Last year ND was the 22nd ranked defense in total yards, but 36th in yards per play (which seems like a better metric). For context, Air Force is number 1 in the former because of their run game but not top 20 in the latter.
So that was just ok, but this year some thing other than the smell of ethanol seems to be in the summer South Bend wind. It is the possibility of a truly elite defense. Two big time shut down corners, plus Christian Gray. Looking back at their numbers from last year, they were truly superb. Experienced, deep, and athletic safeties and linebackers. And a dline that has playmakers and depth and one absolute disrupter. Plus a really good coordinator. Defense is often ahead of offense, but in yesterdays scrimmage our D dominated a really good offense. Last a premiere running game that will keep them off the field. I am starting to get a really good feeling. Please, please, no major injuries.
So that was just ok, but this year some thing other than the smell of ethanol seems to be in the summer South Bend wind. It is the possibility of a truly elite defense. Two big time shut down corners, plus Christian Gray. Looking back at their numbers from last year, they were truly superb. Experienced, deep, and athletic safeties and linebackers. And a dline that has playmakers and depth and one absolute disrupter. Plus a really good coordinator. Defense is often ahead of offense, but in yesterdays scrimmage our D dominated a really good offense. Last a premiere running game that will keep them off the field. I am starting to get a really good feeling. Please, please, no major injuries.