Coach -

The Tite Front defense has become a dominant scheme across all levels of football due to its effectiveness in countering spread offenses and RPO systems. Originating from concepts similar to Buddy Ryan’s 46 defense, it forces offenses to reconsider their traditional approaches.

However, with strategic planning and execution, offenses can exploit its vulnerabilities.

New Central Michigan Head Coach Matt Drinkall shared his thoughts on Defeating the Tite Front here.

Let’s take a look at Coach Drinkall’s strategy...

Understanding the Tite Front

The Tite Front aligns with three down linemen, typically with the defensive ends in 4i techniques (inside shade of the offensive tackles) and a nose guard head-up on the center. It often features a seven-man box and two high safeties, designed to spill runs to the outside and neutralize the B-gap conflict defender—a key to many RPO systems. This setup protects linebackers from aggressive downhill fits, making traditional one-back, gun run schemes difficult to execute.

Offensive Keys to Success

1. Expand Your Formations:
2. Utilize attached tight ends or fullbacks to create a three-man surface. This forces the defense to adjust its alignment and creates favorable angles for double-teams and pull schemes.
3. Implement unbalanced or tackle-over formations to stress defensive alignments and communication.
4. Leverage Gap Scheme Runs:
5. Base your game plan on a three-play series: power, counter, and counter-tray. These plays utilize pullers and kick-out blocks to manipulate the front and open lanes for ball carriers.
6. Ensure all gap schemes attack with strong double-teams that can drive defenders off the ball.
7. Adapt Your Zone Runs:
8. Inside zone concepts should be tailored to exploit the three-man surface or attack away from it. Teaching running backs to press the heel line of the offensive line ensures cutbacks are decisive and well-timed.
9. Incorporate Dart and Read Concepts:
10. Dart runs, particularly to the field, are effective against the Tite Front. Pair these with read options targeting inside linebackers, which can create hesitation and misdirection in the defense.
11. Exploit Play-Action Opportunities:
12. A strong run game sets up play-action passes that attack quarters coverage. Double-post or flood concepts can isolate safeties and create high-percentage throws downfield.

In-Game Adjustments

No defensive scheme is static. Early in the game, observe how the defense responds to motions, unbalanced sets, and boundary alignments. Adjust your attack based on these tendencies. For instance, if defenders consistently roll toward the formation’s strength, counter with boundary runs or passes.

Emphasize Execution and Patience

The Tite Front thrives on disrupting offensive rhythm. By emphasizing fundamental techniques like proper double-teams and disciplined pull blocks, offenses can generate consistent 4-yard gains. This hidden yardage adds up over time, shifting the advantage away from the defense.

Final Thoughts

Beating the Tite Front requires more than a good game plan—it demands disciplined execution and creative adjustments. By understanding its core principles and designing a streamlined attack, offenses can turn a defensive strength into a vulnerability. 

As Coach Drinkall highlights, success lies in simplifying your schemes and leveraging personnel advantages to consistently execute high-efficiency plays.

Here’s a video of Coach Drinkall explaining how to use Gap Schemes to defeat the Tite Front.

Video: Defeating the Tite Front

Thank you to Coach Drinkall for his willingness to share his knowledge over the years. Get all five of his presentations here - Matt Drinkall Offense.

Congratulations to Coach Drinkall!

Coach Grabowski

P.S.

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