The result of that extra attention was a reduction in total yardage surrendered, from 659 yards against SIU to 406 against Florida International Saturday.
Wilson credits this change to an adjustment of defensive aggression.
“We told them that being aggressive was not the solution,” Wilson said about the defense. “It was a part of the equation, but it wasn’t the total solution. We still need to communicate. We still needed to adjust. We still need to come over and clean some things up. Just being reckless.”
He said playing side-to-side and reacting to the offense keeps the defense on its heels and inhibits tackling and plugging holes. Playing vertically and attacking gaps is the reason they kept FIU to just 123 rushing yards and pressured the quarterback throughout the entire game, he said.
Tegray Scales returning
Sophomore linebacker Tegray Scales was suspended for the first two weeks of the season for undisclosed reasons, and his absence has been felt in the middle of the defense, as IU defensive coordinator Brian Knorr called him the “most athletic linebacker” on the roster.
Sophomore linebacker Marcus Oliver has played in place of Scales for the first two games. He has recorded fumble recoveries in both games and applied pressure on FIU quarterback Alex McGough, forcing him to throw the game-sealing fourth quarter interception to freshman Jameel Cook.
His positive play has earned him playing time, Wilson said — even with Scales back on the field.
“(TJ Simmons) is playing good, so you need those guys,” Wilson said. “You need them all. Marcus is a good player. T.J. is a good player. That’s why we moved (Greg) Gooch (to bandit). You got Tegray back in the mix, who maybe is the best of all of them.”
Dominique Booth
Sophomore wide receiver Dominique Booth, who has not caught a pass this season and hasn’t seen the field in the first two games, has suffered an injury that dates back to four weeks ago, Wilson said.
“Hasn’t been able to practice” Wilson said. “He’s been out. He was doing a little bit more Sunday night, but again, he’s missed here about four weeks plus, so it might be awhile to get him back. He’s just had a thing that’s held him out a little bit, and we will see how it goes. Not major but has not been able to practice either.”
Wilson also noted that Booth has not had surgery for the injury.
Chase Dutra
Sophomore free safety Chase Dutra has also not seen the field yet this season, as he has been slated to start in both depth charts but has been dressed in street clothes in a knee brace for both games.
“I think he’s getting close, and again, we’re playing without him and playing well,” Wilson said. “The young guys are doing well and are very talented. He was doing a little running. We thought he had a chance going into this week, but we don’t know yet. Not to say it’s a game time decision but see if he’s available. We don’t know yet.”
Freshman safety Jonathan Crawford has been playing in place of Dutra for both games this season, recording 14 tackles and blocking an SIU field goal in week one.
