2016 Griz Defense.... Will It Be As Good?

[UMGriz75]

I'm just waiting for PR's first "I told you so moment" concerning the Griz D. You know he'll be chomping at the bit to give some props to TG if this D struggles next season....

Interesting to see the sudden "retreats" regarding next year's team. Lots of uncharacteristic "bet hedging."

The "players," who don't seem to count for much for some fanboys, had a high regard for TG. He saved Stitt's bacon last year. I have no idea how the new "D" will work out, but the newfound "need" to trash TG in order to praise Stitt is just bizarre. In particular because Stitt now has the chance to stand on "his own two feet" and show the world. If the performance equals the promise, it should be a good year for the Griz. I see no reason to be dialing back expectations as some seem to be doing.

 

[Atlanta Griz1]

Too soon to tell IMO, but at the moment I'd say it will be a wash, or a slight improvement. Depending on how you measure improvement.

Most know that there is much more that goes into improvement than bettering your statistics. I think that our defense will be improved by the "eye test", and we'll see a more hard-nosed, gritty, and fundamentally sound unit than we did during Ty's tenure. Our depth is un-tested at LB and the majority of the DL, so we may not see statistical improvement, but I think it will be a better group based on the bolded characteristics.

Stitt has said in several articles that the change on defense is going to be "huge", so any evaluation will continue to change until the dust settles.

UMs national defensive stats have not been that great in recent years. They have been kinda "middle of the road" In the rankings. I could see a slight move up in the defensive rankings if the run D improves. In any event, it's going to be interesting knowing that the former DC has some supporters on this board. That fact will add a certain sizzle to some of the post game egriz discussions if the defensive results spike sharply one way or the other.....The 2016 season can't get here soon enough.

Good rational post. I agree with your assessment. We have not had a dominant defense in several years. Our expectations have been "dumbed down" from our glory years. As every year we get distance from those days past, we lose the perspective of what we used to be, and accept the new reality. The fact is, for many years we put nationally-ranked defenses on the field. Now, we don't even dominant the weak Big Sky Conference, which has always been an "offense first" conference.

In order to re-gain our national standing in FCS football, we will need to improve SUBSTANTIALLY on defense. I will not happen in 2016, but I like the direction our recruiting seems to be going, and the future could see a return to that level. I want to put a defense like NDSU has on the field. With our great facilities, there is no reason we can not do so.

 

[Atlanta Griz1]

I'm just waiting for PR's first "I told you so moment" concerning the Griz D. You know he'll be chomping at the bit to give some props to TG if this D struggles next season....

Interesting to see the sudden "retreats" regarding next year's team. Lots of uncharacteristic "bet hedging."

The "players," who don't seem to count for much for some fanboys, had a high regard for TG. He saved Stitt's bacon last year. I have no idea how the new "D" will work out, but the newfound "need" to trash TG in order to praise Stitt is just bizarre. In particular because Stitt now has the chance to stand on "his own two feet" and show the world. If the performance equals the promise, it should be a good year for the Griz. I see no reason to be dialing back expectations as some seem to be doing.

I am not sold on Stitt as a coach. He was schooled last season about the difference in coaching at the FCS level, and his coaching gaffs cost us the Cal Poly and Weber State games. We will see if he learned anything last season.

But, Ty was CLEARLY over his head as a D-Coordinator. It does not matter if the players liked Ty or not. He could not design defenses to stop what each opponent did well, and could not make game-time adjustments. Many of Breske's players did not really enjoy playing for him, but he had great defenses here. Some coaches have it, others don't. Ty does not. I am glad that the Cats will have to live with what we had to endure defensively for several years under Ty.

 

[BozAngelesGriz]

hopefully with some improved offensive consistency the defense won't be as critical this season. and, with fewer 3 and outs right off the bat maybe our defense will stay fresher a little longer. as for better or worse? who knows. but if Stitt gets his offense rolling a little smoother maybe the defense will feed off some of that same rhythm, even if its not as stacked with talent.

 

[Raider]

Actually, what CV said is not accurate. If you look at the important defensive stats as a whole, UM has been near the top of the Big Sky, in the middle of the pack of the stats of the PLAYOFF teams, and above the middle of the pack nationally. CV just likes to cherry pick a couple of the lower stats, and then ignores the others and refuses to look at average yards per play/carry and things like that.

We'll see what you post if the Griz D struggles this season....Talk about being conflicted....

He will just cherry pick stats that blow smoke up idiots asses and the smart guys will call him on his bullsh*t like we always do.

I'm just waiting for PR's first "I told you so moment" concerning the Griz D. You know he'll be chomping at the bit to give some props to TG if this D struggles next season....

I also find it very ironic that Mr. Insider apparently doesn't have allot of inside info as it relates to Ty.

 

[mavgriz]

To say this years schedule is a little easier is a huge understatement. Its cupcake compared to last year and no
the defense will not be better than last years.

 

[griz5700]

No disrespect to Ty (that f**** traitor ) but Semore is a big upgrade for many reasons. I'm excited to see what he does. The guy has a high football IQ.

 

[UMGriz75]

I am not sold on Stitt as a coach. He was schooled last season about the difference in coaching at the FCS level, and his coaching gaffs cost us the Cal Poly and Weber State games.

And the ISU game where Stitt admitted his decision in the second half to "preserve the lead" was a huge mistake on its own, but for the "defense" that knew what to do when ISU made its huge mistake (and, for once, refs that knew the difference).

 

[CV Griz Fan]

We'll see what you post if the Griz D struggles this season....Talk about being conflicted....

He will just cherry pick stats that blow smoke up idiots asses and the smart guys will call him on his bullsh*t like we always do.

I'm just waiting for PR's first "I told you so moment" concerning the Griz D. You know he'll be chomping at the bit to give some props to TG if this D struggles next season....

I also find it very ironic that Mr. Insider apparently doesn't have allot of inside info as it relates to Ty.

Well he did know about every fantastic job offer TG apparently got. As surprising as those revelations were.....

 

[CV Griz Fan]

I'm just waiting for PR's first "I told you so moment" concerning the Griz D. You know he'll be chomping at the bit to give some props to TG if this D struggles next season....

Interesting to see the sudden "retreats" regarding next year's team. Lots of uncharacteristic "bet hedging."

The "players," who don't seem to count for much for some fanboys, had a high regard for TG. He saved Stitt's bacon last year. I have no idea how the new "D" will work out, but the newfound "need" to trash TG in order to praise Stitt is just bizarre. In particular because Stitt now has the chance to stand on "his own two feet" and show the world. If the performance equals the promise, it should be a good year for the Griz. I see no reason to be dialing back expectations as some seem to be doing.

I didn't mean to sound like I was hedging.... I think the D will be better in the long term without TG running it. Obviously, so did Coach Stitt. My point is that it should be an interesting season on egriz as this transition plays out. You had a coach,TG, that had his supporters and his detractors on this fan board. He has now left the program. Some say he left on his own. Some say he was asked to walk. Either way, it's going to be interesting. Going to your arch rival just adds more fuel to the fire...

 

[AZGrizFan]

If you want a good clean thread and football discussion, why do you put stuff like this in your first sentence?

"let's have a football discussion about this topic instead of the childish name-calling and bragging from PR about how much of a big shot he is."

It's what I do. :twisted:

Again, it's difficult to build up a large post count when you spend 90% of your time banned from the site.

Nice hi-jack. Typical for a "fan" like you. I will not use the "P word", but I think you get my drift.

Fuck off. You hijack your OWN goddamned thread in your very first sentence. :roll: :roll:

 

[Bear Axed]

It's what I do. :twisted:

Again, it's difficult to build up a large post count when you spend 90% of your time banned from the site.

Nice hi-jack. Typical for a "fan" like you. I will not use the "P word", but I think you get my drift.

f*** off. You hijack your OWN goddamned thread in your very first sentence. :roll: :roll:

 

[Bear Axed]

 

[BWahlberg]

I think answering "will it be as good" is a really hard one to assess because of other factors outside of the defensive players themselves.

- A new system, two new coaches, and a new DC. Could be good, could be bad, most certainly changes expectations and results. I lean to the optimistic side and what I'm hearing about the players thoughts of Semore (that they really like his strategic mind, game prep, and defensive design). It suggests it should show improvement over Gregorak's external style of brute force, being tough, being a wild animal, etc...

- The offense. If this offense can score 7 to 10 more points per game or even have 3 to 4 more minutes of TOP per game that will work wonders for the defense. Less time on the field as a whole, hopefully fewer games that are tight and in need of multiple defensive stops, things like that. The offense should be able to improve over last season, if so that'll help take the pressure off the defense as much and keep them a little more fresh in the games.

That said... losing 8 starters is tough... I have a feeling that the first half of the season we'll see some adjustment. For the coaches and the players and it'll probably have people running to the message boards bemoaning the new system, new players, new coaches. But, over time, I think it's going to improve and it may be pretty damn good by the end of the regular season and into the playoffs. The 2016 defense I'd guess will not be "as good" statistically in many categories as the 2015 defense at the end,( stack up PPG, YPG). However I think other factors, such as an improved offense, will probably help and make us think a little less about the defense as a liability. Additionally if the defense keeps getting better and is playing at a top level in Nov/Dec... that's where it'll matter.

 

[Alaska Griz]

I think answering "will it be as good" is a really hard one to assess because of other factors outside of the defensive players themselves.

- A new system, two new coaches, and a new DC. Could be good, could be bad, most certainly changes expectations and results. I lean to the optimistic side and what I'm hearing about the players thoughts of Semore (that they really like his strategic mind, game prep, and defensive design). It suggests it should show improvement over Gregorak's external style of brute force, being tough, being a wild animal, etc...

- The offense. If this offense can score 7 to 10 more points per game or even have 3 to 4 more minutes of TOP per game that will work wonders for the defense. Less time on the field as a whole, hopefully fewer games that are tight and in need of multiple defensive stops, things like that. The offense should be able to improve over last season, if so that'll help take the pressure off the defense as much and keep them a little more fresh in the games.

That said... losing 8 starters is tough... I have a feeling that the first half of the season we'll see some adjustment. For the coaches and the players and it'll probably have people running to the message boards bemoaning the new system, new players, new coaches. But, over time, I think it's going to improve and it may be pretty damn good by the end of the regular season and into the playoffs. The 2016 defense I'd guess will not be "as good" statistically in many categories as the 2015 defense at the end,( stack up PPG, YPG). However I think other factors, such as an improved offense, will probably help and make us think a little less about the defense as a liability. Additionally if the defense keeps getting better and is playing at a top level in Nov/Dec... that's where it'll matter.

Great post. The improvement in offense (esp. the running game, hopefully) and improving/peaking into the playoffs are the big takeaways for me. Ultimately, it's a team game and we're really wanting a TEAM that can gel and make a deep playoff run. Once it gets down to the final 8 teams the stats seem to go out the window. I'm also admittedly a fan of Jason Semore.

 

[Atlanta Griz1]

I think answering "will it be as good" is a really hard one to assess because of other factors outside of the defensive players themselves.

- A new system, two new coaches, and a new DC. Could be good, could be bad, most certainly changes expectations and results. I lean to the optimistic side and what I'm hearing about the players thoughts of Semore (that they really like his strategic mind, game prep, and defensive design). It suggests it should show improvement over Gregorak's external style of brute force, being tough, being a wild animal, etc...

- The offense. If this offense can score 7 to 10 more points per game or even have 3 to 4 more minutes of TOP per game that will work wonders for the defense. Less time on the field as a whole, hopefully fewer games that are tight and in need of multiple defensive stops, things like that. The offense should be able to improve over last season, if so that'll help take the pressure off the defense as much and keep them a little more fresh in the games.

That said... losing 8 starters is tough... I have a feeling that the first half of the season we'll see some adjustment. For the coaches and the players and it'll probably have people running to the message boards bemoaning the new system, new players, new coaches. But, over time, I think it's going to improve and it may be pretty damn good by the end of the regular season and into the playoffs. The 2016 defense I'd guess will not be "as good" statistically in many categories as the 2015 defense at the end,( stack up PPG, YPG). However I think other factors, such as an improved offense, will probably help and make us think a little less about the defense as a liability. Additionally if the defense keeps getting better and is playing at a top level in Nov/Dec... that's where it'll matter.

Great post. The improvement in offense (esp. the running game, hopefully) and improving/peaking into the playoffs are the big takeaways for me. Ultimately, it's a team game and we're really wanting a TEAM that can gel and make a deep playoff run. Once it gets down to the final 8 teams the stats seem to go out the window. I'm also admittedly a fan of Jason Semore.

Just curious as to why everyone thinks our offense will be so much better this season, or why we will suddenly have a running game? If you look at the facts, most of our offensive success last season was through the air, and we lost our three top receivers from that team. As far as the running game goes, we have the same RBs, and basically the same O-line. So, if those O-linemen all start again this season, as Wahlberg says they will, why should our running game improve? These linemen are too light, and not tough enough to dominate their man in the running game. If our younger linemen are not good enough to replace some of last year's starters, we are in for another long season without an effective running game.

I realize that Gus only started 3-4 games, but he was very inconsistent in those game, and really has not yet shown the ability to be a stud QB IMO. If he is even able to beat-out the Kentucky transfer QB. Too many unanswered questions on offense to make predictions of improvement, IMO.

 

[BWahlberg]

I think answering "will it be as good" is a really hard one to assess because of other factors outside of the defensive players themselves.

- A new system, two new coaches, and a new DC. Could be good, could be bad, most certainly changes expectations and results. I lean to the optimistic side and what I'm hearing about the players thoughts of Semore (that they really like his strategic mind, game prep, and defensive design). It suggests it should show improvement over Gregorak's external style of brute force, being tough, being a wild animal, etc...

- The offense. If this offense can score 7 to 10 more points per game or even have 3 to 4 more minutes of TOP per game that will work wonders for the defense. Less time on the field as a whole, hopefully fewer games that are tight and in need of multiple defensive stops, things like that. The offense should be able to improve over last season, if so that'll help take the pressure off the defense as much and keep them a little more fresh in the games.

That said... losing 8 starters is tough... I have a feeling that the first half of the season we'll see some adjustment. For the coaches and the players and it'll probably have people running to the message boards bemoaning the new system, new players, new coaches. But, over time, I think it's going to improve and it may be pretty damn good by the end of the regular season and into the playoffs. The 2016 defense I'd guess will not be "as good" statistically in many categories as the 2015 defense at the end,( stack up PPG, YPG). However I think other factors, such as an improved offense, will probably help and make us think a little less about the defense as a liability. Additionally if the defense keeps getting better and is playing at a top level in Nov/Dec... that's where it'll matter.

Great post. The improvement in offense (esp. the running game, hopefully) and improving/peaking into the playoffs are the big takeaways for me. Ultimately, it's a team game and we're really wanting a TEAM that can gel and make a deep playoff run. Once it gets down to the final 8 teams the stats seem to go out the window. I'm also admittedly a fan of Jason Semore.

Just curious as to why everyone thinks our offense will be so much better this season, or why we will suddenly have a running game? If you look at the facts, most of our offensive success last season was through the air, and we lost our three top receivers from that team. As far as the running game goes, we have the same RBs, and basically the same O-line. So, if those O-linemen all start again this season, as Wahlberg says they will, why should our running game improve? These linemen are too light, and not tough enough to dominate their man in the running game. If our younger linemen are not good enough to replace some of last year's starters, we are in for another long season without an effective running game.

I realize that Gus only started 3-4 games, but he was very inconsistent in those game, and really has not yet shown the ability to be a stud QB IMO. If he is even able to beat-out the Kentucky transfer QB. Too many unanswered questions on offense to make predictions of improvement, IMO.

Lets beat that dead horse some more.

1. Running game will be better for two reasons, our best backs all return and are a year further into the system. We've got Nguyen and Calhoun plus Favors... more time with the S&T coach, more time in the offense. They'll all be better.

2. O line is going to be much better. They're bigger & stronger, they're focused, and they're going to have their leader in Weyer back. The O line will lead the way on the field, as they already have off the field.

3. "Gus started 3-4 games" - nope. He started 8 games actually. If he can find a consistent path and put up the 1st NDSU, EWU, MSU, SDSU type of numbers we'll be looking at a guy that could possibly be throwing about 340 yards per game and averaging 2 to 3 TDs thru the air each game. Now yes, if we get the 2nd NDSU or CPSLO Gustaftson... then it's going to be trouble. However again, a senior, a year in this system, fully healthy. I think the dude is going to be great.

 

[firmgriz]

Brint is on point. Good post.

 

[Umista]

No one knows for sure about our defense this season. Face it, we are all guessing. My guess we will find a few new hot-shot players and they will make our defense much better during the latter part of the season. We could be better than last years but one thing is certain, we will be different. I like our new coach and his style and his smart up-scale methods and that might be a very big factor. The 3--4 defense could be another factor. I tend to like the 3/4 because Wisconsen played it and did a great job with it.

One big thing is about coach Stitt. He is a very smart coach. Yes, he looked bad at times last year but after talking with him about all his mistakes (in my view) he explained his thoughts and they made sense to me. He will make some changes to his offense and you will be happy as it will kind of morph into a new style as you will see in the near future. Same but differrent? Yes indeed...

 

[AllWeatherFan]

Will the 2016 defense be as good? Let me think about that.

Okay, I have given it some thought, and the answer is: "I don't know."