Shout out for Liufau

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

He had by far his best game today. I hope he continues to ascend. Freeman had this to say...

When I came in here in 2021, he was an aggressive, physical football player. At times, could have been out of control. Right? And I think last year, he was continuously learning the defense, right? And when you're thinking, right, you don't play as fast.

And so, what you're seeing this year is a guy that truly understands the defense, understands the details. So now he has velocity. We say clarity equals velocity. And he is extremely clear on his assignments.

 

[Airzee23]

Freeman will build the best defense in ND history if he stays long enough.

 

[GDFan]

I have been very critical of liafau, today he was really good. Great game lad!

 

[BaldyNd]

He’s the best player in our front 7. We need him to play like he did today, especially if our front 4 continue to be average

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

He’s the best player in our front 7. We need him to play like he did today, especially if our front 4 continue to be average

I thought the d-line actually did well today. I'll admit I was concerned that the front 4 alone wasn't getting much pressure. But NC State was held to 84 yards rushing at a 2.8 average. Also, Freeman admitted they instructed the d-line to not be overly aggressive in rushing the QB, cuz he can take off and run. Armstrong didn't do much damage with his legs, so overall I think they had a good day.

 

[BaldyNd]

They were solid against the run but they generated very little pass rush. They will need to improve vs OSU

 

[THUNDERSTRUCK111]

Watching Texas and Bama. Go look at both their rosters. Let me know if you see ND roster with guys 370 pounds , 350 etc. We’re not big enough.

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

Watching Texas and Bama. Go look at both their rosters. Let me know if you see ND roster with guys 370 pounds , 350 etc. We’re not big enough.

That doesn't mean anything. Bigger doesn't mean better. Bama has two 360 pound tackles, highly recruited and did not look good today. Speed, quickness, and athletic ability always matters more than size. Personally, I don't think a football player should ever weigh more than 315 pounds, unless they're a freak athlete like Q. Nelson was. I believe he was 325, but that guy is a unicorn of size and athletic ability.

 

[THUNDERSTRUCK111]

That doesn't mean anything. Bigger doesn't mean better. Bama has two 360 pound tackles, highly recruited and did not look good today. Speed, quickness, and athletic ability always matters more than size. Personally, I don't think a football player should ever weigh more than 315 pounds, unless they're a freak athlete like Q. Nelson was. I believe he was 325, but that guy is a unicorn of size and athletic ability.

I respectfully disagree. Jmo.

 

[bizzybecknd]

He’s the best player in our front 7. We need him to play like he did today, especially if our front 4 continue to be average

Don’t necessarily disagree but he’s not the most irreplaceable. Don’t feel like the D would miss a beat if we lost him. The two inside guys, Cross and Mills would be huge losses.

 

[Golson5]

Hopefully Rubio is back for OSU. Hes a good backup option to give those guys a rest

 

[raulduke_007]

I thought Cross was the d's best front 7 player, dude made play after play.

 

[Golson5]

Liufau and Cross were very good today

 

[Tru2Irish]

He definitely brings the pressure. Thought the D contained Armstrong for most of the game. Refs loved the whistle today.

 

[Telx1]

Liufau and Cross were very good today

Agree! Seemed like Cross was in on a ton of tackles or nearly so. Guy is quick and strong for his size, and is damn hard to control. Liufau is finally justifying his team leading snaps this year. After earning most picked on defensive player by this board last year, myself included, he is earning props this year. Huge development for him personally, but even more so for this defense to succeed. Thought our secondary to a man played well, and thought Harper played exceptionally well.

 

[DublinND]

Agree! Seemed like Cross was in on a ton of tackles or nearly so. Guy is quick and strong for his size, and is damn hard to control. Liufau is finally justifying his team leading snaps this year. After earning most picked on defensive player by this board last year, myself included, he is earning props this year. Huge development for him personally, but even more so for this defense to succeed. Thought our secondary to a man played well, and thought Harper played exceptionally well.

Harper was tremendous yesterday. Liufau has played quite well in all 3 games. Huge for D if he keeps it up and stays consistent. Very encouraging so far

 

[Drinking The Green Koolaid]

I thought NC State was the best I have seen Marist play. He was flying around everywhere and had a bunch of really hard hits.

Marcus Freeman was asked about Marist's play at his post-game presser. Here were his comments:

Q: Marist Liufau was not his best last year coming off the injury. What did you see in 2021 that has led to the kind of player he's showing himself to be now?

MF: “When I came in here in 2021, he was an aggressive, physical football player who, at times, could have been out of control. And I think last year, he was continuously learning the defense. And when you're thinking, you don't play as fast. And so, what you're seeing this year is a guy that truly understands the defense, understands the detail. So now, he has the velocity. Clarity equals velocity, and he is extremely clear on his assignments.”

I saw a lot of "velocity" from Marist with NC State! Let's hope we see that again against OSU and USC.