Defense Rules

In the modern game of football everybody it seems loves a sexy offense. Fans love offense. They love the razzle dazzle, the spread offenses and the fireworks that go with them. But make no mistake about it the ticket to wins in the truly big games will come down to the defenses ability to stop people. Last night in their 41-0 pasting of NW Oklahoma the CSU-P Thunderwolves defense took a giant step forward in preparing for RMAC Conference battles which begin next Saturday night at Adams State. All it takes is a glance at the RMAC scoreboard to realize what the unit is up against down the road. Conference favorite Nebraska Kearney put up 65 points and 624 yards in their win yesterday over Northeastern State. This coming after gaining a staggering 700 yards in last week's 41-20 win at Wayne State. Thunderwolves other chief rival Colorado Mines gained 673 yards in their 55-7 walloping of South Dakota Mines. Despite losing 49-42 to Angelo State yesterday Chadron State proved they are also explosive on offense. It must be noted that each of the opponents in these games may be suspect but it still points out the need for a defense capable of slowing down offenses. Last night the Thunderwolves pitched a shutout in relatively easy fashion. Coming off last week's performance it was imperative they do one very important thing.....tackle better! And that they did. One other thing was pretty apparent as the twolves played a step faster on their home turf. Head coach John Wristen wants his teams to fly to the football on every single play. The other key is getting a better push up the field with their interior lineman. Both were visibly better against the youthful Rangers. Defensive end Corey Orth continues to impress applying constant pressure on quarterbacks. I thought his counterpart Grant Jansen played better this week as well. Middle linebacker Lee Meisner got in the act with an interception. Cornerbacks Mark Sterling (interception) and Stephan Dickens are always a threat to take interceptions to the house. Dickens also was used on a rare corner blitz that worked beautifully. Next week it will be imperative for the unit to keep things settled down early against the hungry Grizzlies in Alamosa. Then the offense get back to their roots and run the football to control the game. It is a winning formula for next week as well as in future RMAC battles against their already bitter rivals.........................................
TAILGATE SUCCESS----Friends of Football and the Alumni are to be saluted for the decision to move their combined party closer to the gates and onto the lawn just outside the stadium. It is always better to enjoy lunch and a cold one where its cooler and without dust blowing into your eyes..................................................................................................................................................................
STUDENT SECTION-----Last week at West Texas A&M many of the players took note of the rowdy student section with genuine envy. They challenged their own fellow students at CSU-P to match the Buffalo's student fan intensity thru social media as well as face to face in the dorms and on campus. Mission accomplished! They were rowdy and came "painted and dressed" for the occasion. Also a shout out to the marching band for a good pregame and halftime performance...................................................................................................................................................
BIG RIGS-----Also of note was the number of RV's that made the trip to the upper parking lots at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl. They arrived early and stayed late to enjoy the event. It just feels good pulling into the parking lot two and half hours before kickoff seeing those monsters with bbq's going and big ol' flags waving in the breeze.................................................
PROGRAM REMINDERS-----Take note that next week's kickoff from Adams State is at 7pm. Joe and I will be on the air at 630pm with the pregame on 590KCSJ-AM and www.590kcsj.com . Would also love to see a nice crowd out at Buffalo Wild Wings on Wednesday night at 7pm for The John Wristen Show presented by Miller Lite. The show can be heard throughout the restaurant while you enjoy dinner and a cold one. Show as always heard on KCSJ and www.kcsj.com ................................................................................................................................................
I HEART RADIO-----although we love people in the stands with those big ol' headphones on listening our play-by-play coverage of Thunderwolves action there is another less obvious way. Just download the free app at www.iheartradio.com to your smartphone. Get yourself a little earbud and you will be right there in the booth with us. Also comes in handy when you are anywhere that is not near a radio or computer.