Auburn Football: Will Muschamp, New Auburn Defense 101

Will Muschamp’s Base Defense: The Multiple 4-3

The easiest way to explain Will Muschamp’s style of defense into a simple term is “Multiple 4-3,” which is how I’ve labeled it regularly throughout articles and columns since Muschamp was hired in December.

But what does Multiple 4-3 mean?

Under former defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, Auburn ran a 4-2-5 base defense with four defensive linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs (one of which was the linebacker/hybrid “Star”).

Muschamp’s base defense is a traditional 4-3, with four defensive linemen (two defensive ends – one called “Buck,” one defensive tackle and one nose guard), three linebackers (a strong-side outside linebacker, also known as SAM, a weak side outside linebacker/WILL, and a middle linebacker/MIKE), four defensive backs (two cornerbacks and two safeties).

This doesn’t mean a 4-3 looks the same all the time – the Tigers will line up in an Over front, an Under front, Okie, 40, and many others which also include four down linemen.

However, the wrinkle Muschamp has added is the hybrid defensive end/linebacker “Buck” position makes the “multiple” because he can put his hand in the dirt as a fourth defensive lineman, or stand up and become a fourth linebacker.

Those familiar with the Florida Gators in recent seasons will remember that Dante Fowler, Jr. played the “Buck,” and had nine sacks in 2014. By contrast, Auburn’s Kris Frost and DaVonte Lambert shared the team lead with 3.5 sacks each last season.

Being “multiple” is very valuable because a defense can show a lot of defense looks to the opposing offense with the same personnel on the field. Simply put, an offensive coordinator has a more difficult predicting what defense a team will play if they can line up in a 4-3 or a 3-4 with the same 11 players on the field.

Next: The Differences Between Will Muschamp and Ellis Johnson