Against a more talented SMC team. His predecessor couldn't even compete w Bennett unless the talent was stacked heavily in his favor.
Such is the reality of the defensive side of the ball. Pope at least built his teams to be defensively competent. But more importantly, he knew how to coach them to be that. Last season we defended in Big 12 play far better than our individual talent would have suggested. Same in the WCC the year before.
Depth was unforutnately our Achilles both seasons.