|
Replies: 34
| visibility 1
|
All-TigerNet [14233]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 13983
Joined: 2/8/11
|
Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 10:42 AM
|
|
Physically more imposing this year IMO.
|
|
|
|
 |
Heisman Winner [140479]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 33865
Joined: 12/5/10
|
Top 20, probable. Top 10, possible.
Aug 5, 2015, 10:46 AM
|
|
Our offense may determine where the D ends up in the rankings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1341]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 693
Joined: 8/5/14
|
Re: Top 20, probable. Top 10, possible.
Aug 5, 2015, 10:49 AM
|
|
I agree. The offense may be on the field a good bit this year (scoring and scoring and scoring). This should reduce the yards per game, points per game, etc. for the other teams. I really don't see any reason we should slip much, if any, on defense as long as everyone stays healthy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [14470]
TigerPulse: 80%
Posts: 22912
Joined: 11/30/98
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 10:47 AM
|
|
MY FEELING IS WE WILL HAVE A VERY GOOD D. OUR SCHEDULE IS TOUGHER THAN LAST YEAR SO STATS MAY SUFFER A BIT. PLUS THE FACT THAT WE SHOULD BE SCORING A LOT AND MORE QUICKLY.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [2550]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 1918
Joined: 2/23/99
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 10:47 AM
|
|
Hate to be a Debbie Downer, but I think that's a little overly optimistic. I'd be delighted with a top 20 D.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [14233]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 13983
Joined: 2/8/11
|
I'm trying to not be too optimistic.
Aug 5, 2015, 10:52 AM
|
|
But Albert Huggins, Christian Wilkins and Mark Fields are immediate impact guys.
Plus Shaq Lawson, Carlos Watkins would start for every ACC team. (FSU would kill for Watkins right now.) Add in veteran DJ Reader and our defensive line is championship worthy again.
I just can't a big dip coming. I'm really trying to see it. I just don't.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Athletic Dir [870]
TigerPulse: 97%
Posts: 1256
Joined: 8/21/06
|
Re: I'm trying to not be too optimistic.
Aug 5, 2015, 10:56 AM
|
|
I agree tiger I think our d will be in the top10.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [13038]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 22360
Joined: 4/24/04
|
Immediate impact guys that will make blow assignments
Aug 5, 2015, 11:03 AM
[ in reply to I'm trying to not be too optimistic. ] |
|
and make freshman mistakes. We are replacing lost talent with equal or possibly even greater talent, but talent with no experience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [2550]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 1918
Joined: 2/23/99
|
Re: I'm trying to not be too optimistic.
Aug 5, 2015, 11:03 AM
[ in reply to I'm trying to not be too optimistic. ] |
|
I don't disagree, but my concerns are at End and Linebacker. IMHO, the biggest holes that have to filled are those left by Crawford (who didn't get nearly the credit that he deserved), Anthony and Steward.
Bottom line, I sure am glad to be talking football!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [3820]
TigerPulse: 82%
Posts: 4395
Joined: 12/24/09
|
Rendrick Taylor...
Aug 5, 2015, 11:26 AM
[ in reply to I'm trying to not be too optimistic. ] |
|
guy looked like a million dollars before he put the pads on and had some real skills, but it just didn't come together for him. Part of it was coaching no doubt, as well as failure to focus on one position, and in part having more physical talents than some other talents.
This is what I think of when I start to envision possibly having a Top 10 defense this year.
The first 14-15 look really good, and all appear to have real play-making skills. Injuries, or lack thereof, will obviously matter.
But will any of them have Grady Jarrett's motor? Vic Beasley's chip on the shoulder? DeShaun Williams' love of playing? Stephen Anthony's professionalism? Tony Steward's inability to quit, ever? Garry Peters' adherence to technique? Robert Smith's sense that it was "his time"? Tavares Barnes' epiphany to follow great leaders? Corey Crawford's raw athleticism?
I'm with you - I sure hope so.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1330]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 2226
Joined: 8/6/14
|
Re: Rendrick Taylor...
Aug 5, 2015, 11:38 AM
|
|
Our secondary is gonna be lockdown this year. Even with several guys who aren't exactly hits (Edmonds, Baker, Carter tries hard and is above our expectations but has serious physical limitations) our depth should be sufficient at both Safety and CB. Fields is a future All-ACC player. Van Smith is a hit and we have Wiggins at safety now to go with a much-improved Green and beast Kearse.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Medallion [64589]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 88994
Joined: 3/27/01
|
I think top 20 is more likely.***
Aug 5, 2015, 10:50 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oculus Spirit [93668]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 95419
Joined: 12/25/09
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 10:50 AM
|
|
I said that a long time ago. We'll probably be ranked 12-15 after a few games then move steadily upward to the top ten.
With the best secondary and top LBs int he country we could be top five if we just run the clock instead of quick scoring on everybody. That will keep the starters fresh and allow their understudies to gain experience without much damage to our defensive production.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [14751]
TigerPulse: 93%
Posts: 22551
Joined: 5/14/03
|
would be happy with top 25
Aug 5, 2015, 10:53 AM
|
|
Wouldn't be shocked down or up 10 spots from that because impossible to know how a lot of the new guys learn and health.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legend [15804]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 7693
Joined: 11/30/98
|
I believe we will by the end of the year...but until
Aug 5, 2015, 10:54 AM
|
|
we beat someone we'll have to endure the "they lost everyone from last year" ESecPN idiots. I haven't been this excited about the D since the 80's. Our D played well enough last year for us to have won every game.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [13038]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 22360
Joined: 4/24/04
|
I would expect 15-25 range, but you can't entirely rule
Aug 5, 2015, 11:04 AM
|
|
out everything coming together and finishing around 10.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1330]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 2226
Joined: 8/6/14
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 11:05 AM
|
|
Depends heavily upon development of the second string at DT and DE, I think. I believe we have enough guys to play LB barring an extreme number of injuries, but the development of Yeargin, Bryant, Huggins, and Wilkins will likely determine the course of the season. I think that if we were a Tennessee or LSU program, Aiken and Rogers would be gone already, with little chance of playing time here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [14233]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 13983
Joined: 2/8/11
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 11:06 AM
|
|
Aiken....ugh
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1330]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 2226
Joined: 8/6/14
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 11:05 AM
|
|
Depends heavily upon development of the second string at DT and DE, I think. I believe we have enough guys to play LB barring an extreme number of injuries, but the development of Yeargin, Bryant, Huggins, and Wilkins will likely determine the course of the season. I think that if we were a Tennessee or LSU program, Aiken and Rogers would be gone already, with little chance of playing time here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oculus Spirit [83116]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 80156
Joined: 11/29/99
|
It's possible. I think BJ Goodson is the key...much shorter
Aug 5, 2015, 11:37 AM
|
|
and lacks Anthony's speed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Medallion [58411]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 46322
Joined: 4/23/00
|
I get the feeling that our redshirts and newcomers are
Aug 5, 2015, 12:12 PM
|
|
really, really good. I'm honestly not expecting a huge drop-off.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scout Team [171]
TigerPulse: 42%
Posts: 615
Joined: 9/24/01
|
If people step up a top 5
Aug 5, 2015, 5:07 PM
|
|
is very realistic.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hall of Famer [20540]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 11684
Joined: 10/15/02
|
Re: If people step up a top 5
Aug 5, 2015, 5:19 PM
|
|
I don't see Top-5, sorry. Just don't. I'd be ecstatic with Top-10 and I think that's maybe - maybe! - within the realm of possibility but there's some growing pains between here and there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rock Defender [53]
TigerPulse: 90%
Posts: 35
Joined: 11/30/98
|
I'm thinking top 20 for sure and if all goes well MAYBE we
Aug 5, 2015, 12:15 PM
|
|
break the top 10. I trust Venables to do the best he can with what he's got. If we don't break the top 10 it's not for a lack of trying.
|
|
|
|
|
|
110%er [5513]
TigerPulse: 73%
Posts: 6991
Joined: 4/6/10
|
Top 15...would not be surprised if Top 10
Aug 5, 2015, 12:15 PM
|
|
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [3507]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 4149
Joined: 9/27/14
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 12:17 PM
|
|
Yes, I agree. We will be every bit as good this year on defense. AT LEAST top 10.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heisman Winner [108390]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 64974
Joined: 2/25/06
|
top 10? idk, i doubt it, but top 20-25 is very good. i go
Aug 5, 2015, 12:26 PM
|
|
back to 2013 when the same, basic cast of characters that we had in 2014 finished 63rd in total defense giving up almost 140 yards more than the 2014 version.
that's a huge leap, amazing really and a great testament to the staff & players.
last year's team kept offenses behind the chains most every game. the tfl stats were phenomenal. i can see the lack of experienced depth giving up 60 more yards per game, that's just one breakdown which will push CU out of the top 10 based on last years stats.
i'm excited about this group, but i think we might gain a great appreciation for last year's accomplishment in 2015.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Starter [390]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 300
Joined: 6/16/15
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 3:06 PM
|
|
Definitely have the talent, with only depth at linebacker being an issue. Hard to immediately replace the experience and leadership of both Steward and Anthony. Goodson was invisible on the field for long stretches last year, while Boulware seemed too amped up at times. Hopefully this year they will both play smart, aggressive defense as first teamers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
110%er [7169]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 4003
Joined: 9/17/14
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 3:15 PM
|
|
Yes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hall of Famer [20540]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 11684
Joined: 10/15/02
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 3:46 PM
|
|
Realistically...no.
I think the D will be pretty good. Our secondary is really, really good. But you do not just replace what should have been three first-round draft picks in your front seven - Grady Jarrett dropping to the fifth was an abomination and one of the worst draft misses I've seen in recent memory - and be as effective as you were.
That said, we're replacing veteran talent with plenty of young talent, and our defensive coaching and development is top-drawer. I think our defensive staff is as good, and complete, a bunch of coaches as there is in college football. Dan Brooks? Marion Hobby? Venables coaching LB's? Those are elite coaches who could coach anywhere. The jury's still out on Mike Reed as DB's coach but he looks like he's blending in very nicely as well.
NFL camps are raving about their Clemson draft picks - no surprise - especially the technique and work ethic these guys show. It's obvious to everybody they got coached up very, very well in college.
Alabama and LSU have traditionally sent a ton of guys to the NFL as well and not dropped off much the next year. When you're recruiting like Clemson is recruiting, and adding top coaching to that...well.
I don't see Top 10, but I do see Top 20 or Top 15, and a unit that improves steadily throughout the season. We might regress to a Top-20, 2013-type defense, as opposed to the #1 unit in college football that we had last year.
I'm concerned about our ability to set the edge on the strong side, and I'm concerned about indecision in finding runs fits for the LB's. I'm also somewhat concerned about our pass rush and I think it'll be notably weaker. Last year it didn't much matter what you called, it was going to get buried because nobody could block Clemson up front...teams will have some more time, and likely more joy with the running game, this year, and it will have some effect...but even out of the gate, this does not look like a bad defense, at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [2481]
TigerPulse: 81%
Posts: 9264
Joined: 8/16/99
|
what's your take on LB
Aug 5, 2015, 3:50 PM
|
|
that worries me, some...
#21
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hall of Famer [20540]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 11684
Joined: 10/15/02
|
Re: what's your take on LB
Aug 5, 2015, 4:47 PM
|
|
> that worries me, some...
>
>
>
> #21
Decent. Goodson's a good run stuffer but he's nowhere near as athletic or good in space as Stephone Anthony was. Boulware is a nasty son of a gun and will flat-out smack you in the mouth but he's nowhere near as athletic as Tony Steward was and I've seen him get caught in the wash and get stuck on blocks because of that so-so athleticism as well...he does not have the wingspan Steward did and doesn't shed blocks nearly as well. On the flip side, he reads and reacts much quicker than Steward did, and when he sees it, zoom, he goes for it with zero hesitation. And when he hits you, you stay tackled. I could see him fighting his way into the NFL as a late-round bench guy and special-teams kamikaze; he has that kind of mentality.
Goodson is a meat-and-potatoes A-to-C-gap run stuffer, and that's all he is. He does it very well, mind, but he's a big overall downgrade on Anthony. I would expect him to give way to one of the younger guys at some point but I do think he'll get a bunch of snaps because he is so good in obvious run situations. Boulware is a bit of a push in terms of quality against Steward - he does some things better, some things worse.
Dorian O'Daniel, on the other hand, I like a lot - like, a lot. He was a real bright spot down the stretch and I could see him solidifying his grasp on the spot and becoming All-ACC. He's sort of a LB/S tweener, like a lot of our strongside guys in this scheme, but he's a live wire and reacts really well, hits with evil intent, is lightning in pursuit, and he looked pretty durn good in space as well. I think he's got an NFL future if he builds on what he was showing at the end of last year.
As far as the younger guys, they look the part. Physically they have the goods, it just remains to be seen which of 'em have progressed enough to contribute. None of them looked like they were seeing it consistently in Spring.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-In [27180]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 16026
Joined: 10/13/08
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 3:52 PM
[ in reply to Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense? ] |
|
Three points on an otherwise excellent analysis:
I think there's a good chance we see a lot of Wilkins on the strong side. He's a war-daddy and can really move.
Don't think the jury's out on Reed any longer--that was a great hire.
The BIG question mark is special teams. Will they put our D in bad situations (with the resultant stat inflation)? Unfortunately, that may well be the case. To be followed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Blooded [2597]
TigerPulse: 83%
Posts: 3566
Joined: 11/30/98
|
Re: Anybody else think we'll field a top ten defense?
Aug 5, 2015, 3:51 PM
|
|
Number 1 defense going into the Louisville game.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CU Guru [1095]
TigerPulse: 55%
Posts: 3051
Joined: 9/13/13
|
Yes. Not to take anything away from the D, but most teams will tun 1 dimensional (pass) by mid 3rdQ
Aug 5, 2015, 4:24 PM
|
|
So, many many ints, sacks and QB Fumbles to come as a result.
Of course they need to dominate early and force a bunch of punts for it to reach that point, otherwise teams will (at least try to) be keeping up with us in the 4th, and it'll still be a guessing game in which they'll still have to account for the run.
I say 13th ranked come year's end. Which will be more than enough for our O to dominate the scoreboard and earn a playoff spot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Replies: 34
| visibility 1
|
|
|
50
