Yes, the defense had an unbelievable poor day to say the least. However, our poor special teams play put them behind the 8 Ball for 21 points! Here are the facts:
1) Opening kickoff, we get a block in the back penalty (we get at least 2 of these per game! Why not just call for a fair catch and get the ball at the 25?) so we start our first drive inside our 10-yard line. After punting, UT starts their first drive at their 44 -yard line! Quickly down 7-0, this set the tone for playing catch up in the first half.
2) Punting out of our own endzone in the first half, poor punt gives UT the ball on our 35- yard line! Another 7 points because of poor special teams play!
3) Fumbled punt gives UT the ball on our 35-yard line again after the defense had stopped UT. 7 more points with a short field!
4) Missed field goal. 3 points left on the table.
Who is our special teams coach? We need a new one!
Yes, the defense deserves a lot of criticism, but when you give an explosive offense a short field like we did numerous times, you're going to get burned!
Lastly, if we correctly manage the clock on the last drive and kick the winning field goal with no time left, the defense doesn't give up another 3 points.
I blame the defense for giving up 28 points not the 52 points on the scoreboard! 28 points given up to an offense like UT would have been a good day!