Defense

State's defense won last night's game against the University of Central Florida.

UCF isn't a household name - but they are a solid, and rising, football team. Coached by George O'Leary, they won 8 games last year. They are likely to have an even better record this year and be the Division champion in the Conference USA.

Last year State's defense was awful. Conservative defensive schemes and poor execution. Our offense averaged about 31+ points. That will almost always give you a big winning season. But not when your defense allows 33+ points.

The key to this year's surprising defensive turn around? Jon Tenuta.

I was really excited back in February when O'Brien hired him.

The Pack doesn't get a break though. In 4 short days we play Cincinnati - Thursday night, ESPN.

Cincinnati will be heavily favored. They should be. Cincinnati went 12 - 1 last year losing only to Florida in the Sugar Bowl. The year before last, they went 11 - 3 beating Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

We'll give them a good game. It's unlikely we'll win; but it's not out of the question.