Coach Steele is a fantastic DC. He's had nasty defenses for years that ranked inside the top 10 year after year (despite playing really tough competition). Coaches in the state of Alabama have cited him as one of the best recruiters in the game (saw that in an article about Harsin's recruiting efforts at Auburn and elsewhere). You can combine the best of Jimmy Johnson, Don Shula, Saban, Schnellenberger, Parcells, and Bellichick and it isn't going to make Ivey any faster and prevent him from being beat deep by a speedster. With that point deficit we were facing, I wouldn't be surprised if Steele was taking some risks to try & force 3 & outs and turnovers & change the complexion of the game. The only things that could have been done (if your CBs can't survive on an island) are:
1) Have Ivey play further off his man & leave a big cushion (keep everything way in front of him). That might prevent huge chunk plays & quick scoring strikes but we'd clearly be susceptible to shorter pass completions (although at least those force the opponent to have to complete more of them to score). This probably was the best answer against MTSU. That and Ivey being more alert.
2) Have safety help back there. Again, that would leave other spots open (like the middle of the field).
Coach Steele is a fantastic DC. We need better horses at CB, LB and DL. The recruiting deficiencies of the prior staff came home to roost in this game in a big way (particularly at CB & LB). We simply need faster, better players at all three defensive positions. Coach Steele ain't the problem.