Manny Diaz wants to talk about negatives, not positives.
But don’t confuse the Mississippi State defensive coordinator’s motives. His defense, predicated on blitzes and hitting runners and quarterbacks in the backfield, is all about forcing negative yardage with big plays and sacks.
Two games into the 2010 season, Diaz isn’t satisfied with what he’s seen from his defense when it comes to speed and tackling in the offensive backfield.
Mississippi State (1-1, 0-1 SEC) is tied for ninth in the conference for sacks (1 1/2 per game) and sits alone at 10th in tackles for loss (5 1/2 per game).
“If we make negative plays, we win the football game,” Diaz said, still pointing to missed opportunities in last Thursday’s 17-14 loss to Auburn. “… That’s how the whole thing has been built. We have not established that identity yet and I’m eager for that to occur.”
ClarionLedger
9/14/10
Magnolia Tribune
