It's all about Defense

[jleves]

So far the kids either haven't bought in or aren't executing as well as they should on D. We allowed UCF to shoot 43% in the second half. That's horrible. But to top it, we allowed USF to shoot 64% in the second half today. That just doesn't cut it. Should have been another L today if not for some legendary stuff from Boat.

Until the second half D becomes stifling, we're going to see some more loses or close games that shouldn't be.

Too many good players for it not to get better and the kids that buy in will get the playing time. Lots of competition for playing time is always a good thing.

 

[Gurleyman]

A couple plays they'll point out on film. Not matching up with their three-point shooter (#4) after our made foul shot was inexcusable (he got a lucky bounce, but he should never have been able to catch and shoot on a made foul shot). On another play, Olander did not hustle back, and was turned sideways - allowing Snaer to jump into him for a three-point play. Another play they went end-to-end in five seconds after we scored and had a put-back dunk. These were all times when we had made big shots to go up by 8-10 points, and it meant that we never got a chance to build the momentum to extend the lead. Also, up two in overtime, Lamb can't concede that three without a hand up - if you get burned off the dribble for two there could be someone waiting to help and even if not, the worst case is you go overtime. It could have been a case of "jelly legs" at the end of the three-day tournament, where his mind told him to get out and contest and his legs stayed glued to the floor.

 

[tykurez]

It's mind-boggling really because when they ratchet it up ... the defense is amazing. Too many plays off imo

 

[Peacefrog]

Agreed. Lamb didn't look great out on the perimeter D. FSU had a couple real good looks from 3 to win in OT and we may have escaped. Of course the 20 turnovers didn't help either.

 

[Gurleyman]

He actually played a lot better on D for most of the game today. He was contesting on the perimeter and wasn't allowing blow-bys like he did against Central Florida. The last play of regulation he did a good job moving his feet and forcing the fadeaway, but the last play in overtime he had it backwards - he seemed more worried about the blow-by and condeded the three, when it should have been the other way around.

 

[ctchamps]

I'm going to give this team another four or five games before being concerned. That will be the time the team will need to be comfortable with having RB in the game and SN and or JL sitting out. If RB proves he can be reliable to give the team minutes running the game then I expect JL and SN to play more aggressive defense.

 

[dogpause]

The defense will be there eventually.

 

[willie99]

I agree, we will defend the national title