Last year, CB Linden Stephens started the first few games. They eventually sat him down in favor of Alex Thomas because Stephens refused to look back for the ball, giving up big play after big play.
It looks as though Alex Thomas is going to the Big House. Not the one in Ann Arbor, though, the one in Youngstown, Ohio.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio_State_Penitentiary
So CB Linden Stephens is again a starter. After reviewing film last year, there is a 100% possibility that Willie Martinez the Defensive Secondary Coach, pooped in his pants when he saw what we saw.
Has Coach Martinez done any interviews? I would love to know his thoughts with regard to "undoing" what the previous staff did.
If you want to be encouraged, please view the following clip of the UC Houston game last year. You will see CB Grant Coleman give up a long TD pass (although it looks like he had zero help long middle). CB Grant Coleman puts that mistake behind him and then brings his A game, getting his own interception and a fumble recovery in the first half. Further, QB Hayden Moore has a great first half and we play them solid for two quarters.
WARNING: Don't watch the second half. You may become homicidal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NMepyJCZuk
***if you do watch the second half, at the 2:02 mark, there is a pitch back to Moore who then throws long and completes a bomb on the sideline to #5 Mike BOONE. Good Lord, what a weapon he is.***
DL