What changed on defense?

[cowpokeguy]

I know there's been a lot of talk about how terrible the offense has been (and it has been, for sure!). But, can someone who knows more about schemes and that sort of thing tell me what has changed with the defense? We returned many experienced players (Ekeler, Brown, White, Davis, Harsh, Siders, Harris, Suiaunoa, etc.) but despite that, our overall team defense ranking has dropped from 37th last year to 110th this year!

I know we've only played half a season this year, and perhaps the opponents have been better, but I don't think that totally explains the completely precipitous drop in effectiveness of the defense. Especially with Sawvel as HC, you'd think defense of all things wouldn't miss a beat. I know we can say Aaron Bohl is the difference, but has he really changed anything from what Sawvel was doing as DC? Any thoughts?

Reference:

2024 College Football Team Defense | College Football at Sports-Reference.com

Check out the 2024 College Football Team Defense and more about College Football at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

2023 College Football Team Defense | College Football at Sports-Reference.com

Check out the 2023 College Football Team Defense and more about College Football at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

 

[OrediggerPoke]

I know there's been a lot of talk about how terrible the offense has been (and it has been, for sure!). But, can someone who knows more about schemes and that sort of thing tell me what has changed with the defense? We returned many experienced players (Ekeler, Brown, White, Davis, Harsh, Siders, Harris, Suiaunoa, etc.) but despite that, our overall team defense ranking has dropped from 37th last year to 110th this year!

I know we've only played half a season this year, and perhaps the opponents have been better, but I don't think that totally explains the completely precipitous drop in effectiveness of the defense. Especially with Sawvel as HC, you'd think defense of all things wouldn't miss a beat. I know we can say Aaron Bohl is the difference, but has he really changed anything from what Sawvel was doing as DC? Any thoughts?

Reference:

2024 College Football Team Defense | College Football at Sports-Reference.com

Check out the 2024 College Football Team Defense and more about College Football at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

2023 College Football Team Defense | College Football at Sports-Reference.com

Check out the 2023 College Football Team Defense and more about College Football at Sports-Reference.com

www.sports-reference.com

This is what happens when you practice against a spread and stop tackling in practice. Although - the D line has done a better job the last two games.

 

[ragtimejoe1]

Apparently being a grad assistant for a few years and then LB coach a few years isn't enough preparation to run a fbs defense.

Man, who would've thought?

 

[seattlecowboy]

What has changed is the coaching. With Bohl the elder this team was good. Coaching now sucks. That’s the main problem more than anything else. Has nothing to do with scheme or player talent.

 

[PorkerPoke]

This is what happens when you practice against a spread and stop tackling in practice. Although - the D line has done a better job the last two games.

The D has also faced two of the weakest offenses (besides Wyoming) in the MWC the past two games. The potential exists for it to get ugly the rest of the season as compared to how ugly it has been.

 

[LawPoke]

Our defense is porous. To be fair, there have been quite a few injuries. The reality is that they don't tackle well and the secondary is hot garbage. The D-Line cannot get pressure, which only exacerbates the weakness that is our secondary. Losing Giles was huge. Moving Bohl JR to the DC spot was a big mistake - on top of many, many mistakes that Sawvel has made.

 

[WestWYOPoke]

This is what happens when you practice against a spread and stop tackling in practice. Although - the D line has done a better job the last two games.

Wyoming hasn't tackled at practice in at least 11 years (outside of scrimmages and the occasional "Live" session). So it's nothing new this year.

 

[OrediggerPoke]

Wyoming hasn't tackled at practice in at least 11 years (outside of scrimmages and the occasional "Live" session). So it's nothing new this year.

Should have been more clear - spring and fall camps.

 

[McPeachy]

Injuries are at a level that puts WYO in jeopardy of competing (obviously). We are not like Alabama, that can just throw in the next 5 star and keep moving along. Our 2 deep is really a .5 deep. Sad.

 

[OrediggerPoke]

Injuries are at a level that puts WYO in jeopardy of competing (obviously). We are not like Alabama, that can just throw in the next 5 star and keep moving along. Our 2 deep is really a .5 deep. Sad.

I think we actually increase injuries by not tackling as much in spring and fall camps. Improper tackling form and not being used to being tackled leads to injuries in games.

 

[McPeachy]

I think we actually increase injuries by not tackling as much in spring and fall camps. Improper tackling form and not being used to being tackled leads to injuries in games.

Always on the fence with that...it sounds right, and yet, it doesn't. Wyoming beating up Wyoming (to use a Bohl analogy) doesn't make sense all the time.