After allowing 42 points to FCS opponent Eastern Washington on Saturday, defensive coordinator Don Pellum and the Ducks’ defense has some work to do.
Missed tackles, not finishing plays and lapses in pass coverage were some of the primary concerns coming out of last week’s season-opener. A road game against no. 5 Michigan State looms on Saturday. Spartans senior quarterback Connor Cook presents another huge challenge, but according to Pellum, perhaps somewhat hyperbolically, the defense has stepped up in a big way during the first few days of practice this week.
Pellum spoke to a group of reporters after Wednesday’s practice:
You said after last game finishing was something that didn’t happen against Eastern Washington. Has that been an emphasis this week for you guys?
Absolutely. It’s been an emphasis every week, but this week now that we’ve played a game, I think everyone understands what we’re seeing. The point has hit home.
How do you feel like the focus is for the team right now?
I think this week, through three days of practice, has been wonderful. It’s been the best three practices of the year, defensively.
How so?
Just intensity, attention to detail and finish(ing).
 
What did you see when you went back and looked at the film? What stuck out to you?
We didn’t finish. We were in position to make plays, whether its in the backfield or down the field, and we didn’t. Eastern (Washington) made some great plays, but there were a couple, had we been running harder, instead of a long play it could’ve been a couple yards.
What has (the secondary) learned after last week’s game?
I’m hoping that the entire defense learned that we’ve got to play smarter and more urgent. There has to be an urgency and an intensity every play, from the signal through the finish of the play.
Last year you played Michigan State, you know what they do. What is it about them that makes their offense (excel)?
Where Michigan State excels is their tremendous running game. They have a tremendous passing attack. They have a lot plays that prey on the eyes, so they do a good job of mixing up run, pass, play-action and then there’s some tricks within those.
How much better is Connor Cook this year than last year?
That’s hard to judge, they played one game. He’s really good (laughs). Last year and this year, he can make all the throws. He sees downfield. That 10-15 yard area, he’s money. Just a really good quarterback.
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