Questions about MSU defense
Three questions about MSU defense.
1. Are they playing a version of Bear defense that Ryan ran in Chicago? I remember that they would load the box as well and would not give QBs any time to complete a pass down field.
2. Does one need elite CB to run the MSU/Bear defense? I suppose the answer is yes at pro level, but how about college level?
3. Are MSU's CBs and Safeties really fast and quick or is it the scheme and technique that let them play at high level? Pressure up front is a big help to them but it seemed to me that the pressure up front was not as much of a factor in shutting down the passing game last night (compared to what happened to us or OSU).
January 2nd, 2014 at 1:07 PM ^
MSU also takes advantage of the fact that you can chuck and grab receivers off the line and downfield. You can barely touch guys in the pro game. However, MSU is excellent at taking advantage of the rules in college football about how much contact is allowed with a receiver. The game they lost with all the PI penalties were pretty much all legit because they also hold a bit. This isn't to take away from what they do defensively. Actually, it's a compliment. It might be annoying, but it's probably the best system given how the game is officiated.
January 2nd, 2014 at 2:25 PM ^
MSU's aggressive secondary tactics clamped down Ohio's passing game (only 100 yards), and did a similar number on Stanford's passing attack, relegating them to rushing the ball only.
Being overly aggressive like can bite you bad sometimes though.
Didn't realize it then, but their 10 penalties for 115 yards at ND probably cost them that game and an undefeated season.