MAC Defensive Player of the Year...Molls vs. Jones

Most years this isn't really something I track too closely, but this year, obviously, BG has an interested in the MAC Defensive Play of the Year.

I have done a little research, and as far as I can see, it comes down to Dan Molls vs. Chris Jones.

I can't see another player with the credentials to make a run for it.

Having said that, I'd say there's a good case to be made for either guy.

Let's review.

Dan Molls is leading the MAC in tackles, which is one thing.  The fact that it isn't even close is another.  He has 115 tackles and the next leading player only has 85.  Yes, Molls has played one extra game, but even on a per game average he is 2 tackles per game ahead of the competition, and that's 12.8 to 10.8....meaning 2 tackles is a big deal.  He is also #2 in the nation in tackles per game.  He also has 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries, one of which he scored a TD on.

Chris Jones is leading the MAC in sacks.  He has 11.5 sacks and the next highest player has 7 and that player has played the same number of games.  He also leads the MAC in TFL with 16.  He is 4th in the nation in sacks and 8th in TFL.  He has scored a touchdown.




As biased as I am, and Molls being a Rocket on top of it, I think either player makes a very strong case.

You could say that Molls plays for the better team (though it is certainly possible both or neither team will play in the MAC title games), and the Rockets have a better record and beat BG.

You could also argue that Jones is the best player on the MAC's best defense and certainly a better defense than UT has.

To me, the biggest argument is that it is easier to generate numbers at MLB than it is at DT.  Linebackers do tend to make a lot of tackles because plays are funneled their way.  It is not that common to see a guy on the interior of the line getting the numbers Jones is.  He fought through way more double teams than Molls did.

To be devil's advocate, it may be easy for MLBs to get numbers but it is easy for all of them to do it and Molls is way better at it than anyone else...and to be fair, Jones has lined up all over the place to get his numbers, not just in the middle.

I just think Jones is a guy you have to game plan around more than Molls, and that's why I think he will and should win, but you can't scream and yell is Molls gets it, either.  Dude is having a hell of a year.