During the bye week

[SnohomishRed]

One area that needs to be fixed or we are going to be really unhappy by the end of the year is the rush defense

2015 3.77 ypg
2016 - 4.83 ypg ranked 60th in rush defense and 4.83 this is about the same as Penn state who has no Lb'ers left and the comparison is close. In other words it is very very bad this year. This is supposed to be Bankers claim to fame and his rush defense is failing badly this year

In this conference you must stop the run first - I am very happy our pass defense is better but it will matter nothing at all if we cannot stop the run. I expected some troubles with a young Dline but our LB'ers have also not been playing the run well and it does not seem to be getting any better - Illinois ran for 5.9 yards a pop. if you do not think Indiana noticed this you are crazy

 

[Cornicator]

Penalties are an issue as well. Holding penalties are going to happen. You're also going to occasionally get flagged for stuff like hands to the face.

But penalties for lining up in the neutral zone on defense or too many men in the backfield are just stupid.

I still think AJ Natter's off sides penalty vs Oregon was one of the all time dumbest penalties I've ever seen in a football game. And it was a killer. It was 3rd and 6. The Huskers had just taken the lead and had tons of momentum. Kalu tackles the ball carrier 3 yards short. 4th down coming up.

Instead, Natter is flagged for off sides. He literally lined up on the line of scrimmage. It was completely unrelated to the play and away from the ball. But it was so blatant, it had to be called. Instead of a punt, Oregon gets a first down and scores on the next play. Without that penalty, I think Nebraska beats Oregon by double digits.

Little things like that are just stupid. I think jumping off sides or even forgetting the snap count is more excusable than not knowing where to line up.

 

[chicolby]

That is certainly a disappointing statistic. Not altogether surprising given the D line losses from a year ago, however. Also, it's likely to get a jolt when they play Ohio State who likes to run the ball and they run it well.

 

[SnohomishRed]

as a comparison a top ten rush defense normally averages giving up about 3 yards a rush - Our 2007 rush defense disaster gave up 5.24 yards a rush. This number has to get better in a hurry or in the upcoming games teams will run us to death and then hit us over the top with play action

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

I would contend that the Rush defense was better last year but those numbers are a little skewed. Teams simply didn't run the ball, in terms of number of plays, much last year. They threw the ball at will. I can't remember where I saw this stat, but teams are throwing the ball at a much lower rate this year and the number of passes defended is up. The Huskers have played more zone defense this year and less quarters. playing zone doesn't allow the backers and safeties to play down hill as much. While they have a run fit, they also have to read a key and maybe drop in coverage. Manipulating a linebacker with a false key can open up the running game by getting him out of his run fit.


All of those things will contribute to better pass defense but worse run defense.

Edit- I think when Nebraska plays QBs that are less mobil or teams that are run heavy, we will de them run less zone and more quarters.


Just my opinion

 

[chicolby]

I would contend that the Rush defense was better last year but those numbers are a little skewed. Teams simply didn't run the ball, in terms of number of plays, much last year. They threw the ball at will. I can't remember where I saw this stat, but teams are throwing the ball at a much lower rate this year and the number of passes defended is up. The Huskers have played more zone defense this year and less quarters. playing zone doesn't allow the backers and safeties to play down hill as much. While they have a run fit, they also have to read a key and maybe drop in coverage. Manipulating a linebacker with a false key can open up the running game by getting him out of his run fit.

Just my opinion

I think that's right, but it's also telling of what teams feel they can do best. Last year, they knew they could throw, so they didn't even try to run - that also contributed a decent amount to the lower rushing yards, but doesn't quite explain the YPC.

This year, I think teams can't throw quite as easily as in the past, so they are running more, but they are also running with more success. It's not purely about the number of attempts.

And yes, I do believe zone schemes are playing a part in this, but this was more out of necessity because of the complete gashing our pass D had last year.

 

[SnohomishRed]

I would contend that the Rush defense was better last year but those numbers are a little skewed. Teams simply didn't run the ball, in terms of number of plays, much last year. They threw the ball at will. I can't remember where I saw this stat, but teams are throwing the ball at a much lower rate this year and the number of passes defended is up. The Huskers have played more zone defense this year and less quarters. playing zone doesn't allow the backers and safeties to play down hill as much. While they have a run fit, they also have to read a key and maybe drop in coverage. Manipulating a linebacker with a false key can open up the running game by getting him out of his run fit.


All of those things will contribute to better pass defense but worse run defense.

Edit- I think when Nebraska plays QBs that are less mobil or teams that are run heavy, we will de them run less zone and more quarters.


Just my opinion

Certainky the pass defense is much better this year and teams are passing less against us 38/gme last year vs 22/game this year - Teams are running the ball against us the same amount as last year - keep in mind our TOP is off the charts due a more consistent offense

Whatever the reason or issue teams upcoming will be running the ball against us until we prove we can stop them - if we can without sacrificing long TD passes then we will be fine if not we have real issues

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

I think that's right, but it's also telling of what teams feel they can do best. Last year, they knew they could throw, so they didn't even try to run - that also contributed a decent amount to the lower rushing yards, but doesn't quite explain the YPC.

This year, I think teams can't throw quite as easily as in the past, so they are running more, but they are also running with more success. It's not purely about the number of attempts.

And yes, I do believe zone schemes are playing a part in this, but this was more out of necessity because of the complete gashing our pass D had last year.

It's also a part of game planning though.

The YPC is an easily skewed number. If a RB has 15 2 yard runs and one 50 yard run, that equates to 5.0 YPC, when in reality he was held in check for 15 of 16 plays.

I think the Husker defense this year and maybe next, is going to be bend but don't break. They are going to give up some big plays but not with the regularity of last year. when Banker has the DBs that can play straight up man and shut down WRs, I think you will see more of an attacking defense with less Zone concepts.

 

[SnohomishRed]

It's also a part of game planning though.

The YPC is an easily skewed number. If a RB has 15 2 yard runs and one 50 yard run, that equates to 5.0 YPC, when in reality he was held in check for 15 of 16 plays.

I think the Husker defense this year and maybe next, is going to be bend but don't break. They are going to give up some big plays but not with the regularity of last year. when Banker has the DBs that can play straight up man and shut down WRs, I think you will see more of an attacking defense with less Zone concepts.

Limiting big plays is certainly the key and the defense has done that in the passing area compared to last year it is night and day.

On rush defense:

Last year - the defense gave up on average/game 1.3 rushing plays 20+ yards and 1.84 rushing plays 30+ yards
This year - The defense gave up on avergae/game 1.4 rushing plays 20+ yards and 1.2 rushing plays 30+ yards

so while the YPC has gone up by a full yard the big plays have gone down as compared to last year - this mean we are consistently giving up yards on the rush defense side and its just not an occasional missed tackle or missed assignment - its a problem

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

But you are comparing stats for 13 games to stats from 5 games. Then factor in you are comparing stats against ostensibly 5 opponents that weren't on the schedule last year.

I am a fan of statistics but you can find a stat that will support any opinion.

But if you want to play the game I will play. As I said before, the team is playing more zone. Against the run in would make sense that you will be giving up more plays in the 3-8 yard range and not as many 20 or 30 yard gains because you aren't selling out to stop the run. On the flip side, if you sell out to stop the run, and the runner gets past the LOS, there is a significantly better chance of giving up a 20-30 yard run because no one is there to clean up.

 

[SnohomishRed]

The point I am trying to make is that we need to get better at rush defense - I totally understand playing more zone however that does ot neccesary mean we should be giving up 5 yards a carry. Especially since the strength of the defense was to be our Lb'ers. We have been playing bend dont break defense and bvecuase our Offense has been able to control TOP it has worked for us. I just dont see that as a sound strategy going into the meat of our schedule.

we should start to see a defense that does not have to pick their poison so to speak but plays sound on both rush and pass

 

[chicolby]

Yes, statistics are statistics, and it may not be fair to compare 5 games to 13, but.... the teams who are really good (or even just good) are already showing that in five games. It's not like we played some freakish teams that really run the ball well. We've played mostly teams that do a little of both, so I do think the original poster is correct that our rush D is down from last year. And as I suggested, that shouldn't come as a big surprise noting the significant losses we had on the D line. I like the young talent and think the future is bright. Let's hope we can keep patching things together with what we have this year so we can finish with a strong record.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

So I am a bit of a nerd when it comes to stats. Spent a few minutes and came up with this for you to chew on.

Opponents have rushed 157 times for 759 yards or 4.83 per rush

30 attempts (19%) went for a loss (includes sacks)
59 attempts (38%) 0-3 yards
39 attempts (25%) 4-7 yards
6 attempts (4%) 8-10 yards
14 attempts (9%) 11-20 yards
2 attempts (1%) 21-30 yards
7 attempts (4%) 31+ yards

I don't know why I picked those ranges. I guess just looking to get a more precise range.

But 72% of the rush attempts were 7 yards or less and 57% were 3 yards or less.

7 rushes or 4% of the attempts account for 283 yards or 37% of the yards allowed.

I am not pretending those plays didn't happen but this is an example of how YPC can be skewed.

The remaining 476 yards were gained on 150 attempts or 3.17 YPC.

As I said before if you contain the runner 150 times to 3.17 YPC you would be happy and feel as though the rush defense is doing their jobs. Big plays are going to happen.

 

[NikkiSixx]

I don't think the defensive line gets fixed overnight, so this is still scheme based, and outside of Oregon, we have only given up like 13-17 points per game. That's not too shabby given what we have to work with. I don't think it is as easy to just say we need to get better at run defense. Better at tackling, I would agree with that. We are at least gaining some experience on the defensive line, but again, they are going to mix and match things as needed depending on what the opposition is doing. the front vs the back calls don't always go together, and sometimes a position is also tweaked. That is the nice thing about Banker's defense. The adjustments happen all the time. I am fundamentally okay with bend don't break, so long as we aren't getting torched by Melvin Gordon. I'm confident they would adjust the scheme to compensate if that was happening.

 

[SnohomishRed]

So I am a bit of a nerd when it comes to stats. Spent a few minutes and came up with this for you to chew on.

Opponents have rushed 157 times for 759 yards or 4.83 per rush

30 attempts (19%) went for a loss (includes sacks)
59 attempts (38%) 0-3 yards
39 attempts (25%) 4-7 yards
6 attempts (4%) 8-10 yards
14 attempts (9%) 11-20 yards
2 attempts (1%) 21-30 yards
7 attempts (4%) 31+ yards

I don't know why I picked those ranges. I guess just looking to get a more precise range.

But 72% of the rush attempts were 7 yards or less and 57% were 3 yards or less.

7 rushes or 4% of the attempts account for 283 yards or 37% of the yards allowed.

I am not pretending those plays didn't happen but this is an example of how YPC can be skewed.

The remaining 476 yards were gained on 150 attempts or 3.17 YPC.

As I said before if you contain the runner 150 times to 3.17 YPC you would be happy and feel as though the rush defense is doing their jobs. Big plays are going to happen.

Not to drag this out but you say big plays are going to happen - this is where I am not in total agreement in fact they happen at NU more than than most all the teams in the Big10

here is a good stat site CFBSTATS.com it will break it out for you http://www.cfbstats.com/2016/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category31/sort01.html

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

Not to drag this out but you say big plays are going to happen - this is where I am not in total agreement in fact they happen at NU more than than most all the teams in the Big10

here is a good stat site CFBSTATS.com it will break it out for you http://www.cfbstats.com/2016/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category31/sort01.html

I provided you a breakdown of every game and the number of runs because you stated that 5.0 YPC was too much and unacceptable. You can clearly see that 7 runs accounted for nearly 40% of the rush yardage Nebraska has allowed.

So when I say big plays are going to happen now you now change your stance to Nebraska allows more than other Big Ten teams, which appears contrary to what you wrote earlier where you said the team was improved from last year.

This is one of the negatives of message boards, the debates take these twists and turns when the stats don't agree with what we believe.

Thanks for the discussion. On to the next one.

 

[SnohomishRed]

I provided you a breakdown of every game and the number of runs because you stated that 5.0 YPC was too much and unacceptable. You can clearly see that 7 runs accounted for nearly 40% of the rush yardage Nebraska has allowed.

So when I say big plays are going to happen now you now change your stance to Nebraska allows more than other Big Ten teams, which appears contrary to what you wrote earlier where you said the team was improved from last year.

This is one of the negatives of message boards, the debates take these twists and turns when the stats don't agree with what we believe.

Thanks for the discussion. On to the next one.

Can it not be both - improved from last year and still higher than most.? You don't have any post anymore about it if that is your position

 

[jedihusker]

Yes, statistics are statistics, and it may not be fair to compare 5 games to 13, but.... the teams who are really good (or even just good) are already showing that in five games. It's not like we played some freakish teams that really run the ball well.

Just wanted to respond to this part. We actually have played a team that runs the ball really well, Oregon. They have the 11th ranked Rushing Offense, I'd say that's pretty good. Regardless of how they have played since they played Nebraska, they still have a very good offense (also 16th in Total Offense and 28th in Scoring Offense), and they have more talent on offense than any other team we will face, outside of Ohio State.

In fact, take away the Oregon game, where they rushed for 336 yards, and Nebraska's rush defense looks significantly better. Those yards make up nearly 45% of the 759 rushing yards Nebraska has given up. Take out the Oregon game, and Nebraska has given up 423 yards in 4 games. That's 105.8 yards per game, a significant drop from the 151.8 they've given up. That 105.8 ypg would be good enough to be ranked 17th in Rush Defense.

While it all counts in the end, you do have to take into account who teams have played. For instance, Air Force currently has the 2nd ranked Rush Defense. They have played a team that is in the process of reclassifying from D2 to FCS, so they aren't ranked, but their yards per game rushing would rank them tied for 89th in FCS; another team in Georgia St who ranks dead last in FBS (128th) in Rushing Offense (and their YPG average is just over 16 yards behind the next team), they are also dead last in Total Offense; another team in Utah State that ranks 82nd in Rush Offense; and then Navy who has a pretty good rush offense at 14th, but had played a bunch of nobodies before playing Air Force.

There are certainly plenty of things for the defense to work on, but considering the d-line situation, they've not done too bad against most teams in rush defense.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

Can it not be both - improved from last year and still higher than most.? You don't have any post anymore about it if that is your position

The question isn't whether or not it can be both. Its the fact that you say something, data is shown that explains why that something is, you then reply with ya but how about this, and so on and so on. It's like trying to hit a moving target.

 

[SnohomishRed]

The question isn't whether or not it can be both. Its the fact that you say something, data is shown that explains why that something is, you then reply with ya but how about this, and so on and so on. It's like trying to hit a moving target.

I stated we have a rushing problem, used ypc as some evidence of this. You went back and charted carries for NU and said it is just caused by some big plays and it happens to everyone.

I posted a stat site that has all the big play records and based on this stated we give up more that most in the BIG10 and yes it is less than last year. I am really not sure how this is a moving target. I still say we have a rush defense problem that needs fixing during the bye week

 

[GBRhuskers]

now you now change your stance

You shouldn't need surprised.

 

[SnohomishRed]

You shouldn't need surprised.

Hi bubblegum how are you?

 

[GBRhuskers]

Hi bubblegum how are you?

Par for the course.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I think we can all agree our overall defense is better than last year. I choose to focus on that. Yes, we have "bent" a lot. But we have also kept our opponent's scores low. Can we do better with our rush defense? Yes. But I think we will. Carlos Davis in particular I think had his best game so far against Illinois. And with Stoltenberg's continuing recovery I expect our rush defense to improve with each game.

 

[dockentwo]

So I am a bit of a nerd when it comes to stats. Spent a few minutes and came up with this for you to chew on.

Opponents have rushed 157 times for 759 yards or 4.83 per rush

30 attempts (19%) went for a loss (includes sacks)
59 attempts (38%) 0-3 yards
39 attempts (25%) 4-7 yards
6 attempts (4%) 8-10 yards
14 attempts (9%) 11-20 yards
2 attempts (1%) 21-30 yards
7 attempts (4%) 31+ yards

I don't know why I picked those ranges. I guess just looking to get a more precise range.

But 72% of the rush attempts were 7 yards or less and 57% were 3 yards or less.

7 rushes or 4% of the attempts account for 283 yards or 37% of the yards allowed.

I am not pretending those plays didn't happen but this is an example of how YPC can be skewed.

The remaining 476 yards were gained on 150 attempts or 3.17 YPC.

As I said before if you contain the runner 150 times to 3.17 YPC you would be happy and feel as though the rush defense is doing their jobs. Big plays are going to happen.

Great point; I would think the faults or errors that were allowing the longer runs is more easily fixed. Especially in an environment where You are strong in the foundation of 3.17 per carry and hopefully improving.

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

I stated we have a rushing problem, used ypc as some evidence of this. You went back and charted carries for NU and said it is just caused by some big plays and it happens to everyone.

I posted a stat site that has all the big play records and based on this stated we give up more that most in the BIG10 and yes it is less than last year. I am really not sure how this is a moving target. I still say we have a rush defense problem that needs fixing during the bye week

I told you from the jump that YPC was a skewed stat. I gave you empirical data showing that YPC is a skewed stat. for 96% of the rushes the defense is allowing 3.17 YPC and that big plays are going to happen.

Then I mentioned the change in defensive schemes, alignment and formations as an additional reason why the YPC will be higher. When your backers are not attacking the run because they have a zone to protect their contact point with the ball carrier is going to be further from the LOS in some instances.

Now you have changed it to Nebraska allows to many big plays, more than almost all the teams in their conference. Read Jedi's comment for an explanation as to why that is not a reliable stat after 4 or 5 games.

No one is saying this defense doesn't need to improve. I, personally, don't think it is as bad as you are making it out to be.

In its current state, with the athletes on the roster, Banker has to design schemes that take away what the other team does best. Then hope that what he has designed to defend what the opponent does secondarily is enough.

As I said earlier, I would expect Banker to concentrate on stopping the run in games against Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. In games where the opponent is going to spread you out like Ohio St, Purdue, Indiana, and maybe Maryland, I think you will see more of the Oregon pass defense game plan, where they tried to keep everything in front and not get burned deep. As we saw that allowed for a few big running plays.

Until Nebraska has a secondary that can slow down passing games in Banker's base defense and a DLine that can generate consistent pressure with just 4. This is the type defense you will see.

Now I am really finished.

 

[nebcountry]

siap. Cornnation's notes from yesterday's practice touched on ypc allowed.

"Coach Riley was also asked about the opponents’ yards per carry (4.8) being rather generous. It it not a horrible number, but should be improved. He blamed most of that on tackling."

There was also mention of succumbing to cut blocks, but it wasn't specifically mentioned in reference to the ypc allowed.

 

[Kleitusbpn]

No one here is mentioning styles of play. Oregon attacks the edges and goes for big plays. The b1g tries to maul you. The question is how we will do against maulers not sprinters.

Osu is a different animal.

If we played last years schedule our ypc allowed would be much lower. Oregon skews things that much in small sample sizes. And five games is a small sample size.

 

[jlb321]

I believe the NCAA continues to count yards lost as a result of a sack against the rushing total .. a few more sacks would do wonders for our YPC average


(apologies if my assumption is incorrect)

 

[jlb321]

for reference I believe people think we are running the ball well

Nebraska's ypc = 4.9
Opponents ypc = 4.83

if you think we are running the ball really well .. then our run defense is really poor
if you think our rushing is average then our defense against the run is average

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

It does include sacks in thevrushing totals. I think sacks are important as well.

That brings up another topic completely though.


I haven't looked at the tendencies or the data at all but now that QBs can effectively intentionally ground the ball as long as the move outside the tackles and throw the ball past the LOS, I would expect the number of sacks to decline, especially in the NFL, where the number of very mobile QBs is low.

Because of that, QB hurries and knockdowns are stats that can be used to determine pass rush effectiveness. An incomplete pass thrown out of bounds to avoid a sack is pressure even though no sack was recorded.

 

[Kleitusbpn]

for reference I believe people think we are running the ball well

Nebraska's ypc = 4.9
Opponents ypc = 4.83

if you think we are running the ball really well .. then our run defense is really poor
if you think our rushing is average then our defense against the run is average

... and once again oregon skews things ina way not dissimilar to how we did in the 90s. Are we playing maulers or sprinters? We aren't playing teams that attack the edges that is gow we got hurt.

We aren't great. Neither are we bad. We are probably average. it'll come down to whoever makes plays late in a few games and given our +71 point advantage so far we have a pretty good shot at those.

 

[jlb321]

... and once again oregon skews things ina way not dissimilar to how we did in the 90s. Are we playing maulers or sprinters? We aren't playing teams that attack the edges that is gow we got hurt.

We aren't great. Neither are we bad. We are probably average. it'll come down to whoever makes plays late in a few games and given our +71 point advantage so far we have a pretty good shot at those.

you are correct .. but one could argue that playing far inferior competition ..Wyoming and Fresno + none of the power 5 schools we have played are better than .500 should skew our ypc as well ... so the 2 averages - ours and our opponents are the same

 

[jlb321]

as far as Oregon skewing things lets look at Oregon

for the season Oregon averages 6.2 ypc (they averaged 7.1 against us)

ypc for Oregon against other opponents

UC Davis -- 6.8
Virginia -- 6.7
Colorado -- 4.8
Wash St -- 5.8
Neb -- 7.1

 

[Tuco Salamanca]

you are correct .. but one could argue that playing far inferior competition ..Wyoming and Fresno + none of the power 5

Like an addict I can't stay away.

Only if, for example, Wyoming attacks every opponent the way they did Nebraska. And everyone of their opppnents schemed the Wyoming offense the way Nebraska did. What if Colorado St loaded the box to stop Hill and left their receivers man to man and Wyoming decided to throw more than they did against Nebraska.

There are just too many variables to say well since E Mich did whatever better against Wyoming then Nebraska did. That Nebraska is lacking in that area.

The fact that Oregon ran the ball 47 times against Nebraska and Nebraska still won says more to me than Oregon only running 25 times and beating Nebraska. It says to that while Nebraska gave up three 40+ yard runs that they weren't getting beat consistently on the deep pass, that they made Oregon, some what, one dimensional and they had drive the ball to score and not 7 or 8 quick strike scores.

I believe too many times we get too caught up in what the accumulative statistics say when each game is decided individually.

When I coach, I want to exploit the matchups that favor us in that specific game. Be that in what we do offensively or what we do to stop the opponent. As much as coaches want to say we will do what we do, the game is very reactive. We change what we do every game as a reaction to what we see the opponent do on game film.

Sorry for the rant.

 

[jlb321]

ypc for Illinois.......................... ypc for NW

Murray state - 7.2 ...................... west mich - 4.0
UNC - 5.1 ................................ Ill St -- 2.8
west mich - 0.2 .......................... Duke - 2.0
NEBRASKA - 5.9 ....................... Iowa - 4.7
..................................................... NEBRASKA - 4.3

so just looking at our power 5 opponents - of the 14 combined games (to include Oregon - see prior post) only Murray St and Iowa have given up more ypc than Nebraska against these common opponents

 

[swissticuffs]

3 most important areas IMO.

Pass rush
Stupid penalites (mental mistakes)
Overall general level of play on the LOS (POA)

 

[jlb321]

Like an addict I can't stay away.

Only if, for example, Wyoming attacks every opponent the way they did Nebraska. And everyone of their opppnents schemed the Wyoming offense the way Nebraska did. What if Colorado St loaded the box to stop Hill and left their receivers man to man and Wyoming decided to throw more than they did against Nebraska.

There are just too many variables to say well since E Mich did whatever better against Wyoming then Nebraska did. That Nebraska is lacking in that area.

The fact that Oregon ran the ball 47 times against Nebraska and Nebraska still won says more to me than Oregon only running 25 times and beating Nebraska. It says to that while Nebraska gave up three 40+ yard runs that they weren't getting beat consistently on the deep pass, that they made Oregon, some what, one dimensional and they had drive the ball to score and not 7 or 8 quick strike scores.

I believe too many times we get too caught up in what the accumulative statistics say when each game is decided individually.

When I coach, I want to exploit the matchups that favor us in that specific game. Be that in what we do offensively or what we do to stop the opponent. As much as coaches want to say we will do what we do, the game is very reactive. We change what we do every game as a reaction to what we see the opponent do on game film.

Sorry for the rant.

all very good points ... I'm just putting the stats out there and people can draw their own conclusions .. stats are just stats people can argue until they are blue in the face how valid they are

 

[jlb321]

Like an addict I can't stay away.

When I coach, I want to exploit the matchups that favor us in that specific game. Be that in what we do offensively or what we do to stop the opponent. As much as coaches want to say we will do what we do, the game is very reactive. We change what we do every game as a reaction to what we see the opponent do on game film.

Sorry for the rant.

yes .. and based on the fact that our ypc is the nearly the worst of the combined teams that have played Oregon, NW and Illinois (in those individual games) ... these coaches who earn millions upon millions of dollars ... have determined that their offensive gameplan should be to try to exploit our rush defense

 

[NorthWillRiseAgain]

yes .. and based on the fact that our ypc is the nearly the worst of the combined teams that have played Oregon, NW and Illinois (in those individual games) ... these coaches who earn millions upon millions of dollars ... have determined that their offensive gameplan should be to try to exploit our rush defense

That does not mean our rush defense isn't better than last year, just means that they believe our pass defense is that much better than last year.