it’s been nearly three years since i really cared to think back on an AU game, but HEW has renewed hope that we can again make noise in college foosball.
so, lettuce review.
the bad: AU was absolutely rancid at times last night. that timeshare added up was more often than not. the first three series were brutal beginning with AUr qb gently passing the ball to their middle linebacker on the sideline. that was a huge missed call by the refs, but in fairness to them it was a very awkward play. that crew last night looked like they just got done officiating a 12U upwards game. whatever.
the offense was disjointed in a number of ways, but mostly in playcalling. AU was predictable and all too eager to get behind the sticks which made them even more predictable. i was disappointed the offense, something HEW is well respected in, was not a big better. it just seemed off. it could’ve been first road game jitters with a newly retooled everything, but for much of the game it just looked uninspiring and flat. four turnovers ain’t gonna cut it. i’m still confused by damari’s fumble, his lack of desire (concussed?) to recover it, and him being back in the game later.
special teams and defense were average for the most part and i question AUr knack for bringing it out to the 15. stop it. defense did okay and if there was any bright spot it was coming up with big stops when they had no other choice. sam jackson shredded them between the 20s but they stiffened up in the red zone. cal sucking on special teams helped.
the good: holy eugene asante. i’d be remiss if i didn’t start with him. this dude was not only everywhere, he was animated, destructive, and yet controlled. it’s been awhile since i’ve seen an AU linebacker control a game like that. He reminds me of Karlos Dansby in that his closing speed is filthy and he enjoys violently assaulting the other team. love this dude and he should be a toner setter on defense. fairweather is another guy that deserves some credit. while the passing game (along with most of the offense) left a lot to be desired, AU had one spectacular drive where the playcalling and execution were more of what i expected to see. fairweather had two big catches on that drive including a ridiculous catch on 3rd and long and the touchdown on a fade. he can be a huge weapon moving forward.
i do consider it a positive that AU had every reason to lose that game to what i think will be a 7-5/8-4 type time late at night a few thousand miles across the country yet they did enough to win. they played very poorly, had few bright spots, benefitted from a questionable call or two, but still came out on top.
talent is going to take a bit to get to a better level, but what i’m most interested in seeing is how the team identity evolves during the year. development is expected with this group as well as HEW is known for it. i think there are pieces AU can capitalize on, certainly areas to improve in, and things that give reason for hope and concern. i don’t expect four turnovers a game, especially three fumbles. i do expect the passing game to get better and i think the defense can be above average. overall this team looks to be 7-5 or maybe 9-3 if they progress well. given how the SEC looks this year, there’s an outside chance at something more. i’m eager to find out.
bonus: bama lost. haha.
so, lettuce review.
the bad: AU was absolutely rancid at times last night. that timeshare added up was more often than not. the first three series were brutal beginning with AUr qb gently passing the ball to their middle linebacker on the sideline. that was a huge missed call by the refs, but in fairness to them it was a very awkward play. that crew last night looked like they just got done officiating a 12U upwards game. whatever.
the offense was disjointed in a number of ways, but mostly in playcalling. AU was predictable and all too eager to get behind the sticks which made them even more predictable. i was disappointed the offense, something HEW is well respected in, was not a big better. it just seemed off. it could’ve been first road game jitters with a newly retooled everything, but for much of the game it just looked uninspiring and flat. four turnovers ain’t gonna cut it. i’m still confused by damari’s fumble, his lack of desire (concussed?) to recover it, and him being back in the game later.
special teams and defense were average for the most part and i question AUr knack for bringing it out to the 15. stop it. defense did okay and if there was any bright spot it was coming up with big stops when they had no other choice. sam jackson shredded them between the 20s but they stiffened up in the red zone. cal sucking on special teams helped.
the good: holy eugene asante. i’d be remiss if i didn’t start with him. this dude was not only everywhere, he was animated, destructive, and yet controlled. it’s been awhile since i’ve seen an AU linebacker control a game like that. He reminds me of Karlos Dansby in that his closing speed is filthy and he enjoys violently assaulting the other team. love this dude and he should be a toner setter on defense. fairweather is another guy that deserves some credit. while the passing game (along with most of the offense) left a lot to be desired, AU had one spectacular drive where the playcalling and execution were more of what i expected to see. fairweather had two big catches on that drive including a ridiculous catch on 3rd and long and the touchdown on a fade. he can be a huge weapon moving forward.
i do consider it a positive that AU had every reason to lose that game to what i think will be a 7-5/8-4 type time late at night a few thousand miles across the country yet they did enough to win. they played very poorly, had few bright spots, benefitted from a questionable call or two, but still came out on top.
talent is going to take a bit to get to a better level, but what i’m most interested in seeing is how the team identity evolves during the year. development is expected with this group as well as HEW is known for it. i think there are pieces AU can capitalize on, certainly areas to improve in, and things that give reason for hope and concern. i don’t expect four turnovers a game, especially three fumbles. i do expect the passing game to get better and i think the defense can be above average. overall this team looks to be 7-5 or maybe 9-3 if they progress well. given how the SEC looks this year, there’s an outside chance at something more. i’m eager to find out.
bonus: bama lost. haha.
