Starting 22

[Justwinbaby]

I think our linebackers need to step up this year if our defense is going to improve. We just didn’t make enough plays there last year. Put it this way… if you put aside your bias… would you rather have the Grizzly linebackers from last year (not sure what they have this year) or ours? Their linebackers were difference makers on the field. Askelson made some great plays for us last year, but he is gone. In my opinion, we really need to improve at the linebacker spot to take the next step on D.

There are more defensive position group issues than just LB.

Most on here are vastly over-rating that side of the ball. The truth is the defense has been the team's single biggest issue...and that will not change this season. The offense will have to over perform to cover it up...and perhaps they will.

Are you referring to the Cats or the gris?

If you think the griz have issues at LB - you are not paying attention. But, thanks for bringing them up...par for the course with our fan base.

[coloradocat]

I think our linebackers need to step up this year if our defense is going to improve. We just didn’t make enough plays there last year. Put it this way… if you put aside your bias… would you rather have the Grizzly linebackers from last year (not sure what they have this year) or ours? Their linebackers were difference makers on the field. Askelson made some great plays for us last year, but he is gone. In my opinion, we really need to improve at the linebacker spot to take the next step on D.

There are more defensive position group issues than just LB.

Most on here are vastly over-rating that side of the ball. The truth is the defense has been the team's single biggest issue...and that will not change this season. The offense will have to over perform to cover it up...and perhaps they will.

Are you referring to the Cats or the gris?

If you think the griz have issues at LB - you are not paying attention. But, thanks for bringing them up...par for the course with our fan base.

"our"
Nice touch.

[Monymony]

I remember Vigen saying that he was committed to that 4-2-5 scheme.

It's the North Dakota State defense. It's the same scheme NDSU has been running since Gus Bradley was the DC there in the mid-2000s. Bradley (DC for the Colts), along with Scottie Hazelton (most recently the DC at Kansas State and Michigan State) and Freddie Banks (Colorado State) all come from this same coaching tree/scheme. Willie Mack Garza was also a part of this same tree.

Garza was the DC at NDSU from 2006-08. NDSU was transitioning to FCS during part of that time. They won the Great West Conference in 2006 and the defense was really good that year. They were 10-1 in 2007 and 3-1 in the Great West, but the defense started to tail off. His last year they moved to the MVFC. They struggled defensively and dropped to 6-5. He was the DC at Utah Tech (Dixie State at the time) in 2008 and you really can't hold anything he did there against him. 2022 at MSU wasn't good defensively with a stretch of five games where it allowed 150 points and only had five games under 20 points allowed. 2023 started out really well, but tapered off and I'm not really sure if it was injuries or scheme/play calling. The pass defense was below average the final four regular season games. In five years as a DC (not counting UT) his defenses performed well for about 1.3 seasons.

Thanks for the stats. I thought the defense made a significant drop off in 22 outside of losing talent. Considering we had the most sacks on average and mainly rush 4, I think we can really use that our advantage and should have a fantastic defense with the right coaching and some good leaders on defense. I specifically recall our d-line doing very well against SDSU and UM but the tackling wasn't great. Excited to see how Danny U looks after he missed games and seemed rusty in the brawl/NDSU. Secondary needs to make strides but I believe we have the guys to be good. Just hoping we can put the pieces together and get back to that top rush defense we have had in the past years.

[catatac]

Who are the returners going to be? I'm sure Taco, Marquis, Ty M... maybe Trimble or someone else did some last year? Can't remember. Hopefully can list the top two at KR and PR to start the season based on what we know today.

[Monymony]

Who are the returners going to be? I'm sure Taco, Marquis, Ty M... maybe Trimble or someone else did some last year? Can't remember. Hopefully can list the top two at KR and PR to start the season based on what we know today.

Looking at stats Taco and Trimble should be punt returners (Taco is very underrated) and Marquis and possibly White on kickoff but I’d expect someone besides Jared. Maybe some speedy underclassmen??

[BleedingBLue]

The defensive play calling is going to be a lot different this year. That, in my opinion, is going to make a huge difference. You can't always rely on your front 4 to get pressure. I feel like Willie Mack was way too reliant on that. I think we see more pressure off the edge this year than in years past. Blitzes from the Nickel and the SS when in the box.

[CodyCat]

The defensive play calling is going to be a lot different this year. That, in my opinion, is going to make a huge difference. You can't always rely on your front 4 to get pressure. I feel like Willie Mack was way too reliant on that. I think we see more pressure off the edge this year than in years past. Blitzes from the Nickel and the SS when in the box.

And when holding isnt a penalty anymore, you really cant rely on it.

[BleedingBLue]

The defensive play calling is going to be a lot different this year. That, in my opinion, is going to make a huge difference. You can't always rely on your front 4 to get pressure. I feel like Willie Mack was way too reliant on that. I think we see more pressure off the edge this year than in years past. Blitzes from the Nickel and the SS when in the box.

And when officials pretend the choke hold isn't a penalty anymore, you really cant rely on it.

FIFY

[CodyCat]

The defensive play calling is going to be a lot different this year. That, in my opinion, is going to make a huge difference. You can't always rely on your front 4 to get pressure. I feel like Willie Mack was way too reliant on that. I think we see more pressure off the edge this year than in years past. Blitzes from the Nickel and the SS when in the box.

And when officials pretend the choke hold isn't a penalty anymore, you really cant rely on it.

FIFY

This REALLY got me! I was like, wait did I fat finger that.

[GoldstoneCat]

I think our linebackers need to step up this year if our defense is going to improve. We just didn’t make enough plays there last year. Put it this way… if you put aside your bias… would you rather have the Grizzly linebackers from last year (not sure what they have this year) or ours? Their linebackers were difference makers on the field. Askelson made some great plays for us last year, but he is gone. In my opinion, we really need to improve at the linebacker spot to take the next step on D.

There are more defensive position group issues than just LB.

Most on here are vastly over-rating that side of the ball. The truth is the defense has been the team's single biggest issue...and that will not change this season. The offense will have to over perform to cover it up...and perhaps they will.

I've been saying this in every thread on this topic. Between lack of depth and key injuries, I really think we're under-manned up the entire middle of the defense. IDL, LB, and safety all worry me. Of course, guys can and do develop and grow so we could be better than I think but I think to win the league and make a run to frisco we'll have to do it on the backs of a healthy Tommy and the offense.

[catatac]

I think our linebackers need to step up this year if our defense is going to improve. We just didn’t make enough plays there last year. Put it this way… if you put aside your bias… would you rather have the Grizzly linebackers from last year (not sure what they have this year) or ours? Their linebackers were difference makers on the field. Askelson made some great plays for us last year, but he is gone. In my opinion, we really need to improve at the linebacker spot to take the next step on D.

There are more defensive position group issues than just LB.

Most on here are vastly over-rating that side of the ball. The truth is the defense has been the team's single biggest issue...and that will not change this season. The offense will have to over perform to cover it up...and perhaps they will.

I've been saying this in every thread on this topic. Between lack of depth and key injuries, I really think we're under-manned up the entire middle of the defense. IDL, LB, and safety all worry me. Of course, guys can and do develop and grow so we could be better than I think but I think to win the league and make a run to frisco we'll have to do it on the backs of a healthy Tommy and the offense.

Everyone is welcome to their opinion, but I'm not seeing it. Yes I agree if we get hammered with season ending injuries to key players - we could be in trouble. That's the case with pretty much every team though.

I think these players make a formidable Interior DL:
Paul Brott
Zack Black
Alec Eckert
Blake Schmidt

I think these players make a formidable LP group:
McCade O'Reilly
Neil Daily
Danny U
Cole Bullock

I have zero concerns with Dru Polidore and Rylan Ortt holding down the safety spots... not to mention getting Caden Dowler back at Nickel. Also not to mention good backups behind them all, and oh by the way.... damn solid at the DE and Corner positions.

We'll see how it plays out but I think this defense will be stingy, and not give up more than 15 pts ppg, maybe 20 when it's all said and done after that last game in Frisco.

[BleedingBLue]

Being concerned about IDL seems crazy to me. As mentioned above Schmidt, Brott, Black, and Eckert is going to be a formidable middle. Possibly the best 4 man interior rotation in the conference. Not to mention Eiden can slide over in 2nd and 3rd and longs.

[GoldstoneCat]

I think our linebackers need to step up this year if our defense is going to improve. We just didn’t make enough plays there last year. Put it this way… if you put aside your bias… would you rather have the Grizzly linebackers from last year (not sure what they have this year) or ours? Their linebackers were difference makers on the field. Askelson made some great plays for us last year, but he is gone. In my opinion, we really need to improve at the linebacker spot to take the next step on D.

There are more defensive position group issues than just LB.

Most on here are vastly over-rating that side of the ball. The truth is the defense has been the team's single biggest issue...and that will not change this season. The offense will have to over perform to cover it up...and perhaps they will.

I've been saying this in every thread on this topic. Between lack of depth and key injuries, I really think we're under-manned up the entire middle of the defense. IDL, LB, and safety all worry me. Of course, guys can and do develop and grow so we could be better than I think but I think to win the league and make a run to frisco we'll have to do it on the backs of a healthy Tommy and the offense.

Everyone is welcome to their opinion, but I'm not seeing it. Yes I agree if we get hammered with season ending injuries to key players - we could be in trouble. That's the case with pretty much every team though.

I think these players make a formidable Interior DL:
Paul Brott
Zack Black
Alec Eckert
Blake Schmidt

I think these players make a formidable LP group:
McCade O'Reilly
Neil Daily
Danny U
Cole Bullock

I have zero concerns with Dru Polidore and Rylan Ortt holding down the safety spots... not to mention getting Caden Dowler back at Nickel. Also not to mention good backups behind them all, and oh by the way.... damn solid at the DE and Corner positions.

We'll see how it plays out but I think this defense will be stingy, and not give up more than 15 pts ppg, maybe 20 when it's all said and done after that last game in Frisco.

If all those guys are healthy going in I don't think you're wrong. Thought I had heard somewhere that polidore will be out a good chunk of the year but maybe I dreamt that. I also don't think I would be able to confidently say that DT group is anything more than average for a top-level FCS defense, at best. I hope you're right and I'm too pessimistic. Guys can certainly develop and improve, and I'm sure some have over the 8 or 9 months between games.

[TomCat88]

I think our linebackers need to step up this year if our defense is going to improve. We just didn’t make enough plays there last year. Put it this way… if you put aside your bias… would you rather have the Grizzly linebackers from last year (not sure what they have this year) or ours? Their linebackers were difference makers on the field. Askelson made some great plays for us last year, but he is gone. In my opinion, we really need to improve at the linebacker spot to take the next step on D.

There are more defensive position group issues than just LB.

Most on here are vastly over-rating that side of the ball. The truth is the defense has been the team's single biggest issue...and that will not change this season. The offense will have to over perform to cover it up...and perhaps they will.

I've been saying this in every thread on this topic. Between lack of depth and key injuries, I really think we're under-manned up the entire middle of the defense. IDL, LB, and safety all worry me. Of course, guys can and do develop and grow so we could be better than I think but I think to win the league and make a run to frisco we'll have to do it on the backs of a healthy Tommy and the offense.

Everyone is welcome to their opinion, but I'm not seeing it. Yes I agree if we get hammered with season ending injuries to key players - we could be in trouble. That's the case with pretty much every team though.

I think these players make a formidable Interior DL:
Paul Brott
Zack Black
Alec Eckert
Blake Schmidt

I think these players make a formidable LP group:
McCade O'Reilly
Neil Daily
Danny U
Cole Bullock

I have zero concerns with Dru Polidore and Rylan Ortt holding down the safety spots... not to mention getting Caden Dowler back at Nickel. Also not to mention good backups behind them all, and oh by the way.... damn solid at the DE and Corner positions.

We'll see how it plays out but I think this defense will be stingy, and not give up more than 15 pts ppg, maybe 20 when it's all said and done after that last game in Frisco.

If all those guys are healthy going in I don't think you're wrong. Thought I had heard somewhere that polidore will be out a good chunk of the year but maybe I dreamt that. I also don't think I would be able to confidently say that DT group is anything more than average for a top-level FCS defense, at best. I hope you're right and I'm too pessimistic. Guys can certainly develop and improve, and I'm sure some have over the 8 or 9 months between games.

The IDL returns one starter and two guys who played a lot the past two years. MSU was pretty good against the run last year. Were it not for one long garbage time run vs UM and a poor showing in the last game they would’ve finished at or near the top in yards per carry in both conference and overall games. I think Brott and Black’s best games are ahead of them.

[technoCat]

Being concerned about IDL seems crazy to me. As mentioned above Schmidt, Brott, Black, and Eckert is going to be a formidable middle. Possibly the best 4 man interior rotation in the conference. Not to mention Eiden can slide over in 2nd and 3rd and longs.

What about Trujillo, Sharbano, Korom, and Marsh? Seemed people were pretty high on them too. Are we not thinking they will have an impact this year.

[gtapp]

I think our linebackers need to step up this year if our defense is going to improve. We just didn’t make enough plays there last year. Put it this way… if you put aside your bias… would you rather have the Grizzly linebackers from last year (not sure what they have this year) or ours? Their linebackers were difference makers on the field. Askelson made some great plays for us last year, but he is gone. In my opinion, we really need to improve at the linebacker spot to take the next step on D.

There are more defensive position group issues than just LB.

Most on here are vastly over-rating that side of the ball. The truth is the defense has been the team's single biggest issue...and that will not change this season. The offense will have to over perform to cover it up...and perhaps they will.

I've been saying this in every thread on this topic. Between lack of depth and key injuries, I really think we're under-manned up the entire middle of the defense. IDL, LB, and safety all worry me. Of course, guys can and do develop and grow so we could be better than I think but I think to win the league and make a run to frisco we'll have to do it on the backs of a healthy Tommy and the offense.

Everyone is welcome to their opinion, but I'm not seeing it. Yes I agree if we get hammered with season ending injuries to key players - we could be in trouble. That's the case with pretty much every team though.

I think these players make a formidable Interior DL:
Paul Brott
Zack Black
Alec Eckert
Blake Schmidt

I think these players make a formidable LP group:
McCade O'Reilly
Neil Daily
Danny U
Cole Bullock

I have zero concerns with Dru Polidore and Rylan Ortt holding down the safety spots... not to mention getting Caden Dowler back at Nickel. Also not to mention good backups behind them all, and oh by the way.... damn solid at the DE and Corner positions.

We'll see how it plays out but I think this defense will be stingy, and not give up more than 15 pts ppg, maybe 20 when it's all said and done after that last game in Frisco.

I would characterize it this way"

At IDL we are stout but not dynamic
At LB we are dynamic but not stout
At Safety we are just fine.

[RickRund]

I think our linebackers need to step up this year if our defense is going to improve. We just didn’t make enough plays there last year. Put it this way… if you put aside your bias… would you rather have the Grizzly linebackers from last year (not sure what they have this year) or ours? Their linebackers were difference makers on the field. Askelson made some great plays for us last year, but he is gone. In my opinion, we really need to improve at the linebacker spot to take the next step on D.

There are more defensive position group issues than just LB.

Most on here are vastly over-rating that side of the ball. The truth is the defense has been the team's single biggest issue...and that will not change this season. The offense will have to over perform to cover it up...and perhaps they will.

Are you referring to the Cats or the gris?

If you think the griz have issues at LB - you are not paying attention. But, thanks for bringing them up...par for the course with our fan base.

"our"
Nice touch.

Caught that too. Guessing we should hire winbabywin as our coordinator.

[VimSince03]

Being concerned about IDL seems crazy to me. As mentioned above Schmidt, Brott, Black, and Eckert is going to be a formidable middle. Possibly the best 4 man interior rotation in the conference. Not to mention Eiden can slide over in 2nd and 3rd and longs.

What about Trujillo, Sharbano, Korom, and Marsh? Seemed people were pretty high on them too. Are we not thinking they will have an impact this year.

Sharbano has the best shot of cracking that rotation with the next being Marsh. Korom is a senior and I don't really see his impact based on spring ball and him not really contributing at all last year. He made the team out of spring ball but not sure he's even a Top 6 IDL right now. Trujillo is still growing into his position but he'll be a player that will look really different by the time he's in his 3rd year (2025). Sharbano and Marsh were highly touted recruits in 2023 but needed to add weight and contributing as redshirt freshman would be ahead of schedule.

[BLACKnBLUEnGOLD]

Sharbono's twitter bio says he's 275. If he's 250 he could at least rotate in on passing downs

[Justwinbaby]

I think our linebackers need to step up this year if our defense is going to improve. We just didn’t make enough plays there last year. Put it this way… if you put aside your bias… would you rather have the Grizzly linebackers from last year (not sure what they have this year) or ours? Their linebackers were difference makers on the field. Askelson made some great plays for us last year, but he is gone. In my opinion, we really need to improve at the linebacker spot to take the next step on D.

There are more defensive position group issues than just LB.

Most on here are vastly over-rating that side of the ball. The truth is the defense has been the team's single biggest issue...and that will not change this season. The offense will have to over perform to cover it up...and perhaps they will.

Are you referring to the Cats or the gris?

If you think the griz have issues at LB - you are not paying attention. But, thanks for bringing them up...par for the course with our fan base.

"our"
Nice touch.

Caught that too. Guessing we should hire winbabywin as our coordinator.

Pretty sure most of us could do better than the last guy...