Co-Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson kept his cards close to his chest earlier this week when asked about playing three down linemen. The former West Virginia defensive coordinator known for his 3-3-5 seemed aware of the speculation that NC State would use the defense, and wanted to keep the change under wraps.
“We’re a four down team first,” Gibson said. “That’s what we do… if maybe we get to third down, something like that, then maybe a different package but we’re focused in on four down.”
Fast forward to Saturday, where NC State played almost every down in the 3-3-5, and did it to great success. The Pirates only rushed for 41 yards on 1.4 yards per carry, and committed two turnovers. Part of the reason for the installation was necessity. Coaches seek to use schemes that work with their players, and being thin at defensive tackle led to changes.
“Tony got here, kind of bridging the gap from third down to being able to play [three down linemen] on first and second,” Doeren said. “I feel like it gives us a lot more answers to RPO football. We’ve had a lot of injuries on our defensive line. We don’t have enough defensive tackles right now to play four down for an entire game. We have good depth, which you saw, at linebacker today. So, just trying to use our players to the best that we can.”
Junior cornerback Chris Ingram led the team with nine tackles and an interception as NC State’s number two corner. According to Ingram, the change in defensive philosophy resulted in different responsibilities.
“[The] responsibilities are a little different,” Ingram said. “I probably get to see the ball a little bit more [in this defense]. At the same time, the mindset does not change. It’s still one-on-one, I’m across from you and I’m not going to allow you to catch the ball.”
Ingram’s comments about secondary members seeing the ball more was reflected in the stat book. Last year, linebackers Germaine Pratt and Isaiah Moore dominated the tackle totals, but this year against ECU, the top tacklers were Ingram, sophomore free safety Tanner Ingle and top corner Nick McCloud.
“Everybody to the ball,” Ingram said. “You gotta get in the ‘Camera Club’. If you’re not in the camera [shot] at the end of the play, that’s a loaf. We don’t loaf on the defensive side of the ball. Everybody runs to the ball. It doesn’t matter if it’s the backside corner, defensive linemen, linebackers, playside corner, everybody runs to the ball.”
Having one less lineman on the field may put more stress on the three remaining players, but for redshirt senior defensive tackle Larrell Murchison it’s pretty similar to what he’s been doing for the past couple years. Murchison played well, recording six tackles along with a sack.
“It’s kinda similar. I gotta go against two guys, I gotta hold blocks,” Murchison said. “It’s the same thing as [playing] three technique. I love it. I love contact in the middle, that’s why I play the game. I love physicality, so it’s pretty much the same for me.”
Every defense has its weaknesses and strengths, but if NC State can continue to churn out performances like this one, it’s hard to imagine we won’t continue seeing heavy amounts of 3-3-5.
Graduate defensive end James Smith-Williams celebrates against ECU on Saturday, August 31, 2019 in Carter-Finley Stadium. Smith-Williams had three tackles and one sack in the 34-6 win over the Pirates.
