After watching the replay of the game several times, I noticed

TaleofTwoDogs · Wednesday at 11:25 AM

that the defensive lines on both sides seem to use the bull rush technique almost exclusively with the result of low success rate against the pass. Is this now the favored techniques among defensive coaches? What happen to the spin move, stemming (inside move) or swim move. All the great DEs and Edge players were masters of the finesse. Is the bull rush just easier to teach or is it the new normal.

Motodawg · Wednesday at 11:36 AM

TaleofTwoDogs said:
that the defensive lines on both sides seem to use the bull rush technique almost exclusively with the result of low success rate against the pass. Is this now the favored techniques among defensive coaches? What happen to the spin move, stemming (inside move) or swim move. All the great DEs and Edge players were masters of the finesse. Is the bull rush just easier to teach or is it the new normal.

I dunno but it’s what I always use on ps5. It seems like with the speed of these new games (the ball is out in a second or three) and a spin slows my progress down too much. If I get by my guy, it’s almost a guaranteed sack and at worst a hurry. It’s also perfect for run coverage because I can disengage quickly. I’d assume this is the same theory behind it in the real world

SoJxnVol · Wednesday at 11:37 AM

TaleofTwoDogs said:
that the defensive lines on both sides seem to use the bull rush technique almost exclusively with the result of low success rate against the pass. Is this now the favored techniques among defensive coaches? What happen to the spin move, stemming (inside move) or swim move. All the great DEs and Edge players were masters of the finesse. Is the bull rush just easier to teach or is it the new normal.

Yesterday’s defense was bullish. Today’s defense is soft.
why do you think Nick, JB and Buddy don’t coach anymore?

57stratdawg · Wednesday at 11:39 AM

Just not alot of sacks under Arnett. For starters, talented pass rushers are expensive these days. But Arnett's DL is as much about occupying space and keeping lanes open. I feel like that mentality bleeds over into the pass rush too. If they get to the QB, then great. Otherwise, keep your lane, fight through your blocker and be ready to tackle. Combine that with some subpar pass rushing skill, and it's not a great recipe for QB sacks.

Below is our SEC rank in PFF Pressure Rankings under ZA. It's bad. Keep in mind, this evaluates how fast our defenders win their block, sacks, hurries, down and distance, etc.

2020 - #13 (of 14)
2021 - #13
2022 - #13
2023 - #14
2026 - #15 (2 games in)

Here is our pass rush win % under ZA:

2020 - #12
2021 - #11
2022 - #13
2023 - #13
2026 - #12 (2 games in)

The traditional stats aren't much better. Below is our SEC rank in sacks under Arnett:

2020 - #6
2021 - #11
2022 - #6
2023 - #11
2026 - #11 (2 games in)

Keep in mind, in 2022 we had 7 sacks against Illinois in the bowl which was actually Brock calling plays.

Overall, I think we're fine on D giving up yards, tackling well, giving up 3 instead of 6, etc. Long story short - we didn't get to the QB much under ZA in 2020 - 2023, i'm not expecting us to get to the QB much in 2026 either.

CochiseCowbell · Wednesday at 11:45 AM

We stunted a handful of times in the second half. I don't have an exact number, but I do recall seeing it, albeit sparingly.

Bulldog Bruce · Wednesday at 12:19 PM

Motodawg said:
I dunno but it’s what I always use on ps5. It seems like with the speed of these new games (the ball is out in a second or three) and a spin slows my progress down too much. If I get by my guy, it’s almost a guaranteed sack and at worst a hurry. It’s also perfect for run coverage because I can disengage quickly. I’d assume this is the same theory behind it in the real world

tired · Wednesday at 2:26 PM

We haven't done much on D because we haven't had to. Arnett likes to keep things in front & not overrun, allowing his backers to fly around & make plays. He values turnovers most.

I think Whitson isn't 100% in football shape. You'll see more pressure from him once he gets there & really gets going. Most guys I know with the same injury & similar time frame say its between the 3rd-5th game they really got going.

22yardpunt · Wednesday at 2:43 PM

Doubt we’ll see many stunts and **** like this weekend either if Arnett likes his guys to keep the QB in front of them with eyes on them. All the other stuff opens up running lanes, especially for a mobile QB like Sellers.

She Mate Me · Wednesday at 2:52 PM

In one of the film studies I linked elsewhere, there was an aggressive spin move from Minnesota (might’ve been their best past rusher) and it was met with a pretty violent help out block from Fluff. He was so good in this game. Enjoyable to watch.

615dawg · Wednesday at 2:52 PM

To me, the Arnett philosophy is like a QB getting yards by throwing to the check down receiver. Its not sexy, its not going to make Sportscenter, but you look up in the 4th quarter and you've held a team to under 20 points.

She Mate Me · Wednesday at 2:57 PM

615dawg said:
To me, the Arnett philosophy is like a QB getting yards by throwing to the check down receiver. Its not sexy, its not going to make Sportscenter, but you look up in the 4th quarter and you've held a team to under 20 points.

If we hold them under 20, I feel strongly we win.

Lucifer Morningstar · Wednesday at 3:18 PM

In a odd front defense like we run the d line, guys are not there to make tackles or sacks. They are there to occupy gaps and maintain gap integrity so that the linebackers can feast on open lanes. What you really want your d line guys doing in this defense is eating up double teams, because when an lineman sticks in the doubles too long because he has to, then your backer is roaming free.

She Mate Me · Wednesday at 3:29 PM

Lucifer Morningstar said:
In a odd front defense like we run the d line, guys are not there to make tackles or sacks. They are there to occupy gaps and maintain gap integrity so that the linebackers can feast on open lanes. What you really want your d line guys doing in this defense is eating up double teams, because when an lineman sticks in the doubles too long because he has to, then your backer is roaming free.

Would it be correct to assume a top notch DL like Jones or Simmons would make this defense especially effective because they could eat up two blockers every play and possibly still get to ball carriers??

jethreauxdawg · Wednesday at 3:34 PM

We’re just staying vanilla **

DawgNsuds · Wednesday at 4:08 PM

She Mate Me said:
If we hold them under 20, I feel strongly we win.

Didn't see sarcastrics, but didn't one of the film breakdowns mention that Lebby's record was undefeated in games he held the opponent to 21 or less points? I remember 21 being a magic number of some type

She Mate Me · Wednesday at 6:23 PM

Aaron Murray saying KT will end up being the best QB in the country this season (as a 19 yo sophomore)..

the number of people with true knowledge willing to say clearly what my Dumass thinks I’m seeing is encouraging.

patdog · Wednesday at 6:27 PM

DawgNsuds said:
Didn't see sarcastrics, but didn't one of the film breakdowns mention that Lebby's record was undefeated in games he held the opponent to 21 or less points? I remember 21 being a magic number of some type

I think it’s safe to say that in modern college football if you hold your opponent under 20 you will win the large majority of games.

Fritz! · Wednesday at 7:28 PM

patdog said:
I think it’s safe to say that in modern college football if you hold your opponent under 20 you will win the large majority of games.

As long as you score more than twenty ***
70% of the time it works 100% of the time**

gtowndawg · 2026-09-17T08:34:35-0500

DawgNsuds said:
Didn't see sarcastrics, but didn't one of the film breakdowns mention that Lebby's record was undefeated in games he held the opponent to 21 or less points? I remember 21 being a magic number of some type

1-18 in games Lebby gives up 22 or more. So on paper if we hold them to 21 we win.

Note: Our offense is also better this year so I'd say we can hold them to 24 and still win.

OopsICroomedmypants · 2026-09-17T08:41:55-0500

57stratdawg said:
Just not alot of sacks under Arnett. For starters, talented pass rushers are expensive these days. But Arnett's DL is as much about occupying space and keeping lanes open. I feel like that mentality bleeds over into the pass rush too. If they get to the QB, then great. Otherwise, keep your lane, fight through your blocker and be ready to tackle. Combine that with some subpar pass rushing skill, and it's not a great recipe for QB sacks.

Below is our SEC rank in PFF Pressure Rankings under ZA. It's bad. Keep in mind, this evaluates how fast our defenders win their block, sacks, hurries, down and distance, etc.

2020 - #13 (of 14)
2021 - #13
2022 - #13
2023 - #14
2026 - #15 (2 games in)

Here is our pass rush win % under ZA:

2020 - #12
2021 - #11
2022 - #13
2023 - #13
2026 - #12 (2 games in)

The traditional stats aren't much better. Below is our SEC rank in sacks under Arnett:

2020 - #6
2021 - #11
2022 - #6
2023 - #11
2026 - #11 (2 games in)

Keep in mind, in 2022 we had 7 sacks against Illinois in the bowl which was actually Brock calling plays.

Overall, I think we're fine on D giving up yards, tackling well, giving up 3 instead of 6, etc. Long story short - we didn't get to the QB much under ZA in 2020 - 2023, i'm not expecting us to get to the QB much in 2026 either.

These stats are why I always say Arnett keeps the opponent between the 20 yard lines and plays well in the red zone. He's going to give up field goals to good teams and force sputtering offenses to make mistakes. His run defense is good and he disguises formations well. The whole time we are takling well and hitting hard. Sooner or later we'll see some turnovers. I think it pairs well with Lebby's offense.

Lucifer Morningstar · 2026-09-17T09:34:06-0500

I must say I am surprised at @bulldawg77 liked or agrees with my post when, just last week, I was told in a very childish rant that I have no football knowledge whatsoever. I will agree I do not know everything about it. I only played college ball, and have coached at the 6A and 7A level in high school for the last 16 years here in Mississippi. Now, of course, I realize that none of that puts me on the level of a Mr. 77, and, as always, I will respect superior knowledge.

OG Goat Holder · 2026-09-17T09:44:18-0500

615dawg said:
To me, the Arnett philosophy is like a QB getting yards by throwing to the check down receiver. Its not sexy, its not going to make Sportscenter, but you look up in the 4th quarter and you've held a team to under 20 points.

Yep, that's exactly what it is, it's a defensive niche to neutralize having lesser players. It paired well with Leach's offense, which drained clock. I'm curious to see how is pairs with Lenny's offense, once we get into a closer game with a more comparable team.

If Taylor keeps scoring like crazy, doesn't matter what defense we run.

After watching the replay of the game several times, I noticed

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