Who'd a thunk ...

[PK]

...after last year's play that our defense would be this year's stars. Of Houston's 38 points, 7 came off of a kickoff return, 7 off of our fumble on our 1 yard line and 7 off of another fumble about 20 yds out. We sacked their QB 4 times. We held them to only 233 yds passing which is well below their usual 300 avg. We held them to 160 yds below their average 560 ypg.

Now then our offense. Yeah Bo got hurt, but 3 fumbles...all lost. O for 10 3rd downs. Actually had more total yards than Houston. No INTs (yah), but only two touchdowns and a field goal (about the same as Houston's offense less the give aways).

Special team...nice kickoff return for a touchdown...called back because of once again a stupid penalty. Wow...stupid penalties every game...

And the beat goes on.

[Stallion]

Yep the Defense played at a very high level but I think UH did become a tad conservative-when they realized that SMU wasn't going to score much.

[CalallenStang]

Yep the Defense played at a very high level but I think UH did become a tad conservative-when they realized that SMU wasn't going to score much.

I think it was noticing that SMU was coming with a pass rush from the outside...you counter that by running draws...that's what UH did and it worked plenty well.

[HB Pony Dad]

I'm speechless and shall remain so until further notice!

[The PonyGrad]

Also, we actually had more total offense that Houston, barely, thanks to the D.

[Eye In the Sky]

This is a very tough 3 game stretch for the defense - Navy-Hou-Tulsa. All very different offenses and tough to prepare for. They have more than held their own in the first 2. When the offense can't do a thing and they can't get much rest in between series, sure they are going to give up some big plays. We might still be winless if the D from the last 2 years was on the field.

[Balatro Diabolus Ex]

This is a very tough 3 game stretch for the defense - Navy-Hou-Tulsa. All very different offenses and tough to prepare for. They have more than held their own in the first 2.

Giving up 38 points a game is more than holding their own?

[Eye In the Sky]

Compared to the last couple of years and considering the fact that the offense can't stay on the field, I'd say yes. The stats probably don't reflect it, but they are very much improved.

[Stallion]

plus UH ran a kick back and Mitchell fumbled at the 1 so Defense only gave up 24

[Wuba]

plus UH ran a kick back and Mitchell fumbled at the 1 so Defense only gave up 24

Yep, the defense was not bad at all last night. Most sacks since June got here too.

[Balatro Diabolus Ex]

I'll readily agree that the defense is better than last year, but I'm still concerned with the number of points we give up, despite how many turnovers we're generating. For the season, we're giving up 32 points per game. We force alot more turnovers than previous years, but we're also giving up alot. If that doesnt bother anyone else, fine, I'll just sit and stew on it myself. But you cant deny it's still alot of points. When you give up that much, consistently, you're dependant on your offense to outscore your opponent, and I dont think our offense is up to the task.

[Wuba]

I'll readily agree that the defense is better than last year, but I'm still concerned with the number of points we give up, despite how many turnovers we're generating. For the season, we're giving up 32 points per game. We force alot more turnovers than previous years, but we're also giving up alot. If that doesnt bother anyone else, fine, I'll just sit and stew on it myself. But you cant deny it's still alot of points. When you give up that much, consistently, you're dependant on your offense to outscore your opponent, and I dont think our offense is up to the task.

What is the average pts given up if you do not count special teams, interception returns, and turnovers that are not returned for a score but give the other team the ball well into scoring position?

No doubt there is plenty of room for defensive improvement, but it is clearly improved over last year which I think is the point of the thread.

[mrydel]

I'll readily agree that the defense is better than last year, but I'm still concerned with the number of points we give up, despite how many turnovers we're generating. For the season, we're giving up 32 points per game. We force alot more turnovers than previous years, but we're also giving up alot. If that doesnt bother anyone else, fine, I'll just sit and stew on it myself. But you cant deny it's still alot of points. When you give up that much, consistently, you're dependant on your offense to outscore your opponent, and I dont think our offense is up to the task.

Totaly agree. Our total turnovers caused is high, but although I do not know what it is, our net takeaway/giveaway cannot be good. No matter how much our defense has or does improve, we cannot keep giving up turnovers and field position to our opponents.

[SMUFan]

Right on, PK — the defense has been exponentially improved.

[mustangklick]

This is a very tough 3 game stretch for the defense - Navy-Hou-Tulsa. All very different offenses and tough to prepare for. They have more than held their own in the first 2.

Giving up 38 points a game is more than holding their own?

Please go watch them play instead of reading box scores. The points weren't all given up by the defense.

This team's defense is greatly improved over last year and, if our offense could get it together, would be giving us some huge wins (already has in a couple cases).