Poll: JT's Best DC

[DaddyBigBucks]

I'll go with Dantonio because of half-time adjustments.

Heacock has had some good adjustments (e.g. @ Minnesota as Dryden pointed out). Dantonio's 2nd half defense was sick-sick-sick.

In 2002 there was a long stretch of games where, if you looked at the number of yards opponents gained when they snapped the ball on the OSU side of the 50 in the second half, they gained < 100 yards between them. I forget exactly how many games it was, but it was at least 5. That is beyond disgusting.

[bkochmc]

Originally Posted by Sdgobucks

I voted Heacock, because the only thing separating this defense from the 2002 squad, and a national championship is the turnover margin. Coaches don't create turn overs, players do. Schemes don't cause turnovers (for the most part) players do. If this defense (and team, because part if it is due to the sloppy offensive ball protection) had the same turnover margin as our 2002 team we would be undefeated and on our way to the rose bowl. The other thing I like about Heacock is that he makes GREAT second half adjustments. How many second half touchdowns do we have against us this year, 4 or 5? How many of those came in junk time with backups? Dantonio's 2003 team especially gave up a lot of 2and half points, and often allowed teams back into the game when they should have been out of it.

I agree 110%. Heacock has done "more with less", if you will. I love Heacock's attack first, ask questions later play calling, especially against run teams.

My take on the turnover issue... yes this year's defense isn't causing as many as the 2002 defense did, but this year's offense is losing many more turnovers than the 2002 offense did. Obviously that puts pressure on the defense as they will be on the field more/sooner than expected. But as evidenced from the last few games since the offense has started taking better care of the ball, the defense looks even better.

[Bucky Katt]

I went with Dantonio, pretty much for all the reasons mentioned. Mainly that crystal trophy in the WHAC. However, I have been impressed with Coach Heacock this year. Ask me again in two more years and the answer might be different.

As far as Snyder, it's really tough to say. I'd be interested in seeing what the defense would be like this year with him still as DC.

[IronBuckI]

I also went with Heacock. I love his play calling style, and have noticed a big difference form his bend, don't break 'D' and Snyder's. It has already been mentioned that much of Dantonio's success could be attributed to the fact that all 11 starters were drafted. That may actually come close to happening with this year's 'D' too, but as of now, I believe Heacock is and will continue to be a great coordinator for tOSU for a very long time.