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2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 11:57 am
by VimSince03
Current ranks in Big Sky:

3rd - Total Defense (369.4 ypg/5.1 per play) -> Per play average is 2nd in the Big Sky
3rd - Scoring Defense (22.2 ppg)
5th - Rush Defense (126.7 ypg/3.6 ypc) -> Per rush average is tied with Weber for 2nd in the Big Sky
4th - Pass Defense (242.6 ypg/6.6 ypc) -> Per pass average is 1st in the Big Sky
3rd - Pass Defense Efficiency (127.9)
7th - Interceptions (9 - Leader has 15)
5th - Sacks (27 - Leader has 41)
3rd - Opponent 1st Downs (18.9 per game)
5th - Opponent 3rd Down Conversions (35.7%)
5th - Opponent 4th Down Conversions (43.5 %)
4th - Redzone Defense (78.8% - Leader is at 65.6%)
4th - Redzone Defensive TD's Given Up (22 - Leader is at 13)

Individual standouts (by totals):

Top 50 in Total Tackles - 22nd (Callahan O'Reilly); 43rd (Troy Andersen); 50th (Braydon Konkol)
Top 20 in Sacks - 2nd (Bryce Sterk); Tied for 5th (Troy Andersen)
Top 20 in TFLs - 3rd (Bryce Sterk); Tied for 4th (Amandre Williams); 6th (Troy Andersen); 7th (Derek Marks)
Top 20 in Passes Defended - 4th (Tyrel Thomas); 16th (Damien Washington); Tied for 18th (Braydon Konkol)
Top 10 in Interceptions - Tied for 4th (Amandre Williams)

Final 2018 Ranks in Big Sky:

4th - Total Defense (409.2 ypg)
4th - Scoring Defense (28.5 ppg)
5th - Rush Defense (195.8 ypg/4.8 ypc)
4th - Pass Defense (213.5 ypg/7.2 ypc)
4th - Pass Defense Efficiency (123.8 )
5th - Interceptions (12 - Leader had 22)
5th - Sacks (23 - Leader had 40)
10th - Opponent 1st Downs
10th - Opponent 3rd Down Conversions (41.8%)
4th - Opponent 4th Down Conversions (50.0 %)
12th - Redzone Defense

I'll continue to update this until the end of the season. Keep in mind that the 2019 numbers includes the Texas Tech game where MSU almost gave up 700 yards. So far in 2019, we have improved in Scoring Defense, Total Defense, Rush Defense, Pass Defense, Sacks, Opponent 1st Down, Opponent 3rd Down Conv., and Redzone Defense. But yes lets keep stating the facts: stats are for losers, Kane is Marshall 2.0, Gregorak was better, and we don't have that "FIRE" anymore.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 11:58 am
by iaafan
Andersen is actually sixth in TFL. They have him playing nine games, instead of eight. He sat out Norfolk game.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 12:02 pm
by VimSince03
iaafan wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 11:58 am
Andersen is actually sixth in TFL. They have him playing nine games, instead of eight. He sat out Norfolk game.
I'm going by totals, not the average per game.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 12:12 pm
by iaafan
VimSince03 wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 12:02 pm
iaafan wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 11:58 am
Andersen is actually sixth in TFL. They have him playing nine games, instead of eight. He sat out Norfolk game.
I'm going by totals, not the average per game.
Impressive either way.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 12:13 pm
by VimSince03
iaafan wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 12:12 pm
VimSince03 wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 12:02 pm
iaafan wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 11:58 am
Andersen is actually sixth in TFL. They have him playing nine games, instead of eight. He sat out Norfolk game.
I'm going by totals, not the average per game.
Impressive either way.
Very...because he really hasn't even "played" in all 8 games full-time.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 12:55 pm
by Catsrgrood
I’d like to see an all FCS version of this, so many teams play up or down a level it’s hard to compare apples to apples. Although throughout a 12 game season they should level out and be relatively accurate.

Also agree that it’s very impressive that Andersen has the stats he does, just imagine if he was a full time linebacker and healthy all year...

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 1:02 pm
by mslacatfan
random note:

The Cats have 4 of the top 10 TFL leaders in the Big Sky. pretty impressive:


TACKLES FOR LOSS

1. CHOATES, Dariyn-SAC 15.0
2. OBINNA, George-SAC 14.5
3. STERK, Bryce-MSU 14.0
4. AKANNO, Charles-IDAHO 13.5
5. ERICKSON,Josiah-SAC 10.0
6. ELLISS, Christian-IDAHO 10.0
7. WILLIAMS, A.-MSU 10.0
MARKS, Derek-MSU 10.0
9. EATON, Nick-UCD 9.5
10. ANDERSEN, Troy-MSU 9.0

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 1:21 pm
by catsrback76
These stats make it clear how well Troy is playing at LB, and as you mentioned, he really hasn't played an entire season at LB. Last week he showed up all over the field and that bodes well for the games left on our schedule. He is going to be FELT in November and will definitely rise in all categories but will make the Cat D nasty.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 1:44 pm
by iaafan
mslacatfan wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 1:02 pm
random note:

The Cats have 4 of the top 10 TFL leaders in the Big Sky. pretty impressive:


TACKLES FOR LOSS

1. CHOATES, Dariyn-SAC 15.0
2. OBINNA, George-SAC 14.5
3. STERK, Bryce-MSU 14.0
4. AKANNO, Charles-IDAHO 13.5
5. ERICKSON,Josiah-SAC 10.0
6. ELLISS, Christian-IDAHO 10.0
7. WILLIAMS, A.-MSU 10.0
MARKS, Derek-MSU 10.0
9. EATON, Nick-UCD 9.5
10. ANDERSEN, Troy-MSU 9.0
Four of top 7 actually.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 3:30 pm
by tdub
Andersen’s speed was jaw-dropping on Saturday. It’s one thing to see the straight line speed in the open field trying to avoid guys. It’s an entirely different thing watching that speed running towards guys, closing a gap, and disrupting things. He was simply 2-3 steps closer to the play than “normal” speed is. SUU didn’t know how to handle it. Couple that with the speed that Hill was playing with as well and the defense turned from stout and good into absolutely dominant.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 3:35 pm
by mslacatfan
Also worth noting- Callahan Oreilly (sp ?) has probably been the biggest surprise/breakout player this year. He is leading the team in Tackles, I doubt anyone saw that coming prior to the season starting!

He has been very impressive.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 5:36 pm
by rivercat
tdub wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 3:30 pm
Andersen’s speed was jaw-dropping on Saturday. It’s one thing to see the straight line speed in the open field trying to avoid guys. It’s an entirely different thing watching that speed running towards guys, closing a gap, and disrupting things. He was simply 2-3 steps closer to the play than “normal” speed is. SUU didn’t know how to handle it. Couple that with the speed that Hill was playing with as well and the defense turned from stout and good into absolutely dominant.
I was at the game and recorded it. Watching last night, I saw Troy missing a couple of TFL's and a few other tackles because he is going so fast. Once he masters tackling with more defensive reps (which I have no doubt he will) wow will he be an absolute wrecking ball.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 5:43 pm
by TomCat88
There are stats and then there's the eye test. Eye Test: MSU has the No. 2 defense in the Big Sky. They've had some bad moments -- the lone TD drive right before half vs. NAU and the drive by Poly right after going up 28-7 and a few huge plays -- and the SAC game wasn't great, but all-in-all and especially lately, you have to be pretty happy.

MSU needs to play great defense and not make big mistakes to succeed. They're definitely capable of doing that. Another solid game this week and they'll be set up pretty well to finish confidently.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 5:44 pm
by tdub
rivercat wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 5:36 pm
tdub wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 3:30 pm
Andersen’s speed was jaw-dropping on Saturday. It’s one thing to see the straight line speed in the open field trying to avoid guys. It’s an entirely different thing watching that speed running towards guys, closing a gap, and disrupting things. He was simply 2-3 steps closer to the play than “normal” speed is. SUU didn’t know how to handle it. Couple that with the speed that Hill was playing with as well and the defense turned from stout and good into absolutely dominant.
I was at the game and recorded it. Watching last night, I saw Troy missing a couple of TFL's and a few other tackles because he is going so fast. Once he masters tackling with more defensive reps (which I have no doubt he will) wow will he be an absolute wrecking ball.
I commented something very similar in the game day thread. I saw the same thing you did. The scariest thing for opposing offenses is that he still has significant room for improvement. It is obvious why his ceiling is so high at LB.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 6:03 pm
by onceacat
TomCat88 wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 5:43 pm
There are stats and then there's the eye test. Eye Test: MSU has the No. 2 defense in the Big Sky. They've had some bad moments -- the lone TD drive right before half vs. NAU and the drive by Poly right after going up 28-7 and a few huge plays -- and the SAC game wasn't great, but all-in-all and especially lately, you have to be pretty happy.

MSU needs to play great defense and not make big mistakes to succeed. They're definitely capable of doing that. Another solid game this week and they'll be set up pretty well to finish confidently.
I think the mistakes are the missing link. The D has been solid at its worst, and great at its best. If they can quit with the occasional big mistakes, they could make the transition to dominant.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 7:31 pm
by TomCat88
onceacat wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 6:03 pm
TomCat88 wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 5:43 pm
There are stats and then there's the eye test. Eye Test: MSU has the No. 2 defense in the Big Sky. They've had some bad moments -- the lone TD drive right before half vs. NAU and the drive by Poly right after going up 28-7 and a few huge plays -- and the SAC game wasn't great, but all-in-all and especially lately, you have to be pretty happy.

MSU needs to play great defense and not make big mistakes to succeed. They're definitely capable of doing that. Another solid game this week and they'll be set up pretty well to finish confidently.
I think the mistakes are the missing link. The D has been solid at its worst, and great at its best. If they can quit with the occasional big mistakes, they could make the transition to dominant.
For sure.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 1:34 pm
by iaafan
onceacat wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 6:03 pm
TomCat88 wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 5:43 pm
There are stats and then there's the eye test. Eye Test: MSU has the No. 2 defense in the Big Sky. They've had some bad moments -- the lone TD drive right before half vs. NAU and the drive by Poly right after going up 28-7 and a few huge plays -- and the SAC game wasn't great, but all-in-all and especially lately, you have to be pretty happy.

MSU needs to play great defense and not make big mistakes to succeed. They're definitely capable of doing that. Another solid game this week and they'll be set up pretty well to finish confidently.
I think the mistakes are the missing link. The D has been solid at its worst, and great at its best. If they can quit with the occasional big mistakes, they could make the transition to dominant.
I think you’re right and I think That’s happening and I think the thing that’s Making it happen is the natural progression and improvement of a lot of players.
Andersen, Williams, Hill, Scrempos, O’Reilly, Askelson and to a slightly lesser extent Benson, Marks (new position), Sterk (new position) are first year players/starters or coming back from long layoffs.

You can see them building chemistry and improving before your very eyes.

Defense has stopped giving up big plays the last three weeks. Just two plays over 30 yards with 36 being the biggest. Just six plays over 20 the last two games with just one over 30. Prior to that they were giving up 5 20+ yards plays per game.

First six games gave up plays of 69, 45, 36, 65, 36, 35, 29, 84, 57, 37, 28, 31, 31. Last three 32, 36.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 6:30 am
by TomCat88
iaafan wrote:
Tue Nov 05, 2019 1:34 pm
onceacat wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 6:03 pm
TomCat88 wrote:
Mon Nov 04, 2019 5:43 pm
There are stats and then there's the eye test. Eye Test: MSU has the No. 2 defense in the Big Sky. They've had some bad moments -- the lone TD drive right before half vs. NAU and the drive by Poly right after going up 28-7 and a few huge plays -- and the SAC game wasn't great, but all-in-all and especially lately, you have to be pretty happy.

MSU needs to play great defense and not make big mistakes to succeed. They're definitely capable of doing that. Another solid game this week and they'll be set up pretty well to finish confidently.
I think the mistakes are the missing link. The D has been solid at its worst, and great at its best. If they can quit with the occasional big mistakes, they could make the transition to dominant.
I think you’re right and I think That’s happening and I think the thing that’s Making it happen is the natural progression and improvement of a lot of players.
Andersen, Williams, Hill, Scrempos, O’Reilly, Askelson and to a slightly lesser extent Benson, Marks (new position), Sterk (new position) are first year players/starters or coming back from long layoffs.

You can see them building chemistry and improving before your very eyes.

Defense has stopped giving up big plays the last three weeks. Just two plays over 30 yards with 36 being the biggest. Just six plays over 20 the last two games with just one over 30. Prior to that they were giving up 5 20+ yards plays per game.

First six games gave up plays of 69, 45, 36, 65, 36, 35, 29, 84, 57, 37, 28, 31, 31. Last three 32, 36.
Those last two paragraphs are promising and I think they’re the byproduct of that chemistry.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2019 8:37 pm
by TomCat88
Another good day for the defense.

This is the aspect of the team I was most interested in today. They're on a roll. I thought if they came into Greeley and didn't stay on it, that it might put a chink in their armor.

They starters have only allowed one touchdown in the last 13 quarters and it was a trick play (double-pass).

Starters only gave up one play over 8 yards.

Re: 2019 Defense

Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2019 8:42 pm
by mslacatfan
TomCat88 wrote:
Sat Nov 09, 2019 8:37 pm
Another good day for the defense.

This is the aspect of the team I was most interested in today. They're on a roll. I thought if they came into Greeley and didn't stay on it, that it might put a chink in their armor.

They starters have only allowed one touchdown in the last 13 quarters and it was a trick play (double-pass).

Starters only gave up one play over 8 yards.

You beat me to it.

1 touchdown allowed in 3 games..... wow. Defense is playing lights out!!!!