Scoring D

[hdhntr1]

We are back to #1. But look who else is in the top 5. Michigan 2, Wisconsin 4 and DUKE 5. Other top teams in the BIG, dOSU 14, IA 15, PSU 18 and even IL 23. The only one of that group we miss is dOSU. Even Minny 36 and Stanford 31. Basically the BIG is well represented and our schedule is a murderers row of Ds. So while our O is a work in progress, it is having to produce against the top Ds in the nation.

http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/team/28

 

[SmellyCat]

I know the advanced metrics consider the strength of other defenses when assessing how good an offense is, but it makes me wonder just how good NU's offense is or can be. They looked terrible for a big chunk of the Duke game, but the Duke D is good! Looking way down the line and with purple glasses, but if they were to face a Baylor or TCU defense with a month to prepare (and a full regular season under their belts), I wonder how much better this offense could look.

 

[DaCat]

Our offense is improving. Losing Mogus hurts, but getting Frazier back is a plus. Hance is filling in okay at LT and seemed much improved last week compared to earlier this year. Looks like Park has locked down the center job, with North and Frazier rotating in at LG.

Thorson - we can all see his improvement. Impressed with his throws last week into the teeth of the wind in the crucial 3rd quarter. Making good decisions and is not afraid to wing it on 3rd down. Chemistry with CJones and Vitale looks good.

Michigan will be the toughest defensive test so far. While Stanford was physical and Duke was fast, Michigan is both. If we can keep it close through halftime, I believe that we can pull away in the second half.