Heard something interesting while watching the USM replay

[57stratdawg]

Neal pointed out, I'm sure through conversations with Mullen, that out D was built "to stop the LSUs and Alabama's power running game instead of Texas AM's spread option". He then went on to say USM was a good test for spread option teams.

I guess i always considered us built us built to stop spread teams. Then again, maybe that accounts for the size difference between us and OM on D. Maybe they're built to stop the spread with 270 lbs DEs and 215 lbs LBs.

 

[msstate7]

Sec west power teams:

Alabama
Arkansas
Lsu
Miss state

Sec west spread passing teams:

OM
aTm

Not sure how to classify auburn.


It's gotta be tough on HC's on how to build your defense.

I think we're pretty flexible. We're heavy enough to match up with power teams and long enough to cover the field against spread teams. I like how our defense matches up with all the west teams

 

[Mjoelner]

eeewwww! Just the thought of LSU and Bama 'power rubbing'.

 

[esplanade91]

I'd rather beat Bama and LSU and lose to OM and aTM. Just sayin'.

 

[dannyripms]

Screw that, I want to beat them all and in no circumstance would I rather lose to tsun.

 

[Lawdawg.sixpack]

Well you wouldn't use a 4-3 to stop a spread- you need to use some form of nickel or dime (with that hybrid LB/S or two), so that may be what they're talking about.

I really think our front 4, with their length, athleticism, and depth are going to be a problem for spreads. Mainly the length- cutting down those quick passing lanes by batting balls. Also Matt Wells's coverage ability is a huge factor. I thought the most impressive play we had all night was his 1-on-1 coverage of a slot guy on a deep middle post route. The offense had exactly what they wanted, LB on slot WR, no S help. But wells was in his back pocket, and dove in front to knock the pass away. Big time for a LB. It was second quarter I think, not sure if it was on tv.

 

[57stratdawg]

It was an amazing play. He should have come up with the pick. I don't see how Wells isn't NFL draft pick. That guy can do it all. To me, he's the most important player on the D. I know others will argue CJones, and rightfully so, but Wells neutralizes a large part of the opponents playbook.

 

[jcdawgman18]

The thing is A&M is really the only team we have really had consistent issues with. OM and AU have been games where we've actually done really well (unless Chris Wilson or Carl Torbush were involved).

Yes, we have a really big DL but we have tons of speed at LB and in the secondary. To me you still want a big DL against the spread so that they can help close up running lanes on their own without requiring as much LB support so that those LBs can be more free to react in coverage or run to the flats on the screens. I think we saw that work very well against OM last year.