2018 Football Staff

[Rainman66]

Like anything, this isn’t a black & white answer. Let’s say a team averages 10 possessions a game. The very top turnover teams average 3 takeaways per game, so that leaves 7 more possessions you have to defend. I would rather force 7 punts in a game, then get 3 turnovers. Ideally, you want both, but give me a defense that consistently forces punts and/or FG attempts and I’ll take my chances without getting takeaways.

[jllanclos]

Like anything, this isn’t a black & white answer. Let’s say a team averages 10 possessions a game. The very top turnover teams average 3 takeaways per game, so that leaves 7 more possessions you have to defend. I would rather force 7 punts in a game, then get 3 turnovers. Ideally, you want both, but give me a defense that consistently forces punts and/or FG attempts and I’ll take my chances without getting takeaways.

If you get pressure in the Sun Belt, you get both. And you only need like 3 stops to win. LOL

[Turbine]

Crimson Tide defense actually was in an 11 game streak where the defense actually scored a TD. That defense also kept most teams from getting double digit first downs.

It seems turnovers actually cohabit great defenses.

I would suspect a fresh defense gets more turnovers per set number of plays than a tired defense.

[CrazyCajun]

Nothing exact, sometimes a defense is given turnovers..they don’t always force them. The teams on your schedule can sway that number a lot. Play a couple teams who cough up the ball in 1 year and your turnover numbers will look great. Play complimentary, sound fundamental football. Most importantly is a mentality of finding a way to win week to week. You won’t always be able to win the same way.

[Rainman66]

The other stat I really like is the best teams/defenses (Bama, Wisconsin, Clemson, Georgia, etc) are allowing 4 yards per play. My interpretation of this stat is that, these teams tackle better than most. Offenses are too good today, and you have to make the tackles when you get the chance.

As an aside Troy was the best Sun Belt team at #16 in the country allowing 4.7 yards per play.

[Just1More]

You are being too kind...are you stuck in a gas leak?

LOL - I’m in Lafayette.

[Just1More]

I cannot believe how smart you guys have been today discussing what good defenses are properly coached to do. Napier just doesn’t know yet how many assistants he’s going to have in the stands. Together... we’re unstoppable!

[Policarp]

If you are going to play the "I'll outscore you" game, then possessions are premium. In this, turnovers are priceless. The problem some coaches have is thinking creating turnovers is a legit gameplan. This is why I loathe the junk offense mindset. It has skewed football thinking like a Dali painting.


Don't get me wrong. I love Dali, but in the hands of lesser minds, it comes out like chicken scratch on a playbook and chicken you know what on the field.

Like your Dali metaphor. I've been to Dali Museum in Figueres, Spain a couple times......its pretty cool place. Thought the use of the egg as symbolism in later years was excessive. Overall with any modern art & bad football there is limited # of "WTF is that supposed to be?" I can handle ......after a dozen or so WTFs in certain games this year & modern art in general, I politely check out to a local tavern for beer and tapas and let the ladies have their turn to do their thing.

[MetryCajun]

I cannot believe how smart you guys have been today discussing what good defenses are properly coached to do. Napier just doesn’t know yet how many assistants he’s going to have in the stands. Together... we’re unstoppable!

Everyone here is well versed in bad defense. We are all experts....we have been watching it for over 30 years (Vic Eumont years the exception). The difference comes in how to fix it. Some think it is the players, some the scheme, others the lame coaches we had. Well the coach has been replaced, the scheme will be adjusted and players will be replaced. Let’s hope it is enough.

[HOUCajun]

Everyone here is well versed in bad defense. We are all experts....we have been watching it for over 30 years (Vic Eumont years the exception). The difference comes in how to fix it. Some think it is the players, some the scheme, others the lame coaches we had. Well the coach has been replaced, the scheme will be adjusted and players will be replaced. Let’s hope it is enough.

I think the 15 defense was pretty good. It’s a shame it was wasted on such a bad offense.