New Mexico’s Defensive Scouting Report

Watching the film brought back a lot of memories of the old 3-3-5 days under Bronco. It also brought back a few nightmares of when we were forced to play man to man coverage all the time.

The Defensive Scheme:

The 3-3-5 revolves around the linebackers and safeties ability to both be extremely physical in the run game while hitting the quarterback when they are sent on blitzes and pressures. However, this defensive scheme can have problems with the corners and non-rushing safeties.

In addition to the pressure that Rocky Long plays, he asks his corners and non blitzing safety to be physically involved in the run, and to be smart enough to play man to man coverage at the same time. It can be a very fun scheme when you have linebackers and safeties that can get to the quarterback quickly and consistently. But if they can’t get to the quarterback, the corners are basically alone with little or no help the entire game.

This defensive scheme works because the blitzes and safeties are so involved in the run game that there isn’t a lot of space left for the offense to run the ball. There is always a blitzing linebacker or safety sprinting to fill a hole or gap. This can confuse offensive blocking schemes and create hesitation from running backs.

One thing that the New Mexico defense does well is run the ball and play physical when they get there. Like our defensive players, the Lobo defense is asked to run to the ball carrier on every play. This creates turnover opportunities and also makes for frustrated running backs who are being hit by 3 or 4 guys every play.

Defensive Line:

The Lobo defensive line isn’t asked to do a lot. They are in the game to keep linemen off of the linebackers and safeties. When the Lobo’s do play a basic zone concept, they only rush three guys which doesn’t always provide the pressure that is needed to force inaccuracy from the quarterback. I would expect the Lobo’s to only play base zones with a three man rush on second and third down when our offense needs 10+ yards.

Linebackers

They use a lot of different outside linebackers but their two main guys are #50 -who plays a lot of standing end- and #11 who is probably their most productive player. The Lobo linebackers do a good job as a unit of getting pressure on the quarterback. When these guys are coming on blitzes they are coming hard and fast. Their coordinator uses a lot of twists and crossing which banks on the offense getting confused and miscommunicating switches, which will leave a free defender running untouched to the quarterback.

Safeties

The safeties in a 3-3-5 have to be the most versatile players on the field. They have to be able to make solid open field tackles, pass rush and play man to man coverage. The Lobos use a lot of different guys for this as well but their main contributers are #30, #29 and #35. They also use a few others in passing situations to even up some of the match-ups. Their safeties are heavily involved in stopping the run and are all good tacklers. They have good man coverage skills and do a good job of breaking on the ball while it is in the air. The one area where they struggle is in their zone coverages. They give up a lot of openings and often leave receivers open.

After man coverage, their best coverage would be cover 2 and then 3. From what I have seen they don’t have a huge defensive package. They rely on blitzing and pressure to keep offensive teams guessing throughout the game and they bank on hitting and frustrating the quarterback.

Corners

Their corners have good feet, break well on the ball and do a good job of closing out the extra space created by the receivers. Our offense will have success with short throws and quick outside passes that work like a run play.

Keys to the game:

1. Get on the score board first. Their defense is going to be wild and fast that first drive and if we can demonstrate our ability to score when they are at their supposed “best” we will gain the momentum that was lost in the second half of last weeks game.
2. Protect the ball. Their offense will be good for one or two turnovers, lets not let their defense generate any momentum by turning the ball over. Their defense also does a good job of gang tackling and swarming to the ball. Our ball carrier will need to be aware when he cuts back that guys will be coming from inside out to hit him, put two hands on the ball and cover all the points.
3. Max needs to be smart with the ball. On occasion he is going to throw the ball into coverage and depend on his receivers to make plays. That’s ok, where he needs to improve this week is in getting the ball off quickly and if the pocket is closing around him, to either get rid of the ball or run for a short gain and then SLIDE.
4. Our offensive line will once again be asked to win the game for us. If we are able to run the ball for 4+ yards consistently then the Lobo defense won’t have a chance. I don’t think their blitzes and pressure will disrupt our passing game, but the running game is another beast.
5. Converting on 3rd and 4-8. If we can move the chains during these situations we will be very successful. Third down and 4-8 is a prime time for Rocky Long. It gives him the ability to run any defensive blitz that he wants which gives them the best opportunity to create emotional momentum. Converting and staying out of these situations will increase our offenses efficiency and capability for points.
6. Receivers need to win their one on one match-ups. This one is plain and simple. Austin and Mike need to create space and come back to the ball. Their corners close fast and anticipate well, our receivers need to come back hard, make one move and get up field.
7. Please use Dennis Pitta and Andrew George. They don’t match-up well against these guys, and they will be very effective up the middle against the undersized safeties who will be asked to cover them. Just do it, use these guys……..please?

All in all we are a better team, the questions to be answered are; Will we play harder then they do? Will we be able to control the clock, and force their offense to pass the ball? Can we handle their pressure?

And last but not least……….. How long are we able to celebrate? (Short week, TCU, in Fort Worth….not long, maybe 6 seconds.)

Cougars roll 42-17