Peterson doesn't blitz much. But they run the nickel as their main package and have lots of good athletes that that rotate in that 5 deep formation. They will run stunts with the LB but not much blitzing. Their DL are space occupiers. The core of the run D is the SS and LB and they rotate corners frequently to be able to run cover 1 and cover 3 with fresh legs.

1. Don't try to chip away passing underneath or screen them. That plays into the strength of their D. Be physical.

2. Get blockers to the second level. This is the key to the game IMO. OL has to handle their DL with as few players as possible. You will see a lot of zone blocking with all the stunts. Game rides on our OL to control the LOS. If you can bring that safety up into run support that takes away inside out coverage with safety help and opens up that skinny post for the TE's. Get OL on LB instead of controlling DL and we will move the ball.

3. Be patient. Take 4-5 hard yards. Take shots deep. Get the TE into the seam.

Cal controlled the LOS with 3 OL and got the TE and 2 OL into the next level. Can't emphasize enough the importance of controlling their DL with as few players as possible, either with misdirection or just beating them. They are space occupiers. If we can do that we have a good shot at them.