In trying to compare the 2, I think what difference I see is the 2003 defense had more discipline but this 2010 defense is more talanted top to bottom. The 2003 defense was more experienced but it didn't fly to the ball like this 2010 team does.
Let's look at a numbers comparison. Rush Defense: 2003 - 67 ypg (3rd nationally) 2010 - 80.67 ypg (6th nationally) Pass Defense: 2003 - 185 ypg (18th nationally) 2010 - 165.33 ypg (18th nationally) Total Defense: 2003 - 252 ypg (1st nationally) 2010 - 246 ypg (5th nationally) Scoring Defense: 2003 - 11 ppg (1st nationally) 2010 - 15.17 ppg (14th nationally)
WOW!!! Yards allowed are the same, through 6 games. I wonder how our offense's turnovers have affected the points allowed per game?
They may not be as disciplined, but this years D is certainly faster and more physical. How they fare over the course of the entire season is obviously yet to be seen. But good grief, it is an absolute freak show out there right now. The instant the offensive player gets slowed down just a little, like 7 other dudes wearing gold helmets magically appear. They're like bees swarming around.
I'm glad you posted this. Everyone's comparing these two D's and I think it's deservingly so. And when you have freshmen like Matthieu, it's only gonna get better.
In 2003 we found a true freshman stud db in Laron landry. In 2007 we found a true freshman stud db in Chad Jones. It looks like we have another true freshman stud db in Tyrann Matthieu(though he's a corner and not a safety like Landry & Jones)
i think the lack of offense makes what this defense has done thus far, even better. But we have yet to play a strong offensive team so this is way premature. These numbers are likely to take a big drop. Very interesting comparison though. The current defensive line may not be as physical outside of nevis but the speed is blinding everywhere. Cant remember seeing anything like it in college. not as a whole group. and it seems mathieu has the best football instincts of anyone on the entire squad. and as a true freshman that is incredible. never seen anyone like him regardless of size, play this way his first year. also, i think eric reid may be our best special teams player thus far. almost always the first one down. also i think he was clipped last week but it was uncalled.
