Since the Indiana game I have noticed a vast improvement in the defense. Few things I noticed that I think have led to this improvement.
1. The development of our MLB. Zach Boren has become a very good, instinctive LB for only playing a few games. Urban said at the start of the year that if our MLB (Grant at that time) struggled, then the defense would struggle and he was absolutely correct. Klein has been horrible and Grant can't seem to pick up the D either. Boren has stabilized the LB core and missed tackles have gone down.
2. Mike Bennett returning from injury and playing DT. The pass rush has gotten much better with Bennett playing the DT position instead of Gobel. Thought he played a great game at PSU and as he continues to get healthy he will be player we all envisioned when he came here.
3. More aggressive D by Fickell. I don't have the stats in front of me but we seem to be blitzing and stunting a lot more and creating more pressure on the QB.
4. A healthy Nate Williams and Spence at DEs. Nate Williams is an absolute difference maker when he's out there. Everytime Spence is out there I like what I see.
What are your thoughts? Am I off base on any of these observations? Feel free to add other observations of the defense in the past few weeks. I think when Sabino returns for Wisc, this D will come alive and be ready for scUM with the future of OSU on the sideline watching.
Agree
I think you are spot on. I would add one additonal observation and its the abiltiy of this team to wear the opposition down. The the training program from coach Mick has been discussed at length. But I think we are really seeing real tangible results. In the last two weeks conditioning as much as talent have won games.
I've noticed that the "fire Fickel" folks have quieted down a little....... :)
I think Zach Boren's play at MLB is the biggest difference maker... I rewatched the game on Sunday and don't believe I saw Storm Klein in for a single play. I really hope Curtis Grant realizes that he isn't at the level he needs to be, and focuses on the defensive play book and film study (though it's nice to hear he did pick up the Marotti school of weightlifting), or we'll be really hurting next year given our depth. The blitz packages Fickell dialed up helped a bunch (especially with a drop-back passer). Goebel really gets overlooked because he isn't so much a pass rusher as a space eater/block engager. He's like the point guard that may only score 6 points a game, but has 14 assists... Spence will own that line soon. Nate Williams's speed and drive is unreal, gonna miss him after this year.
I also agree and really liked the way the D played against Penn St. Plus I think the coach's are starting to gel along with the players
O H I O is the Buckeye State
I think there is a significant move that was made after the IU game... Urban started showing up to defensive meetings. I think the staff and players now understand that he is pissed and expects better play.