TheCatsDomain.Com Message Boards: DJ Eliot vs. Shannon Dawson: Week One Advantage?

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Posted by eleem (Member # 884) on 02-15-2016, 10:19 PM:

Former University of Kentucky Offensive Coordinator Shannon Dawson was hired by Southern Mississippi. Dawson’s hiring also marked the internal demotion of previously promoted OC Jeff Wosniak back to Receivers/Special Teams Coordinator. In addition to offensive changes made by new head coach Jay Hopson, former Defensive Coordinator Dave Duggar was not retained. Hopson’s background is on the defensive side of the football. Lots of moving parts and drama in Hattiesburg. Oh by the way, Kentucky hosts Southern Miss in the season opener on September 3.

Question remains, will Shannon Dawson have the week one advantage based on his knowledge of DJ Eliot’s defense or will Eliot trump his former peer by understanding Dawson’s play calling patterns?

In all football situations, offense will always have the advantage due to pre-snap knowledge of impending play. Defense is reactive by nature, but can dictate from blitz packages, coverage alterations, and run stunts. What’s certain to be a chess match in early September, we first have to look at the Jimmies and Joes before we dissect the X’s and O’s.
Shannon Dawson inherits quarterback Nick Mullens and his 4,476 yards, 38 touchdowns and quarterback efficiency rating of 155.2. He led the Golden Eagles to 39.9 points per game while averaging 509 total offensive yards, quite the contrast from UK’s 2015 production — or lack thereof. In addition to Mullens, RB Ito Smith and his 1156 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns come back for another run at a conference title.

With the influx of eligible transfer linebackers Courtney Love and De’Niro Laster and JUCO defenders Naquez Pringle and Jordan Bonner, Kentucky’s front seven will have a distinctively altered look than during the abbreviated Dawson’s Lexington stay. UK’s secondary is expected to be the team’s defensive strength but lost its leader in Derrick Ansley. An experienced and proven teacher coach will be key in how the highly talented defensive backs continue to improve and execute.

Advantage DJ Eliot if: Kentucky manufactures a pass rush which will emphasize secondary skill. UK will win if it produces three QB sacks, four to five Tackles for Loss, and at least one interception. In summary, forcing turnovers will be mandatory. Additionally, it must hold Smith to less than 75 rushing yards. A fast and field position changing defensive start is imperative.

Advantage Dawson if:

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