Much has been made of Tech's D this year - actually, for several years now. Much of it's deserved, but this year is a whole different animal. There's a new coach and a new scheme - and it will pay huge dividends once it gets going. Unfortunately, this year is the trial run - aka the Character Building year...
Through 5 games all of that has proven to be true: young players who are athletic, aggressive - and unfortunately, equally untested, and immature. Big plays and big mistakes = growing pains.
They're getting better at understanding what their collective roles and responsibilities are, but injuries and suspensions are continuing to to plague their efforts. Guys have to step up. The season is not even half over yet, and the biggest games are coming up pretty quick.
The run down:
Scott Smith: JC transfer, who was a one-man wrecking crew against the Whorns: suspended for the season.
Audrey Barr: Another DE done for the year: knee surgery
Fehoko, Ford, Agoucha, Wade, and Mitchem: banged up and questionable
That said, guys like Bullitt and Porter are getting a lot of playing time, which is good.
I'm on board with Willis and the guys. I know they work their butts off, but it's not enough. More is expected, and it's expected starting tomorrow against Xerox State. This game has all of the ingredients to be a defining point in this season for the defense - a game that can instill confidence, and set the tone for the home stretch.
1 comment:
God this sounds familiar. I think I made this post about the Aggies multiple times over the past few years.
Right now, it's "same ol' tech", dangerous offense, pathetic defense, and assured to be 7-5. However, I do believe what you are saying about the implementation of the defense having some growing pains and character building. You can't switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 overnight, and expect to have the talent and ability to be a dominating defense. Just hope that when things start to kick in, Tubs doesn't move on from his stepping stone in Lubbock.
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