As I watched AU lose a winnable game to Ole Miss it was apparent how far the program has diminished in just two seasons from the 2013 season. Gus has now lost to every SEC W coach and team, and will finish dead last in the division, repeating a similar showing from 2012. It is arguable on whether it is for a season, or for the state of the program.
Despite some improvement, there were key moments where the game seemed to slip away. Letting Ole Miss tie the game before half was a start to not winning, but 2nd half fading and missed opportunities were critical.
For the 2nd week in a row, Gus lost a game when winning the TO battle. Not a common occurrence, but likely a symptom of the offensive identity and futility. Settling for FG's vs TD's was the difference.
Most unsettling was the 1st and goal from the 3 after the Countess interception and trick pass play from JJ.
The play calling seemed to at times surrender the physical run game and admit that OM was better at stopping it than we were at running it. The whole game plan seemed to be centered around avoiding that confrontation. In a way the game was lost before it started with that approach. Instead, relying on trying to out-trick OM on Halloween.
Failure to convert 3rd downs were key drive killers all game. An illegal block by Gray King, and a drop by Melvin Ray were crucial mistakes. The failed 4th down conversion attempt proved a difference maker in the end.
The combo of poor execution, and a less physical approach on offense, along with some questionable playcalling in crucial moments, has led to an inconsistent arhytmic offense, and certainly less points. Especially against the MS schools with only 1 TD scored.
Is it because they are dominant athletically on defense against our offense? Have those programs caught and passed us in ability, talent, development, and schematically? If so, for how long?
Despite some improvement, there were key moments where the game seemed to slip away. Letting Ole Miss tie the game before half was a start to not winning, but 2nd half fading and missed opportunities were critical.
For the 2nd week in a row, Gus lost a game when winning the TO battle. Not a common occurrence, but likely a symptom of the offensive identity and futility. Settling for FG's vs TD's was the difference.
Most unsettling was the 1st and goal from the 3 after the Countess interception and trick pass play from JJ.
The play calling seemed to at times surrender the physical run game and admit that OM was better at stopping it than we were at running it. The whole game plan seemed to be centered around avoiding that confrontation. In a way the game was lost before it started with that approach. Instead, relying on trying to out-trick OM on Halloween.
Failure to convert 3rd downs were key drive killers all game. An illegal block by Gray King, and a drop by Melvin Ray were crucial mistakes. The failed 4th down conversion attempt proved a difference maker in the end.
The combo of poor execution, and a less physical approach on offense, along with some questionable playcalling in crucial moments, has led to an inconsistent arhytmic offense, and certainly less points. Especially against the MS schools with only 1 TD scored.
Is it because they are dominant athletically on defense against our offense? Have those programs caught and passed us in ability, talent, development, and schematically? If so, for how long?
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