Opinion on Defense Vs. NCS/FSU/GA

[Father WASP]

The three teams mentioned all have similar offensive approaches - loads of short passing game with a special emphasis on the quick hitch and moving screen underneath from twins or trips. I'd rate NCState as above the other two in just plain old different ways to get the ball in skill people's hands quickly. Also the RB pressure with the frosh puts additional pressure. Georgia has the best passing game straight down the hash marks and places they can throw the ball. FSU has the biggest back in Jones but is struggling at QB. They have the best receivers of the three.

That all being said, Tenuta faces a tough test on the road this week. But if we can improve and give a good,complete show vs. NC State with a good runner and exceptional short passing game, I would like to think that will help us face a similar FSU team. Even better, if the team can keep its spirit, gets a little healthy, I think facing the similar scheme of NCS and FSU helps us going into Athens.

Any opinions on the above? Also, I'd like to see him pull our DB's up tighter. Even if we get beat deep, I'd take that over this 12-14 yards off playing scared stuff. GOL has made this a hallmark of our defense and these teams will kill us if we don't get aggressive and try to take the short dinky routes away. I think he's done a good job in the box but the DB's have maintained our tradition of back off, let em catch it, run up and grab a jersey.

Our chance to knock somebody off really depends on getting the DB's on the same improvement path the front is on.

 

[gtfan1147]

I think we can give N.C. State fits with our spread offense. Suggs has got to deliver the ball and we have to protect him. We need some kind of trick play aginst these guys. Maybe a HB pass or a double reverse. Should be interseting.

 

[ahsoisee]

Father WASP, I like your observations, but I have not seen Tenuta bring the defensive backs up yet. He has had plenty of time to do so, but has failed in this area. I doubt he changes anything at this stage of the game.

 

[AlaGold]

Oddly I understand we held NCS to the lowest conference opponent yardage total in 13 yrs last yr.(about 300 yds)Go figure.

 

[ncjacket]

Just wanted to resurrect this given the game yesterday. I think what Tenuta is seeing is that we don't have enough pure athletic ability to take everything away from good offenses. That said, he is focusing on taking away the run and not giving up the deep ball. He's willing to let teams try to dink us to death with the short passing because of the speed of our LBs and DBs. If they close on the receiver and make the tackle quickly it makes them complete a lot of passes to do much damage. Much like the announcers said in the Ugag-Fla game last night, if you have to drive 80 yds chances are you will screw up w/o a big play. Also, as Muyers said we made plays yesterday where we weren't earlier in the year. That's the key, kids stepping up and making something happen given the chance.