We're in the same boat then regarding each other's teams defense. This Cat defense looks legit. I saw some stat about how many points the Cat defense has given up and it was astounding... like one point per game or something. Maybe 3, I dunno. Yes, that's been against several teams that aren't offensive juggernauts but this is D1 football so still damn impressive. This is despite losing four defensive players for the season, including three starters, all American, senior, captain leaders. They keep rolling. Like you, if EWU puts up 50 on the Cats tomorrow, I'll reevaluate and maybe come to the realization that our defense isn't that good.
Looking at the griz D, I see you had a three game stretch where you gave up fifty PPG. Ugh. Then you blanked a terrible UNC team thanks to turnovers and 6th string QB, but again - that's not easy to do, even against a crappy team. So have the griz turned the corner on D? We'll see! If you pitch a shutout vs Cal Poly I will probably start to believe you have a good defense.
Your figures of 1 and 3 points are not correct. Someone posted a better and higher number a week or two ago. I have my doubts about the higher number too. But, anyway, good.
The Griz D gave up over 50, only two games in a row, not 3. One was an OT game, so got some extra points in the total. Theses and especially the EWU game became shootouts. Sometimes games get going as shootouts, and even good teams give up more or way more points than usual. But not good D in any event in those 2 games. In the 2d to last game, NAU got 20.
Against 3 of the best teams UM played, they gave up points in the 20's and 35. I don't recall how many of those were not against the D. Anyway, not bad or pretty good.
UM D has had some injuries. Wilson out early. Meyer and Gradney (I think) out. Another safety out. Those guys are back. When they came back, they, or some of them, made a bunch of big mistakes, and seemed rusty. The D hasn't given up big plays in the last 2 games, except a goofy play where a good player was right in good position for the tackle and whiffed. Some D-line out. A backer out for awhile and back. A backup corner still out. These things have had some negative impact, particular the good secondary players. I don't know how much. I am hoping that with the good secondary players back, and Wilson has been back for some time, this is part of what is improving things.
Some think the D and especially the backers don't have as good as horsepower as last season. I don't know. Gubner is certainly missed, but the replacements seem to be playing well or fairly well to me. I also like at least 4 and maybe 5 of the backers. I haven't noticed them not making plays, and Wilson is outstanding with very good speed. A frosh corner is playing more and more.
I am hopeful for the D and the team. We shall see. One game at a time, like last season. The Griz O is way better than last year, both running and passing. And the D is not nearly as dominant as last year. I am hopeful for the D, but don't expect it to get to last year's level.
Like all teams, the Griz and Griz D are banged up, but my impression is that there are not a bunch of guys out for the season and not playing. I expect to see Grossman at TE sooner than later. I hope Bergen didn't get hurt last week. I wonder if Gillman is a bit sore. QB's seem to be healthy and gaining experience and steam.
The UNC qb is not the 6th team QB. And I believe he's the same QB who played against the Cats. And the Cats didn't shut out UNC. I find it silly when posters bring up stuff like that, unless it's actually relevant, which this isn't.
