I was one of the biggest skeptics that Elko could turn this defense around. However, what I see on the field is a defense that is decisive, tough , disciplined and smart. His system is letting the players play fast which is resulting in lots of playmaking. It is obvious they are recognizing things they never did last year-see the Love interception last night- and not only are they not giving up big plays, but they are creating turnovers. When he does pressure, it almost always suprises the QB and makes him hurry throws, or results in a sack or a scramble that yields little. Balis has to be given credit where credit is due as well. The players are in much better shape and are both mentally and physically stronger.

Agreed, we need to lock him up and make him the highest paid assistant in the country.

 

This has to help recruiting too seeing the success and also the amount of rotating we are doing. Keeps guys fresh and shows you can get on the field early here.

Agreed, we need to lock him up and make him the highest paid assistant in the country.

 

This has to help recruiting too seeing the success and also the amount of rotating we are doing. Keeps guys fresh and shows you can get on the field early here.

 

Even before the season started he was killing it on the recruiting trail but I agree seeing how they've performed on the field should only help

Seriously, it is amazing how different the D looks...The confidence, overall ability to tackle, creating turnovers, amount of involved players....Will be interesting to see how they continue to improve. Elko definitely looks like an awesome hire!

Love the defense so far. I no longer worry about it when ND is on D. Used to be you were waiting for a huge breakdown. Now if a big play is made, it's kind of a, "Hey.... they other team is on scholarship too," type reaction. Plus a TON of kids are seeing the field. No more rocket science D scheme means athletes can be athletes. Big thumbs up!

I still get worried when the D is out there, mainly when they throw it deep. But that's from years of watching us get burned. Still think our DBs need to look back better. But, it is clear we are playing much better as a team, and more sound.

The job the staff did last night was the best I've seen in a long time. The personnel rotations and going deep into the depth chart was terrific and very well managed...no delay of game, 12 men penalties or timeouts needed to avoid penalties or confusion. If you've never been to MSU, the crowd is very good and not easy for a visiting team, especially a high charged night game, national audience. While not perfect, last night gives me optimism we have Coordinators well suited for the college game and coming off two road rivalry games 2-0, like our prospects for a positive run up to USC. Was listening to ESPNU's morning show with Andy Staples and Tom Luginbill and both were taking notice and praising ND for the way they managed the win. Stats in games like these are misleading and our D never allowed MSU to get any momentum and considering the minutes so many kids are getting, in particular Myron who I think will play on Sundays if he stays injury free, bodes extremely well for the future. Elko is performing as advertised and Long isn't too shabby either. GO IRISH!

Agreed, we need to lock him up and make him the highest paid assistant in the country.

 

This has to help recruiting too seeing the success and also the amount of rotating we are doing. Keeps guys fresh and shows you can get on the field early here.

 

Woah, pump the damned brakes... we need to STOP these emotional mid season pay raises...

Woah, pump the damned brakes... we need to STOP these emotional mid season pay raises...

 

Yep. He's already highly compensated and I'm quite certain the only reason he leaves is for a HC gig.

Woah, pump the damned brakes... we need to STOP these emotional mid season pay raises...

 

Yeah we've seen this before though, an ND coordinator does well and he gets a HC gig at a small school. Maybe if we paid Diaco more he wouldn't have left for Uconn?

 

We should be able to match any small schools offer if they were to offer Elko a HC gig.

 

I agree they have made mistakes on raises/extensions but this guy has proven to be a top 5 DC consistently.

Woah, pump the damned brakes... we need to STOP these emotional mid season pay raises...

 

Way to let the air out...don't you know we need to fire Kelly and hire Elko before we lose him??!!:target:

Way to let the air out...don't you know we need to fire Kelly and hire Elko before we lose him??!!:target:

 

I was thinking a new 10 year extension for Kelly after last night win!

Agreed, we need to lock him up and make him the highest paid assistant in the country.

 

This has to help recruiting too seeing the success and also the amount of rotating we are doing. Keeps guys fresh and shows you can get on the field early here.

 

Actually, I'd say we lock him up as assistant head coach and head coach in waiting when Kelly leaves. He is THAT good.

Remember when Van Gorder blanked Michigan? lol

Did we watch the same game? Michigan state moved the ball at will. This was the worst performance of the season defensively, I thought.

Did we watch the same game? Michigan state moved the ball at will. This was the worst performance of the season defensively, I thought.

 

I didn't think it was tgat bad, most of the yardage came in garbage time and they locked it down pretty good in the red zone

Remember when Van Gorder blanked Michigan? lol

 

Yes, hence my name lol

Did we watch the same game? Michigan state moved the ball at will. This was the worst performance of the season defensively, I thought.

 

I guess we didn't watch the same game. The first 9 drives, before it was 38-10, Michigan St only had 3 of 9 drives go over 32 yards. That doesn't seem like they moved it at will.

I guess we didn't watch the same game. The first 9 drives, before it was 38-10, Michigan St only had 3 of 9 drives go over 32 yards. That doesn't seem like they moved it at will.

 

That's the game I saw too. It seemed when we played like we wanted to we shut them down. When we went to a semi-prevent defense is when they were getting those 5 yard ins.

Did we watch the same game? Michigan state moved the ball at will. This was the worst performance of the season defensively, I thought.

 

I guess we didn't watch the same game. The first 9 drives, before it was 38-10, Michigan St only had 3 of 9 drives go over 32 yards. That doesn't seem like they moved it at will.

 

Agree with corysold. Plus, there's a little bit of Diaco in this defense. Keep everything in front of them. If that means there's an easy pitch and catch for 5-12 yards, so be it

Agree with corysold. Plus, there's a little bit of Diaco in this defense. Keep everything in front of them. If that means there's an easy pitch and catch for 5-12 yards, so be it

 

I don't care about the yards... that's College Football these days. If they keep limiting points, stiffening in the red zone and stepping up after offensive turnovers in bad positions like they have we are all in for a treat.