I think a lot of the criticism levied at Roof and/or Chizik concerning our defense of the last 2 plus years is warranted. The numbers don't lie. The 09" D gave up record numbers and last years D wasn't exactly the 92' Crimpsum Tahd. But then again, who is...except for this year's Bama D...but I digress. And yes, Saturday's performance left everyone saying, "You'd better do some of that coaching shit or 2011 is gonna' be a loooonnng one".
But let's say that Roof and compnay get in the film room and identify the problem. Let's say the players hit the practice field and the light clicks on for them. The game plan for MSU is just what the doctor ordered and everyone knows their role and is ready to execute. But, what did we hear constantly throughout the day Saturday? "We're being pushed around on both sides of the ball." Does proper alignment cure that? Do multiple looks make Gabe Wright any stronger? While I totally agree that this staff needs to change some things up and also beat some tackling technique and proper alignment issues into some heads, does that remedy the situation concerning "getting pushed around"?
No excuses or trying to build up a middle of the WAC Pack USU team. But the fact is that Auburn played 13 true freshmen and 8 redshirt freshmen Saturday according to the post game show. The fact is that Gabe Wright and Angelo Blackson and Devaunte Siglar and Reese Dismukes etc. have had a few months in a college conditioning and weight training program. They were facing guys that have had 3-4 years of top flight weight training and I think the difference showed Saturday. I imagine it will throughout the season. These guys are at a time in their lives when they do the most growing...when they gain the most strength. Dee Ford is a Juinor who came to Auburn at 205 pounds. He was listed at 245 in the program and the pics of him now are pretty damn amazing.
Karlos Dansby came to Auburn years ago as a receiver at just over 200 pounds. A couple of years ago, the man was a 255 pound Pro Bowl linebacker for the Cardinals. Same with guys like Lee Ziemba, who put on close to 40 pounds of muscle over his career at Auburn. The reality is that along with being one of the youngest teams in D1, that youth means they're also 2-3 years behind most people they'll line up against in the weight room. Again, no excuses. It is what it is...aiight? I expect Roof/Chizik to do their thing as far as getting our defensive issues worked out. But I've also come to the realization that not getting "pushed around" may require a lot more time with Coach Kevin Yoxall.
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