What We Learned: Mississippi State Versus Auburn
Sep 26, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Roc Thomas (9) is brought down by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Chris Jones (98) and defensive lineman Cory Thomas (34) during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Bulldogs are Bending and not Breaking
The complaints about the defense have been loud and clear often throughout the games so far in 2015. The Bulldogs are giving up just under 350 yards a game.
That’s not a bad number, but it’s a higher number than most would like to see. The one number we need to focus on more is this one: teams are scoring 14.8 points a game against Mississippi State.
The biggest change has been how the Bulldogs give up small chunks of yardage as opposed to huge plays. Mississippi State struggled with big explosive plays in 2014. This year, that hasn’t been the case.
Diaz has a bend but don’t break approach to defense. So far, this is exactly what the Bulldogs have done. Yes, they give up yards, but Diaz will be happy to give up field goals so long as the other team isn’t putting the ball into the end zone.
This was the approach the defense took in 2010, and it is the approach he has taken in 2015. It was on full display against Auburn.
Auburn moved the ball easily until they hit the red zone. Once they did, Auburn struggled to do anything offensively. The Tigers made it into the Red Zone four times and only walked away with two field goals.
The biggest concern for me on the defense is the lack of turnovers. The Bulldogs picked up an interception last night, but one of the hallmarks of a Diaz defense is turnovers. So far, the Bulldogs only have three turnovers.