Our Secondary

[uofmman1122]

While I would agree to a point about our secondary, I think something that we seem to forget and was mentioned in a previous thread, is that we blitz so heavily, with so many people, it leaves very few in the secondary.
If you watched Weber, they don't blitz very often, usually with only one extra sometimes. Did you notice how many players they had in the secondary, lots of times we saw 4-5 defenders and only 1 receiver or maybe 2.
Also in the game last night, Weber was getting a ton of breaks, lucky bounces(I'm not saying they didn't deserve them, but it reminded me of our game with Sac) So many plays that were there, ball just bounced wrong. Now I believe Weber would have won that game, but it could have been a lot closer.

You're not wrong, but we had nearly the exact same thing happen to us at Sac a couple weeks ago. They even had a near identical interception to the one Toure gave up where their guy had the ball, fell down, and then slung it right up to the defender. The only difference, of course, is that the pick last night against Sac didn't hit the ground.

It's now only fitting that Weber has a similar "bad break" game against us in 2 weeks. :thumb:

 

[1972]

While I would agree to a point about our secondary, I think something that we seem to forget and was mentioned in a previous thread, is that we blitz so heavily, with so many people, it leaves very few in the secondary.
If you watched Weber, they don't blitz very often, usually with only one extra sometimes. Did you notice how many players they had in the secondary, lots of times we saw 4-5 defenders and only 1 receiver or maybe 2.
Also in the game last night, Weber was getting a ton of breaks, lucky bounces(I'm not saying they didn't deserve them, but it reminded me of our game with Sac) So many plays that were there, ball just bounced wrong. Now I believe Weber would have won that game, but it could have been a lot closer.

You're not wrong, but we had nearly the exact same thing happen to us at Sac a couple weeks ago. They even had a near identical interception to the one Toure gave up where their guy had the ball, fell down, and then slung it right up to the defender. The only difference, of course, is that the pick last night against Sac didn't hit the ground.

It's now only fitting that Weber has a similar "bad break" game against us in 2 weeks. :thumb:

I have a feeling these last 3 games are going to be lots of fun. Weber will definitely be very tough, not really any holes on that team, very well coached, very disciplined. I'm not saying they are NDSU, but they remind me a lot of them when you watch them play.

 

[Grisly Fan]

Nash needs some help. Don’t know if it is technical or conceptual but his coverage breaks down often. He has the physical ability but is out of place or executes 90% which results in 0% effectiveness. Example, on a long sideline pass by PSU, Nash was step for step, he even turned his head and was in great position. As the ball neared he lost contact with the receiver and sagged towards the middle of the field then jumped to intercept but was too far away so the ball sailed over his for a reception. If he had kept his body close, maintaining contact with the the receiver it would have been an easy interception given his leaping ability. This is just one example; there are others. I hate to call out players but Calhoun is not the issue.

That is a very difficult play for a college d-back to make. The receiver was running relatively straight down the field. As you said, Nash was
in good position. NFL corners can make that play. Most college players can’t if the ball is thrown well and the receiver catches it. Yes, it would be nice for Nash to make that play, but I don’t fault him.

Calhoun had a similar play later and he played it perfectly. I believe it is well within Nash’s talent to do the same.

What was the Calhoun play? Where field?

Same PSU drive, left side of the field, sideline route. Calhoun was glued to the receiver. Alexander had to throw long. No chance for a completion.

 

[PlayerRep]

That is a very difficult play for a college d-back to make. The receiver was running relatively straight down the field. As you said, Nash was
in good position. NFL corners can make that play. Most college players can’t if the ball is thrown well and the receiver catches it. Yes, it would be nice for Nash to make that play, but I don’t fault him.

Calhoun had a similar play later and he played it perfectly. I believe it is well within Nash’s talent to do the same.

What was the Calhoun play? Where field?

Same PSU drive, left side of the field, sideline route. Calhoun was glued to the receiver. Alexander had to throw long. No chance for a completion.

Completely different kind of play/route and bad throw, but whatever.

 

[Grisly Fan]

Calhoun had a similar play later and he played it perfectly. I believe it is well within Nash’s talent to do the same.

What was the Calhoun play? Where field?

Same PSU drive, left side of the field, sideline route. Calhoun was glued to the receiver. Alexander had to throw long. No chance for a completion.

Completely different kind of play/route and bad throw, but whatever.

Nah.

 

[Missoula223]

It is easy to point the finger as a fan, but first be able to answer some questions regarding specific instances that pertain to the big plays that are occurring.

What are our safeties initial alignment/depth when we are playing cover 4? Cover 2? What is typical alignment for a safety in those coverages?

What coverage was the TD right before half? How was the pass rush on the TD right before half? Pressure and coverage go hand in hand. Original poster said balls were caught when QB was scrambling, does anyone know how difficult it can be to attach to a receiver for the period of time when a QB breaks contain?

What are the linebackers drops in typical zone coverage, and what are his rules when QB breaks contain? How many throws have been directed at a receiver that replaces an LB when he adds on for secondary contain? Why is a secondary contain needed in the first place?

How often do we send pressure? With cover 0 behind it? Coaches often say "Be aggressive because the ball has to come out quick." But what about when teams max protect?

How good are the QBs we have play? It might not be that bold to say we have the most difficult strength of schedule to date in terms of QBs alone.

Would anyone be shocked if Coach Hauck wanted them to be more aggressive than most safeties? Knowing that we might give up big plays, but are typically going to take the fight to them?

Biggest thing, and I've said it before, but there's more to the game that what we see on TV or in person. No one knows specifically where breakdowns lie, unless they can answer all those questions.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Seems like we've had to play a world beater QB/offense every game so far.
The remaining games play more into our strengths.

‘Scats threw the ball way more than usual against SUU. They’ll exploit it if we don’t fix it.

 

[bgbigdog]

Seems like we've had to play a world beater QB/offense every game so far.
The remaining games play more into our strengths.

‘Scats threw the ball way more than usual against SUU. They’ll exploit it if we don’t fix it.

That’s true. But the reality is that you and I would have had the same level of success as state ag, & I need a hip & new knee. USSU is missing about seven defensive guys & those guys weren’t all that good to begin with. I’d bet you’re a better tackler as well. I have no personal knowledge to base any of that assumption on, but am making it none the less.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Seems like we've had to play a world beater QB/offense every game so far.
The remaining games play more into our strengths.

‘Scats threw the ball way more than usual against SUU. They’ll exploit it if we don’t fix it.

That’s true. But the reality is that you and I would have had the same level of success as state ag, & I need a hip & new knee. USSU is missing about seven defensive guys & those guys weren’t all that good to begin with. I’d bet you’re a better tackler as well. I have no personal knowledge to base any of that assumption on, but am making it none the less.

I’m built like Gubner. :lol: :lol:

 

[bgbigdog]

Seems like we've had to play a world beater QB/offense every game so far.
The remaining games play more into our strengths.

‘Scats threw the ball way more than usual against SUU. They’ll exploit it if we don’t fix it.

That’s true. But the reality is that you and I would have had the same level of success as state ag, & I need a hip & new knee. USSU is missing about seven defensive guys & those guys weren’t all that good to begin with. I’d bet you’re a better tackler as well. I have no personal knowledge to base any of that assumption on, but am making it none the less.

I’m built like Gubner. :lol: :lol:

That’s two of us. Bookends :lol: :lol:

 

[grizpaws]

‘Scats threw the ball way more than usual against SUU. They’ll exploit it if we don’t fix it.

That’s true. But the reality is that you and I would have had the same level of success as state ag, & I need a hip & new knee. USSU is missing about seven defensive guys & those guys weren’t all that good to begin with. I’d bet you’re a better tackler as well. I have no personal knowledge to base any of that assumption on, but am making it none the less.

I’m built like Gubner. :lol: :lol:

That’s two of us. Bookends :lol: :lol:

Nothing to be ashamed of...did you see him motor for a 17 yard return? and, he lowered his shoulder into the tackler who didn't look real spunky after the play.

 

[fanofzoo]

That’s true. But the reality is that you and I would have had the same level of success as state ag, & I need a hip & new knee. USSU is missing about seven defensive guys & those guys weren’t all that good to begin with. I’d bet you’re a better tackler as well. I have no personal knowledge to base any of that assumption on, but am making it none the less.

I’m built like Gubner. :lol: :lol:

That’s two of us. Bookends :lol: :lol:

Nothing to be ashamed of...did you see him motor for a 17 yard return? and, he lowered his shoulder into the tackler who didn't look real spunky after the play.

Would you put your body on the line if he was coming at you, I would throw myself on the ground and hope he trips.

 

[krammer]

that tackler was number 6, the qb who threw the interception .....that guy, just could not buy a break,,,,ha !

 

[Grizbballfan14]

For me it comes down to a lack of depth at corner. In '09 we had 3 quality corners in Trumaine, Andrew Swink, and Keith Thompson. Right now Corbin Walker is our #3. I believe that he is going to do great things for this team in the future but he's a bit of a liability at the moment.

Also our defense is schemed to try to stop the run and force teams to beat us through the air. Because of that we play a lot of man coverage and without a quality backup our corners play a lot of reps and are liable to make mistakes.

 

[1972]

Take this for what it's worth. Bobby mentioned this the other day, not sure where. Said something about teaching a little bit of football 101 to people about defenses. Don't quote me exactly " if a defense is giving up too many big pass plays, it's usually because of lack of pressure from the D line and if a team is getting gashed on running plays, that's typically because of the back end" Not my words but his. Bobby said if we are giving up too many long pass plays, typically we need to start bringing more pressure, backs can only cover for so long.

 

[AZGrizFan]

What ever happened to Mykal Tolliver? That CB transfer from Hawaii? I never even see him on the field...

 

[SaskGriz]

What ever happened to Mykal Tolliver? That CB transfer from Hawaii? I never even see him on the field...

My guess that he's spending the semester getting his grades right, I don't believe he's even dressed for a game. Similiar situation to Marcus Vineyard, if they get it sorted out I expect them both to be contributors next season. (this is nothing but speculation, if anybody knows better please jump in)

 

[SoldierGriz]

For me it comes down to a lack of depth at corner. In '09 we had 3 quality corners in Trumaine, Andrew Swink, and Keith Thompson. Right now Corbin Walker is our #3. I believe that he is going to do great things for this team in the future but he's a bit of a liability at the moment.

Also our defense is schemed to try to stop the run and force teams to beat us through the air. Because of that we play a lot of man coverage and without a quality backup our corners play a lot of reps and are liable to make mistakes.

Built for playoff football...

#FTV

 

[cclarkblues]

That’s true. But the reality is that you and I would have had the same level of success as state ag, & I need a hip & new knee. USSU is missing about seven defensive guys & those guys weren’t all that good to begin with. I’d bet you’re a better tackler as well. I have no personal knowledge to base any of that assumption on, but am making it none the less.

I’m built like Gubner. :lol: :lol:

That’s two of us. Bookends :lol: :lol:

Nothing to be ashamed of...did you see him motor for a 17 yard return? and, he lowered his shoulder into the tackler who didn't look real spunky after the play.

I think I would carry a t=bone steak in my pocket in hopes of distracting him.

 

[AZGrizFan]

What ever happened to Mykal Tolliver? That CB transfer from Hawaii? I never even see him on the field...

My guess that he's spending the semester getting his grades right, I don't believe he's even dressed for a game. Similiar situation to Marcus Vineyard, if they get it sorted out I expect them both to be contributors next season. (this is nothing but speculation, if anybody knows better please jump in)

Well that sucks then. He's going to be a senior next year and we lost an entire year of his PT.