After Further Review...
Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 1:14 pm
...its been over 24 hours and I have a few observations abaout the Florida game on Saturday:
1. I am happy that we were able to compete with a top level SEC team in their stadium. Still disappointed because this game was there for the taking. I don't think this team is mature enough to win these kind of games yet. Don't see the same confidence level that Josh/Omar/PJ/Sharon/Manger teams of early 2000's had. Those teams could go on the road against a BCS team and win a game (Purdue, Kentucky) or give them all they could handle (OSU, Wisconsin). Would like to see us finish the job and not settle for just competing.
2. Defense will face many more challenging games in MAC play than they did Saturday at Florida. BG will face three much better QBs in Tettleton, Dysert and Toledo (pick one) later this year. Not to mention much better and more complicated offensive play calling.
3. Deffense played respectible other than a couple of series where they reverted to tackling like a New York Life commercial (sorry if you're too young to get this reference). Linebackers and d-backs have to tackle better or we'll have the same problems we had last year on defense. I was encouraged by the play of some of the younger players on our defense (Bryan Thomas #43, Zach Covin #92)
4. Not sure we got a full read on the offense? O-line did a decent job but really couldn't do a five or seven step drop to give receivers a chance to get down field. Screen game wasn't used either totally because of Florida's speed on defense. I'll reserve judgement until I see them against a MAC defense.
5. Schilz does a decent job running this offense but his inability to make a play with his feet seriously limit its effectiveness. Linebackers and DBs can drop in coverage knowing he won't scramble for the first down. And, D-lineman always know where he'll be...in the pocket.
6. I was encouraged by the receivers. Gallon can be a nice, big weapon for us. Stokes looks like he can help. Burbrink looks like one of those dependable posession receivers every team needs. Joplin on the other hand, wanted no part of balls thrown over the middle. He looked intimidated and I am not sure what to expect from him the rest of the year. Right now, if it was third and three and the game was on the line, he wouldn't be my first, second or third option...until he proves otherwise.
7. Can't believe we are still talking about our field goal kicker costing us points. Hasn't this been a problem for at least the last four years? I have to blame this on coaching from the recruiting perspective. We can't find one high school kicker to recruit that's consistent from 40 yards in? Not asking for a guy that regularly hits 45+ FGs to win games. I am just looking for someone to give us three points from 35 yards on a regular basis. Evidently, that guy isn't on this roster yet?
1. I am happy that we were able to compete with a top level SEC team in their stadium. Still disappointed because this game was there for the taking. I don't think this team is mature enough to win these kind of games yet. Don't see the same confidence level that Josh/Omar/PJ/Sharon/Manger teams of early 2000's had. Those teams could go on the road against a BCS team and win a game (Purdue, Kentucky) or give them all they could handle (OSU, Wisconsin). Would like to see us finish the job and not settle for just competing.
2. Defense will face many more challenging games in MAC play than they did Saturday at Florida. BG will face three much better QBs in Tettleton, Dysert and Toledo (pick one) later this year. Not to mention much better and more complicated offensive play calling.
3. Deffense played respectible other than a couple of series where they reverted to tackling like a New York Life commercial (sorry if you're too young to get this reference). Linebackers and d-backs have to tackle better or we'll have the same problems we had last year on defense. I was encouraged by the play of some of the younger players on our defense (Bryan Thomas #43, Zach Covin #92)
4. Not sure we got a full read on the offense? O-line did a decent job but really couldn't do a five or seven step drop to give receivers a chance to get down field. Screen game wasn't used either totally because of Florida's speed on defense. I'll reserve judgement until I see them against a MAC defense.
5. Schilz does a decent job running this offense but his inability to make a play with his feet seriously limit its effectiveness. Linebackers and DBs can drop in coverage knowing he won't scramble for the first down. And, D-lineman always know where he'll be...in the pocket.
6. I was encouraged by the receivers. Gallon can be a nice, big weapon for us. Stokes looks like he can help. Burbrink looks like one of those dependable posession receivers every team needs. Joplin on the other hand, wanted no part of balls thrown over the middle. He looked intimidated and I am not sure what to expect from him the rest of the year. Right now, if it was third and three and the game was on the line, he wouldn't be my first, second or third option...until he proves otherwise.
7. Can't believe we are still talking about our field goal kicker costing us points. Hasn't this been a problem for at least the last four years? I have to blame this on coaching from the recruiting perspective. We can't find one high school kicker to recruit that's consistent from 40 yards in? Not asking for a guy that regularly hits 45+ FGs to win games. I am just looking for someone to give us three points from 35 yards on a regular basis. Evidently, that guy isn't on this roster yet?