Anyone else surprised by the play of their DBs? This used to be a strength of their defense, but was clearly a liability this past weekend. Most appeared to be juniors or seniors.
Sparty's DBs
- Thread starter otismotis08
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Not really, but only because it was a concern mentioned by Sparty fans on another board. It does definitely demonstrate something that has been said frequently: if you don't have good defensive backs in this system (run by Banker and MichSt), you will struggle against the pass. If you struggle against the pass, it's hard to close out games.
Announcers repeatedly mentioned that MSU was playing one or more freshmen at corner back
They had a great run of experienced talent at that position! Due to those players moving on and injuries they have been forced to play inexperienced guys at a very important position in their scheme.
They are similar to us in that regard. We are playing talented players with little experience in games and this scheme. That shows up in mental errors and playing with a lack of confidence.
They are similar to us in that regard. We are playing talented players with little experience in games and this scheme. That shows up in mental errors and playing with a lack of confidence.
Not surprised. They were rated lower in pass efficiency than we were. They also are a better pass rush team than we are.
A pass rush can help the DB's, but in all honesty, if you are MSU or NU and you want that top of the line defense, you have to have players executing at all levels of the defense.
MSU's situation is exactly the reason I'm willing to see what time will do for us. We can gripe about scheme and dumb coaching and covering up for deficiencies all day long, but you have to have players with experience in the system to make it go. MSU has the same problems, and I haven't seen anyone indicate that Dantonio's staff just isn't doing enough or was bogus to begin with. You would think that if there was some schematic magic to transition DB's into monster players until they got their Cover 4 chops, Dantonio would be doing it.
Narduzzi was a huge loss with his constant blitzing it covered up a lot and made the secondary look better . Most programs unlike Bama the OSU have peaks and valleys and MSU has been on quite a run. Their rep was carrying them in the polls this year. The Oregon win is not nearly as impressive 10 weeks into the season and they stole one from Mich.With a new sheriff in Ann Arbor watch for Sparty to start trending down.MSUs all time record against B1G opponents is not as good as most people assume .For Example Iowa holds an advantage in wins after 45 years of playing.
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MSU historically has been a very up and down team. Certainly with UM being who they are, Sparty may well trend down.
Picking a particular school to demonstrate this trend is not wise, I believe Minnesota has a winning record against NU over the last 100 years, and I don't think anyone would ever say this indicates anything about the relative success of both programs through several generations of fans lives.
Losing Duzzi was certainly a big loss...he was emotional leader for the defense...but if I had my choice between a healthy secondary or Duzzi coaching our depleted ranks I would take the former. Our best CB (RF-Copeland) went down for the year in the Oregon game. Our 2nd or 3rd best CB (Jr-Hicks) missed his the game with a concussion. Also lost (RF-Watts-Jackson) on miracle muffed FG return vs. UM. But the biggest lost was safety RJ Williamson (RS-Sr). He was the leader of the secondary and picked as 2nd/3rd all-BIG in preseason. He went down first conference game. Also lost projected 1st/2nd all-BIG linebacker Ed Davis in the preseason.
Even before the injuries, the secondary was the biggest question mark coming into the season. Performance was so poor that Dantonio shook up the lineup, moving a safety to CB and taking the redshirt off two freshman and started them both vs Mich. That game was their first start and only second game playing.
So yeah the secondary has been very shaky. However, the DLine has helped some by providing a strong pass rush. imo the true heroes for Nebraska last Saturday was their Oline. They did the best job on our front 7 all season.
Pretty sure it was spartanJD not LRob, who said this... Wasn't it?
Thanks LRob. Sounds like a pass rush is the key to the defense our teams are running. Having your best players in the secondary probably helps too.
I'll tell you what though, that #45 (can't remember his name) was a STUD. Kid was all over the place. If he has a few years left, that will be scary.