Stoops defense always has huge improvements in year 3

[screwduke]

The stats have been posted on here numerous times ( i dont have them off hand but would be nice if someone else posted it in here) but I think it deserves its own thread.

Chances are our D will be much improved this coming year and that excites me. We almost never have a good (or even average) defense.

 

[Rhavicc]

Borrowing this information from the different bios of coaches:

Stoops was defensive coordinator at FSU from 2010-12, inheriting a unit ranked 108th in the NCAA in total defense and turning it into one of the nation's best. In the 2012 season, the Seminoles were second in the nation in total defense, allowing 254.1 yards per game, and sixth nationally in scoring defense at 14.7 points per game. Playing well against the run and the pass, FSU was third in the country in rushing defense and led the nation in pass defense. FSU led the ACC in seven defensive categories. Stoops also coached the defensive backs under head coach Jimbo Fisher.

Stoops also inherited an Arizona unit that was 109th in the nation in total defense and 107th in scoring defense in 2003, the year before he arrived. By the end of his term at Arizona, the Wildcats ranked in the nation's top 25 in total defense his final two seasons and ranked as high as 33rd in scoring defense.

This is also the first year that the defense will run entirely out of a 3-4 base defense. He spent the first couple of seasons transitioning from the 4-3 to the 3-4. A 3-4 defense will allow for more flexability overall, and the new hire of Coach Andy Buh will allow Stoops to focus his attention of the cornerbacks, just as he did at Florida State, as well as Arizona, while being the playcaller for the defense.

Speaking of Andy Buh, he has a very nice history of raising good linebackers. Buh was the linebackers coach at Wisconsin in 2012 and the UW defense ranked in the nation's top 25 in several statistical categories. The Badgers were 15th in the nation in total defense (322.6 yards per game), 17th in scoring defense (19.1 points per game), 22nd in pass efficiency defense and 24th in rushing defense. Wisconsin was even better during the regular-season Big Ten contests, allowing just 18.3 points per game to rank second in the league.

Individually, Wisconsin linebacker Mike Taylor had 123 tackles and ranked 25th in the nation in total stops. Linebacker Chris Borland received All-Big Ten honors. Borland currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers and Taylor is a member of the reserve squad for the Seattle Seahawks.

Prior to Wisconsin, Buh was defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Nevada in 2010-11. In his first season, Buh helped lead Nevada to arguably the greatest season in school history with a 13-1 record, tying for the Western Athletic Conference championship and defeating Boston College in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. Nevada ranked 31st in the nation in scoring defense (21.4 ppg) and 18th nationally in rushing defense at 120.3 yards per game. The Wolf Pack rated 24th nationally in sacks with 35 QB takedowns, 2.5 per game. Defensive end Dontay Moch had 22 tackles for loss, leading the WAC and rating 10th nationally with 1.57 TFL per game. Moch was a third-round draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals and currently plays for the Tennessee Titans.

 

[Brock28]

Lack of pass rush is what really worries me. We will be improved in ever other area. But if we can't pressure the QB, the improvement will be hard to see. Especially is pass coverage.

 

[Bigbluediddy63]

I'll believe it when I see it. I sure hope there's a correlation in year 3 under mark stoops, time will tell

 

[SaguaroCat]

Lack of pass rush is what really worries me. We will be improved in ever other area. But if we can't pressure the QB, the improvement will be hard to see. Especially is pass coverage.

Not concerned at all. I think people forget how on point the defense was to start the season. And it wasn't just Bud and Z. The staff was bringing pressure from all over. I was really impressed with what we could do when we had equal or superior talent. And as we catch up with a couple more teams in the talent department, I think you'll see we get a reputation as a team that brings it. It's the whole reason were going to the 3-4. As teams started running the ball down our throats, we started keeping everyone home some more. If we can cure that, which I think we will, then they can get creative again. I bet our sack numbers increase this year just from that.

 

[SaguaroCat]

Defense improved more last year than people realized. Big problem was that the special teams debacle and interceptions covered up a lot of that improvement.

In 2013 our defense was responsible for 48 touchdowns. In 2014 it was 42.

And the yards allowed back up that improvement.

In 2013 defense allowed 427 yards per game. In 2014 it was 407.

And even that is misleading, because we started to use Brown's more fast paste game play.

In 2013 the defense allowed 6.3 yards per pay. In 2014 it was 5.5!

That's huge. That's an average defense right there. Ranks in the top 60 in the nation. And there's still low hanging fruit for more improvement. We still have the ball only 28 minutes to our opponents 32. Because we allowed 45% third down conversion. With a more seasoned defense, blown assignments and stepping up in the clutch should drop that number. Plus a better offense to keep the defense off the field more. If we could flip that time of possession, which is very doable, you could see an exponential improvement in defense. A defense deserving of the Mark Stops reputation.

 

[Kooky Kats]

Defense improved more last year than people realized. Big problem was that the special teams debacle and interceptions covered up a lot of that improvement.

In 2013 our defense was responsible for 48 touchdowns. In 2014 it was 42.

And the yards allowed back up that improvement.

In 2013 defense allowed 427 yards per game. In 2014 it was 407.

And even that is misleading, because we started to use Brown's more fast paste game play.

In 2013 the defense allowed 6.3 yards per pay. In 2014 it was 5.5!

That's huge. That's an average defense right there. Ranks in the top 60 in the nation. And there's still low hanging fruit for more improvement. We still have the ball only 28 minutes to our opponents 32. Because we allowed 45% third down conversion. With a more seasoned defense, blown assignments and stepping up in the clutch should drop that number. Plus a better offense to keep the defense off the field more. If we could flip that time of possession, which is very doable, you could see an exponential improvement in defense. A defense deserving of the Mark Stops reputation.

But....

LSU
UGA
UT

Pistol-whipped this defense in a Jokeresque performance.
It was upsetting to see such lack of preparation and heart.

 

[Blue Decade]

The stats have been posted on here numerous times ( i dont have them off hand but would be nice if someone else posted it in here) but I think it deserves its own thread.

Chances are our D will be much improved this coming year and that excites me. We almost never have a good (or even average) defense.

In 2015, every position on our defense will be improved, except defensive end. Upside of our 2015 defense depends on how quickly younger players step in and replace Bud's and Z's lost production. If we have a consistent pass rush off of the edges, then our defense should be really solid since we will be bigger and much tougher up the middle of the field. But if we don't have a pass rush, then our corners will get picked on again. I am not as worried as some people are about the quality of the younger players replacing Bud and Z, but I am a little concerned about how quickly they can learn to be effective against our better opponents. With South Carolina, Florida, and Missouri on our September schedule this year, there won't be much of a grace period for the younger players.

 

[BlueTick2]

There is certainly room for the defense to improve.

 

[wildcatbd21]

I think the DE will be ok. At the Jack/DE, I look for Hatcher to realize it is his time and run with it. I think he can be a force that harasses QBs all year. Time for him to live up to his 4* rating. Also looking forward to what Bell can bring to the table. Would be great for Daniel to RS. I think Jabari Johnson and Farrington Huguenin will take Big Z's spot and do well.

 

[BlueRaider22]

I don't think we will be top 25 ranked defense like he did at Zona and FSU......at least not yet......but I do think that we will be improved. The only part of the defense that should take a step back is DE/Jack-back from the loss of Bud and Z.....everything else should be improved. Not to mention that the offense and ST will be improved which really helps the defense.

 

[KingsportKat]

[QUOTE="SaguaroCat, post: 1776495, member: 7654
And even that is misleading, because we started to use Brown's more fast paste game play.[/QUOTE]

The fast paste dries more quickly, right? Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[Bigbluediddy63]

But....

LSU
UGA
UT

Pistol-whipped this defense in a Jokeresque performance.
It was upsetting to see such lack of preparation and heart.

Not to mention the ease that Louisville and Mississippi state scored on us. The defense, while marginally better last year mainly because they really couldnt get any worse was still attrocious. Time will tell if they turn it around this year and can become more consistent against the run and pass. I think they will be better this year, but how much better remains to be seen. Holding out hope for a dramatic turnaround is a little over the top, imo

 

[Rhavicc]

I think something else people should consider is that UK finished the season ranked 19th in the country (2nd in the SEC) in turnover margin last season. In 2013? UK was tied for 82nd in that category (9th in the SEC). For comparison, one other SEC team made a large leap in that category. Mizzou moved from 55th place in that ranking in 2013 to 20th place in 2014.

Also, in 2013, UK had only 3 interceptions on the season (that's horrendous). In the 2014 season, when our DB's became upperclassmen, that number grew from 3 interceptions to 15 (which was good for 23rd in the country in the rankings). 12 of which were recorded by defensive backs. In 2013, only 1 of the 3 interceptions were made by a defensive back. That's an enormous improvement.

The defense allowed only 215 passing yards per game, a solid 15 fewer yards per game than each of the previous two seasons (and good for 43rd in the country) and they continued to keep plays in front of them, allowing the second fewest long completions (of 40 yards or more) of any defense in the SEC. Our defense has a tremendous knack for keeping the ball in front of them and not allowing explosive plays. This upcoming year, I fully expect our boys to be able to time hits and deflection attempts, and allow even fewer passing yards per game.

For comparison of pass defenses, Muchamp's Gators (which had elite pass defenders on it), was ranked 41st. Others close to that were Mizzou (39th), Arkansas (37th).

Some may argue that teams didn't get as many pass yards because they would tend to run more against UK, which I would agree, but UK did markedly improve from 2013 to 2014 in team passing efficiency defense (accounts for completion percentage). In 2013, UK ranked 100th in this category, allowing a passing efficiency of 146.56 on average. In 2014, UK was now ranked in 57th in this category, allowing a passing efficiency of 126.55 on average.

For comparison of team pass efficiency defense, Alabama ranked 30th, allowing a passing efficiency of 116.53 (which is a very, very realistic leap for UK's pass defense). Ole Miss ranked 16th in that category, allowing a passing efficiency of 110.78. I believe UK could find somewhere in between these numbers next season.

I think it's very realistic that the defense improves all around. Runs will be easier to stop due to new-found depth in the front 7, a lot of quality players coming off of redshirt, experience, and a nice combo of size and speed. We'll likely have a bigger, stronger defensive line that will be stacked with 2-gap defensive tackles (If I had to guess today who would be the starting defensive tackles, I would say Melvin Lewis, Matt Elam, and Cory Johnson, which should cover a lot of real estate up front, an really take the pressure off the linebackers). Loving the way things are heading. If the cornerbacks are UK's biggest issue as of this spring, and they're improving off of those numbers, he's holding the defense to the same standard that he held them at while he was at Florida State, and things are going great.

 

[screwduke]

I think something else people should consider is that UK finished the season ranked 19th in the country (2nd in the SEC) in turnover margin last season. In 2013? UK was tied for 82nd in that category (9th in the SEC). For comparison, one other SEC team made a large leap in that category. Mizzou moved from 55th place in that ranking in 2013 to 20th place in 2014.

Also, in 2013, UK had only 3 interceptions on the season (that's horrendous). In the 2014 season, when our DB's became upperclassmen, that number grew from 3 interceptions to 15 (which was good for 23rd in the country in the rankings). 12 of which were recorded by defensive backs. In 2013, only 1 of the 3 interceptions were made by a defensive back. That's an enormous improvement.

The defense allowed only 215 passing yards per game, a solid 15 fewer yards per game than each of the previous two seasons (and good for 43rd in the country) and they continued to keep plays in front of them, allowing the second fewest long completions (of 40 yards or more) of any defense in the SEC. Our defense has a tremendous knack for keeping the ball in front of them and not allowing explosive plays. This upcoming year, I fully expect our boys to be able to time hits and deflection attempts, and allow even fewer passing yards per game.

For comparison of pass defenses, Muchamp's Gators (which had elite pass defenders on it), was ranked 41st. Others close to that were Mizzou (39th), Arkansas (37th).

Some may argue that teams didn't get as many pass yards because they would tend to run more against UK, which I would agree, but UK did markedly improve from 2013 to 2014 in team passing efficiency defense (accounts for completion percentage). In 2013, UK ranked 100th in this category, allowing a passing efficiency of 146.56 on average. In 2014, UK was now ranked in 57th in this category, allowing a passing efficiency of 126.55 on average.

For comparison of team pass efficiency defense, Alabama ranked 30th, allowing a passing efficiency of 116.53 (which is a very, very realistic leap for UK's pass defense). Ole Miss ranked 16th in that category, allowing a passing efficiency of 110.78. I believe UK could find somewhere in between these numbers next season.

I think it's very realistic that the defense improves all around. Runs will be easier to stop due to new-found depth in the front 7, a lot of quality players coming off of redshirt, experience, and a nice combo of size and speed. We'll likely have a bigger, stronger defensive line that will be stacked with 2-gap defensive tackles (If I had to guess today who would be the starting defensive tackles, I would say Melvin Lewis, Matt Elam, and Cory Johnson, which should cover a lot of real estate up front, an really take the pressure off the linebackers). Loving the way things are heading. If the cornerbacks are UK's biggest issue as of this spring, and they're improving off of those numbers, he's holding the defense to the same standard that he held them at while he was at Florida State, and things are going great.

Great post and fully agree. I can't wait to watch our front 7 next year, I think it will surprise some people. Stoops is building a defense folks...

 

[mwatson61]

I think the DE will be ok. At the Jack/DE, I look for Hatcher to realize it is his time and run with it. I think he can be a force that harasses QBs all year. Time for him to live up to his 4* rating. Also looking forward to what Bell can bring to the table. Would be great for Daniel to RS. I think Jabari Johnson and Farrington Huguenin will take Big Z's spot and do well.

I have never been a Hatcher fan. He had all of the talent in the world in High School but never consistantly brought it. His coaches described him as lazy and took too many plays off. So far in College, he has showed nothing to believe he's any different. Maybe he's matured I guess we'll find out.

 

[Blue Decade]

The defense allowed only 215 passing yards per game, a solid 15 fewer yards per game than each of the previous two seasons (and good for 43rd in the country) and they continued to keep plays in front of them, allowing the second fewest long completions (of 40 yards or more) of any defense in the SEC. Our defense has a tremendous knack for keeping the ball in front of them and not allowing explosive plays. This upcoming year, I fully expect our boys to be able to time hits and deflection attempts, and allow even fewer passing yards per game.

For comparison of pass defenses, Muchamp's Gators (which had elite pass defenders on it), was ranked 41st. Others close to that were Mizzou (39th), Arkansas (37th).

Some may argue that teams didn't get as many pass yards because they would tend to run more against UK, which I would agree, but UK did markedly improve from 2013 to 2014 in team passing efficiency defense (accounts for completion percentage).

Your whole post was accurate. I excerpted these passages to emphasize another point. You are suggesting some teams ran the ball against Kentucky last year because it worked. That's sure to be true. But this time around, our defense will be a lot tougher up the middle of the field with Lewis, Elam, Johnson, Meant, Forrest, Flannigan, and the safeties having an additional year of experience, plus adding Middleton, Miggins, and Firios. If Love is eligible, even better. It will be harder to run the football against us, which should also help our pass defense since we won't need to move our safeties up very often.

 

[RV2]

I think something else people should consider is that UK finished the season ranked 19th in the country (2nd in the SEC) in turnover margin last season. In 2013? UK was tied for 82nd in that category (9th in the SEC). For comparison, one other SEC team made a large leap in that category. Mizzou moved from 55th place in that ranking in 2013 to 20th place in 2014.

Also, in 2013, UK had only 3 interceptions on the season (that's horrendous). In the 2014 season, when our DB's became upperclassmen, that number grew from 3 interceptions to 15 (which was good for 23rd in the country in the rankings). 12 of which were recorded by defensive backs. In 2013, only 1 of the 3 interceptions were made by a defensive back. That's an enormous improvement.

The defense allowed only 215 passing yards per game, a solid 15 fewer yards per game than each of the previous two seasons (and good for 43rd in the country) and they continued to keep plays in front of them, allowing the second fewest long completions (of 40 yards or more) of any defense in the SEC. Our defense has a tremendous knack for keeping the ball in front of them and not allowing explosive plays. This upcoming year, I fully expect our boys to be able to time hits and deflection attempts, and allow even fewer passing yards per game.

For comparison of pass defenses, Muchamp's Gators (which had elite pass defenders on it), was ranked 41st. Others close to that were Mizzou (39th), Arkansas (37th).

Some may argue that teams didn't get as many pass yards because they would tend to run more against UK, which I would agree, but UK did markedly improve from 2013 to 2014 in team passing efficiency defense (accounts for completion percentage). In 2013, UK ranked 100th in this category, allowing a passing efficiency of 146.56 on average. In 2014, UK was now ranked in 57th in this category, allowing a passing efficiency of 126.55 on average.

For comparison of team pass efficiency defense, Alabama ranked 30th, allowing a passing efficiency of 116.53 (which is a very, very realistic leap for UK's pass defense). Ole Miss ranked 16th in that category, allowing a passing efficiency of 110.78. I believe UK could find somewhere in between these numbers next season.

I think it's very realistic that the defense improves all around. Runs will be easier to stop due to new-found depth in the front 7, a lot of quality players coming off of redshirt, experience, and a nice combo of size and speed. We'll likely have a bigger, stronger defensive line that will be stacked with 2-gap defensive tackles (If I had to guess today who would be the starting defensive tackles, I would say Melvin Lewis, Matt Elam, and Cory Johnson, which should cover a lot of real estate up front, an really take the pressure off the linebackers). Loving the way things are heading. If the cornerbacks are UK's biggest issue as of this spring, and they're improving off of those numbers, he's holding the defense to the same standard that he held them at while he was at Florida State, and things are going great.

While I agree and enjoy your enthusiasm, the only time Lewis, Elam AND Johnson will be on the field at the same time is running on and off the four times they enter and leave the stadium. Lewis and Elam play the same position. One caveate might be in a goal line/short yardage package.

 

[Rhavicc]

Your whole post was accurate. I excerpted these passages to emphasize another point. You are suggesting some teams ran the ball against Kentucky last year because it worked. That's sure to be true. But this time around, our defense will be a lot tougher up the middle of the field with Lewis, Elam, Johnson, Meant, Forrest, Flannigan, and the safeties having an additional year of experience, plus adding Middleton, Miggins, and Firios. If Love is eligible, even better. It will be harder to run the football against us, which should also help our pass defense since we won't need to move our safeties up very often.

Exactly. With the size and strength that we could have up front (which would potentially be the biggest defensive line in the SEC, with Elam weighing about 360, and Lewis weighing about 342, Johnson would be the smallest at somewhere around 298-305 pounds). Each of the linebackers have size now (Flannigan would be the smallest on the interior, listed at 220 but Stoops said he's put on more weight and muscle, and he's also faster. Forrest is around 240, and Hatcher, as well as Ware are both around 250). I also think the safety combo of AJ Stamps and Darius West could be very, very good, against the run as well as the pass. A lot to be optimistic about on both sides of the ball next season.

 

[Rhavicc]

While I agree and enjoy your enthusiasm, the only time Lewis, Elam AND Johnson will be on the field at the same time is running on and off the four times they enter and leave the stadium. Lewis and Elam play the same position. One caveate might be in a goal line/short yardage package.

I think a big reason that the staff had Elam backing up Lewis is because Elam was too big and out of shape to really be effective extensively, and Lewis was the best defensive tackle. Over the course of the off-season, Elam has lost around 35 pounds of so, and has learned a lot in his time at UK. I think it's very possible, and very beneficial for Lewis and Elam to co-exist up front.

 

[CATFANFOLIFE87]

The pass rush doesn't worry me. In a 3-4 a lot of your pressure comes from blitzes. We finished 6th in the SEC in sacks last year and were also near the top of the conference in blitzes. Stoops likes to send DBs on blitzes and Randolph looked damn good doing it some last year. CJ Johnson is going to have a breakout year too now that he has experience in the system and has adjusted to the SEC

 

[EliteBlue]

[QUOTE="SaguaroCat, post: 1776495, member: 7654
And even that is misleading, because we started to use Brown's more fast paste game play.

The fast paste dries more quickly, right? Sorry, couldn't resist.[/QUOTE]
It was intentional. An old rafters joke.

 

[ModernThirst_Bill]

I just want to see an ability to defend the pass. Year after year our lack pass defense seems to drive me nuts.

 

[Comebakatz3]

I just want to see an ability to defend the pass. Year after year our lack pass defense seems to drive me nuts.

The problem is that we aren't able to defend the pass or the run. The pass is more frustrating at time because when we finally get someone in a third and long situation we often still give up the first down instead of getting off the the field. Still, the major concern is getting into 2nd and long and 3rd and long more often. Many times last year teams were able to go to 4th down and get first downs on us because they got close enough on third. We did not intimidate them at all on defense. That needs to change. We need to show some teams that we aren't someone you can just cut right through.

As I have said for years, the thing I want to see more of is just a meanness on defense. Hard hitting and making people pay. Today I suppose they call it playing with swagger.

 

[ModernThirst_Bill]

I agree on the physicality. And part of the pass defense is due to lack of pressure at times up front. I just see far too often that our opposition seems to find WRs running free, or who have too easily beat our Dbacks. Particularly on 3rd down. Finding wide open WRs is just perennially too easy against our defense (this isn't a recent phenomenon). I'm hoping that having a defensive minded guy at HC changes that, so hopefully that year three leap shows itself there.

 

[KingsportKat]

The fast paste dries more quickly, right? Sorry, couldn't resist.

It was intentional. An old rafters joke.[/QUOTE]

Ah, good. IIRC that thread was hilarious.

 

[hmt5000]

I thought some of the young guys were the harder hitters on the team. Our safeties are gonna lay some wood this year. I think lber play takes a big step forward and if those guys can make tackles at the los instead of 5 to 10 yards downfield then I think this D ends up in the upper half of the sec and top 40 or so nationally.

I really think this season is gonna come down to lber play. Ware hatcher Forrest and flannigan can make this D top 30 or stuck in the 50s+. 3-4 demands that you have good lber play.... just have to.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Our defense looks like it should be better and deeper. It will be the most experienced defense UK has put on the field in years.

 

[CatDaddy4daWin]

Defense was really green last year. We weren't sure we'd have enough LBers to even play last year. Talent, experience, depth and strength should all be improved. All of those first year guys now have experience and a year or two in the S&C program. I don't know how much better our D will be but I believe it can be greatly improved. If we're able to reduce the 3rd down conversions we'll win a few more ballgames.

LB, DT and S seem like they will be the strength of the defense. Remains to be seen how improved the DE and corner spots will be. But you gotta believe that Stoops being more directly involved with the DB's will have a good impact. It would really be great to see both the offense and defense play well in the same game.

 

[BigBlueCatNation]

Good post. However, it takes much more time to develop a defense than it does an offense. We haven't had a good defensive coach that has stayed to build that consistency in a long time. Stoops inherited decent talent at those schools, much more than what he inherited at UK. It will take time.

Don't jump off the boat if this years defense doesn't make that drastic jump Stoops has shown in the past. It will get done, it just may take another year.

 

[Blue Decade]

Exactly. With the size and strength that we could have up front (which would potentially be the biggest defensive line in the SEC, with Elam weighing about 360, and Lewis weighing about 342, Johnson would be the smallest at somewhere around 298-305 pounds). Each of the linebackers have size now (Flannigan would be the smallest on the interior, listed at 220 but Stoops said he's put on more weight and muscle, and he's also faster. Forrest is around 240, and Hatcher, as well as Ware are both around 250). I also think the safety combo of AJ Stamps and Darius West could be very, very good, against the run as well as the pass. A lot to be optimistic about on both sides of the ball next season.

I don't think it is about size, per se. And if Elam wants to play more snaps this year, he better not weigh 360. Elam needs to get down to 340-350, and Lewis needs to play at 325. It is about quality depth, experience, and another year in Stoops' system, including important benefits of better conditioning. We have more quality SEC caliber players at linebacker and defensive line than we have previously had. The impact of Stoops' recruiting classes is showing up now.