not better but different. I will say nicks defenses were meaner. while Pel. seem to be a little more relaxed. seems to me, under nicks defense in crucial situations 3rd and and short was hard to get. Pel. however rarely makes a big stop. (i said rarely) . Pel will have to continue getting great athletes to continue with his style, without em his defense will not work in the SEC!

I wouldn't agree that Pelini's D "rarely" gets the big stop. We've been spoiled for the past four years or so in having a very strong defense, both Saban's and Pelini's.

I also think we've got a very mean defense this year, moreso than last year or '04. In that respect, they remind me quite a bit of the '03 defense. I think the linebackers are making a much bigger contribution this year, but our DL for both defenses are really impressive.

That being said, I felt that we should've gone more aggressively for Crompton--who must be much more mobile than Ainge (especially an injured Ainge).

Yeah I was watching the game thinking this red shirt freshman has no idea what is about to be delivered to him...but...the sellout blitzes never came. If another back-up came in to replace Ainge and lead the Vols to another victory this weekend I don't think I could have handled it. I had visions of Clausen eating our D up last year in the second half.

That's actually exactly what I thought when Ainge went out. He was having as bad of a day as he was having in Tiger Stadium last year, then he's injured. Enter a back-up QB who we couldn't stop as well.

Red and Nutriaitch said it all.
I like Pelinni's Defense better because we don't seem to get burned as much
down the field, Arkansas and Iowa losses were a heartbreaker!

Not better; Not worse. Just different and just as effective...

It took Nick about three years to get the athletes to play his defense.
All the defenders in the secondary were left in place for Miles and Pelinni. To Miles and Pelinni's credit they seem to be keeping the talent level high.
Apparently Pellinni's defense is vulnerable to the bomb as well. A redshirt freshman dropped two yesterday.

There is no way to defend a perfect pass. Both of those tosses were thrown to a spot that only the receiver could catch it. We had good coverage on both plays.

Don't say that to Robert Meachum. I do love Pelini's D. I just wish we would create more turnovers.