quote:
We really didnt do anything great. We just played very solid fundamentals and let the talent we have play. Thats pretty much it. We dropped a few balls that could have easily been intercepted but our cover guys were never really out of position.

Our defensive line controlled the running game and kept guys in front of them but did not really pressure Watson that much all night. But once again, fundamental defense, good tackling and not over running the plays.

There were mistakes but none were huge mistakes. A big step forward

I want to give Steele all the credit but it goes to our recruiting and I think we started to get better later in the year last year. We are still getting some of the Muschamp effect from last year in my opinion. Hopefully, Steele can keep things going.

I like what I saw but I want to see them play fundamentally sound for more than one or two weeks.

Agree with a lot of this. Steele's aggressive scheme fits well with our defense this year. For the most part our DBs can play 1v1. Only way Clemson moved the ball was on quick 3 step drops & back shoulder throws. Even then Carlton Davis adjusted but just couldn't time the swat down right.

The main thing I took away was no busted coverage or real bad missed tackles. DL stonewalled OL all day freeing up our fast LBs to make plays. His scheme was solid but nothing special. We just finally saw our talent play at the level we have been waiting for. Just like you can't judge a DC on one 77 pt game, shouldn't judge him on one 19 pt game but the early returns are good so far

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Posted by beatbammer

Member since Sep 2010

38012 posts

Posted on 9/6/16 at 10:32 am to LandofDixie

quote:
Honestly, he was just what the doctor ordered for Auburn. Schematically very similar to Muschamp, but can teach fundamentals (something we've badly needed since Tubbs).

Considering the performance of our LBs, I think T-Will's effect on the defense was just as important.

Damn, it actually looked like those boys knew what they were doing on the field for once.

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Posted by LandofDixie

Member since Jul 2012

2825 posts

Posted on 9/6/16 at 11:03 am to beatbammer

It really was refreshing to have that sort of confidence with the LBs. if this keeps up, I can only imagine what this group would look like with a serviceable to good offense.

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Posted by DannyB

Bagram, Afghanistan

Member since Aug 2010

6141 posts

Posted on 9/6/16 at 11:02 pm to LanierSpots

quote:
We just played very solid fundamentals and let the talent we have play.

Playing within the system is what makes a good D.

quote:
Our defensive line controlled the running game and kept guys in front of them but did not really pressure Watson that much all night.

When playing a QB like Watson that can kill you with his legs as much as his arm, that is what you want to do...keep everything in front of you and not break contain.

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Posted by LanierSpots

Sarasota, Florida

Member since Sep 2010

61621 posts

Posted on 9/7/16 at 6:48 am to DannyB

quote:
When playing a QB like Watson that can kill you with his legs as much as his arm, that is what you want to do...keep everything in front of you and not break contain.

Exactly why I posted that. It was not like we were making spectacular plays all night but we played a nice solid scheme and it worked. Very different from the last 7 years

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Posted by awestruck