Wilks’ NFL schemes were heavily reliant on blitzing, and then holding up man-to-man on the back end. As a DC in Carolina he blitzed on 43% of snaps (second highest in the league). After taking over for Sean McDermott (Bills current HC) Wilks doubled how often the Panthers blitzed on third down. 50% of the time they blitzed on third down compared to a league average of 35%. As a Panthers fan this became frustrating at times, but there were also times it excelled. But you HAVE to have the the horses to make it work. Wilks’ scheme calls for a multitude of blitz packages, but Wilks is having to adjust his scheme to fit Mizzou’s current personnel. His one mistake tonight was going press man on a 3 and 12 in the fourth. The DB got beat on a simple 9 route. Just don’t have the horses to make everything work yet. Wilks is having to adjust his scheme to the college game, and as a Mizzou fan you should hope for this type of innovation. Last week former UGA QB Hudson Mason was surprised at some of the looks Wilks presented. This is not your normal college defense. Would need to see the All-22, but I’m not sure the DLine is the worst part of the defense. The secondary is really a weak point too. Robinson and Abrams-Draine shouldn’t be starting on an SEC defense. Alldrege gets tackles as an LB but if you really watch the game his run fits are awful. TE’s running right by him. 6.5 yards per pop running the ball for Kentucky is on the backers. Just mind-boggling how thin we are on defense. Cabinet is completely bare. All three levels of defense are incredibly depleted with talent. If anything Wilks is getting the most out of his defense while using duct tape solutions like guys who were revivers two weeks ago. Now is not the time to put all of your anger into Wilks’ scheme. Just need to continue to get out on the trail and get the horses.
