Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Although offense gets most of the attention in the days leading up to the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, it's defense that often determines the game's outcome.

Both teams will play a 40 defense in this year's game, which will be played Saturday (2:30 p.m.) at Dartmouth's Memorial Field. Teams aren't allowed to stunt or twist, and each defensive tackle must line up opposite the offensive guard.

"Compared to the offense it's much simpler," New Hampshire coach Craig Kozens said. "In short-yardage or goal-line situations you can walk two guys up to the line of scrimmage, and you can change secondary coverages."

Although Vermont coach Mike Law runs the Wing-T at U-32 High School in East Montpelier, Kozens said he expects Vermont to throw the ball 75 or 80 percent of the time Saturday.

Kozens said three of Vermont's four offensive sets use the shotgun formation with three or four wideouts.

"They only have one set where it looks like they want to bring the quarterback up to the line of scrimmage, so I wouldn't be surprised if they throw it 30 or 40 times," Kozens said. "Our strength is that we're deep. We'll be rotating defensive tackles and defensive ends every three or four plays to keep bringing in fresh legs.

"Our secondary and linebackers are extremely athletic. Team speed should be an advantage for us defensively. We do fly to the ball."

New Hampshire will hold its final practice Friday, a walk-through at Memorial Field. New Hampshire Football Report will have a final Shrine update Friday night. A game preview will be posted Friday night as well.

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New Hampshire wil be the home team for Saturday's game, and will wear red shirts with silver pants.