Bobcat Defense

[BelligerentBobcat]

Probably the best offense we’ve seen this year put up 324 yards and 17 points on this defense. There were two defensive touchdowns which absolutely reduced the offensive yardage, and possibly the offensive points, but regardless, still a good showing. That same offense, with our game included, is averaging 480 offensive yards per game. Against FBS opponents. Averaging 30.5 offensive points a game. Against FBS opponents.

We beat all those averages, handedly, and won the game. The defense is playing even better than they did that game. I think this idea that we don’t have star players is so far out of bounds. They might not be accumulating as many stats as others, but Grebe is a freaking star. He’s the best edge rusher in the conference. As good against the run as he is the pass. Polidore and Ortt are probably the best safety duo in the conference, the CB’s are one of the top groups in the conference, the DT’s don’t have much pass rushing juice, but they’re fantastic against the run. LB would probably be the only weak spot, and they’re not that weak. This defense has played lights out for the entire freaking season, and yet there are still fans and pundits doubting them. I don’t get it.

You and me both BB. I just don't get what this unit needs to on the field for people to stop doubting them. They're never going to be perfect. Teams are going to score on them. But why would anyone assume they're going to get "diced up" is beyond me.

I'm guessing that leading into the Brawl with an 11-0 record we'll have people saying how the griz offense is better than they look and what a challenge this will be for our defense.

It's not like we're suggesting we're the '85 Bears here. But what in the world could this unit do that they haven't done?! I just don't get it either BB.

I think the issue is more that none of those guys are next level players.

This D is STACKED with 2nd & 3rd team all BSC players...heck, there are rotational guys who are good enough to be all BSC Honorable mentions. It's just that theres no-one that really pops.

And I say that as a good thing...a defense is only as good as its weakest link, and the weakest links on this unit are still all BSC quality.

If Brody and Dru don’t pop when you watch them play, I’d make an appointment for your nearest eye doctor.

[GoldstoneCat]

Probably the best offense we’ve seen this year put up 324 yards and 17 points on this defense. There were two defensive touchdowns which absolutely reduced the offensive yardage, and possibly the offensive points, but regardless, still a good showing. That same offense, with our game included, is averaging 480 offensive yards per game. Against FBS opponents. Averaging 30.5 offensive points a game. Against FBS opponents.

We beat all those averages, handedly, and won the game. The defense is playing even better than they did that game. I think this idea that we don’t have star players is so far out of bounds. They might not be accumulating as many stats as others, but Grebe is a freaking star. He’s the best edge rusher in the conference. As good against the run as he is the pass. Polidore and Ortt are probably the best safety duo in the conference, the CB’s are one of the top groups in the conference, the DT’s don’t have much pass rushing juice, but they’re fantastic against the run. LB would probably be the only weak spot, and they’re not that weak. This defense has played lights out for the entire freaking season, and yet there are still fans and pundits doubting them. I don’t get it.

I’m with you.

Grebe is absolutely next level.

Also, O’Reilly is a 1 st team all Big Sky talent as well.

The 1st team defense had one moderately bad quarter all year at EWU. Otherwise dominant.

I expect the D to keep UCD to two scores under their average, at least.

I guarantee Daly will have a good plan to limit LL.

I like our DL vs. the UCD OL. I see some sacks coming in this game. Brody will get the double team and Eiden/Crews will make it home.

I don't disagree with either of you. I especially agree with BBs about grebe being a really good all around guy, good against the run and the pass. But l still stick with my original argument that the team defense is better than its individual parts. Nfl talents, which rootinforthecats indicated he believes grebe to be, just stick out like sore thumbs at this level by just dominating people. Taking over games. Couple examples: our own o-line this year. 1 for sure, maybe 2, maybe 3 league guys. Dominant. Unstoppable. Think of other guys: troy, kupp, Trumaine Johnson, biermann, hell even Daniel hardy and Zach minter. Just game wreckers on their own. My contention is that we have a couple first team BSC guys, a bunch of second and third, that play well as a unit, are well coached and very sound, don't make mistakes, and add up to a championship level defense to go with our world beater offense. Certainly elite statistically. And that's not a knock on any player. Those guys i mentioned are among the best to ever do it in this league. Brody is our best defensive player and I may be totally off base and he's a surefire league guy. One uneducated fan's (mine) opinion isn't worth much. At any rate, I'm excited to see what we can do against a diverse and dynamic offense.

[RootinfortheCats]

Probably the best offense we’ve seen this year put up 324 yards and 17 points on this defense. There were two defensive touchdowns which absolutely reduced the offensive yardage, and possibly the offensive points, but regardless, still a good showing. That same offense, with our game included, is averaging 480 offensive yards per game. Against FBS opponents. Averaging 30.5 offensive points a game. Against FBS opponents.

We beat all those averages, handedly, and won the game. The defense is playing even better than they did that game. I think this idea that we don’t have star players is so far out of bounds. They might not be accumulating as many stats as others, but Grebe is a freaking star. He’s the best edge rusher in the conference. As good against the run as he is the pass. Polidore and Ortt are probably the best safety duo in the conference, the CB’s are one of the top groups in the conference, the DT’s don’t have much pass rushing juice, but they’re fantastic against the run. LB would probably be the only weak spot, and they’re not that weak. This defense has played lights out for the entire freaking season, and yet there are still fans and pundits doubting them. I don’t get it.

I’m with you.

Grebe is absolutely next level.

Also, O’Reilly is a 1 st team all Big Sky talent as well.

The 1st team defense had one moderately bad quarter all year at EWU. Otherwise dominant.

I expect the D to keep UCD to two scores under their average, at least.

I guarantee Daly will have a good plan to limit LL.

I like our DL vs. the UCD OL. I see some sacks coming in this game. Brody will get the double team and Eiden/Crews will make it home.

I don't disagree with either of you. I especially agree with BBs about grebe being a really good all around guy, good against the run and the pass. But l still stick with my original argument that the team defense is better than its individual parts. Nfl talents, which rootinforthecats indicated he believes grebe to be, just stick out like sore thumbs at this level by just dominating people. Taking over games. Couple examples: our own o-line this year. 1 for sure, maybe 2, maybe 3 league guys. Dominant. Unstoppable. Think of other guys: troy, kupp, Trumaine Johnson, biermann, hell even Daniel hardy and Zach minter. Just game wreckers on their own. My contention is that we have a couple first team BSC guys, a bunch of second and third, that play well as a unit, are well coached and very sound, don't make mistakes, and add up to a championship level defense to go with our world beater offense. Certainly elite statistically. And that's not a knock on any player. Those guys i mentioned are among the best to ever do it in this league. Brody is our best defensive player and I may be totally off base and he's a surefire league guy. One uneducated fan's (mine) opinion isn't worth much. At any rate, I'm excited to see what we can do against a diverse and dynamic offense.

I agree the team D is better than the individual parts, as all good Ds are.

But don’t sell Brody short. Opposing teams absolutely scheme against him, and he still makes big plays. Some of the effectiveness of the team D is due to the investments offenses have to make in limiting him specifically.

PFF has him as the number 5 edge in the country last week, ahead of other players with splashier stats.

As far as next level, Brody passes the eye test with the size, strength, and speed for the league. I guarantee scouts have him on the radar.

Just my thoughts as another uneducated fan!

[GoldstoneCat]

Probably the best offense we’ve seen this year put up 324 yards and 17 points on this defense. There were two defensive touchdowns which absolutely reduced the offensive yardage, and possibly the offensive points, but regardless, still a good showing. That same offense, with our game included, is averaging 480 offensive yards per game. Against FBS opponents. Averaging 30.5 offensive points a game. Against FBS opponents.

We beat all those averages, handedly, and won the game. The defense is playing even better than they did that game. I think this idea that we don’t have star players is so far out of bounds. They might not be accumulating as many stats as others, but Grebe is a freaking star. He’s the best edge rusher in the conference. As good against the run as he is the pass. Polidore and Ortt are probably the best safety duo in the conference, the CB’s are one of the top groups in the conference, the DT’s don’t have much pass rushing juice, but they’re fantastic against the run. LB would probably be the only weak spot, and they’re not that weak. This defense has played lights out for the entire freaking season, and yet there are still fans and pundits doubting them. I don’t get it.

I’m with you.

Grebe is absolutely next level.

Also, O’Reilly is a 1 st team all Big Sky talent as well.

The 1st team defense had one moderately bad quarter all year at EWU. Otherwise dominant.

I expect the D to keep UCD to two scores under their average, at least.

I guarantee Daly will have a good plan to limit LL.

I like our DL vs. the UCD OL. I see some sacks coming in this game. Brody will get the double team and Eiden/Crews will make it home.

I don't disagree with either of you. I especially agree with BBs about grebe being a really good all around guy, good against the run and the pass. But l still stick with my original argument that the team defense is better than its individual parts. Nfl talents, which rootinforthecats indicated he believes grebe to be, just stick out like sore thumbs at this level by just dominating people. Taking over games. Couple examples: our own o-line this year. 1 for sure, maybe 2, maybe 3 league guys. Dominant. Unstoppable. Think of other guys: troy, kupp, Trumaine Johnson, biermann, hell even Daniel hardy and Zach minter. Just game wreckers on their own. My contention is that we have a couple first team BSC guys, a bunch of second and third, that play well as a unit, are well coached and very sound, don't make mistakes, and add up to a championship level defense to go with our world beater offense. Certainly elite statistically. And that's not a knock on any player. Those guys i mentioned are among the best to ever do it in this league. Brody is our best defensive player and I may be totally off base and he's a surefire league guy. One uneducated fan's (mine) opinion isn't worth much. At any rate, I'm excited to see what we can do against a diverse and dynamic offense.

I agree the team D is better than the individual parts, as all good Ds are.

But don’t sell Brody short. Opposing teams absolutely scheme against him, and he still makes big plays. Some of the effectiveness of the team D is due to the investments offenses have to make in limiting him specifically.

PFF has him as the number 5 edge in the country last week, ahead of other players with splashier stats.

As far as next level, Brody passes the eye test with the size, strength, and speed for the league. I guarantee scouts have him on the radar.

Just my thoughts as another uneducated fan!

For sure. Love the guy and glad we have him on our edge!

[Lord Vigo]

Grading for the FCS level and with the losses of Schmidt, Uluilakepa, and Dowler under consideration, this is how I would unscientifically rate the Cats by position group.

DE-- A+: Grebe is the best defensive player in the conference. Eiden is probably the best secondary rusher too. Parsons has become a very useful player, Crews is good in sub package defense, and Solano has really flashed. This group's depth has really helped make up for the relative lack at DT.

DT-- B: Brott has been outstanding in relief of Schmidt, who was a huge loss (pun intended). Eckert is a very functional 3T with plenty of upside (despite being a portal guy, he's only a sophomore). There is a ton of young, up and coming talent behind them and I think they're coming along (esp. Sharbono and Tanupo), but Black is the only other guy ready to play a big role right now so the grade is mainly due to being thin.

LB-- B: This is another area where the depth is lacking post-injury. O'Reilly is a stud who doesn't get enough credit. I think Grebe is a future star and Daily has taken big strides. Krahe has also had some nice flashes. But without Danny, it would be really hard to lose someone else.

CB-- A: Woodard and Johnson are super legit FCS level corners and Powdrell has leveled up this season. Carr has become a quality backup. Jackson is a very good nickel and I like what I see from Gray behind him. Dolan has given the team some quality reps too later in games.

S-- A: Polidore and Ortt are the best tandem in the conference. They may be the best tandem in the FCS but I haven't watched safeties playing in the MVFC so I can't say that for certain. With Steel and Dowler both down, there isn't a lot behind those two, but I do like Uluilakepa's future.

[seataccat]

Grading for the FCS level and with the losses of Schmidt, Uluilakepa, and Dowler under consideration, this is how I would unscientifically rate the Cats by position group.

DE-- A+: Grebe is the best defensive player in the conference. Eiden is probably the best secondary rusher too. Parsons has become a very useful player, Crews is good in sub package defense, and Solano has really flashed. This group's depth has really helped make up for the relative lack at DT.

DT-- B: Brott has been outstanding in relief of Schmidt, who was a huge loss (pun intended). Eckert is a very functional 3T with plenty of upside (despite being a portal guy, he's only a sophomore). There is a ton of young, up and coming talent behind them and I think they're coming along (esp. Sharbono and Tanupo), but Black is the only other guy ready to play a big role right now so the grade is mainly due to being thin.

LB-- B: This is another area where the depth is lacking post-injury. O'Reilly is a stud who doesn't get enough credit. I think Grebe is a future star and Daily has taken big strides. Krahe has also had some nice flashes. But without Danny, it would be really hard to lose someone else.

CB-- A: Woodard and Johnson are super legit FCS level corners and Powdrell has leveled up this season. Carr has become a quality backup. Jackson is a very good nickel and I like what I see from Gray behind him. Dolan has given the team some quality reps too later in games.

S-- A: Polidore and Ortt are the best tandem in the conference. They may be the best tandem in the FCS but I haven't watched safeties playing in the MVFC so I can't say that for certain. With Steel and Dowler both down, there isn't a lot behind those two, but I do like Uluilakepa's future.

Love this breakdown and analysis.it gives me optimism.
Our LB's are only getting a B because of losing Danny U and the capable backups being very young. It's a solid group but a little thin. I think O'Reilly is our most valuable defensive player and he is getting first team all American accolades in some publications and deservedly so.
Our corners are both elite IMHO. Not just for their cover capabilities but for their run stopping, tackling abilities. You don't see physical corners like that often. Both remind me of Derrick Able from the 84 championship team in that way.

[catatac]

I think our corners and safeties are pretty solid.

On defensive line we are really missing Valdez’s or his type of play on the interior portion of the line.

We do not have a true offset to Groebe at the other Defensive line.

We don’t have any elite linebackers. I really liked how UC Davis played at that position.

We kind of have a no-name no star player defense that is well coached.

I think that UC Davis is going to tear up our defense this weekend and it will be up to our offense to save us.

So you point out five things (that aren't exactly how I would classify them but to each his own), the last of which is probably the most important point, and then you proceed to say they're going to tear us up? Shoot me a number for how many points you think UCD will put up... out of curiosity.

[TomCat88]

People are twisting themselves into pretzels trying to find faults with MSU. They seem to have given up on the offense (remember what an huge loss Pickering and Snell were going to be?) and kicker (what happened there?), but not defense yet. It’s just what they do and it’s a good sign usually. I think where they’re flailing at is from looking at the stats. The starting defense just hasn’t been on the field at garbage time. I remember a player getting five sacks in a D2 body bag game and being named defensive POY and everyone saying how great he was because he led the nation in sacks. He was good but probably doesn’t win the award if not for that one game. Not saying he wasn’t great or that he didn’t deserve to win it but just an example of how much stats skew opinions. If you don’t take a close look at them they will oftentimes trick you. That’s what is going on with the MSU defense and I don’t think they’ll get fair recognition until they win a game 10-7. Of course the offense will then get criticized.

When a team is actually weak in an area, it’s usually easy to pick out. UM’s offense last was a glaring example. Great defense, great return man, but the offense was only good for about a five game stretch. Once the offense reverted back to the norm, it was only a matter of time before they went down. I don’t think that they come close to beating either Furman or NDSU on the road.

I think the two best teams in the BSC over the past two seasons are playing tomorrow. It’s a great game and people should be hyping it up. No matter who loses, I don’t think it’ll be the last time you hear about them.

[Lord Vigo]

People are twisting themselves into pretzels trying to find faults with MSU. They seem to have given up on the offense (remember what an huge loss Pickering and Snell were going to be?) and kicker (what happened there?), but not defense yet. It’s just what they do and it’s a good sign usually. I think where they’re flailing at is from looking at the stats. The starting defense just hasn’t been on the field at garbage time. I remember a player getting five sacks in a D2 body bag game and being named defensive POY and everyone saying how great he was because he led the nation in sacks. He was good but probably doesn’t win the award if not for that one game. Not saying he wasn’t great or that he didn’t deserve to win it but just an example of how much stats skew opinions. If you don’t take a close look at them they will oftentimes trick you. That’s what is going on with the MSU defense and I don’t think they’ll get fair recognition until they win a game 10-7. Of course the offense will then get criticized.

When a team is actually weak in an area, it’s usually easy to pick out. UM’s offense last was a glaring example. Great defense, great return man, but the offense was only good for about a five game stretch. Once the offense reverted back to the norm, it was only a matter of time before they went down. I don’t think that they come close to beating either Furman or NDSU on the road.

I think the two best teams in the BSC over the past two seasons are playing tomorrow. It’s a great game and people should be hyping it up. No matter who loses, I don’t think it’ll be the last time you hear about them.

Good post!

[tetoncat]

Would you rather have a 11 2nd and 3rd team all conference players for your D or 2 all American and 9 avg players.

Biggest concern I see ob D is UCD pace. Can Cats get ib sub packages they want. Like Cheetah

[TomCat88]

Would you rather have a 11 2nd and 3rd team all conference players for your D or 2 all American and 9 avg players.

Biggest concern I see ob D is UCD pace. Can Cats get ib sub packages they want. Like Cheetah

11 2nd and 3rd. BSC no longer has 3rd team, just HM. MSU has one lock AA (Grebe), one 1st all BSC that has a good chance at AA (O’Reilly), Brott, Eiden IV, Jackson, and the entire secondary are all BSC players of varying levels. Crews and Bryce Grebe have a shot.
O’Reilly is very well recognized by BSC coaches. I’ve actually heard opposing coaches refer to him before Grebe when assessing MSU’s defense.

[TomCat88]

UC Davis has averaged about 550 yards per game over the last four games. The Aggies were averaging over 600 the three games before UM. They had 386 vs Grizzlies. That’s impressive regardless of the opponent.

[cats2506]

UC Davis has averaged about 550 yards per game over the last four games. The Aggies were averaging over 600 the three games before UM. They had 386 vs Grizzlies. That’s impressive regardless of the opponent.

C'mon Man

Cal Poly, ISU and Eastern

[Joe Bobcat]

Would you rather have a 11 2nd and 3rd team all conference players for your D or 2 all American and 9 avg players.

Biggest concern I see on D is UCD pace. Can Cats get in sub packages they want. Like Cheetah

Fixed your typing for you. I'm guessing fat fingers on a cellphone, or typing in the dark, or one too many adult drinks
Your biggest concern is one of mine as well but I trust/hope that Bobby and company recognize the potential problem and have a plan in place that will adequately address it. I was very tired watching the Davis vs UM game but didn't notice if the pace caused troubles for the gris.

[110010110]

So, I'm thinking this defense is pretty good....

[Lord Vigo]

At this point, my only question is whether Akem can expense his clown suit to Skyline or if it’s out of pocket.

[CNC_Cat]

At this point, my only question is whether Akem can expense his clown suit to Skyline or if it’s out of pocket.

[NewEra]

At this point, my only question is whether Akem can expense his clown suit to Skyline or if it’s out of pocket.

His analysis has been incredibly suspect most of the year. I’ve stopped listening to his portions of skyline

[MTnative]

At this point, my only question is whether Akem can expense his clown suit to Skyline or if it’s out of pocket.

His analysis has been incredibly suspect most of the year. I’ve stopped listening to his portions of skyline

Akem is the Booger McFarland of Skyline.

[nanacat]

So, it seems like the defense had some locker room motivation this week and decided to shut down the doubters this game. I'm sure they don't listen to podcasts, read this forum, or Herder's stuff, but maybe. Clearly they played lights out for 3.25 quarters, and maybe were running out of steam in those final 6 minutes, but still finished strong. 6 sacks? That's awesome! As a group, they had a stellar game. Credit to the players and coaches for another 1-0, and the Big Sky Championship!