Defense...who's got it??

[DOME]

Who's been really tough this year? I was just noticing that UNI has a good shot at holding their last three opponents under 500 yards combined...not sure if that says more about the opponents or UNI D but who else is looking tough?

[Houndawg]

SIU gets better every week as they adjust to the 3-4. Held WIU to about 80 yards net rushing and 175 yards total, but their real strength is making big plays on big downs.

Donaldson had 99 yards on 28 carries.

[DetroitFlyer]

http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2008&rpt=IAA_teamtotdef&site=org

Dayton is currently ranked 6th in FCS in total defense.

http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2008&rpt=IAA_teamrushdef&site=org

Dayton is the number one team in FCS in rushing defense!

[Eight Legger]

Our defense is holding opponents to an average of 114 yards per game rushing and 154 yards per game passing, which is the lowest combined total of yards allowed in the CAA and the lowest of any top-25 team.

[FargoBison]

Defense and Tyler Roehl is about all we have....

Pass Defense(1st)- 104.2 yards per game
Total Defense(5th)- 251.2 yards per game
Scoring Defense(11th)- 17.7 points per game

If we only had a solid QB. xsmhx xsmhx

[Anovafan]

I'd put Richmond and Nova up there with any defenses out there. JMU slightly behind.

[URMite]

Our defense is holding opponents to an average of 114 yards per game rushing and 154 yards per game passing, which is the lowest combined total of yards allowed in the CAA and the lowest of any top-25 team.

The scoring is not bad either. We don't shut many teams out (Gtown) but only twice above 17. Nova at 26 and JMU 38 xnonono2x (23 with 1 min left).

The D has allowed 10TD & 13FG in 6 games against FBS & still playoff eligible FCS. xthumbsupx

[Dukie95]

I'd put Richmond and Nova up there with any defenses out there. JMU slightly behind.

Actually, the three are really close, but JMU's actually ahead of Nova in total D. But, all three have been against weak schedules. I'm sure we wish we had that number 1 rated D. xsmiley_wix

[slycat]

No one in the Southland Conference. Northwestern St starts to have one then get blown out.

[gbhmt]

Our defense is holding opponents to an average of 114 yards per game rushing and 154 yards per game passing, which is the lowest combined total of yards allowed in the CAA and the lowest of any top-25 team.

This is probably the most credible stat.

[URMite]

Actually, the three are really close, but JMU's actually ahead of Nova in total D. But, all three have been against weak schedules. I'm sure we wish we had that number 1 rated D. xsmiley_wix

You know, you are absolutely right, I'm sure any team that played JMU, Nova, & UR would be certain to keep that #1 Rush D title. xcoffeex

[GrizFamily]

I like where the Montana D is at right now. It was a huge question mark coming into this season after losing so many seniors. But we are playing well and just held the #1 passing offence to half it's usual total (195 on an average of 400+).

[URMite]

This is probably the most credible stat.

It does seem interesting that there are a lot more top 25 teams with top 25 total offense than top 25 total defense.

[Houndawg]

http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2008&rpt=IAA_teamtotdef&site=org

Dayton is currently ranked 6th in FCS in total defense.

http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2008&rpt=IAA_teamrushdef&site=org

Dayton is the number one team in FCS in rushing defense!

Dayton doesn't count.xnonox

[Laserlips]

HEY!

I know, I know! Let me answer this one...

Our GSU Eagles! Yea!!! xthumbsupx

No wait... Maybe that's OFFENSE? Yea!!! xthumbsupx

No, wait...

Um.. Come to think of it our 2008 Eagles don't have either consistently...

And that sucks, because I don't think I can even use the "wait till next year" argument.

And that sucks..xbawlingx

Jesse

[charliej]

Nova's got D!xnodx ...best I've felt about it in a long time.

Also agree that UR & JMU are right up there too. UNH D is much improved over what it's been the last few years as well.

[Eight Legger]

Villanova's run D is only allowing 84 yards a game. That's pretty impressive. I suppose the way to beat them is through the air, but you have to pick the right spots.

[Dukie95]

Top 25 teams ranked by total defense. If you want a different stat, do it yourself - that took a lot of time.



National
Name Rank Ydspgm
Richmond Spiders 8 269.40
South Carolina State Bulldogs 10 280.50
James Madison Dukes 14 292.56
Western Illinois Leathernecks 19 304.33
Southern Illinois Salukis 21 306.78
Harvard Crimson 22 307.25
Villanova Wildcats 23 308.00
William & Mary Tribe 28 313.22
Montana Grizzlies 29 314.60
Northern Iowa Panthers 30 315.10
Elon Phoenix 32 315.70
Tennessee State Tigers 33 315.90
Weber State Wildcats 45 332.27
Massachusetts Minutemen 46 333.00
Maine Black Bears 47 333.30
Furman Paladins 49 334.20
Liberty Flames 51 338.60
Cal Poly Mustangs 53 340.25
Appalachian State Mountaineers 65 355.90
McNeese State Cowboys 67 356.78
Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks 75 368.00
New Hampshire Wildcats 80 370.33
Colgate Raiders 84 373.90
Wofford Terriers 89 381.11
Central Arkansas Bears NR(Prov) 385.40

[McNeese75]

Defense xconfusedx

[DetroitFlyer]

Dayton doesn't count.xnonox

Wrong! The stats I referenced are directly from the NCAA website. Care to try again?

[X-Factor]

Our defense is holding opponents to an average of 114 yards per game rushing and 154 yards per game passing, which is the lowest combined total of yards allowed in the CAA and the lowest of any top-25 team.

Actually NDSU would be ahead of Richmond. We are not ranked in every poll, but we are about #23 in some polls like the coaches

http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2008&rpt=IAA_teamtotdef&site=org


Defense and Tyler Roehl is about all we have....

Pass Defense(1st)- 104.2 yards per game
Total Defense(5th)- 251.2 yards per game
Scoring Defense(11th)- 17.7 points per game

If we only had a solid QB. xsmhx xsmhx

[Houndawg]

Wrong! The stats I referenced are directly from the NCAA website. Care to try again?

Dayton plays high school teams.

[appstate38]

Well I am glad to see the SoCon schools stayed out of this conversation.... Could have gotten embarassing.

[Chi Panther]

BYU didn't help UNI's numbers.....Max Hall and that TE are TOUGH!!!!

[bigskyrocks]

Wrong! The stats I referenced are directly from the NCAA website. Care to try again?


im sure most teams who play the schedule dayton has would have a amazing defense. play someone like appy, montana, jmu and then say you have a top 5 defense.

i think that the best 3 quarter D would have to be montana only 13 points (correct me if im wrong im going off memory) and only 1 touchdown.

[R3TRO]

Dayton plays high school teams.

I'm sorry to any Dayton fans because i'm not familiar with your program.... but xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[wideright82]

Wrong! The stats I referenced are directly from the NCAA website. Care to try again?



Edit: Bashing on Dayton football has officially become the norm. Letting the flyers breath.

[clenz]

BYU didn't help UNI's numbers.....Max Hall and that TE are TOUGH!!!!
Pitta is a solid TE that could be a decent possession WR/TE at the next level.

[Native]

BYU didn't help UNI's numbers.....Max Hall and that TE are TOUGH!!!!

xcoolx UNDEFEATED #8 Utah (11th in total defense and 39th in total offense) did not help Weber's numbers on defense or offense... but didn't hurt too much either! xlolx xlolx xlolx

[UNIFanSince1983]

Interesting since I was looking at statistics that Indiana State is 99th in Total Defense, but they are 7th in Passing Defense.

Of course with how bad they are against the run their opponents must not need to pass the ball against them.

[PaladinFan]

I'd be interested to see what the SoCon defenses will do in the playoffs. There's been flashes of brillance but the offenses in this league are such machines that it's hard to get a guage.

[Native]

Top scoring defenses from the ncaa, followed by the Massey strength of schedule rank. As you can see, the only top 25 defensive teams who also played a top 25 schedule are Richmond, Montana, JMU, Delaware, Villanova and Weber:

1 Yale 11.9 (82nd strongest schedule according to Massey)
2 Prairie View 13.9 (113)
3 Grambling 14.0 (92)
4 Lafayette 15.0 (77)
5 Dayton 15.1 (117)
6 Pennsylvania 15.1 (69)
7 Bethune-Cookman 15.6 (101)
8 Richmond 16.6 (4)
9 UNI 17.1 (38)
10 Drake 17.2 (118)
11 North Dakota St.17.7 (57)
12 Western Ill. 18.1 (45)
13 Jackson St. 18.3 (110)
14 South Carolina St. 18.4 (84)
15 Morgan St. 18.5 (91)
16 San Diego 19.0 (122)
17 Samford 19.1 (35)
18 Montana 19.4 (19)
19 James Madison19.4 (1)
20 Harvard 19.6 (76)
21 Delaware 19.7 (6)
22 Jacksonville 20.1 (116)
23 Villanova 20.1 (3)
24 Southern Ill. 20.2 (46)
25 Weber St. 20.5 (20)

[GrizFanStuckInUtah]

BYU didn't help UNI's numbers.....Max Hall and that TE are TOUGH!!!!

They were basically missing their best receiver that game due to a stress fracture, very limited action. Collie is leading the nation in receiving this year and yet BYU still struggles lately, go figure :) I do think Pitta will make it to the pro's, big,physical and can catch.

[purplepeopleeaterv2]

Top 25 teams ranked by total defense. If you want a different stat, do it yourself - that took a lot of time.



National
Name Rank Ydspgm
Richmond Spiders 8 269.40
South Carolina State Bulldogs 10 280.50
James Madison Dukes 14 292.56
Western Illinois Leathernecks 19 304.33
Southern Illinois Salukis 21 306.78
Harvard Crimson 22 307.25
Villanova Wildcats 23 308.00
William & Mary Tribe 28 313.22
Montana Grizzlies 29 314.60
Northern Iowa Panthers 30 315.10
Elon Phoenix 32 315.70
Tennessee State Tigers 33 315.90
Weber State Wildcats 45 332.27
Massachusetts Minutemen 46 333.00
Maine Black Bears 47 333.30
Furman Paladins 49 334.20
Liberty Flames 51 338.60
Cal Poly Mustangs 53 340.25
Appalachian State Mountaineers 65 355.90
McNeese State Cowboys 67 356.78
Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks 75 368.00
New Hampshire Wildcats 80 370.33
Colgate Raiders 84 373.90
Wofford Terriers 89 381.11
Central Arkansas Bears NR(Prov) 385.40

Kinda suprised to see our Defense that close compared to Richmond. Must be the shutout against Hofstra that is helping that case.

[HensRock]

Top scoring defenses from the ncaa, followed by the Massey strength of schedule rank. As you can see, the only top 25 defensive teams who also played a top 25 schedule are Richmond, Montana, JMU, Delaware, Villanova and Weber:

1 Yale 11.9 (82nd strongest schedule according to Massey)
2 Prairie View 13.9 (113)
3 Grambling 14.0 (92)
4 Lafayette 15.0 (77)
5 Dayton 15.1 (117)
6 Pennsylvania 15.1 (69)
7 Bethune-Cookman 15.6 (101)
8 Richmond 16.6 (4)
9 UNI 17.1 (38)
10 Drake 17.2 (118)
11 North Dakota St.17.7 (57)
12 Western Ill. 18.1 (45)
13 Jackson St. 18.3 (110)
14 South Carolina St. 18.4 (84)
15 Morgan St. 18.5 (91)
16 San Diego 19.0 (122)
17 Samford 19.1 (35)
18 Montana 19.4 (19)
19 James Madison19.4 (1)
20 Harvard 19.6 (76)
21 Delaware 19.7 (6)
22 Jacksonville 20.1 (116)
23 Villanova 20.1 (3)
24 Southern Ill. 20.2 (46)
25 Weber St. 20.5 (20)

C'mon. I know you all remember the song!

One of these things is not like the others.
Five of these things are kind of the same.
Can you guess which one is not like the others?
That is how we play our game!

[YoUDeeMan]

UD's trainers have a good defense. A whole team...and then some! 7 linemen (3 starters), 4 LBs (2 starters), and 4 DBs (2 starters). xeekx They only play touch football now.

To paraphrase 72 Hen, an entire defensive team has been lost since the pre-season. Seven Defensive Lineman: Matt Marcorelle, Rich Jarnigan, Chris Morales, Michael Atunrase, and Siddiq Haynes, Gilbreaux, and Higginson. Three Linebackers: Chuck Anderson, Bernard Makumbi and Brian Void. Four defensive backs: Durrell Clark-James, Anthony Bratton, Cody Cipalla and Aaron Hicks.

Talley (our only remaining DL starter) is playing on a bad ankle.

Even with that, UD has played some good D. Imagine what their stats would be like if the O could get them off the field.

At any rate, with those D folks out for the season, Richmond and Villanova have less to worry about an upset even though we now have an actual QB playing QB.

[Hoyadestroya85]

Actually, the three are really close, but JMU's actually ahead of Nova in total D. But, all three have been against weak schedules. I'm sure we wish we had that number 1 rated D. xsmiley_wix

well Villanova's next two games should do something to change that

[Chi Panther]

They were basically missing their best receiver that game due to a stress fracture, very limited action. Collie is leading the nation in receiving this year and yet BYU still struggles lately, go figure :) I do think Pitta will make it to the pro's, big,physical and can catch.

I think we knocked the other starting WR/KR out of the game.

Bottom line was Hall to Pitta was un-stoppable for UNI.:(

[jaxstatealum]

Didn't read through every post, but I do know that WE don't have it xsmhx

[AshevilleApp]

App is #65 in the FCS in Defense, but has been playing better of late.....also helps when you have this

http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2008&rpt=IAA_teamtotoff&site=org

#2 offense in the FCS

[ericsaid]

Also helps having the #3 ranked pass efficiency defense. Only allowing 8 TD's and having 17 interceptions.

PASS EFFICIENCY DEFENSE

Rank Team G Att Com Pct Int Yds TD Rating
1. Grambling 10 331 170 51.36 20 1805 5 90.11
2. Morgan St. 10 231 104 45.02 18 1258 11 90.88
3. Appalachian St. 10 324 164 50.62 17 1875 8 96.87
4. Yale 8 316 183 57.91 16 1655 6 98.03
5. Harvard 8 323 171 52.94 12 1677 11 100.32
6. Pennsylvania 8 229 120 52.40 11 1215 10 101.77
7. Jacksonville 10 281 136 48.40 9 1539 12 102.09
8. Prairie View 9 276 147 53.26 14 1588 9 102.25
9. Jackson St. 9 273 146 53.48 8 1419 10 103.39
10. Savannah St. 10 246 127 51.63 19 1639 9 104.19
11. Bethune-Cookman 9 203 106 52.22 11 1259 7 104.84
12. Dayton 10 370 187 50.54 12 2095 15 104.95
13. San Diego 9 293 154 52.56 13 1713 12 106.35
14. North Dakota St. 9 176 95 53.98 6 938 8 106.95
15. Richmond 10 266 154 57.89 14 1546 9 107.36
16. Lafayette 9 271 140 51.66 7 1698 7 107.69
17. UNI 10 322 178 55.28 14 2062 8 108.59
18. Maine 10 316 172 54.43 17 1935 13 108.65
19. Florida A&M 10 327 183 55.96 13 1886 13 109.62
20. William & Mary 9 284 169 59.51 15 1583 12 109.70
21. Jacksonville St. 10 326 183 56.13 11 2002 9 110.05
22. Western Ill. 9 282 150 53.19 11 1769 11 110.96
23. James Madison 9 237 140 59.07 10 1392 8 111.14
24. Ark.-Pine Bluff 10 272 145 53.31 10 1641 12 111.18
25. Weber St. 11 377 202 53.58 14 2377 14 111.39

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/stat/1AA-teampasseffdef.htm

[Anovafan]

Top scoring defenses from the ncaa, followed by the Massey strength of schedule rank. As you can see, the only top 25 defensive teams who also played a top 25 schedule are Richmond, Montana, JMU, Delaware, Villanova and Weber:

1 Yale 11.9 (82nd strongest schedule according to Massey)
2 Prairie View 13.9 (113)
3 Grambling 14.0 (92)
4 Lafayette 15.0 (77)
5 Dayton 15.1 (117)
6 Pennsylvania 15.1 (69)
7 Bethune-Cookman 15.6 (101)
8 Richmond 16.6 (4)
9 UNI 17.1 (38)
10 Drake 17.2 (118)
11 North Dakota St.17.7 (57)
12 Western Ill. 18.1 (45)
13 Jackson St. 18.3 (110)
14 South Carolina St. 18.4 (84)
15 Morgan St. 18.5 (91)
16 San Diego 19.0 (122)
17 Samford 19.1 (35)
18 Montana 19.4 (19)
19 James Madison19.4 (1)
20 Harvard 19.6 (76)
21 Delaware 19.7 (6)
22 Jacksonville 20.1 (116)
23 Villanova 20.1 (3)
24 Southern Ill. 20.2 (46)
25 Weber St. 20.5 (20)

Take away the 48 that WVU hung on Nova and they are giving up 16.625 a game against FCS competition.

[South Carolina Duke]

Until the UR game our defense was pretty solid.

Due to injuries, our most experienced linebacker is a true freshman. That is an issue for each game going forward W&M, Towson and the playoffs.

Good thing is that we average 40 points per game in the last eight games.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

I think Richmond has a pretty good defense ... but Villanova has a better, deeper defense.

The difference is the linebackers. Villanova's linebackers can really run. For this reason, they are probably the defense best suited to challenge Armanti Edwards in the playoffs.

[wideright82]

Take away the 48 that WVU hung on Nova and they are giving up 16.625 a game against FCS competition.

That WV game is killing us on all facets of defense, but to be fair in that comparison, you would need to remove the other FBS games, so I am sure other teams are having their defensive stats scewed too.

[UNIFanSince1983]

Yeah we are only giving up 14.625 against FCS competition.

[mcveyrl]

I think Richmond has a pretty good defense ... but Villanova has a better, deeper defense.

The difference is the linebackers. Villanova's linebackers can really run. For this reason, they are probably the defense best suited to challenge Armanti Edwards in the playoffs.

Yep. That was what helped us contain him in the second half were our linebackers.


Given our current situation, I'm more than a little worried about a possible rematch

[wideright82]

I think Richmond has a pretty good defense ... but Villanova has a better, deeper defense.

The difference is the linebackers. Villanova's linebackers can really run. For this reason, they are probably the defense best suited to challenge Armanti Edwards in the playoffs.

I would agree with that for the run game, but as far as passing goes, i don't think there is a quarterback in FCS that can run AND throw like he can. He isn't the type of quarterback that you can just stack the box and shut their offense down completely. I think it is somewhat similar to when we played WVU, we shut down the run as best we could, but Pat White can throw.

[South Carolina Duke]

Yep. That was what helped us contain him in the second half were our linebackers.


Given our current situation, I'm more than a little worried about a possible rematch

Correct, but the pass rush is what really bothered Edwards. He did not have the time he is used to having.

[Houndawg]

Do they keep the stats for turnover margin?

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

I would agree with that for the run game, but as far as passing goes, i don't think there is a quarterback in FCS that can run AND throw like he can. He isn't the type of quarterback that you can just stack the box and shut their offense down completely. I think it is somewhat similar to when we played WVU, we shut down the run as best we could, but Pat White can throw.

You need to make him beat you with his throwing. He is more likely to run for 300 yards on you than throw for 300 yards.

You can get some pressure on him, but you have to keep him in the pocket. If he gets outside containment, you're in big trouble.

Its the same deal with Landers. Landers isn't as big a threat to reel off a couple 50 yard runs, but he is so good at running for 12 when he needs 9 ... and getting several extra yards after contact.

I fear Richmond's undoing will be the speed of their linebackers. They are a very solid unit, but we saw a lot of the backs of their jerseys running after Edwards in Boone last December. We have a handful of True Freshmen that play much faster, so it will be interesting to see how that transforms our defense next year.

[UNIFanSince1983]

Do they keep the stats for turnover margin?

Yes they do have the turnover margin stats on the NCAA page.

http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2008&rpt=IAA_teamturnovermrgn&site=org

[james_lawfirm]

App is #65 in the FCS in Defense, but has been playing better of late.....also helps when you have this

http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2008&rpt=IAA_teamtotoff&site=org

#2 offense in the FCS


I was waiting for someone to point this out. I think these defense numbers are COMPLETELY misleading. They have NO reference to the offense. App's D is a HE!! of a lot better than the number comparison shows. Just ask Wofford. None of the other SoCon teams seemed real successful either. Although I thought GaSo did very well against us this year.

When your offense scores in less than 2 minutes on average, 6 plus times a game, then your defense is going to be on the field alot. The real meaningful stats would be 1) turnover margin; 2) scores given up in the red zone; 3) 3 & outs; 4) stops on 3rd & 4th downs; 5) pts. allowed per game. Even if the D is the best in FCS world, they will be challenged to keep the statistics down. And who cares? The only statistic that matters is the score on the board, relative to the other team's. However, these numbers are fascinating.