Sweet Victory: The Defense

The BG defense has been much maligned over the course of this season and it was reasonable based on the results.

The BG defense had little to no success stopping anyone.

In the last two games, they have finally stopped someone, and they have done it with less than a full complement of players.


They held CMU without scoring in the second half and they did the same with Akron.  They have not allowed a touchdown in 6 quarters.

All disclaimers apply.  CMU and Akron are both poor offensive teams and Akron's QB was clearly not 100%.  On the other hand, BG's struggles on the defensive side of the ball occurred against some high-powered offenses as well.  These are teams in BG's conference--not FCS teams--and BG has been stopping them.

And not without some additional adversity.  Look, the defense was going to be a struggle anyway, even if you keep everyone you had when last season ended.  But you have transfers and then discipline issues and then Konowalski and Belton are injured.  Things only got harder.  I know fans are critical of Pelini's management of the defense, but honestly losing all those guys and not being worse than last year was an accomplishment.

BG played yesterday with four down lineman.  That's incredible.  A first for Coach Pelini.  Most teams rotate 6-8 players on the line to keep them fresh, but the Falcons were forced to go old-school with their front.

And they got the job done.  They held Akron to 4.1 yards per play.  Akron rushed for 2.8 yards per carry.  They were 12 of 28 passing, for a decent 12.3 per completion.  The defense got no turnovers but had four sacks.

Names.  Nico Lautenen tied for the team lead in tackles.  Never seen that before.  He also had 1.5 sacks.  Caleb Biggers tied him with 7 tackles.  True freshman.  Kyle Junior with 3 TFL and a sack.  Karl Brooks--who committed after Pelini was here--is also a true FR and had 1.5 sacks.  Jonah Harper and Ty Redding broke up 2 passes each.  Jerry McBride played through two injuries.

And here's the coup de grace.  Akron was 1 of 13 on 3rd down.  You read that right.

You have seen some changes in playing time.  I don't know if they are related to injury or what.  Biggers seems to be getting snaps at the expense of Jamari Bozeman.

Last note.  Gregory will miss the first half of the Buffalo game due to the targeting.  I assume Redding will be in his place.  Coach Pelini says he has confidence in him.

LAST note.  It's going to be fun Friday.  Obviously, BG will be heavy underdogs.  Buffalo has everything to play for.  There will be zero pressure on the Falcons, however.  Who knows what can happen?