By KYLE ROBERTS

Sports Writer

Experts say defense wins championships.

In Tech's case for the 2001 season, it was offense, which posted an average of 33.8 points a game and scored at least 40 points in five of their seven conference wins to capture the Western Athletic Conference championship.

For the past two years, however, Tech's offensive threats have been on a downswing with the lack of big-time receiving playmakers such as John Simon and Delwyn Daigre, and opponents have posted 32.8 points per game in 2003 and 35.5 in 2002. Tech's offense accumulated an average of less than 30 points per game in both years.

Enter Tim Rose.

Rose, who was hired to replace Rick Smith as defensive coordinator in January, brings along with his repertoire a different defensive package for the Bulldogs: the 3-4.

"I feel like for the 2004 season, the Bulldog personnel on defensive would be best used in the 3-4 defense," Rose said. "I don't necessarily believe any defense is any better than the other, but I see [the 3-4] as appropriate for the talent we have."

The 3-4 consists of four defensive backs, four linebackers and three linemen as opposed to the usual four, which Rose said makes for a faster team on the field.

"By taking out the traditional fourth lineman and replacing him with a fourth linebacker, it makes for a much speedier defensive scheme," Rose said. "I think speed is the criteria for the defense, and I believe our players have the speed as an asset to make it a big selling point for us trying to run the 3-4."

Rose also said the main advantage is "no identifiable fourth rusher."

"In most defenses, four people rush the quarterback while seven drop in coverage," Rose said. "In the 3-4, because we have four linebackers with three linemen, any of those linebackers can come at any time. That brings a big disadvantage for the passing game. On the flip side, by taking out that fourth lineman, you become more susceptible to a big, powerful running team that could keep you guessing with sweeps and draws."

Overall, Rose is confident in this year's Bulldog team mainly due to its depth.

Rightfully so, considering almost every position on defense is being filled by a senior who took part in the 2001 championship season.

"I think we have a lot of depth this year," Rose said. "What hurt the Bulldogs last year were injuries, and if we can stay injury free, I'm confident we'll have a good year."