Defensive line
There were times where this unit looked capable of dominating a game, others when opposing quarterbacks had as much time as they needed to work with. Still, even in a 3-4, the D-line has plenty of work to do in stopping the run, which USU was pretty good at this year. Sacks were few and far between for the most part, and the inconsistency was infuriating at times.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Linebackers
Dominant is what this unit was. They were clearly the backbone of the defense, anchored by seniors Bobby Wagner and Kyle Gallagher. Then came Tavaris McMillian and Maurice Alexander, as well as a fair amount of reps from Jake Doughty, Levi Koskan and Bojay Filimoeatu. Every one of those players shined defensively, leading what was the best linebacker unit in the WAC, probably by a hefty margin.
FINAL GRADE: A
Defensive backs
Somewhat going hand-in-hand with the pressure put on from the D-line, the defensive backs often weren't done favors with opposing QBs having plenty of time for routes to develop, leaving the DBs on an island. Still, there were a lot of times that this unit blew coverages, dropped would-be interceptions and racked up pass interference penalties with frustrating frequency. They totaled just one interception on the season (Wagner and Gallagher accounted for the other three for the team), finishing above only two other teams in the FBS this season in interceptions. There's lots of potential in this unit still, and most of the players return next season.
FINAL GRADE: C
COACHING GRADES
Gary Andersen
Taking over D-coordinator duties this year, Andersen looked like he was really starting to get things done with more size and speed to work with. While they still had holes and soft spots, they were bigger, faster and more physical than USU defenses of recent years. The inconsistencies, especially on the D-line, of looking dominant at times and indifferent at others is a concern that will hopefully be addressed in the future, but if anyone can light a fire under a team, it's Gary.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Frank Maile
As mentioned before, the D-line was inconsistent this year. To Maile's credit, he's a rookie coach, so he's finding his way too. Still, the failure to make things work with Evan Huahulu is a concern, as is the sack total on the year. On the flip side, other players stepped up and made impacts that most wouldn't have predicted. For a rookie year, it was far from shabby, and if I had to guess, Maile will be a valued member of this staff for the next few years.
FINAL GRADE: B
Kevin Clune
As mentioned before, the linebackers were dominant. It seems that whoever gets run out there at linebacker is ready for primetime. While it's easy to look good with Wagner and Gallagher anchoring your unit, the rest of the linebackers looked like superstars at times as well. Clune has done a masterful job thus far and it will be interesting to see how he coaches up this unit next season losing Wagner and Gallagher to graduation and Alexander to the safety position.
FINAL GRADE: A+
Kendrick Shaver/Bill Busch
The DB's struggled at times this year, but the also rebounded really well from losing one NFL draft pick and two other guys who were on NFL training camp rosters at one point. Nevin Lawson has superstar written all over him, but at times never seemed to have the instincts to turn around to make a play on a ball thrown his way. His cover skills are off the charts though. Jumanne Robertson got a lot better as the year went on, which is encouraging, and McKade Brady turned into a star out there. While the performance struggled at times with penalties, coverage and stopping teams late in games, this unit was fairly young and lost a ton from the prior season. All they did with it was go from the 106th pass defense in the country in 2010 to the 76th best pass defense in 2011.
FINAL GRADE: B+
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