Going forward, what does ISU do on defense?

[CascadeClone]

I thought we adjusted well from last week - if you remember we were getting burned on the outside by San Jose States RB but we did a pretty good job of shutting down the inside stuff.

Like everyone else has said, we need depth on the defensive line and LBs that can make solo tackles.

That's not how I saw/remember the SJSU game. They were killing it right up the gut. They motioned over a TE and FB and had 7 blockers to our 4-1 or 4-2 guys in the box. Those are the plays I remember destroying the defense anyway. I could be wrong.

I completely agree with your second point though - depth on DL, and then the LB.

I'd add a 2a to the LB: feels like the LB is all alone up against the RB as well as a blocker or two. Talent/speed/tackling is an issue there, but I think even AJ Klein would struggle in some of the situations the LB ends up in. I think opponents are game planning to attack that spot based on SJSU and Baylor. Is that a weak point in the 4-2-5?

In this 4-2-5, where is the 2nd LB? Can someone help me understand that, because it seems like they are in a 4-1-6 all the time. I don't get it and haven't rewatched it yet.

 

[Primetime26]

Monday morning QB,, wished we had changed it up on last two drives. Everyone knew we were not gonna stop them on downs. only a turnover was going to be a stop. Why not an all it blitz. Hope for an interception or qb sack fumble. Worst to happen is they score in one play vs 3-4 plays. If they score in one play, we have time on clock for a TD the other way + two point play to win.

Agree.

Im no expert but how BU spread out our defense it looked like it was one on one LB VS RB. Our d-line did no favors getting off blocks either IMO.

Linwood would get touched for the first time 8 yards down field. I was hoping for a change in strategy, at least a desperation move like disguise a blitz or something. It looked like we chose a slow death just hoping for a fumble.

 

[RealisticCy]

HS D-lineman usually take 2-3 years before they are physically ready to play significant minutes. Since CMC wants to win regularly ASAP - JUCO players are the only alternative. The staff is also recruiting HS d-lineman hard as well.

The true freshman Johnson (DT) and Bailey (DE) have shown ability, so I would expect them to be solid next year after an off season in the weightroom. The reality is a team needs 8 quality D-lineman to rotate to keep fresh.

Disagree with your first paragraph; I would much rather have HS kids that are here for 5 years and invested in the program than JUCO's for what amounts to 1.5 seasons by the time they get in shape. I think he had to get the two DT's in this class just because of the numbers we lose inside, but hopefully we get to a point where JUCO's aren't relied on in every class.

Completely agree with your second point: Freshmen linemen should come in and put on 20-30 pounds in their first year, and the S&C program should routinely be getting guys physically ready to contribute after a redshirt year. Guys need to be getting noticably more athletic in their first 2 years, something that was not happening in the past. From what I have heard, the intensity of the the S&C workouts under CPR was laughable compared to the current system.

 

[RealisticCy]

The problem with your original post is you said Tucker only plays hard 5 plays a quarter. That is an absolute silly statement. Does Tucker take plays off? Sure he does, but it is a minority of plays and typically when he tires.

Tucker is double teamed quite a bit, so he does get pushed around. He also isn't a great pass rusher, so he is usually subbed out in passing situations. Tucker isn't perfect, but he is our best DL.

Actually I said 5 plays a game, and I stand by that statement until he proves it wrong. You also say he gets pushed around and isn't a great pass rusher: fantastic attributes to have in our "best DL."

I wouldn't say he's our best DL, maybe most talented, but his effort and consistency is awful. I can't wait until we no longer have to roll the dice on JUCO's because we couldn't recruit and develop players into quality Big 12 contributors.

 

[ghyland7]

If they want to stop the run, they have to play gap sound and tackle. It's not exactly rocket science. If you have a body to fill up the hole that's being made when the opposing offensive line double teams Tucker, and that body is able to fill the gap and make a tackle, then Linwood gets 3 yards instead of 15. If the defensive line 4 bodies can handle the 5 bodies of the OL, and the OL isn't getting to the LBs early, there shouldn't be a place for the running back to go.

It's not easy, especially against a team like Baylor.. Remember; they have either 3 or 4 wide on basically every offensive play/set, and their qb is pretty darn good at throwing the football. The second we play a safety more shallow/in the box, or give more of a 4-3 look, is the moment that they blow us up with long gains in passing game. Baylor is really, really, really good at spreading out the field and making the proper decisions based on the defensive set. Plus every skill position kid (seemingly) can run a 4.4.