Players and coaches will be rightfully jacked for this game. Good job OP in laying out the implications.
Last year we started using the lightening package after playing ISU. Id love to see some sort of schematic change to get more
1) pressure on the QB
2) more defenders in the box to stop the run.
As it is, people can run and pass on us. Now is the time to let it all out, make changes. Go for it. Making no change to our scheme suggests the staff is being stubborn and lacks objectivity.
We have a mountain of evidence our defense is failing in the current scheme. This game is against a higher level defense and we must get stops. At least trying a different scheme seems reasonable (5-2 is my personal preference given our d line/LB situation)
Any scheme allowing Omenihu and Hager to rush from the outside and forcing the center and guards to account for true interior linemen, would be an improvment.
As far as the secondary, have the scheme be simple—man the hell up. We are getting at least two touchdowns a game where its a simple blown assignment where freshmen forget their responsibilites as well as simply getting beat. The increased pressure on the QB from more down linemen would mean the QB would have less time to make plays.
Worst case scenario? We try the scheme and they score. Thats what they have done all year long anyway and at least we tried something else.