OSU23.8Colorado24.8WSU26.5UCLA27.0Stanford27.3USC27.6Cal31.6Arizona, SportsPac12 (@SportsPac12) October 10, 2021. Orlando has a long coaching career with multiple stops across the country. But structurally, in our opinion, its still so sound.. USC had problems getting aligned on Saturday, and one of its alignment busts led to an Arizona State touchdown in the second quarter. And as Saturday showed, thats a group with a long way to go. While some players struggled to learn virtually, he said the extra time spent installing and discussing the defense led to an especially sharp first week. The numbers back up that decision, as Texas tied for 66th nationally with 27 sacks in 2019, down five from 2018. "I feel like I need to take some time for my wife, kids and grandkids while also looking to see if I can help college football on a larger scale," Patterson told Horns247. If you take what he says at face value there, maybe they shouldnt be too worried about the additional wrinkles making things confusing or leading to miscommunications. Orlando first will bring up a picture to show the correct placement for a player. Thinking about becoming a VIP subscriber to Owls247? Innovation comes from desperation, and in the offensive gauntlet that is the Big 12, it has created an evolutionary playground for defensive (and offensive) football. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. There has been a critical error on this website. He joined The Times after six years with the Southern California News Group. Texas and Georgia, in particular, had great success all year running similar schemes from a base Tite Front. Most defensive coaches can recognize the usefulness of the front, but one thing is clear, Spread offenses will try and figure it out. He did some things out there that were pretty special.. Texas goal is to play fast on defense, forcing opposing QB to play slow. Lincoln RileyandKliff Kingsburycome from the Air Raid tree, but their systems look quite different in the same way Kansas States pro-style, option-heavy scheme varies from Oklahoma States spread. I wrote about Orlandos prowess as a DC in my article discussing how teams attack the Tite Front, the Longhorns base defense, but it is his use of multiple personnel packages within a game that truly shows his knack as a DC. The biggest breakthrough of the spread offense was in creating a clearer pre-snap picture for the offense and the QB in particular so that he had a narrower menu of options and threats to scan through after the snap. Most offensive schemes in the Big 12 didn't have many built-in answers for a versatile safety floating in the middle of the field and thwarting their route combos or coming unblocked against the run game. Owl fans had seen this defensive scheme recently when defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer coached FAU in 2019 as part of the 11-3 Conference USA and Boca Bowl championship season. We see how he got his start c. He spent just two weeks as an assistant in Lubbock, before Helton and USC came calling. The time is now! Put together, bad luck and some poor choices cost Orlando his job, in no small part because the defensive line wasnt positioned for success. Antonio Morales covers USC football for The Athletic. 2 seed in the Big 12 Tournament. Since Texas Longhorns head coach Tom Herman dismissed defensive coordinator Todd Orlando two and a half months ago and even before, to some extent it's become clear just how much. He was also inheriting a schedule that included Sam Darnold and USC, Jesse Ertz and Kansas State, Baker Mayfield and Oklahoma, Mason Rudolph and Oklahoma State, Kenny Hill and TCU, Will Grier and West Virginia and ultimately Drew Lock and Missouri -- essentially, some of the cream of the crop in terms of modern spread offense and spread quarterbacking. In the concluding 2019 Pressure Tape review, MQ will breakdown three Longhorn pressures against the now-famous LSU offenses (one of the best in history). Though Todd Orlando's (DC, USC) time at Texas came to a screeching halt after the 2019 regular season, one thing is clear, the man can create pressure. He beats the tackle clean, forces the throw fast and its an incomplete. 9 Texas hosts No. Just the traditional tailback running game, if youre not doing good you have no chance of playing elite defense. Jefferson went on to lead the team with 110 tackles, including 20 run stuffs, while anchoring the interior of the Texas defense in a 3-2-6 dime package that Orlando unveiled to the bewilderment of Texas' spread-oriented Big 12 opponents. This offseason, there were more than a few reports potentially linking Orlando to head coach jobs.