Bobcat Defense

[Lord Vigo]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

[blueandgoldblitz]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

I don't have the answer but some could point to less sacks or less turnovers? I feel like we've had a much better defense this year but definitely less sacks than last year. Turnovers also. I'm just going off of gut feel though, I didn't look at numbers

[94VegasCat]

As much as it pains me to say anything nice about a former gris in any fashion, the guy does a really good job breaking down football. The only thing I can think is that his dark pink glasses are clouding his vision. This is the best defense we’ve had since at least Banks was here in Vigens first season.

[LoggerCat]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

Just got done listening to that also. Things that make you go, “hmmm.”

If you’re going to do an analysis, at least watch the games.

[JDoub]

He has not been paying attention

This defense is miles ahead of last year's

[wbtfg]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

Our tackling and leverage is 100x better than last year. I think maybe we’ve dropped a bit on our pass rush, but overall we are significantly better on D compared to last year.

[coloradocat]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

Just got done listening to that also. Things that make you go, “hmmm.”

If you’re going to do an analysis, at least watch the games.

His audience has no interest in legitimate analysis of the Bobcats. Why would he waste time watching the games?

I make it a point to avoid any Skyline-related content not hosted/written by someone with the last name Nuanez.

[luckyirishguy25]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

Just got done listening to that also. Things that make you go, “hmmm.”

If you’re going to do an analysis, at least watch the games.

His audience has no interest in legitimate analysis of the Bobcats. Why would he waste time watching the games?

I make it a point to avoid any Skyline-related content not hosted/written by someone with the last name Nuanez.

TomCat88 does a decent job, but I agree, Akem is a hack.

[RyeCat]

I may be wrong, but I think he just recently started analyzing the Cat games. Previously, he might have mentioned us in passing only if it had something to do with the Griz. Which is why I don’t pay any attention to him anymore. Blah, blah, blah…

[liqud360]

A step back just because of injurys perhaps? I dont know...we have lost some leadership, but have also gained it as well. Iron sharpens iron!

[onceacat]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

Just got done listening to that also. Things that make you go, “hmmm.”

If you’re going to do an analysis, at least watch the games.

I can see if you were watching how you might get that vibe. This isn't a 'big play' defense. Not much razzle dazzle, not a highlight reel of huge hits, not a lot of sacks, only 12 takeaways on the year...

The Cats D doesn't fill up the stat sheet. They just play really solid, fundamental defense that limits opposing teams yards & scores.

IMO the D really doesn't pass the eye test, they are just far and away (like, by a couple standard deviations) the best team D in the country.

[wbtfg]

I've been saying it for a while now, but I think Daly and Howe are a MASSIVE upgrade from WMG. In fact, I think the coordination on both sides of the ball have looked significantly better this year.

[damnyoutuesday]

I've been saying it for a while now, but I think Daly and Howe are a MASSIVE upgrade from WMG. In fact, I think the coordination on both sides of the ball have looked significantly better this year.

I know this is a defense thread, but I'm so happy our pass game isn't reliant on a deep ball up the left sideline on a go route anymore

[cats2506]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

I watched a couple of his breakdowns early in the year, He rattles off a bunch of stats 90 miles an hour and talks about some receiver vs secondary coverages but when it comes to the run game he doesn't seem to know what is going on.

[LoggerCat]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

Just got done listening to that also. Things that make you go, “hmmm.”

If you’re going to do an analysis, at least watch the games.

I can see if you were watching how you might get that vibe. This isn't a 'big play' defense. Not much razzle dazzle, not a highlight reel of huge hits, not a lot of sacks, only 12 takeaways on the year...

The Cats D doesn't fill up the stat sheet. They just play really solid, fundamental defense that limits opposing teams yards & scores.

IMO the D really doesn't pass the eye test, they are just far and away (like, by a couple standard deviations) the best team D in the country.

Agreed, there’s not a lot of exciting plays but whatever they’re doing is working. Obviously the opposing offense are being disrupted.

[Lord Vigo]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

I watched a couple of his breakdowns early in the year, He rattles off a bunch of stats 90 miles an hour and talks about some receiver vs secondary coverages but when it comes to the run game he doesn't seem to know what is going on.

I have zero doubt about his actual football acumen. I'm sure he knows more about the sport than I do. I just think his perspective on the Griz and the Cats is clearly warped and I think his analysis is lazy. I'd much rather hear his overall opinions on a couple games/teams than hear him read me statistics.

[BFcatfan]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

Just got done listening to that also. Things that make you go, “hmmm.”

If you’re going to do an analysis, at least watch the games.

His audience has no interest in legitimate analysis of the Bobcats. Why would he waste time watching the games?

I make it a point to avoid any Skyline-related content not hosted/written by someone with the last name Nuanez.

TomCat88 does a decent job, but I agree, Akem is a hack.

Akem is a Gris..enough said. It says it all in my book.

[rfischer94]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

I remember him saying the Cats defense "could be gotten." He's probably referring to the Eastern game. Any defense can "get gottwn." Will ours? I don't think so.

[onceacat]

Sammy Akem recently said on his podcast that the Cats' defense has taken a step back this season. That struck me as absurd, so I'm looking into the numbers.

The 2024 Cats are 7th in scoring defense in the FCS at 16.50 PPG. They're 1st in the BSC and 4th in the combination of the BSC/MVFC, which are the only conferences that legitimately matter. In 2023, they allowed 20.6 PPG in the regular season.

But that doesn't paint the whole picture because a big chunk of their points allowed has come from garbage time when the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string is in the game. If you look at first half points allowed in FCS games, you're talking about 28 total points in 9 contests. That's 3.1 PPG in the first halves. Think about that for a second-- 28 first half points in 9 games.

They allow 4.78 yds/play, which is 1st in the BSC.

They allow a mere 5.7 YPA and 111.72 Pass Efficiency, both 1st in the BSC.

How would someone come to the conclusion that their defense has taken a step back?

I remember him saying the Cats defense "could be gotten." He's probably referring to the Eastern game. Any defense can "get gottwn." Will ours? I don't think so.

Yeah, at some point. My hope is that the O can just keep rolling in that case.

[MountainCat]

Watching his breakdowns is painful, literally. I appreciate his interest in wanting to move past his playing days and have a further calling, I know he has the knowledge to effectively break down the game, but wow is he hard to listen to!