Learn from the Weekly Match-up: #3 Penn State vs. #6 Oregon

Sep 27, 2025 1:46 pm

Coach -

Saturday’s showdown is a clash of philosophies. Penn State wants to stay balanced against one of the most aggressive defenses in the country, while

Oregon thrives on dictating protections and creating confusion with pressure.

Both head coaches know it’s not just talent that wins at this level—it’s the teaching behind the schemes.

#3 Penn State vs. #6 Oregon

Learning from Penn State

Andy Kotelnicki – Handling the Plus-One Box

Video: Handling a Plus One Box

Kotelnicki reminds us that today’s defenses rarely give you a “clean” front. They add a body to the box through pressures, rotations, or coverage disguises.

His framework gives offenses four answers:

Throw it – use quick game or RPOs to punish the extra hat.
Read it – zone read, power read, or RPO that keys the unblocked defender.
Run away from it – attack the perimeter or opposite side.
Make him tackle – run directly at the plus-one and force the defender to win.

💡 Use it: In your own game plan, make sure you can hit all four answers—so you’re not stuck living in just one.

Learning from Oregon

Dan Lanning – Building a Pressure Plan

Video: Building a Simulated Pressure Plan

Lanning’s process starts with film study and identifying repeated offensive tendencies. Against Alabama, he noticed “five guys in the closet” (tight splits, free-release back, OTB route) and built a simulated pressure to both attack protection and erase the top route concepts.

Key points in his pressure planning:

Recognize tells in formation that predict routes and protections.
Dictate the slide by showing population to one side.
Cover the first read (rail/wheel, OTB) while still keeping seven in coverage.
Beat protection with matchups, not just numbers.

💡 Use it: Don’t just call pressures—teach your players what looks trigger them and why. The detail carries over when the picture changes on Saturday.

Takeaway

Penn State–Oregon will be billed as a top-10 clash, but for coaches, it’s a lesson in preparation. Kotelnicki shows how to build balance against loaded boxes, while Lanning demonstrates how to design pressures that attack both protection and concept. Both offer frameworks you can adapt immediately to your own team.

Enjoy the games this weekend!

Coach Grabowski & the Coaches Clinic Team