3rd Down Conversions

[Boomergump]

allowed on defense. 2017 YTD 9/21 (38%), 2016 for the season (49%)

I know it is still early, but if we are looking for glimmers of hope in regards to our defense, this is an important stat. Last year, we had a terrible time getting teams off the field. 11% improvement is a significant number. Although it is a small sample size, YTD we have played an average to above average SEC team and an apparently championship caliber FCS team. When combined, in my estimation, they most likely represent an average opponent on our schedule. Is this meaningful? or way too early to start talking about? Discuss.

 

[elwoodgt]

I think it's meaningful, but with only two games of data I'm relying more on my eyeball. And my eyeball sees a more dynamic DL with what looks to be serviceable depth. If KCH comes back for Pitt I fully expect to see a very good performance by our defense.

 

[collegeballfan]

Someone check me on this. I thought saw 89 Antwan Owens in the game at DT. I have not checked the stats.
I seem to recall he made a nice play toward the end of the game.

 

[OldJacketFan]

Someone check me on this. I thought saw 89 Antwan Owens in the game at DT. I have not checked the stats.
I seem to recall he made a nice play toward the end of the game.

You did indeed and he did! He has the look of a player!

 

[tech_wreck47]

Someone check me on this. I thought saw 89 Antwan Owens in the game at DT. I have not checked the stats.
I seem to recall he made a nice play toward the end of the game.

he had a sack

 

[YJMD]

The second unit guys did A-OK. Would like to see us build more of a rotation and figure out which groups complement each other best rather than picking the best individual players.

 

[iceeater1969]

Would it be cool to go to 3- 4 with

The second unit guys did A-OK. Would like to see us build more of a rotation and figure out which groups complement each other best rather than picking the best individual players.

It looked like they ran a 3 4 w 90 in middle. Sure looked faster than the regular defense but could be bette r formation for blitz. Did see 90 take 2 guys.

This was an fcs team at end of game so I am not getting too excited.

 

[Whiskey_Clear]

Do we have the personnel for a 3-4 package? I say yes, just not an everydown 4-4 D scheme.

But I think Adams at NT, Cerge and Glanton at DE, Branch and Freeman at OLB with Annre and Simmons rotating. Mitchell and Lewis at ILB.

Sounds great to me on paper but I'm not positive how well Freeman and Branch can flex out to OLB.

Stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night....

 

[AlabamaBuzz]

I think this analysis after a few more P5 schools will be indicative of something, but right now, it is a bit early, but I do appreciate the information, Boomer.

I really think our D will show incremental improvement this year, but not to the level that most think is possible. So many on this board and other places think that a D-coordinator is a wizard.

 

[tech_wreck47]

I think this analysis after a few more P5 schools will be indicative of something, but right now, it is a bit early, but I do appreciate the information, Boomer.

I really think our D will show incremental improvement this year, but not to the level that most think is possible. So many on this board and other places think that a D-coordinator is a wizard.

Some also think the D coordinator can't affect the game.....

 

[AlabamaBuzz]

Some also think the D coordinator can't affect the game.....

Well, I would not place myself in that camp. There is a theoretical HIGH potential that the D can play based on strategy (coach controls), motivation (coach has much input), teaching of fundamentals (totally up to coach), and actual physical God-given ability (Coach only controls by who he can recruit). Unfortunately, whether some believe it or not, GT is very limited at DT and LB in depth and last category above. So, although the D-coordinator can definitely make a HUGE impact, jimmies and joes are of vital importance.

 

[tech_wreck47]

Well, I would not place myself in that camp. There is a theoretical HIGH potential that the D can play based on strategy (coach controls), motivation (coach has much input), teaching of fundamentals (totally up to coach), and actual physical God-given ability (Coach only controls by who he can recruit). Unfortunately, whether some believe it or not, GT is very limited at DT and LB in depth and last category above. So, although the D-coordinator can definitely make a HUGE impact, jimmies and joes are of vital importance.

I agree 100%

 

[GTech63]

allowed on defense. 2017 YTD 9/21 (38%), 2016 for the season (49%)

I know it is still early, but if we are looking for glimmers of hope in regards to our defense, this is an important stat. Last year, we had a terrible time getting teams off the field. 11% improvement is a significant number. Although it is a small sample size, YTD we have played an average to above average SEC team and an apparently championship caliber FCS team. When combined, in my estimation, they most likely represent an average opponent on our schedule. Is this meaningful? or way too early to start talking about? Discuss.

I can't get excited based on how few plays UT covered distance for TDs. Way too early, as said, but have seen some bright spots.

 

[danny daniel]

Someone check me on this. I thought saw 89 Antwan Owens in the game at DT. I have not checked the stats.
I seem to recall he made a nice play toward the end of the game.

I saw Owens in at RT the last two D series and he got a sack. He was #89. Vernon was in at RDE and Merriweather at LDE. Adams was also in on D late in the game and made a big hit for a loss.

 

[Yaller Jacket]

Is Simmons subbing for Freeman on third and long?

 

[Boomergump]

We are through 3 games now. 3rd down conversions allowed: 10/34 for 29.4% Last year 49% for the season.

 

[Fatmike91]

We couldn't stop Tennessee -- they rarely needed three downs to make a first. That second half was bad football. Our D has looked very good since.

/

 

[AlabamaBuzz]

D looked good on 3rd downs today.

 

[OldJacketFan]

264.3 yards per game given up so far this season by the D, 100.3 on the ground

 

[ctcjb]

In the post game today, they referenced another stat related to "3-and-outs". Apparently, so far this season, we have more than half as many as we had all last season....or something close to that. Maybe someone else remembers the actual data.