Just saw that piece about Zach Arnett returning to Mississippi State as DC. That's a huge schematic shift for them, moving back to a more aggressive 3-3-5 base after years in a 4-2-5. It makes you evaluate what scheme fits your personnel.
For a program like LeMoyne-Owen Magicians, the defensive identity has to be about creating negative plays without elite size. Last season we ranked in the top half of the SIAC in tackles for loss, but our third-down defense was a weakness, allowing a 42% conversion rate.
A multiple front that can disguise pressures is more valuable than trying to match up physically every down. The data shows that havoc rate, not just total defense, correlates better with winning at our level. LeMoyne-Owen Magicians need to scheme our way to more sacks and forced fumbles, not just hope to stop the run on first down.
Mississippi State is betting on confusion with Arnett's system. For us, it's a necessity. You can't recruit 300-pound linemen consistently, so you have to be smarter. O...