Defensive Scheme Against ND

by DrDetroit on Sep 20, 2009 8:56 AM CDT Comment 9 comments

[Bumped. Explain, discuss, rant, cry. Defend? -KJ]

This is the actual defensive scheme against ND. I honestly have to question the defensive coordinator's qualifications and job security. After the last two weeks, it appears he needs to be fired.

I have no idea why the MSU defensive coordinator is against going to nickel or dime coverage. He keeps playing with 3 LBs on the field in every situation. No wonder everyone is staying 5 wide against MSU and not even bothering to run the ball.

This is a FanPost, written by a member of the TOC community. It does not represent the official positions of The Only Colors, Inc.--largely because we have no official positions.

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"After the last two weeks, it appears he needs to be fired."

IMO, it’s way too early for that kind of talk. It’s been two bad games, sure, but Narduzzi has done great things with the defense over the past two years, and there’s a lot to say for staff continuity. (i.e., how Dantonio always mentions how much of an advantage it’s been to have had the same coordinators for the past six years.)

"Do not cheat your team or your teammates. Know your plays. Block. Protect. Add to what we are trying to do."
The Only Colors

by LVS on Sep 20, 2009 9:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

True

It is probably way to early to say that. If he does not come up with a better game plan against Michigan though, then it will be a lot harder to not say it.

by DrDetroit on Sep 21, 2009 5:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

More like two years

The stats seem to support that the defense has been inadequate for two years and is trending downward.

MSU’s defense appears to be regressing. Considering that the secondary was supposed to be better, and returned several starters, I believe it’s a matter of faulty scheme — and the blame for the faulty scheme goes on Narduzzi first.

I’m not trying to make a MAKE PLAYS talk radio argument After looking calmly, rationally, and objectively at the last two games in very close detail, I believe Narduzzi is not the guy to take MSU to the next level. He is not getting the most out of the D’s strengths while covering for the weaknesses. Dantonio should seriously consider an upgrade.

by CPT Hoolie on Sep 21, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nickel or dima

I totally agree. the linebackers are getting beat on the pass. I have been saying the same thing for 2 weeks!

by NoahBoa on Sep 20, 2009 11:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It was working...

…last year. Might be a case of offensive coordinators figuring it out.

by witless chum on Sep 21, 2009 12:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It wasn't working last year.

We won close games due to offense (Northwestern), turnovers (Iowa), or boneheadedness by the other team (Wisconsin).

by CPT Hoolie on Sep 21, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bad Play

I was flipping out after this play too. I texted all my MSU friends, “Why the hell are we guarding one of the best WR’s in the nation with a LB?”

It did appear that we used more dime and nickel coverages as the game went on, but our defense should never be put in a position like this. I’m not making excuses for the players, b/c they are at fault too and need to execute better.

I really only see two to three explosive offenses left on our schedule…UofM, PSU, and maybe Illinois. All 3 have dual threat QB’s that could cause us some headaches.

by Stones1981 on Sep 21, 2009 7:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Iowa has five good receivers. They’ve started running some 4 and 5 wide shotgun sets.

DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?

by ReadingRambler on Sep 22, 2009 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't say the D is regressing

They don’t seem to be getting worse in comparison to the past couple of years. They just aren’t getting better. Lets not forget that JLS left the cupboard absolutely bare on the defensive side of the ball and especially in the secondary. We just don’t have much talent on the D line right now, and our secondary was absolutely atrocious in the JLS era. We’ve improved somewhat over that era but I don’t think we’ll really be over it for another year or so.

So far as scheming goes – that has to improve. If we continue to run our base package against 4 and 5 receiver sets, and wind up with LBs covering receivers on a regular basis, then there is cause for complaint.

by TheCrestedHelm on Sep 22, 2009 9:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs