Let’s get right into the first half stats for the Sioux defense and see what we come up with:

  • The Sioux defense is giving up 19.8 pts/game so far through 6 games.  This ranks them #1 in the GWC and is 5 points better than last season (25.0 pts/game).  Keeping opponents out of the end zone even after a long drive has been a noticeable improvement this season.  That leads us to our next statistic.
  • The Sioux D leads the GWC in red-zone defense.  They are giving up a score only 64% (14-22) of the time, which is outstanding.  It would rank them 8th in the country.  Besides that percentage, the Sioux have also come up with 3 turnovers in the red zone along with two turnovers on downs – making 5 stops in 22 chances along with 3 missed/blocked FG’s.   Excellent red zone defense.
  • Opponents are converting on 40% of their third downs vs. the Sioux so far this year.   That would rank them 2nd in the GWC, just behind SUU.  Its a decent number but can improve.
  • Opponents are only 4-12 on 4th down vs. the Sioux.  Essentially, that is 8 turnovers that the Sioux have forced just on 4th down stops.  They don’t go down as official turnovers but they are essentially the same thing.
  • The Sioux are only giving up 75 yds/game rushing through 6 games.   That is by far the best in the GWC and would rank them 5th in the country.  The 3-4 defense has been excellent up front this year but will get their first big rushing test next week vs. Cal-Poly.  Without starting DE Broc Bellmore the defensive line is going to need a young player to step up, whether it’s Spencer Cummings, Ben Henson or Dwayne Pecosky.
  • The Sioux D is giving up 256 yds/game through the air, which ranks them 3rd in the GWC.  The overall pass defense has been much better this year but still has work to do.  The improvement can be attributed to a few things:  moving Dominique Hawkins to safety (he has had a very good season), the cornerbacks having a year under their belts, the addition of Daryl Brown into the rotation at corner, linebackers are better in coverage this year.  The appear to be playing the deep ball much better as of late, also.   Fresno and Idaho both got them on long TD passes.
  • They are giving up a total of 330 yds/game – #1 in the GWC and is 60 yards less than in 2010.   Big improvement.
  • The Sioux have 16 sacks through 6 games this year (2nd in GWC).  Last season they had 25 total so they are slightly ahead of last years pace.   The outside linebackers showed nice pass rush skills in the SUU game but haven’t been a consistent force off the edge.  This should improve with game experience but the overall pass rush is an area that could improve.

Bright Spots:  Ross Brenneman, Dan Hendrickson, Daryl Brown, Dom Hawkins, rushing defense, fourth downs, intermediate pass defense.

Disappointments:  Downfield pass defense – way too many long passes given up early in the year (better lately), interior pass rush, inconsistent play at OLB position (improving with experience).

The Sioux defense has been a much improved unit this season but will have some big tests coming up.  They have the veer/triple option rushing attack  of Cal-Poly coming up along with the balanced attack of the USD Coyotes on the last game of the year.  With the loss of Broc Bellmore, the depth on the defensive line will be tested but still has talent there.  The rest of the defense appears to be healthy.

The secondary needs to continue to improve.  Corner play has been getting better and the young kids are gaining confidence under corners coach Benny Boyd.  Hawkins and Mersereau have also been good at safety.  We need the back row to continue to be more aggressive for the rest of the season.  A lot of that comes with confidence and experience.