The Missouri defense has taken on the moniker the “Death Row Defense.” After two shutouts, regardless of the level of competition, they have so far lived up to the billing.
Eli Drinkwitz’s has praised the depth this year’s team has on defense despite losing four players to the NFL. Younger players have stepped up and seven transfers have come in on the front seven alone (and actually meshed well). New defensive coordinator Corey Batoon has dialed up far fewer blitzes than his predecessor (24% vs 57% comparing both first two games against similar-ish competition), but they’ve still been able to maintain a strong pressure rate. It’s going to be huge for BC to have Logan Taylor back on BC’s offensive line to help stifle this and keep Tommy’s pocket clean.
This improvement is critical In terms of preparation for the speed of Tommy Castellanos. Mizzou hasn’t seen that level of mobility through two games. Buffalo has a mobile quarterback, but didn’t end up calling as many designed runs as usual. One scramble went for 19 yards, but by and large the defense sniffed it out. Castellanos will present a whole new problem. Last year, LSU’s Jayden Daniels gave the Mizzou defense fits with 130 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Tigers could not keep him contained and he kept making back-breaking plays. Overall, they were one of the worst teams allowing explosive runs, but strong in overall EPA, yards, and successful play rates. We might be in for some shorter and sloppier possessions than we may want, but if the Eagles can capitalize on explosive play opportunities they can make some noise here.
The leader of the group is Johnny Walker Jr. The senior edge rusher/joker and team captain had five sacks last season and picked up his first last week. He’ll be a key piece in stopping Castellanos around the corner. Another senior defensive end Joe Moore was the highest graded defender in last week’s win with four tackles and two QB hits and hurries. As mentioned, they’re joined by a number of transfers including DT Chris McClellan leading with 1.5 sacks so far. The interior of the defensive line is where much of that depth lies with new transfers providing a strong rotation.
They have a solid group of linebackers, but appear to still be figuring out a strong rotation, but it implies depth. Transfer Corey Flagg from Miami has already made a splash leading the way in the middle with 11 tackles and two for loss. What’s popped so far is the speed along the defensive front in particular.
Mizzou’s secondary lost some key pieces to the draft, but brought in a higher rated Clemson transfer in Torianno Pride Jr. They still have some experience, particularly at safety with the team’s second leading tackler from a season ago, Joseph Charleston returning. That being said, this still seems like a weak spot to test. It’s hard to glean a lot from these two outings, but they have produced two interceptions and forced one fumble. The two opponents have literally combined for 13 completions and under 100 yards passing.
At his previous stop, Batoon’s defense had stellar stop rates, ending drives one way or another, and overall havoc rate. He’s been a twice nominated assistant coach of the year and consistently improved his team’s scoring defense. We’ve seen some strong offensive outings from Billy O and Will Lawing. Maybe Ernie Adams has already figured it all out and BC will be able to mash a wheel-route esque button again and again.