Defensively Speaking: Arizona

Saturday was yet again another example of our team overcoming adversity including injuries to key starting players, continual Pac-12 incompetent officiating, defensive gap assignment misses but all combined to just grind out another gritty away-game winning effort on a less-than-perfect night. These are the games you must win as we learn and grow into championship form. This team is developing and growing in the right direction though sometimes it’s tough to watch…but don’t turn off the TV or head for the parking lot too soon. This team is going to win a lot of close games and late too.

While I don’t put much stock into point spreads, I found our +15 spread as silly but reflecting the widespread point of view that we would blow U of A off the field as a result the benefits of a bye week and the opportunity to get players healthy. Well, just remember that when Coach Riley says a player is day-to-day, he means it and at face value. Btw, be sure and check to see if our opponent has a bye, homecoming and guys rolling off the injury list. U of A had all of that going in their favor.

So, our base defensive set was still a 3-4 (three DLs, four LBs or upright two-point stance defenders) but we also used two high safety combinations which included Bullock and Ohio State Portal transfer, Bryson Shaw. We adjusted to U of A’s multiple front formations and situations with safeties, nickel backs and stunts/slants which at times looked more like a 4-1-6 (aka a “Dime” package). I did notice Tuli playing a couple downs at inside MLB which looked an awful lot like the dreaded Tampa 2 coverage. As a steady diet, I don’t think it’s a good use of Tuli. But as an occasional change of pace, I like it as it forces the opponent’s O line to really communicate about second-level blocking assignments.

So, what Worked:

* Our stunting and especially slanting (defensive player slanting across the face of an offensive blocker) did get penetration compared to the Utah game
* Four TFLs including one sack
* There was improved gap control across the LOS (Line of Scrimmage) which slightly reduced U of A’s running back efficiency
* Kickoffs were again a positive with five of seven touchbacks
* Our Red zone conversions were 7 of 7…we’ll take it
* Nice interception by Bryson Shaw which stopped a U of A drive

So, what didn’t Work:

* Only converted 1 out of 3 Field Goal attempts…this is unacceptable and could quite easily cost us the game at the worst possible time

Shout Outs:

* Bryson Shaw stepping up as safety when he did was needed badly
* Btw, just a reminder that we need Gentry back as he’s a baller and can play multiple
positions while driving offensive coordinators crazy. He is a mismatch just about every
play.
* Shane Lee is a difference-maker. I’m getting tired of hearing from certain TV announcers
that the opponents’ offense continues to target Lee since he is slower than a running
back. Well, no kidding. But just ask U of A’s running backs how much fun it was to run
into Lee as a ball carrier…depends on one’s perspective
* Tuli had a more impactful game than two weeks ago even he still gets double-teamed,
and chip blocked on almost every play.
* Caleb Williams had another outstanding game. Without him this team isn’t even .500
* This week is also about getting healthy, prep certain players to learn new positions and
get ready to run the table. To do so this defense needs to continue to penetrate the
LOS.
* Williams got more relaxed in tough situations and while learning to find an open safety
valve.

It’s now time to continue to run the table. This team is improving, and I think we’re
getting better faster than our scheduled opponents. Fight on!