TAKE: Despite issues against App, the D is still stellar
The defense had trouble getting off the field against App State, allowing the Mountaineers to convert a number of third downs and keep their long, clock-killing drives alive. However, simply by the per-play numbers, the Aggies were not allowing much either on the ground or through the air, leading to a success rate margin that favored A&M despite the Maroon and White’s offensive issues.
I think we’ll see this borne out against an intimidating Miami offense on Saturday night in primetime. The defense will be playing with a renewed vigor after getting embarrassed the week prior, and the hopeful return of Walter Nolen, McKinnley Jackson, Jaylon Jones, and Myles Jones should serve to bolster this group both up front and on the back end.
The only question is the linebackers— after the injury to Andre White Jr., they struggled against the rushing attack of App. Now, a reinvigorated and deep DL group could help clean things up, and new defensive coordinator DJ Durkin has doubtless come up with a plan to minimize that impact, but the fact remains that we as fans need to see more out of Edgerrin Cooper and company— and that needs to start this Saturday.
That said, however, I expect the defense to live up to its billing this weekend and going forward in this season. SP+ has them rated as the 2nd overall defense in the country for a reason— and I expect that to be on full display, which is why I will be rating this take as WIRED.