Watching New Orleans not go into full prevent mode down the stretch was great to see. Even the last play would you expect a DB to blitz with no time left. Perfect call not allowing Prescott the opportunity to launch it into the end zone.

Yeah, I know that coordinator has professionals, but it's all relative at each level. That type of defense wins close games! This crazy prevent we play all game is average, sure it keeps the offense in front of you as a D, but it's going to cost you as well.

Tuiaki runs a D scheme is just not unpredictable enough for OCs. It's definitely not a complete failure. You can give the D a "C+" and the offense gets a "C-"...even special teams left 6 points on the field. Just one bad game.

I guess one problem I see now with independence. Other then bowl eligibility I think the pressure to win a game like this one simply isn't as intense for anyone. You can have a few off games and still slink into 6-6. If you lose one game it's the 6-6 bowl regardless of performance.

I'd be seriously interested in an AAC membership if the P5 thing flops again in 2024.