Dawgs vs Hawgs - What's it going to take

The Dawgs enter the game at home versus the Hawgs with some unknowns still to answer. This is a game that i feel is going to be the difference between the Independence Bowl and a Citrus bowl. Yes, I know it's early, but win or lose, this game will set the table. 

If the Dawgs don't show some improvement in stopping the run and the screen pass, we will be in for a long season. It could be that we just don't have the players to fill the needs of our new 3-4 defense. As I heard earlier today, Bama had issues in the 3-4 until it got Mount Cody in the middle. Now I don't think we need a Mount Cody to make the 3-4 work, but we do need the fundamentals to win.

The Defense left too many tackles on the field against South Carolina and if we see the same thing happen Saturday against the Hawgs, we will be in for a world of hurt. Worse is the fact that the Hawgs will be without their primary RB. So the Dawgs MUST tackle and stop the run on Saturday. 

So lets say the Dawgs step up and stop and tackle. Will the secondary be able to stop Mallett. I'm hoping that when the Dawgs stop the run, that it means our D-Line and LBs are in the backfield. This alone should slow Mallett down. If he does get the ball out, it falls to our secondary. The game against South Carolina didn't really expose anything as we were too missing missing tackles that they didn't have to throw the ball that often. 

So you noticed that I didn't get into any offensive issues. Those I'm hoping have been worked out. It's up to Bobo to open things up. We have great TEs and WRs that can make the catch and get some yards. I know we have been without AJ Green, but one player does not make a team. So here's hoping we can get some points. Because I fear a shootout with Arkansas this year will not end well. So it comes back to the defense. 

What I need to see Saturday

 

• Tackles, Tackles and more Tackles


• The Dawgs need 150 yds from our running backs


• No Turnovers


• Limit to 2-3 penalties for the game. (So far this year, not too bad in this area)


• Keep Mallett off the field. See bullet number 1


• Spread the ball around. I have faith in Murray to handle this pressure.

 

I feel if we can do those bullets and finish the drill, the dawgs can come out with a win. If not, I would not want to be on the other side of the ton of posts about a hot seat. 

NOTE : No word on AJ Green's status as of this post, other than the NCAA has heard the appeal.