Were Monte's SC defenses better?

ahh, but USC had a much worse offense, which meant they were trailing by large margins instead of trying to protect leads. The fourth quarters with Monte, the opposition was burning clock and calling off the dogs to do so. Monte's stats would have been far worse.

Yes, tackle the man, not the ball.

The 2022 play that sums it all up for me is the go-ahead TD in the Utah game. Third and 19 near midfield. Short pass over the middle that should have gained 10-12 yards. Several defenders in position to make the tackle but no one tries to tackle the receiver. Instead, one guy tries to strip the ball, and in the process takes another defender out of the play. From there the entire D chases the receiver into the endzone.

Haha. Ok. Thanks for the concise answer.

FWIW Talent is a factor here and Id venture to say Grinch has far less than Monte did….