Double-flex defense gives Griz fits
But Montana's offense adapts and overcomes for a 24-21 victory
That Northern Arizona University defense is something special.
University of Montana football fans saw how good it was on Saturday when the Grizzlies managed to hold off the Lumberjacks for a 24-21 Big Sky Conference victory on the strength of their special teams and defensive units.
The Griz had been averaging 134.8 rushing yards and 230.8 passing yards per game for a total yardage average of 365.6. But they gained only 245 total yards against NAU - 107 on the ground and 138 through the air.
"That defense plays hard," UM senior running back Brady Green said. "Those guys were just flat out going and going and going. They withstood every punch we had. We gave it everything we had."
It's not because NAU defenders are good and play hard that makes it so good, it's just a crazy, awesome defense scheme that seems to work. The Lumberjacks call it the double-flex defense. It's a 3-3-5 alignment and offenses never know until after the snap which linebackers are blitzing and which are going into pass coverage.
Corey Batoon is the NAU defensive coordinator. He played his college ball at Long Beach State and has been with former UM defensive coordinator Jerome Souers, who is now the NAU head coach, since Souers first started nine years ago.
Although UM senior quarterback Josh Swogger said "to come away with a win is a credit to the special teams and defense," the Griz adapted on offense and put together a non-scoring, game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter using a zone-blocking technique.
"The flex defense? It's hard to figure out where everybody is at," Green said. "It took us a little bit to get comfortable with it. But by the end of the game, we were starting to get a handle on it."
Green rushed for 48 of his 73 yards in the final drive.
"You don't see that stuff all the time," Swogger said. "It's just a funny defense to try to block against and to run block against. We tried quick zone to the right and to the left. It was just tough."
In the confusion, Swogger completed just 10 of 22 passes and was sacked five times.
NAU senior linebacker Chris Hunsucker led the way for the Lumberjacks with eight tackles, including 4 1/2 tackles for losses totaling 35 yards. He was credited with three sacks.
"It's an interesting defense," Hunsucker said. "We have three down linemen, three linebackers. Two guys are like defensive guards and then we have one guy over the top. It just allows for a lot of pass rush and a lot of moving around that often confuses people. We came out strong and didn't allow the big play as we have in the past couple of weeks."
The Griz had just four offensive plays of more than 10 yards and none more than 25 yards.
Hunsucker credited his defensive secondary for NAU's strong day.
"Our defensive backfield was really strong," Hunsucker said. "Them staying on the receivers allowed us more time to get into the backfield. We were able to get to the quarterback because he didn't have anywhere to throw the ball."
UM head coach Bobby Hauck said the Lumberjacks schemed different than they have all year.
"I don't have the breakdown, other than what I can surmise in my head, but they played a lot of zone and a substantial amount of cover-2 more than they have in any other week. Corey (Batoon) had a good defensive plan and they played great."
The Grizzlies remain undefeated in Big Sky Conference play and should move up to No. 2 in the national rankings with top-ranked New Hampshire's loss to James Madison. The Griz travel to play Weber State on Saturday.