Defense

[samspann1]

Does anyone actually have faith that our defense will make a play or get a stop in a crucial situation?

Two weeks in a row, the opponent has been backed up on their 5-yard line, and has marched down the field for game-tying or game-winning scores. Be it careless penalties, missed tackles (cost us 7 points today) or mental mistakes, we seem to always come up short when it counts.

Sadly, our ST, aside from Dixon and a rare play by Estime, are just as bad.

 

[PAcuse]

I think the secondary improved there tackling for the most part of the game. Defense just looked really bad on that last drive and a few other plays in the 2nd half.

 

[OrangeCrush22]

Third week in a row that the defense had a crucial stop in the 4th quarter. Two penalties and fake punt ruined them.

 

[TheCusian]

Hallmarks of a young talented team.

We are getting better on both sides of the field. Probably won't show until NC State, but we are improving.

Next year could be special.

 

[upperdeck]

3 penalties in 3 weeks when the D needed them the least have been killer.

 

[tbonezone]

had time allowed 2 more plays then pitt wins by a TD rather than a fg. they were moving the ball that easy.

 

[OrangePA]

DL is young and needs to mature.

That to me appears to be the weak link right now

And we don't seem to have a playmaker on that side of the ball.

Make three plays on defense and we are at least 5-2.

Still, I'm optimistic about the Program - we are moving in the right direction - quickly

 

[Oswego93]

D was completely demoralized after stopping them (one of the few times tthey have stopped anyone during this losing streak), and then having to get back on the field after the fake punt.

I knew we would give up that final drive...and I had had a reasonable assurance they would leave us with little or no time to respond. Our D seems content to just give up large chunks of yards this year, provided they don't get beat over the top. That means the blitzes have been dialed way back. We still do them, but nowhere near as often, or as well as years past. I think it is a poor strategy. If we get more aggressive/blitze more often, we will certainly give up more points, but we will likely make more plays and get more TOs.

That status quo of our D being on the field twice as long as our O can't continue.

 

[RMH44]

had time allowed 2 more plays then pitt wins by a TD rather than a fg. they were moving the ball that easy.

...and if your aunt had balls she'd be your uncle.

Makes zero sense.

 

[Jake]

Would love to get Thompson back next year.