I need to go to more away games because this group of fans have a lot of fun. The parents and die hards are an energized group. Perhaps family is a better word. Good to see the Mayor of BG in attendance, and great to meet 87alum and family (and future all MAC player at whatever position he wants).
Omar’s interception on the third play of the game was unfortunate. The receiver slipped on the wet grass and went down just before the ball arrived. Can't say it was an ill-advised pass in traffic. The good news is the defense forced the Hooters to limited yards. Omar continues to get better. He mentally looks motivated the whole game. The leadership part will grow. Omar actually threw the ball long, great to see passes of 20 to 40 yards.
What can you say about the Pope? His horizontal TD catch in the end zone was a thing of beauty. I had no idea he was running along the end zone so quickly. On his 77 yard TD, he showed patience getting through the line and then turned on the burners to the end zone. Yes, the safety and corner were both in position.
Stover got a chance to play and wanted to make some noise and did. Turning up field along the sideline he lowered his shoulder and let an Owl have it. The smack was the loudest of the day and brought the team to their feet. First down! He also had a nice long run; plus, showed he can grind it out. Maybe the new 3rd down or goal line back?
By the time Macon ran up the middle for the final score, the Cherry Owls were looking up for mercy. I hope this tuned up the running game.
We did get burned on two long pass plays. They were both great throws and even better catches. Our CB was there, just a step behind and not looking back. We do need a solution to the long ball.
Two new names were added to back-up DB. Steve Simonton had a good game. He stuck to a receiver like glue on another bomb to break-up the pass (guaranteed TD for Temple). He also ran down a kick-off returner for no yards. He looked good and plays at a high level. M. Cole also has been switched to DB. He got burned on the last Temple TD, but it really looked like he had good position and stayed with the receiver. Had he seen the ball, he could have broke-up the play. He might work well into that position.
I don't know what to say about the DL. At times one would break through the line and at times I thought we should be getting more pressure. The forced fumble and recovery was great and was the end of Temple. I'm not an expert and don't watch D-line play all the time. I will say the future of the DL, Brandon Mack, is a monster and had a few tackles.
We had three injuries that I saw: Reese and Jackson came off the field limping but stayed on the sideline. Magner also limped off the field and later Dr. Barker was looking at his knee, but he did jump back up pretty quickly.
I don't know what radio station I was listening to leaving the game, but they know nothing of the MAC. They didn't really directly insult BG, but decided it was time to end Temple football if they lose 70-16 to "a team like BG". I think it would be great if Temple wins a few conference games now.
