A Modest Goal for Week One.

[The-Hack]

The last 3 full seasons of football that included G5/FCS and U of L (‘18, ‘19, and ‘21) have resulted in a total defensive scoring average of 19.26 points! A good average that has placed us 4th or better among SEC teams.

But in that period, we have surrendered 16.6 points per game to our non-conference foes, not all that much better than our average for the three seasons.

Is it too much to hope that we can hold a decent G5 team to 10 or less?

Is it not in Stoops’ DNA to thoroughly trounce a visiting G5?

I mean in 2018, 14th ranked Mississippi State scored 7 at Kroger, and a Tennessee directional scored 23, in our last home game of the season.

I don’t want to talk about Chattanooga, but last year, they easily out scored UF’s performance at Kroger.

Does our defense “play down,” to opponents?

Do we play deeper into our rotation against FCS/G5 teams, allowing them more scoring opportunities?

We have consistently been top 4 in the SEC scoring defensive category since 2018.

Is a shutout, or something damn near one, too much to ask for against a G5?

 

[SPECT imaging]

My goal for week 1. Win the game. Avoid injuries.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

My goal? No more of our Capts. miss the opener.
Pretty damn modesty huh Hack?

🙄

 

[Navy Cat]

Probably a lot of factors playing into this. For most of the CMS tenure, he hasn't had a high octane offense, largely due to injuries, talent, and changing schemes. Last year was the first time with the core parts of a high scoring offense in place. It showed against all the non-conference games except Chattanooga. Hoping this year, we finally play dominate football on both sides of the ball against ALL our non-conference foes.

 

[JHB4UK]

Early season OOC games against MAC & 1-AA Stoops likes to play 2nd & 3rd stringers lots of snaps instead of keeping 1st stringers in to light up the winning margin

 

[gamecockcat]

Seems like we start the first game or two playing soft on D to kind of get into the flow. Invariably, that has led to maybe 10 points early by the opposition and they we slowly clamp down. Also, as above, we play a lot of players against early OOC teams and that can lead to miscommunication and big plays which are uncharacteristic later in the season.

 

[cat888]

Thanks for the post Hack. Probably discussed someplace else but Stoops teams have had some good QBs injured early in the Season does the New type of Offense help to protect the QBs better?

 

[bballcat4]

Does our defense “play down,” to opponents?

Stoops doesn't like to give up big plays, but will give up the "dink & dunks" until opponents cross our 40. I think OOC schools don't attempt many big plays because they don't think their OL can hold up against our pass rush. Consequently, it appears we have several possessions where we give up what the other team desires to do.

We make adjustments and tighten up throughout the game. I don't know if this is playing down to competition or Stoops just relying on physically dominant lines on both sides of the ball to pull away in 2nd half while not giving up easy scores that can give momentum to underdog.

I'll be happy with a 10 pt + win, but would sure like to see this one over with early with lots of backups getting pt in 2nd half.

 

[sieken]

If I were a betting man, I’m not, I would bet Stoops keeps it as Vanilla as the game allows. That might result in a closer score than we as fans like but I don’t think CMS cares about the score as much we do. The DLine could dominate, they have that ability I think, that would be best case scenario as far as the score goes. They would have trouble moving the ball and White and Stoops wouldn’t have to scheme much until the road game the following week.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

If I were a betting man, I’m not, I would bet Stoops keeps it as Vanilla as the game allows. That might result in a loser score than we as fans like but I don’t think CMS cares about the score as much we do. The DLine could dominate, they have that ability I think, that would be best case scenario as far as the score goes. They would have trouble moving the ball and White and Stoops wouldn’t have to scheme much until the road game the following week.

Nice observation but with MOO supposedly good this yr and all the players out for UK plus the turmoil we may need to at least be Neapolitan to get the dub.

 

[sieken]

Nice observation but with MOO supposedly good this yr and all the players out for UK plus the turmoil we may need to at least be Neapolitan to get the dub.

That I've heard, admittedly not paying as much attention this year, Wright and CRod are the only two that concern me as far as their availability. I think both are replaceable for "this game". Horsey is an issue as well but I'm anxious for Burton to get good quality reps.

 

[JHB4UK]

In reading about Miami, they are a good vet offense but very suspect defense. Their QB & passing game might be a tougher test for our rebuilt secondary than week 2?

IMO we will play lots of 12 personnel, keep extra TE on ends to help out new tackles. Get the ball out to our vastly superior athletes, let em make plays. Even using a very vanilla scheme and playcalling, we will burn their D for several long yardage plays.