Bayfieldgopher
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- Nov 20, 2008
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The 99 D was one the best Gopher D's since the Warmath era and maybe at times with Coach Stoll. IMO, the 99 group was very good but not great. But we have seen nothing like it since. .
Many are saying the Small and Brown duo will be very good with adequate backups. Last year the two totaled 7.5 tackle for loss and just 5 sacks. They need to step it up and get heavy duty pressure and penetration and give the players on the edge assistance. McKinley of ?? needs to emerge at DE. Maybe the 3 man front package can provide the needed pressure and penetration.
In comparison, DT Jon Schlecht had 20 TFL's/4 sacks and DE Karon Riley 22/16. Throw in LB Ben Mezera 17/12, LB Sean Hoffman 13/5 and DT Daron Russ 10/2. We may never see another Tyrone Carter's & his tackling ability. Willie Middlebrooks had 18 pass breakups. The team gave up 17.5 ppg in Big Ten play and 16.3 overall. Our best last year was Willie at 19/10.5 and Simmons with 18 PBU's.
I hope to see a much improved D over 2008 and one that will dominate against Syracuse.
Many are saying the Small and Brown duo will be very good with adequate backups. Last year the two totaled 7.5 tackle for loss and just 5 sacks. They need to step it up and get heavy duty pressure and penetration and give the players on the edge assistance. McKinley of ?? needs to emerge at DE. Maybe the 3 man front package can provide the needed pressure and penetration.
In comparison, DT Jon Schlecht had 20 TFL's/4 sacks and DE Karon Riley 22/16. Throw in LB Ben Mezera 17/12, LB Sean Hoffman 13/5 and DT Daron Russ 10/2. We may never see another Tyrone Carter's & his tackling ability. Willie Middlebrooks had 18 pass breakups. The team gave up 17.5 ppg in Big Ten play and 16.3 overall. Our best last year was Willie at 19/10.5 and Simmons with 18 PBU's.
I hope to see a much improved D over 2008 and one that will dominate against Syracuse.
