I think that the problem with the poor run defense is particular and the overall defense in general is one of many convergent factors. a) Defense line overweight, slow and are physically manhandled (weak), B) linebackers out of position continually, and slow, C) poor tackling mechanics, d) a sense of hopelessness and a resigned mindset that they can stop no one. All of these can be addressed by coaching. The lineman need to drop weight and get stronger. That is just workout oriented and can change. That the linebackers are out of position constantly can be rectified by scheme. That the linebackers are so slow can also be changed if the coaches use quicker and smaller men (guys like Culbert, Washington, and Dillard --- if Dillard drops 15 - 18 pounds). The defensive ends are playing too heavy --- Turner was an effective quick player at 240 --- now at 270 he is average, at best. These guys need to cut weight and work on burst strength. The tackling mechanics can be fixed by coaching. The only thing that remains is the condition of the psyche of these kids. And that too, can be effected by coaching.
So.... can this be fixed and fixed quickly? The answer is yes. The NU defense, this year no better than #100 in the nation should be, based on the talent that they have coming back and the people in the pipeline, if well coached, a top 30 - 35 defense(maybe a tad better). That is, a defense that is reasonable and effective (dominant, no --- even consistently good, probably not --- but they should not be a liability at all). This is what we should see next year.
Can this coaching staff (or another) fix this for next year? Yes. It is fixable.
So.... can this be fixed and fixed quickly? The answer is yes. The NU defense, this year no better than #100 in the nation should be, based on the talent that they have coming back and the people in the pipeline, if well coached, a top 30 - 35 defense(maybe a tad better). That is, a defense that is reasonable and effective (dominant, no --- even consistently good, probably not --- but they should not be a liability at all). This is what we should see next year.
Can this coaching staff (or another) fix this for next year? Yes. It is fixable.