Defensive Questions

[Domina Nostra]

I recently read that we did not use the drop LB (DOG) very much the first two games. Instead we used an additional safety.

1) Is this the case?
2) Why do this against Purdue?
3) It may just be a simple matter of they are better players, but why keep Carlo or Fox on the feild and not Councell? It didn't seem to me that they had any RBs who Councell couldn't handle (whihc may be different this week)...

I have a feeling we will be a better defense with Councell on the field, though I think we have been pretty good anyway.

 

[jason_h537]

I recently read that we did not use the drop LB (DOG) very much the first two games. Instead we used an additional safety.

1) Is this the case?
2) Why do this against Purdue?
3) It may just be a simple matter of they are better players, but why keep Carlo or Fox on the feild and not Councell? It didn't seem to me that they had any RBs who Councell couldn't handle (whihc may be different this week)...

I have a feeling we will be a better defense with Councell on the field, though I think we have been pretty good anyway.

The DOG position is Spond and Councell. Spond is hurt and the feeling is Councell is not ready yet (situational only). They tried playing Fox there and it did not work so they moved down McCarthy and others to fill the void.

I am sure the staff wants Councell to win the spot but a coach has to put his players in a position to succeed. I would rather Councell be ready then go thru the Motta/Harrison/Brian Smith route, where he is forever labeled a liability despite what they do by some because of early struggles.

 

[Emcee77]

The DOG position is Spond and Councell. Spond is hurt and the feeling is Councell is not ready yet (situational only). They tried playing Fox there and it did not work so they moved down McCarthy and others to fill the void.

I am sure the staff wants Councell to win the spot but a coach has to put his players in a position to succeed. I would rather Councell be ready then go thru the Motta/Harrison/Brian Smith route, where he is forever labeled a liability despite what they do by some because of early struggles.

Could not agree more on that last point. Hopefully some of the Motta haters are pacified by his performance on Saturday. I thought he played great.