Dana Holgersen Doesn't Care Which Defense You Run -- Provided It's Not Iowa's

With Leach on the wagon, and on the beach, Dana Holgersen has to be the most refreshingly candid head coach working today. Well, except for the OBC.

Here he discusses how he game plans -- and makes clear that if he has the choice between staying up all night staring at tape, or maybe playing a few hands at a convenient casino, it's time for some blackjack.

The money quote, however, is just the latest encomium thrown Norm's way. Remember, Holgersen is the most prolific OC of the past 10 years. Quote:

"But there have been occasions during his coaching career when good defense simply shut down good offense. He's quick to point out the 2001 Alamo Bowl when he was an assistant at Texas Tech and the Red Raiders played Iowa. Tech had another of those high-powered offenses with Kliff Kingsbury at quarterback.

"'They were really good and they've always had a really good defense. And you can turn on their tape right now and it's the same defense it was back in 2001,'' Holgorsen said. "They were just as bland as you can possibly be - 4-3, cover four. And that's all they did every dang snap. And they whipped us.''

"Tech scored one touchdown and lost 19-16 on a last-second field goal."

"There's a whole bunch of good defenses out there,'' Holgorsen said. "It's all about what they believe in and what they feel like they can execute.''

9 months ago Bellanca 5 comments 1 recs |

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Four. Three. Cover. Two.

Bland? Sure. But Norm only needs one foot to kick your ass.

by Hank Thrasher on Aug 16, 2011 10:29 AM CDT reply actions

Dana said it's a Four. Three. Cover. Four. Maybe that's why it's so tough for him.

meh

by tyger1147 on Aug 18, 2011 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Bland

but the guys know it inside out and upside down. The number of mistakes is minimal and, when somebody does screw up, the other guys will recognize that faster and know what they can do to compensate.

You can’t argue with the results.

"If you need a rah-rah speech at halftime, you’re playing the wrong sport." - Pat Angerer

by Flakbait on Aug 16, 2011 11:33 AM CDT reply actions

TTech didn't have a particularly good defense that year,

(then again, how often do they?)

They did shut out a decent Texas A&M team, but they also gave up 30+ points 5 times that year.

So, predictably, when Norm and co. held them to 16 points, and Kaeding went gonzo (with a TD by Greving), the Hawks were able to get the W (on a late Kaeding kick).

I’m sure there will be times in the future where Holgorsen will encounter a team who beats him thanks in part to a good/great defense.

We will become more intensity!!! --What Reading Rambler thinks Tom Brands should do.

by WaterlooChazz on Aug 16, 2011 7:02 PM CDT reply actions