Last night was awful. I had hoped such blow outs were behind us.
However, in an attempt to analyze this blow out, and to compare it to other recent blow outs, there is one common denominator: very poor defensive play. A great defense keeps you in any game. That is the Alabama recipe and it was our path to success in the 90's. Many Osborne teams had great offenses (83), but lacked a great defense. He finally got over the top when his defense's became dominant too.
Wisconsin and Iowa last year ride/rode solid defenses to victory. Pelini in 2009 had a wretched offense but still almost won the Big 12 because of Suh and that defense.
Yes yes yes the whole team lost that game last night. The offense was awful too. But if you play dominant defense you keep it close, give your offense more chances on a shorter field (and we have a good kicker who can generate points), create turnovers, and give the whole team a sense that you can win. Great defense keeps you in ANY game against ANY opponent. Shitty defense also causes the offense to press and take chances, make mistakes, and get off schedule.
It begins with defense people. And last night ours was just not good at all.
I believe in these coaches. They need time. And they saw the same game we did. And unlike Pelini, these guys will not let their prideful stubbornness get in the way of making changes.
However, in an attempt to analyze this blow out, and to compare it to other recent blow outs, there is one common denominator: very poor defensive play. A great defense keeps you in any game. That is the Alabama recipe and it was our path to success in the 90's. Many Osborne teams had great offenses (83), but lacked a great defense. He finally got over the top when his defense's became dominant too.
Wisconsin and Iowa last year ride/rode solid defenses to victory. Pelini in 2009 had a wretched offense but still almost won the Big 12 because of Suh and that defense.
Yes yes yes the whole team lost that game last night. The offense was awful too. But if you play dominant defense you keep it close, give your offense more chances on a shorter field (and we have a good kicker who can generate points), create turnovers, and give the whole team a sense that you can win. Great defense keeps you in ANY game against ANY opponent. Shitty defense also causes the offense to press and take chances, make mistakes, and get off schedule.
It begins with defense people. And last night ours was just not good at all.
I believe in these coaches. They need time. And they saw the same game we did. And unlike Pelini, these guys will not let their prideful stubbornness get in the way of making changes.
