Realistic D performance against ODU

[AtlAppMan]

It is interesting to see the opinions on this board of how our D may perform against ODU this week. I have seen many (not all) predicted scores as high as 13-24 pts on ODU side. Considering how strong our defense was last year and what we saw at UT last week it is obvious to me that we are better this year than last year. IMO, anything North of 10 pts would be considered a less than acceptable performance by our defense. I believe that would also be the consensus of the team and the coaching staff so I don't think I am unreasonable in my expectations. This defense is starting to put a stake in the ground regarding their performance regardless of the performance of the offense, special teams or other team's performance. I like that.

What I saw last week at UT was a tenacious attacking defense swarming all over the field. The vast majority of the stops incorporated multiple players converging on the ball carrier. The game that came to mind was the 2014 Super Bowl where the Seahawks D swarmed all over the field making plays.

What are other's thoughts on this topic.

[asucrutch23]

Totally agree. This is a special unit. The over/under in Vegas is 54.5 with App favored by 21. Essentially a 38-17 score. I would be shocked if the total for this game is over the 54.5. I agree anything more than 10 would be a disappointment. I'd love to keep them out of the end zone again, with a shutout being icing on the cake.

[sixtoes9134]

We had a lot of things working in our favor last year. Their QB was awful and when we got to him early, he was toast. Combine that with the weather and you get a lop sided score.

I expect this game will be closer than we all might like. We still win by 2 TDs, but they will put up points. If we blank them again, I'd be shocked AND pumped.

Just win, stay healthy, stay hungry.

[bigdaddyg]

I think a bunch of guys on this board use terms like "trap game" and are cautiously optimistic when predicting games. I refuse to predict an App loss no matter who we play. Why do that? If a fan predicts us to lose and picks the right score are they proud of that- no biggie in the scheme of things. I too am surprised to see folks predicting that ODU will score over 17 points. I believe our defense is beyond stout and our reserves won't give up garbage.

[bcoach]

Although I think our defense is pretty damn good last week was not a true test. The test will be when the other team also has a passing game. That will loosen us up a bit and be the real test. I think we will be fine but last week was not the true test. With that said we were outstanding last week.

[firemoose]

It's something to keep in mind but it's no secret that we would, if possible, like to get some of the starters out as quickly as possible to rest them for next week. The D quicker than the O since the O needs some more passing work and needs to get the ball downfield before we have to do it against the U. That could affect the score somewhat if we are able to pull some guys.

Washington is a dual threat QB and better than Bentley last year, Lawry is a very good RB and I don't look at last year as an indication of what we'll see tomorrow. He was banged up last year after playing two rough games and us getting up so quick limited what plays they could call for him. They were on our side of the 50 several times last year and came away with nothing plus even gave up a long fumble return to Stringer. And this is a 85 scholarship FBS team who's butt we kicked all over their home field last year. Personally I never sell anyone short.

Setting over/under numbers to be disappointed with is fine if you want to but just like us last week there are 11 guys on each side of the ball and they all want to win. Couple of bad bounces or an injury or two and everything changes. We saw some of those bounces Thursday as well. Play hard, play smart, get the damn W, and turn towards next week. As long as you have more points at 0:00 that's all that matters.

[Yosef84]

I think ODU is a great game to have this week and I hope they do test our passing D. I think we will step up and perform well. I'm not predicting a shutout but I think our D is legit. The question of how we would perform against a passing offense was asked and answered several times last year. The Sunbelt loves to throw the ball! I believe we will be prepared.

[AppSt94]

I agree with Moose. I don't think that you can look at the point total and make a determination on the overall success of the unit. We will have to break it down to who is playing when the points are scored and how long are they on the field. It would not surprise me to see our starting DB's to play longer into the game for the reps, but I am anxious to see our backup LBs. Talk is that they are just as good as our starters.

[ASU_MBA]

Their QB Washington will play much better than Dobbs did against us. Look for screens and the use of the TE. Plus i think Washington can be more accurate. He is also very elusive and a strong runner.

[ASUGoose]

The offensive match-up today against our D is totally different than what we saw against Tennessee. Tennessee was going to come right at us with the run game and try to our physical us. ODU is going to spread things out and try to attack us out in space. Will be interesting to see how our D adapts to the match-up today.

[ASUGrad2014]

I thought the defense played soft today. Our secondary is going to have to play lights out next week, and we have to put WAY more pressure on the QB.

[Rekdiver]

Tennessee is sucking right now...The U will pass like crazy and the QB is good

[boonetown1]

Yeah, secondary was the BIG weak spot today. Played soft and looked lost a lot.

[mtnjax]

I thought the defense played soft today. Our secondary is going to have to play lights out next week, and we have to put WAY more pressure on the QB.

i don't know what game you were watching, but we were putting plenty of pressure on the QB. his elusiveness just made it harder to actually get to him. If we keep up with that pressure against less mobile QB's, we'll get home more often than not.

[AppinVA]

We out scored the team from Conference Right Twix 80-7 over our two meetings. I believe our defense is just fine.

[JTApps1]

Most of their passing yards came on plays where the QB ran around and then just heaved the ball down the field hoping someone caught it. Sometimes his guy got it and other times it was incomplete. That was wasn't even close to a precision passing attack.

It was pretty evident we put everything on cruise control after getting up 17. At the end of the day we won 31-7 on a day everyone thought could be a trap game. Bring on the Canes!

[AtlAppMan]

Like I said in my original statement on this thread, I didn't see ODU putting up more than 10 pts. That is exactly what they did today. That statement was all about our D and nothing about any other aspect of our team.

[hapapp]

You have to wonder if ODU had a kicker if they don't go on 4th as often as they did.

Also, let's work on that fake FG.

It was good to finally get a 2nd half score.

[app97]

where was Alex Gray today?

[firemoose]

where was Alex Gray today?

He hurt an ankle in practice this week. He came out in pregame and tried to work it (was running with the 1's) but it got worse and he left the field. He was on the sideline in street clothes. We'll have to see if he gets back by next week.