Is this viable in DIII? Does anyone else run these 2 setups?

I don't remember anyone ever talking about the 5-2.

Ya that's what I figured Ebel.

I can't remember what you can do with your coaching in Div 3. In every other division though I can't think of a single reason to use a 5-2

5-2 is my preferred defense, and I've had some success with it.

The 5-2 was real popular back in the 1.0 game engine when running was prevalent.

Its just I took over a team with 2 LB's only...Who aren't amazing. My DL is great, I think running a 5-2 + Nickel package on passing length + downs is my best option.

Posted by jaydubz1515 on 4/27/2016 4:02:00 PM (view original):
Its just I took over a team with 2 LB's only...Who aren't amazing. My DL is great, I think running a 5-2 + Nickel package on passing length + downs is my best option.

For this year, it's your only option. Even if you had more LBs, you can't run a formation that hasn't been practiced. The previous coached have predetermined what you can run this year.

I won more than a few NC with the 5-2 Nickel. But in todays game I would definitely go 3-4 alone or 3-4 and Nickel. The 3-4 is Mighty vs Pro and I.
If personnnel dictates you have to go 5-2 this season , I would Start Practicing 3-4 NOW as well and next season switch to it.

when i got back into this game, i went shotgun all pass offense and 3-4 defense just to be different. never would have suspected that 3-4 was all the rage now lol

does any GD super nerd have a graph of 3-4 defense usage over the past 15 years? probably not, but if you did i think it looks something like this

They're all idiots.

I seem to do ok just running a 5-2

In theory any defense or offense could work well under the right circumstances. However, as a coach either here or IRL, you have to constantly be evolving and finding what works versus the emerging trends. Do you play a team that runs 100% of the time? Then a 5-2 would be perfect. Do you play against a team that passes 100% of the time? Then a Nickel/Dime D would be good. Most coaches are going to find themselves in a situation where this isn't the case though and will have to figure out something that will work against the majority of offenses/defense he will face in a season. Right now the 3-4 is all the rage, so find something that you think will work well against that and practice it till you know it forwards and backwards. However, be prepared for that one team that bucks the trend and plays a 4-3 in a world of 3-4 defenses or plays a wishbone in an era of spread offenses. These are the scenarios that give coaches fits IRL. Find what works for you and your situation and build your team around that.