Michigan State DC Joe Rossi Cover 2, 2 buzz and 2 Robber Coverage Variations

Joe Rossi is an outstanding football coach and was just hired by Michigan State. Rossi spent the past six seasons (2018-23) at Minnesota, where he helped build the Gophers into one of the best defenses in the Big Ten as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Minnesota’s defense ranked among the top 10 in the FBS in total defense three times (No. 3 in 2021, No. 8 in 2022, No. 10 in 2019) and scoring defense twice (No. 4 in 2022, No. 6 in 2021) under Rossi’s direction. He was a two time Broyle’s award nominee and Minnesota was 40-22 while he was there.

This article will take a look at his cover 2 concepts. Cover 2 is a 5 under 2 deep coverage concept and utilized by Coach Rossi in various games will at Minnesota. He utilizes Tampa 2 and some other 2 buzz principles that you don’t see often at the college level.

In this Article:

Tampa 2
2 Buzz
2 Robber vs 3x1

Tampa 2
They play a version of Tampa 2 with the Mike opening to the passing strength and getting to a depth of 12-15 yards. You will see them play this coverage often and play it with the Mike really getting depth.

CB-Read 2 to 1. Play divider concept if #2 pushes vertically

Safety-Read 1 to 2. Be alert for 1 going vertically and try to help over the top of #1. If both #1 and 2 go vertically try to split them.

The Mike opens to the 2 wr side.

Purdue runs a high low concept off the mike LB and complete it for a 3 yard gain.

Film

Here are 3 more clips of their Tampa 2 concept.