From the NCAA (after 3 games)

DEFENSE Rankings

Total Defense:  73
Passing Defense:  98
Rushing Defense: 30
Passing Efficiency Defense:  40
Interceptions:  2
Tackles for Losses:  22
Sacks:  4
Third Down Defense: 37
Red Zone Defense: 18

These numbers suggest that our defense is more aggressive.  We're 4th in the country in sacks.  We get lots of interceptions. 

However, in taking those gambles, we assume other risks. 

I know many of us are pleased about the aggressiveness, but case in point, we surrendered 320 yards to a vastly inferior UT offense than last year's UT squad, against whom we surrendered 340 yards.  

In some instances, things so far look a little better. In other cases, we actually look worse. Given our body of work so far and the defensive pedigrees of our staff, frankly I am expecting much better results.

Focusing on sacks and interceptions distracts from yards surrendered and the like.  The 9:30 minute UT drive in the fourth quarter was too reminiscent of past concerns about our bend but don't break defense.  

PENALTIES Ranking (i.e. Discipline)

Number of Penalties:  62
Yards Penalized:  101

We are not that disciplined.  Let's put this myth to bed.

Special Teams Ranking

Kicking:  94 (although I don't like the way this is ranked)
Punting: 12
Punt Returns: 49
Punt Return Defense: 54
Kickoff Returns:  12
Kickoff Return Defense: 117

We are good at kickoff returns and punting.  We are terrible on kick return defense and kicking.    We are average in the other categories.

I don't think you can argue that our special teams have arrived yet.

OFFENSE Ranking

Total Offense:  78 (Gasp!)
Passing Offense:  22
Rushing Offense:  113
Passing Efficiency:  60

How does firing Neal Brown at this stage help matters?  What is your Plan B?

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This is the team.  This is how we are supposed to win championships.  

Hopefully we get better.

Our offense was exposed this week, by the second best Defense in the NCAA. 

However, Texas does not have the second best offense in the NCAA (72nd actually).  My concern is that Gilbert's turnovers covered up what otherwise might be bigger weaknesses in our defense.   I'm hoping we sort that out, so we don't get exposed here either.