The North Carolina defensive coordinator wants his defense to create havoc and negative plays like Diaz has done the last three-plus seasons at Miami. Inside the U quoted Bateman about his style. After one week, North Carolina ranks
and 39th in
nationally.
"“You can’t worry about yards, you can’t worry about downs…You have to create negative plays to get in advantageous situations as a play-caller.”"
North Carolina picked up on third down where Army left off in 2018. The Tar Heels held South Carolina to three for 12 on third down. The Biggest difference between Bateman and Diaz’s defenses are interceptions. Miami has been among the leaders nationally in interceptions. Bateman’s defenses have not.
North Carolina forced two turnovers against South Carolina. Both of those were interceptions thrown by Gamecocks QB Jake Bentley. Army’s five interceptions ranked 119th in 2018 and their 11 return yards were 126th out of 130 teams in 2018. That doesn’t mean Williams can relax.
Conversely, the Black Knights were exceptional at forcing and recovering fumbles. Army forced 14 fumbles to finish 24th nationally in 2018. The 15 fumbles recovered was fifth nationally. Fumbles can often be random depending on the defense. Interceptions tend to be more static. The Hurricanes have to secure the ball.
Bateman is a year older than Diaz at 46. Diaz is a rising star as a head coach. He was one of the most well-known assistants nationally before being hired at Temple and eventually Miami last December. Leading the North Carolina defense, Bateman could have a similar ascension.