[SkiBum80]

I'll take your analysis.  I feel bad for April, but the results seem to show no substantial drop-off.  Whether Thompson's status as primary-DC-in-practice was Reich's idea or whether that was a TT decision that didn't get overturned is of interest since they're both listed as co-DCs.

Bobby April inherited a Stanford defense that had a miserable five year median of #84 and attrition and the portal weren’t doing him any favors when he came in. In April’s first year the defense was #115 and in his second year it was #90. Now this year, with the big caveat that we are only a quarter of the way through, it’s #62. SP+ shows an inherited three year median of #103, first year under April of #116, second year of #112, and quarter of the way through 2025 currently #82. Not as bullish on the defense but the arc of improvement applies to both of these fairly sophisticated measures.

It’s a longer conversation on the merits of bringing Thompson on, the current power-sharing, whether we should consider keeping some or all of the defensive staff, etc. but I just wanted to share that yes, the data does show that the defense has been on an upward trajectory.

The ratings confirm my amateur eye-test that looks like our D is playing tougher and with more physicality, which is what Coach Reich has said multiple times was a goal of this season.  Also the toughness might come out more than even in the stats when you consider bringing it for the most crucial plays, for example, in the BC game in the goal line stand causing a fumble. Also I hope that the trajectory upward is a trend not only over the past 3 seasons but over the past 3 games and continues up from here.

[SkiBum80]

I'll take your analysis.  I feel bad for April, but the results seem to show no substantial drop-off.  Whether Thompson's status as primary-DC-in-practice was Reich's idea or whether that was a TT decision that didn't get overturned is of interest since they're both listed as co-DCs.

Bobby April inherited a Stanford defense that had a miserable five year median of #84 and attrition and the portal weren’t doing him any favors when he came in. In April’s first year the defense was #115 and in his second year it was #90. Now this year, with the big caveat that we are only a quarter of the way through, it’s #62. SP+ shows an inherited three year median of #103, first year under April of #116, second year of #112, and quarter of the way through 2025 currently #82. Not as bullish on the defense but the arc of improvement applies to both of these fairly sophisticated measures.

It’s a longer conversation on the merits of bringing Thompson on, the current power-sharing, whether we should consider keeping some or all of the defensive staff, etc. but I just wanted to share that yes, the data does show that the defense has been on an upward trajectory.

The ratings confirm my amateur eye-test that looks like our D is playing tougher and with more physicality, which is what Coach Reich has said multiple times was a goal of this season.  Also the toughness might come out more than even in the stats when you consider bringing it for the most crucial plays, for example, in the BC game in the goal line stand causing a fumble. Also I hope that the trajectory upward is a trend not only over the past 3 seasons but over the past 3 games and continues up from here.