Same question as last week: why does the defense struggle so much in the first quarter?

[gamecockcat]

Made Ole Miss punt their first series. But, the next two result in touchdowns and, once again, we're down early.

Only give up 6 points the rest of the game and play pretty well considering we have NO pass rush and refuse to change our scheme to generate one.

How can the same players and scheme be one of the worst defenses in the SEC for the first quarter and one of the best the final 3 quarters?

I get scripted plays. But, no one scripts out 3 series. Do we just come out in our base and not deviate at all from our tendencies early in the game and then start to change it up or what? We consistently have a pretty strong defense but this sieve they run out there in the first quarter has got to be stopped.

And, for the life of me, I do not understand why we can't put pressure on the QB. 3 DL with one LB rushing is not getting it done at all. Is there not some other way of getting to the QB?

 

[catzfanjim]

I wouldn't just say the defense struggles in the first quarter. It seems like Kentucky is always sluggish on both sides of the ball to start the game.

 

[gamecockcat]

True, but when the offense struggles we're not down a TD or two. Mind boggling how well the D can and does play for much of the game AFTER the first 15 minutes. Just do not understand what the problem is.

 

[Irish Beck]

Defense is often reactionary. Hard to replicate Ole miss' tempo and it showed. Held them very well and should have been enough to win if either ST or offense play to their normal level, but alas, it want to be.

 

[sam_o]

Defense played very good football, overall. Ole Miss is just a tough team to prepare for.

 

[ACT ONE]

Definitely a head scratcher. I do hope Weaver gets better and comes back soon. Sure could use him.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Defense played pretty well over all. All week the staff anticipated plenty of unscouted looks and I'm sure that's what they got.

Square had an atrocious game and was responsible for most every long run. Not sure why he just freelancing so much. Really out of character