FIRST QUARTER GRADE: C-

SECOND QUARTER GRADE:  C-

STATS: (Best viewed in widescreen)

COMMENTS: The grade didn't change because the play on the field has not changed much.  There has been a significant drop in passing yardage allowed, but that can easily be attributed to the fact that the Cougs played two pass-heavy teams in the first quarter, and three teams who are balanced or like to run the ball in the second quarter.

These guys still are having trouble keeping up with Pac 10 wide receivers.  Opposing quarterbacks completed 68%of their passes in the second quarter.  The Cougar secondary is making it a little too easy on the other guys.

Two bright spots for the defensive backs in the second quarter have been the play of Chima Nwachukwu and their ability to step up in the run defense.  Chima has been a tackling machine, leading the group with 25 in games 4-6.  In the run game, the secondary as a whole has recorded 8.5 tackles for loss.  Reading the run and getting in the backfield to make plays is something these guys need to do to help out the often-overmatched defensive line.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE:  Like I said last quarter, these guys are not going to suddenly get faster and be able to keep up with talented wide receivers.  To improve their grade they are simply going to have to play even better in the run game and contain in the pass game.  For the rest of the season, it would be fantastic to see Xavier Hicks make a few plays to make the most out of his remaining days as a Cougar.  We've been hoping all along that he would show more of those flashes of brilliance that he did when he was younger, the flashes that made us believe that he had a chance to be an All Pac-10 type guy this year.  So far these season, there has not been much of that.