Yes, that’s a “7-3” illusion![/QUOTE] Wait... didn't we lead in the 4th q in each of those losses and average loss is one point something.
When we were ranked #6, I KNEW we didn't deserve that ranking. Too much, too soon. I don't think there is a learning curve problem with the staff. Just look at the leap our offense took this year. It is a matter of talent. The overall talent on O, particularly O-line, took a jump up. The D lost too many players to early departures and the talent level took a step down. Next year could be another frustrating year, because our losses to graduation and the NFL will be massive.
it's taken me a while to understand the "back shoulder" placement ... but it seems to work ... a lot. To the point we may have to consider amending The Great One's adage regarding the pass ... there are 4 THINGS (PI) ... so the odds, thanks to the rule changes ... are now (have been) even.
At the risk of being accused of hypocrisy, or of being brain dead, or both, I want to offer some positive thoughts about our defense. I fully acknowledge that our scheme has failed to stop B12 teams the last few games. Giving up 4th quarter leads resulting in losses in the last two of three is not good. Our recent wins have essentially been because we outscored ttu and ou. BUT, many freshmen, and inexperienced sophs have had to play essential rolls. Especially in the back seven, where the B12 will eat your lunch if your players aren't really talented and savvy. And I agree that we beat ttu because of turnovers, three of them deep in our end of the field where ttu was driving for a score. But ttu did not drop the ball, our youngsters ripped and stripped the ball away, and then others around the play, hustling and heads up TOOK possession of the ball. The turnovers were due to hard play, heads up play, and physical play. The kids and the coach deserve credit for that. They were warriors and never gave up, even when out schemed, or out of position. In other words their effort and heart kept us in the game and gave the offense the chance to win.
Can only imagine the numbers Duffey puts up if he was experienced...Texas makes ALL young starters look like Heisman winners.
that's a good point, @caryhorn ... and while it pains me to see 'em galloping down the field at will ... that comes from the pass-happy O ... and the closer they get to the goal line ... the less pass happy works. we got the W last night in LBB and that's a good thing ... their last TD, though wasn't a fluke and there was legitimate concern 21 seconds with a TO was too much time for our D to defend 75 yards. yes, they played hard ... but I think scheme improvement ... and tackling improvement is necessary. also ... tired of Boyd's "mouth" when he was repeatedly burned/missed tackles
Any team that wastes a pick on him, even as Mr. Irrelevant, should immediately fire their GM. He gets a workout and a chance to be signed as an undrafted free agent..and immediately placed on the practice squad.
Not sure what you call "really fast". None of our LBs play "really fast". Granted, Gary Johnson may be the fastest of our LBs, but he consistently gets beat to the corner. He was actually faster coming in as a transfer last season. But this season he's lost a step. That's in part on the S&C coach and the training table (nutrition). No one ever said he doesn't hustle. They all hustle.
mb, I disagree. Boyd has lots of talent, and he is wasting it. A GM that believes in his defensive coaching staff should take a chance on Boyd. Who knows how good he can be with quality coaching?
I agree. He seems to be a very good athlete but often undisciplined. If he is coachable he could probably be really good.
I’m struggling with this question as well. While I think the D probably gets somewhat of a pass last night and perhaps last week because of injuries, when measured against other teams in the league, I believe we should be doing better. While our talent is not overwhelming, it probably exceeds that of any other B12 team. Again, discounting last night because of the massive injuries, I do think that Orlando is not having a stellar year. As everyone has observed, all too often we are seeing players out of position, tackling poorly, taking bad angles. Some of this is youth, but much of it — when you see it from seniors — has to be coaching. Either that or the talent drop off from last year is dramatic. I have to wonder.
Except they started the game at their 40 because we had a short kickoff. Now maybe it's irrelevant as we can't stop them no matter where they start. I guess that's a solid point. It did help us with fgs in the 2nd quarter. I remember Akers when we had great D's would take the wind instead of the ball. Have the other team start at the 20, get the 3 and out, and then get a short field. I remember one year in the Sun Bowl there was like this 30 mph wind. We took the wind in Q1 and jump on them 28-0. Course that's predicated on having a defense with a pulse.
I agree Duke. It seems that the bad angles and bad tackling are things that could/should be coached up. It's to the point that I am screaming and throwing things at the TV. We preach physicality and those are both major and unsung parts of being physical. Being physical is more than just trying to blow someone up and getting called for targeting.
