Defense this year

but not by much...

I think it is too early to judge.  At times the defense has looked much better.  At other times, it looks like we are out of position or the players did not know what to do and missed assignments leading to big offensive plays from our opponents.  I think yesterday we were prepared for one style of play and ended up having to defend another style of play which meant we had to adjust our defensive game plan to a new QB and an offensive scheme that suited the QB that Wofford went with.  We only gave up 3 points in the second half which means we made adjustments on defense at half time and shut Wofford’s offense down.  

if we had scored touchdowns instead of field goals, we could have had 42 points and nobody would be talking about the defense today.  

I think that you have to look at these games as a whole and not overreact to every bad play or play that does not go our way.  If our offense can score TDs when in the red zone, allowing only 17 points on defense will be enough to win any of our games we play this year.  I think as the players and coaches get use to the new defensive philosophy, we will get better but I think, we are already better than last year on defense.

Also, you have to consider that the Hurricane disaster happened and many players did not make it back until Wednesday so did not practice all week and there were no fans at the game and their whole routine was thrown off this past week.  Every coach I have ever heard speak has said that routine is one of the most important factors in preparing and winning college football games.

in my opinion, we need to stop with the knee jerk reactions by some posters and have a more big picture approach with our criticism.  These are 18 to 22 year old young men and they are representing our school and because they are student/athletes who can’t go home because they have to represent the Catamounts every week on Saturday and they deserve our support.  We may not win another game this year but if they will let most of us in the stadium, we will be there to cheer them on.

just my opinion. I don’t think anything will change because some people are optimistic and others are pessimistic.  Nothing wrong with that as all opinions are welcomed by the moderator.