Defense Issues

[MrCraig]

Why is JMU able to dominate us with FCS recruits? Makes me think we’re not recruiting like we’re supposed to. I see a lot of FCS type operations with Clark.

Lol did you just start watching App football last year? The dudes we have right now would absolutely demolish the teams we had from 2010-2012 when I was in school at App.

[AppStFan1]

Why is JMU able to dominate us with FCS recruits? Makes me think we’re not recruiting like we’re supposed to. I see a lot of FCS type operations with Clark.

Lol did you just start watching App football last year? The dudes we have right now would absolutely demolish the teams we had from 2010-2012 when I was in school at App.

Agreed overall. These teams are better than our FCS teams for sure. The problem now is the rest of the Sun Belt has gotten better lately than we have. We came and raised the bar but others are now raising the bar higher than we originally raised it.

I will say though that since FBS there are a couple areas we have not recruited better players such as DE. Hunter, Murrell, and Blair are all better than the ends we have had in FBS. Taylor is the only one I would put on their level. I do think we have a couple on roster now who could end up being studs but they are young.

I think Chase is real good but still say Edwards is the best QB we ever had.

[Saint3333]

Simple, the A&M QB wasn't in the same league as the other three we have faced.

This is spot on, we struggle against an accurate passer that can also run. We’re going to see a minimum of three more of those this season.

[appgrad95&97]

Look, I don't know ANYTHING about defensive schemes, so there's that. Watching games in person and on TV, it seems like just tackling is an issue.

[Stonewall]

I watched Campbell dismantle The Citadel a few weeks ago .This weeks game should be a 50 point blow out and really tell us nothing.And yes , Armanti is still number one and it ain't close.

[AppSt94]

We came into the season replacing two starting DEs with tons of snaps. We were replacing one of our all time greatest ILB along with a part time starter and significant contributor (Roof). We had to replace an NFL caliber corner along with a veteran safety at the 13th hour. Then we lose a starting OLB in week one with no timetable for return. He is replaced with a RSF learning the position on the fly. Not making excuses, just pointing out what it is. Replacing guys like Meech, Spurlin, Jackson, Jolly and Huff isn’t a seamless transition.

[Seattleapp]

We came into the season replacing two starting DEs with tons of snaps. We were replacing one of our all time greatest ILB along with a part time starter and significant contributor (Roof). We had to replace an NFL caliber corner along with a veteran safety at the 13th hour. Then we lose a starting OLB in week one with no timetable for return. He is replaced with a RSF learning the position on the fly. Not making excuses, just pointing out what it is. Replacing guys like Meech, Spurlin, Jackson, Jolly and Huff isn’t a seamless transition.

Stop making sense

[WVAPPeer]

We came into the season replacing two starting DEs with tons of snaps. We were replacing one of our all time greatest ILB along with a part time starter and significant contributor (Roof). We had to replace an NFL caliber corner along with a veteran safety at the 13th hour. Then we lose a starting OLB in week one with no timetable for return. He is replaced with a RSF learning the position on the fly. Not making excuses, just pointing out what it is. Replacing guys like Meech, Spurlin, Jackson, Jolly and Huff isn’t a seamless transition.

That should make no difference whatsoever

[ASUTodd]

We came into the season replacing two starting DEs with tons of snaps. We were replacing one of our all time greatest ILB along with a part time starter and significant contributor (Roof). We had to replace an NFL caliber corner along with a veteran safety at the 13th hour. Then we lose a starting OLB in week one with no timetable for return. He is replaced with a RSF learning the position on the fly. Not making excuses, just pointing out what it is. Replacing guys like Meech, Spurlin, Jackson, Jolly and Huff isn’t a seamless transition.

So what you are saying is that we had such natural talent on our defense that it compensated for having Jones as a defensive coach? Now we don't ..and he's exposed? Gotcha.

[Seattleapp]

We came into the season replacing two starting DEs with tons of snaps. We were replacing one of our all time greatest ILB along with a part time starter and significant contributor (Roof). We had to replace an NFL caliber corner along with a veteran safety at the 13th hour. Then we lose a starting OLB in week one with no timetable for return. He is replaced with a RSF learning the position on the fly. Not making excuses, just pointing out what it is. Replacing guys like Meech, Spurlin, Jackson, Jolly and Huff isn’t a seamless transition.

So what you are saying is that we had such natural talent on our defense that it compensated for having Jones as a defensive coach? Now we don't ..and he's exposed? Gotcha.

I think there are drop offs in talent and experience. That’s the point I think he was making. And replacing that could present challenges for Jones

[AppSt94]

We came into the season replacing two starting DEs with tons of snaps. We were replacing one of our all time greatest ILB along with a part time starter and significant contributor (Roof). We had to replace an NFL caliber corner along with a veteran safety at the 13th hour. Then we lose a starting OLB in week one with no timetable for return. He is replaced with a RSF learning the position on the fly. Not making excuses, just pointing out what it is. Replacing guys like Meech, Spurlin, Jackson, Jolly and Huff isn’t a seamless transition.

So what you are saying is that we had such natural talent on our defense that it compensated for having Jones as a defensive coach? Now we don't ..and he's exposed? Gotcha.

If that’s what you wish to infer so be it. We know that you aren’t a Dale Jones fan.

You do realize that our DL coach has 19years of NFL coaching experience, correct? I’m pretty sure that they know what they are doing.

[App_in_Maiden]

We came into the season replacing two starting DEs with tons of snaps. We were replacing one of our all time greatest ILB along with a part time starter and significant contributor (Roof). We had to replace an NFL caliber corner along with a veteran safety at the 13th hour. Then we lose a starting OLB in week one with no timetable for return. He is replaced with a RSF learning the position on the fly. Not making excuses, just pointing out what it is. Replacing guys like Meech, Spurlin, Jackson, Jolly and Huff isn’t a seamless transition.

So what you are saying is that we had such natural talent on our defense that it compensated for having Jones as a defensive coach? Now we don't ..and he's exposed? Gotcha.

If that’s what you wish to infer so be it. We know that you aren’t a Dale Jones fan.

You do realize that our DL coach has 19years of NFL coaching experience, correct? I’m pretty sure that they know what they are doing.

No. The fine coaches here on this board know a lot more.

[AppStateNews]

We came into the season replacing two starting DEs with tons of snaps. We were replacing one of our all time greatest ILB along with a part time starter and significant contributor (Roof). We had to replace an NFL caliber corner along with a veteran safety at the 13th hour. Then we lose a starting OLB in week one with no timetable for return. He is replaced with a RSF learning the position on the fly. Not making excuses, just pointing out what it is. Replacing guys like Meech, Spurlin, Jackson, Jolly and Huff isn’t a seamless transition.

So what you are saying is that we had such natural talent on our defense that it compensated for having Jones as a defensive coach? Now we don't ..and he's exposed? Gotcha.

We literally have 4-5 defensive players playing out of position. At least 2 (though I think 3) have practiced their new position for less than 3 weeks because the coaches approached them and asked them to move due to injuries.

If you don't see how that can cause problems, that's on you. It also shows you aren't very knowledgeable about football.

[ASUTodd]

We came into the season replacing two starting DEs with tons of snaps. We were replacing one of our all time greatest ILB along with a part time starter and significant contributor (Roof). We had to replace an NFL caliber corner along with a veteran safety at the 13th hour. Then we lose a starting OLB in week one with no timetable for return. He is replaced with a RSF learning the position on the fly. Not making excuses, just pointing out what it is. Replacing guys like Meech, Spurlin, Jackson, Jolly and Huff isn’t a seamless transition.

So what you are saying is that we had such natural talent on our defense that it compensated for having Jones as a defensive coach? Now we don't ..and he's exposed? Gotcha.

We literally have 4-5 defensive players playing out of position. At least 2 (though I think 3) have practiced their new position for less than 3 weeks because the coaches approached them and asked them to move due to injuries.

If you don't see how that can cause problems, that's on you. It also shows you aren't very knowledgeable about football.

I just can't with some of you.....

[AppStateNews]

We came into the season replacing two starting DEs with tons of snaps. We were replacing one of our all time greatest ILB along with a part time starter and significant contributor (Roof). We had to replace an NFL caliber corner along with a veteran safety at the 13th hour. Then we lose a starting OLB in week one with no timetable for return. He is replaced with a RSF learning the position on the fly. Not making excuses, just pointing out what it is. Replacing guys like Meech, Spurlin, Jackson, Jolly and Huff isn’t a seamless transition.

So what you are saying is that we had such natural talent on our defense that it compensated for having Jones as a defensive coach? Now we don't ..and he's exposed? Gotcha.

We literally have 4-5 defensive players playing out of position. At least 2 (though I think 3) have practiced their new position for less than 3 weeks because the coaches approached them and asked them to move due to injuries.

If you don't see how that can cause problems, that's on you. It also shows you aren't very knowledgeable about football.

I just can't with some of you.....

It's mutual.

There are issues. Nobody is denying that. Football is easy in hindsight.

If you don't see an issue with almost half the defense playing out of position, 1/4 of which have been practicing it for less than 3 weeks, you'll never be pleased.

Just curious -- were you upset with the defense against A&M?

[Seattleapp]

Simple, the A&M QB wasn't in the same league as the other three we have faced.

This is spot on, we struggle against an accurate passer that can also run. We’re going to see a minimum of three more of those this season.

Who doesn’t

[Seattleapp]

We came into the season replacing two starting DEs with tons of snaps. We were replacing one of our all time greatest ILB along with a part time starter and significant contributor (Roof). We had to replace an NFL caliber corner along with a veteran safety at the 13th hour. Then we lose a starting OLB in week one with no timetable for return. He is replaced with a RSF learning the position on the fly. Not making excuses, just pointing out what it is. Replacing guys like Meech, Spurlin, Jackson, Jolly and Huff isn’t a seamless transition.

So what you are saying is that we had such natural talent on our defense that it compensated for having Jones as a defensive coach? Now we don't ..and he's exposed? Gotcha.

We literally have 4-5 defensive players playing out of position. At least 2 (though I think 3) have practiced their new position for less than 3 weeks because the coaches approached them and asked them to move due to injuries.

If you don't see how that can cause problems, that's on you. It also shows you aren't very knowledgeable about football.

Truth

[AppSt94]

One guy out or missing assignments makes a huge impact on everyone else. Look at 2017. We were giving up 20 ppg. We lost to UMass and lost a track meet to ULM while Stringer was out with an injury.

[bcoach]

One guy out or missing assignments makes a huge impact on everyone else. Look at 2017. We were giving up 20 ppg. We lost to UMass and lost a track meet to ULM while Stringer was out with an injury.

Very true but wasn't that something moving up was going to change. Didn't we always say that our second string was the difference between us in FCS and the FBS guys?

[BambooRdApp]

One guy out or missing assignments makes a huge impact on everyone else. Look at 2017. We were giving up 20 ppg. We lost to UMass and lost a track meet to ULM while Stringer was out with an injury.

Very true but wasn't that something moving up was going to change. Didn't we always say that our second string was the difference between us in FCS and the FBS guys?

In response to depth, i wonder if the coaching changes are having impact on overall recruiting and we are feeling impact now. 3 coaches in 3 years...1st year for Clark was Covid year, etc. Not making excuses. I am curious if we may have missed out on recruits due to this or the recruiting infrastructure and process were impacted.
I do not follow recruiting for App. St. to know one way or the other.