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

[firmgriz]

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.

The defense this year will no longer be limited by Gregorak's defensive scheme. We will now see a defensive unit that quickly morphs based upon the style of offense if faces and how they line up on each play. Based on that the defense will line up in a 4-3, 3-4 or 4-2-5 so that it can best defend what is coming at them. They finally have personnel that can play hybrid DE/LB and hybrid LB/safety so that they are able to adjust into different formations on the fly without the need to substitute. I am really excited about the potential for this year's Griz D, particularly watching Caleb Kidder tear it up as a DE. It's gonna be fun folks!

 

[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.

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.

If the young O-lineman can not win at least two starting positions from the incumbants, we will once again have no running game. Mark it down.

As for running backs.... Favor is a bust, and Nguyen is pedestrian at best. Calhoun should be a good one, but he can't play every down.

 

[Atlanta Griz1]

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...

Hell yes, Stitt knows he made lots of costly coaching gaffs last season. He thought the transition to FCS was going to be a piece of cake. We all remember his early-season bravado in interviews. By mid-season, he had become much more measured. He was humbled and should have been!

 

[AZGrizFan]

Define "no running game". 8 teams averaged more yards per game than the Griz last year. ZERO of them went further in the playoffs. In fact, 5 of the top 6 rushing offenses didn't even MAKE the playoffs.

Tell me again how important a rushing game is?

 

[BWahlberg]

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.

If the young O-lineman can not win at least two starting positions from the incumbants, we will once again have no running game. Mark it down.

As for running backs.... Favor is a bust, and Nguyen is pedestrian at best. Calhoun should be a good one, but he can't play every down.

Funny you say that because I've heard otherwise from much better sources.

The young OL isn't winning any job bc the the upperclassmen OL are better. Experience, size, and strength matter. Something you convientely gloss over.

 

[BWahlberg]

But please Growler, tell me which upper classmen loses his job? Who do you think as a younger player starts instead?

 

[krammer]

But please Growler, tell me which upper classmen loses his job? Who do you think as a younger player starts instead?

if one would just look at their own football playing days they would be know how much experience matters.....the o/l is the most benefited from experience.... going from freshman to sophomore is huge and from there to a senior is much larger yet,,,it is an exponential improvement not just getting bigger and stronger,,,it is being cerebral and savvy at the same time, picking up blitz, etc....I have no doubt our o/l will be much, much better for these reasons....just as much or more about brain as brawn.....its complicated, getting five guys to work all this out in micro seconds as a unit of one.....experience is huge .

 

[brewskis]

But please Growler, tell me which upper classmen loses his job? Who do you think as a younger player starts instead?

It's like you've got the same argument going on both topics haha I had to check to make sure this was the defense thread.

 

[bgbigdog]

You've already shouted that Semore is a major upgrade on Gregorak. If you really believe that then perhaps we won't see the consistent breakdowns on misdirection plays that plagued them last year. Translation - they'll play disciplined. You've also said the secondary looks to be better, which has also been an issue in recent years. We may have two or three really good safeties again. The d-line relied on a converted fullback and relief from some truly undersized guts players. This season, looks like we have some pluggers with size and potentially more on the way. In the history of this program, we seem to somehow find linebackers to do the job, not sure this group won't rise to the occasion. Nobody knows, but the hell-in-hand basket spin on everything not named after big-game bob remains irrelevant.

 

[BWahlberg]

But please Growler, tell me which upper classmen loses his job? Who do you think as a younger player starts instead?

if one would just look at their own football playing days they would be know how much experience matters.....the o/l is the most benefited from experience.... going from freshman to sophomore is huge and from there to a senior is much larger yet,,,it is an exponential improvement not just getting bigger and stronger,,,it is being cerebral and savvy at the same time, picking up blitz, etc....I have no doubt our o/l will be much, much better for these reasons....just as much or more about brain as brawn.....its complicated, getting five guys to work all this out in micro seconds as a unit of one.....experience is huge .

Sure is, great post

 

[fanofzoo]

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.

The defense this year will no longer be limited by Gregorak's defensive scheme. We will now see a defensive unit that quickly morphs based upon the style of offense if faces and how they line up on each play. Based on that the defense will line up in a 4-3, 3-4 or 4-2-5 so that it can best defend what is coming at them. They finally have personnel that can play hybrid DE/LB and hybrid LB/safety so that they are able to adjust into different formations on the fly without the need to substitute. I am really excited about the potential for this year's Griz D, particularly watching Caleb Kidder tear it up as a DE. It's gonna be fun folks!

I have never thought about that concept, talk about "out of the box", if we could achieve that sort of revolution in defense, coupled with the the O------!

 

[grizindabox]

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).

75...you are correct...props to the ST Coordinator.....

 

[grizindabox]

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.....

Do you really get the insider perspective of TG when TG is your insider.......

 

[Atlanta Griz1]

Define "no running game". 8 teams averaged more yards per game than the Griz last year. ZERO of them went further in the playoffs. In fact, 5 of the top 6 rushing offenses didn't even MAKE the playoffs.

Tell me again how important a rushing game is?

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! CRITICALLY IMPORTANT! But, nice try..... :thumb:

 

[Atlanta Griz1]

But please Growler, tell me which upper classmen loses his job? Who do you think as a younger player starts instead?

I am not their coach, but 4 of the 5 are not Griz caliber O-linemen (Weyer being the exception), and could not have started for any of Glenn's nor Hauck's teams. Why can't you just admit that our 2015 line was the weakest in 30 years? Do you have even an OUNCE of objectivity? Jeeeez!

Since I don't coach the O-line, I can not predict which of the weak are the weakest. I know Chad knows though. My point is, if our young linemen have as much talent as the hype surrounding them, then a couple should be good enough to start as red-shirt frosh, cause the bar is not that freakin' high!

 

[AZGrizFan]

Define "no running game". 8 teams averaged more yards per game than the Griz last year. ZERO of them went further in the playoffs. In fact, 5 of the top 6 rushing offenses didn't even MAKE the playoffs.

Tell me again how important a rushing game is?

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! CRITICALLY IMPORTANT! But, nice try..... :thumb:

Why? Surely wasn't "critically important" to make the playoffs.

 

[BWahlberg]

But please Growler, tell me which upper classmen loses his job? Who do you think as a younger player starts instead?

I am not their coach, but 4 of the 5 are not Griz caliber O-linemen (Weyer being the exception), and could not have started for any of Glenn's nor Hauck's teams. Why can't you just admit that our 2015 line was the weakest in 30 years? Do you have even an OUNCE of objectivity? Jeeeez!

Since I don't coach the O-line, I can not predict which of the weak are the weakest. I know Chad knows though. My point is, if our young linemen have as much talent as the hype surrounding them, then a couple should be good enough to start as red-shirt frosh, cause the bar is not that freakin' high!

Don't trip and fall back pedaling that fast there Steve!

And you're just diggin and even deeper hole showing how little you know about the improvement and work these guys have put in so far. All of the coaches are amazed at how far the O line has come and Stitt himself said the OL will be the strength of this team.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

He loves to dig deep in a hole. I've seen video evidence.

 

[griz692002]

Absolutely not and not only that Defense will be worse in 2017 than 2016

 

[grizindabox]

Absolutely not and not only that Defense will be worse in 2017 than 2016

what is you opinion based on.....and if you say loss of TG.....just stop now......clueless.....