(11-02-2015 07:30 AM)CHIPPEWA ENEMA Wrote: While Serpa had an outstanding game, I still feel out defense is average at best. Here's why:
Okie State - Couldn't stop them at crunch time.
Syracuse - Same thing in overtime.
msu - Gave up two easy tds at end.
wmu - Couldn't get Cooper the ball back the last EIGHT minutes!
crAKRON - Did more to impede themselves than our defense.
NIU - Self destruction.
Toledo - Will have to self-destruct in order for us to win.
You're a tough man to impress, CE!
Okie State: undefeated and averaging 44 ppg.
We held them to 24, and that was with Serpa missing the game d/t injury. We are the only team to date to hold them under 30 points.
Monmouth: held 'em to 10 after getting a little lazy / sloppy after halftime.
Syracuse: we had a tough time with 'Cuse's freshman QB, who reminds me a little of LeFevour in that he's a true dual threat with a solid arm that can read a defense. Playing there is just plain tough, and Ostman being out didn't help. We did seem worn down by the OT period, but I still wouldn't call it a bad performance by the D. I agree this was a disappointing loss, but you can look at the O and Special Teams for their part in it, as well.
MSU. Undefeated, powerful in the trenches, and MSU just plain wore us down by the 4th quarter. Again, no shame and not, IMO, a bad effort.
NIU: yes and no. I understand most of their turnovers are not considered to be the "forced" variety, but Hamilton bearing down on their QB, IMO is part of the reason he lost the ball. We were in position to recover most of those fumbles, and that means we were doing something right. Bottom-line, we held one of the top three scoring offenses in the MAC to 19 points a year after holding them to 17 at their place. We're doing something right!
WMU. Hamilton (torn pec) and Ricketts (targeting
) were both gone by halftime. WMU seemed to start running the ball better the second Tim left the game. WMU has the horses on offense, and we just didn't have enough experienced depth in the front seven to stop them.
Buffalo: we held a pretty good Buffalo team (currently 4-4 and very possibly will be bowling this season) to 14 points, and only one TD scored by their offense.
Ball State: held them to two offensive scores at their place, 'nuff said.
Akron: just one successful scoring drive. Even with a mediocre offense like Akron's, that's still something to be happy about. And remember, we were down two of our top three CBs, a starting DT (Dean), Ostman (probably should redshirt, at this point), and apparently, Ricketts sat out the 2nd half.
I'm not saying there isn't room for improvement, but with a brand-new set of LBs, two new starting CBs, and others missing time on the DL d/t injury, I have been pleasantly surprised. Also, we will have our current two-deep at LB, 3/4 of our secondary, and 3/4 of our starting DL back. Next year could really be something, especially if we can get more of a pass rush going.
) capital of the world with a W
Two MAC road victories in a row and another stellar defensive effort. 
Now ten days to get ready for the Scuds....