In 2011, Ohio had a big lead over NIU, and then went into a prevent defense. NIU got comfortable, gained confidence, and then was a different team in the second half.

The DBs and linebackers all take deep drops to prevent being beaten deep, and you rush 3-4 players. The result is that the middle of the field is usually open for shorter throws in the 10-15 yard range, and since there are usually 6 blockers on 3-4 rushers, the QB has ample time to throw.

Doesn't "prevent" defense mean prevent a victory?

+1

I went back and watched the condensed version of this year's Ohio-Pitt game:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf9QQm1GI-I

In theory, Ohio's defense is patterned after Pat Narduzzi's aggressive Cover 4, so it was interesting to see how much the defenses were different. On virtually every play, Narduzzi had his corners up at the line of scrimmage, pressuring the receivers right from the start, keeping them from getting a clean start to their routes. Ohio lined up that way sometimes, but more often Ohio's defensive backs are lined up 6-10 yards off the receivers. Narduzzi, in his press conference before that game commented that Ohio had come to learn about the defense from him, but that Ohio was doing some things that he doesn't do, and that he wondered why.

Newsflash, I believe the receivers our Corners are lining up against aren’t all P5 athlete level or they would not be playing in the MAC. They are probably very similar in skill level to our players which is why they are playing in the MAC. So, why not play the defense the way Narduzzi designed it?