Not to put too much on the back of Justin Houston, but it's extremely large that he have a good game against Arkansas. And beyond. The defensive scheme that we utilize in Athens desperately needs a pass rushing end who disrupts plays and makes QBs nervous. That allows us to play the sorts of back end coverages that have historically been more successful.
The defensive line did an ok job of stuffing the run in Games 1 and 2 (3.8 yards per carry by non-QBs) with DTs playing the Buck end position and Battle (who is now out for the season) playing Rush End. Well...except on 2nd, 3rd or 4th and 1 yard. In that case, we're not doing so good.
The problem is defending the pass. The Dawgs haven't had much of a pass rush since Marcus Howard left. Houston showed in the Spring and a few flashes last fall as a freshman that he can be that guy. He has to deliver in a big way this season for this defense to move from "good, but [insert excuse here]" to "good" or "very good"...without all the caveats and disclaimers.
As for being "rusty" after missing the first two games....
Odell Thurman missed the first three games of the 2004 season. When he returned for the LSU game at home, he had 8 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1 sack and 1 fumble recovery. Nobody expects Justin Houston to be Odell Thurman (for more reasons than one), but players play. And ballers ball.
See Also:
-- The wait is almost over for Houston - ABH
PWD
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