Well, I’ve been thinking lately that defense has become optional. :)

The problem with the ‘spread’ statement is that you’d first have to define who’s running the spread, which means you’d have to define what the spread is. The problem with that is the word ‘spread’ is being used to describe just about anything because it sounds sexy.

Or you get a hyrbid/multiple offense like Nebraska, and what the heck we run on a given week depends on the opponent, although we’re still mostly WCO-based.

I think one of the problems is the penalties, the calls, that are being made favor the offense to an extent at which we’ve never seen before. All a defensive back has to do is put his hands on a receiver and they’re caliing pass interference.

That’s the devil’s advocate approach, anyway.

You’re right about defining what is a “spread” offense. The point I was kind of getting to is that the “talking heads” or other body parts (think ass or Lou Holtz here) make it sound as though the Huskers ,in particular, defense is suspect, etc, etc, .

 I think the new defensive strategy in CF is definitely a “bend don’t break” mentality. I can see Missouri racking up monterous yards, but if they don’t score I would say that the defense played an outstanding game. After last year, I’m ready to say that any team we outscore, the defense was fantastic :-) Know what I mean?

Like Bo said – I don’t care about yards, just points.

Passing the ball effectively does give the offense an advantage when it comes to penalties, but it forces the defense to go back on its heals. That’s just a couple of reasons moving to a more Balanced offense vs. the option of old is beneficial.

As for conference to conference, defenses are usually made to stop the offenses in there specific conference.

But coaching still plays a big part in defense. The halftime adjustments (which the last Husker staff lacked) are so vital to a defense.
I think, along with mixing up – pressure has to come all the time at the QB even if it comes late- and the attitude of a defense are the other pieces of the puzzle.

With all that said, get the QB on his back (like Manning in the 97-98 Championship game) and the outcome is academic.

GO BIG RED!!!