So without further ado, here we go!
Rushing defense vs MTSU
- MTSU hasn't gotten off to a good start running the ball.
- As a team through three games, here's their combined stats: 74 rushes for 189 (2.55 average), 1 TD. Average of 63 rushing yards per game.
- Wow. I see no point whatsover in going over individual players, especially as there really is no star rusher. (You can check the stats breakdown for yourself if you want ...)
- Last year's leader, I'Tavius Mathers, finished with over 1500. He was a senior so he's off, and clearly there's been no picking up the slack.
- The really weird thing is MTSU's offensive line is all juniors and seniors, and they're all good sized. You'd expect a good running game.
- They are not rushing well because they haven't developed a star running back, and they are focused on the pass game.
- Here's where it gets interesting. MTSU likes to pass a lot in a solid spread offense.
- The star QB, Brent Stockstill, is the coach's son. He had an outstanding 2016 with over 3000 passing yards, 31/7 TD/Int, and that is with an injury.
- The star WR, Richie James, finished last year with over 1600 and 12 TDs.
- Both missed the Minnesota game and are questionable. And without these two stars, MTSU looked downright awful on offense, scoring only 3 against Minnesota.
- If we see the backup QB, it will be sophomore John Urzua. As a backup thrown into the wolves, he is completing 56% of his passes for 135, averaging less than 10 per completion, with no TDs and 2 picks.
- He's 6'3 and wirey. And by the stats, not a running threat.
- Receivers not named Richie James have combined for a hair over 400 receiving yards and 2 TDs in three games.
- The leader is sophomore Ty Lee with 13 for 111 and a TD. Small quick slot type guy.
- Next up is junior Patrick Smith with 11 for 110, no TDs. 6'0, 177, small body frame, typical spread receiver.
- And then senior Shane Tucker, 7 for 65 and a TD. Bigger bodied guy at 6'0 220.
- If we see Stockstill and James and they are both at full health, this passing offense can be scary. Without them, it's a whole different beast.
- Our pass defense has put together moments this year. And they've also put together facepalm moments. I'd sure like to see the former this weekend.
- It would be awfully nice to come up with some interceptions. Anything to help the offense out.
- Opponents run a decent amount of times against MTSU, averaging a little over 100 on the ground and a little over 3 per carry. This run defense is pretty good.
- The defensive line is not overly big. They've got one 300+ DT. As I recall, the line is quick.
- They run a 4-3. And a good sign of a healthy 4-3 is the linebackers make a lot of tackles.
- In the early season, most of the leading tacklers are linebackers. Sophomore OLB Khalil Brooks is making a big impact so far, 12 solo tackles, 2.5 TFL.
- The other OLB is junior Chris Melton, 7 solo tackles.
- The overall leading tackler is SS Jovante Moffatt. He leads with 14 solo tackles.
- It's early in the season. Tackling stats often are deceiving, so if there's a real takeaway, it is this: teams average 3 per carry and not a lot of gash plays.
- In the early season, MTSU is allowing around 65% completion percentage, 200 ypg, 3/1 TDs/Ints.
- Early season stats, especially against MTSU's schedule (more on that later) are deceiving. No point in going over individual stats.
- Here's the takeaway. Opponents other than Syracuse have not put the ball up all that much and have come up with some good success with some gash plays here and there.
- I'm strongly guessing Doege starts. If he and the receivers are in sync, he could have a solid first start.
- Richie James is normally the PR. Even if he's healthy, I doubt he does returns. So I have no idea on the punt return game what to expect.
- The leading kick returner is senior WR Shane Tucker, averaging over 26 per return. Not bad. Again, early stats so there's not much to tell there.
- The kicker has an awesome name. Canon Rooker. Only attempted one FG and he made it against Minnesota from 45. 4/5 on XP.
- The punter is Matt Bonadies. He averages a hair over 40 per punt.
- Gaffes against SD aside, our STs have been pretty good and have awesome potential. If STs don't make the big mistakes, we could win the field position game as MTSU may be a bit off on offense.
- This will be MTSU's first game in their punching class.
- They were wiped out by Vanderbilt 28-6. Vandy, normally a running team, figured out how to pass and threw for almost 300 and 3 TDs.
- Then MTSU upset our old coach Babers and Syracuse. Cuse had a bit of an off day with the passing offense not clicking.
- Stockstill threw for almost 300 and 3 TDs.
- With Stockstill and James out, Minnesota beat MTSU soundly, 34-3. Minnesota dominated in yardage (343 to 230) and time of possession (35 minutes with the ball).
- MTSU is probably quite ready to play somebody other than another power program.
- Head coach Rick Stockstill said the Minnesota game could have been totally different, but their best two players were gone so they had no chance.
- I'd hate to know how we would be if Joseph Davidson and and Jake Suder got hurt.
- Stockstill and James are both questionable. Stockstill was hurt much of last year too and the team was different without him.
- Our team has shown moments here and there. If the team ever plays a complete game, we'll be better than anyone thinks.
- If Stockstill and James do not play, we have to take advantage, especially considering the MTSU run game has not been a factor yet.
- Knowing the track record so far, the backup QB could have an awesome day and some unknown RB may take over the game.
- But thinking optimistically here, we in a way get a fresh start. Most likely, Doege starts and this is a good team to start against.
- Our receivers have often been running loose against defenses. If Doege can hit those guys, we may be able to put up big chunk plays.
- Doege looks built for this offense. His high school offense was similar and he shone there, and he learned from his older brother, a former Texas Tech star.
- Defensively, if Stockstill and James play, our defense could be gashed. Those guys are incredible talents. Even if they are not fully healthy, they are tough to defend.
- Overall, this is a great chance for a win. A possibility of the opponent's best players out and a new QB for us who has shown some good potential.
- Now I'm going to do something I normally don't do and put on my coach's hat. After all, I was a fraternity QB, I've won many games as a flag football QB, and numerous national championships in video games. I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
- You've got a new QB. Start him off with high completion low risk throws. Get him comfortable.
- Simplify both the passing routes and the blocking schemes for the runs. Just run it up the middle, nothing snazzy. And use tempo to your advantage. Simple, fast offense.
- Defensively, bring a lot of pressure. Whether you've got a fresh QB or a banged up star, a pass rush and some hits/sacks will go a long way. And it could lead to some errant throws to help the secondary.
- I'm not making a prediction here. I just want a win.
