Defending the Triple Option

At UW-Platteville we run a 3-4 defense because we believe it gives us the best opportunity to compete in our conference (See Diagram l). Diagram 1. We utilize speed because we are often undersized on the defensive line. Every year we face opponents (UW-River Falls and Augustana-Illinois) who run the option. We used a simple adjustment to our defense that allows us to defend these teams and not have to make drastic changes to our defense. When you play option teams they force the defense to be assignment sound. You don’t want to take chances by blitzing and stunting because the offense can gash you if you get caught out of position. Option offenses are going to rack up yardage on the ground, no matter how good your defense plays. Unless your defense is an overpowering monster, the offense will get their “three-yards and a cloud Diagram 2A. of dust.” The focus when facing these