allows some great teaching and learning moments. The players may not admit it, but they read the press clippings and they were a little full of themselves. We got a win over a pretty good team and have plenty to happy about, and plenty to improve upon.
1. Our DL dominated their OL. If UL had played the starting QB the whole game we win by 40. The run around QB was something we hadn't practiced for. Plus, you have very young guys playing DE. That is easily correctable. They got nothing through the traditional running game. VERY pleased with that. When Lawson was playing, we got great pressure on the starting QB. Much improved.
2. I think Gus was over confident in JJ's ability. He called for the LONG pass routes. Then, when that didn't work out, JJ got rattled, and mentally was done for game. At that point, Gus didn't trust him to throw the 10-15 yard routes, so that totally changed his play calling game plan. It is what it is. JJ will be better, because he is a very talented player AND Gus will call smarter pass plays. More passes to the backs, WR screens, quick slants. Easy quick throws while he builds back JJ's confidence.
3. We tackled "light years" better than the last 4-5 years, IMO. Obviously much improved. And not stupid 15 yard penalties. Much more disciplined.
4. Our OL did a really good job on run blocking and pass protection. They never threatened to sack JJ. UL also, knew we had given up on the pass in the second half and was sitting on the run, and yet we still pounded out 5 yards per rush. Well done against a very good front 7-8.
5. Both H backs did a very good job at point of attack. Gonna be a huge plus this year.
6. I saw a lot of true frosh on the field during the critical 4th quarter. While scary, that's very exciting. They played well for a first major college game. Super excited about those guys.
7. Again, As bad as we played is some areas, we were a bad holding call away from blowing them out. This against a pretty good team that had been focusing on us for half a year. Just think, all that practicing for us, and if JJ just has an average first start, we beat them like a red headed "coach". First games, especially against tough competition is always a crap shoot. Just ask the #2, #3, and #4 ranked teams. And they played much weaker competition than we did. I like where we are and where we're headed.
1. Our DL dominated their OL. If UL had played the starting QB the whole game we win by 40. The run around QB was something we hadn't practiced for. Plus, you have very young guys playing DE. That is easily correctable. They got nothing through the traditional running game. VERY pleased with that. When Lawson was playing, we got great pressure on the starting QB. Much improved.
2. I think Gus was over confident in JJ's ability. He called for the LONG pass routes. Then, when that didn't work out, JJ got rattled, and mentally was done for game. At that point, Gus didn't trust him to throw the 10-15 yard routes, so that totally changed his play calling game plan. It is what it is. JJ will be better, because he is a very talented player AND Gus will call smarter pass plays. More passes to the backs, WR screens, quick slants. Easy quick throws while he builds back JJ's confidence.
3. We tackled "light years" better than the last 4-5 years, IMO. Obviously much improved. And not stupid 15 yard penalties. Much more disciplined.
4. Our OL did a really good job on run blocking and pass protection. They never threatened to sack JJ. UL also, knew we had given up on the pass in the second half and was sitting on the run, and yet we still pounded out 5 yards per rush. Well done against a very good front 7-8.
5. Both H backs did a very good job at point of attack. Gonna be a huge plus this year.
6. I saw a lot of true frosh on the field during the critical 4th quarter. While scary, that's very exciting. They played well for a first major college game. Super excited about those guys.
7. Again, As bad as we played is some areas, we were a bad holding call away from blowing them out. This against a pretty good team that had been focusing on us for half a year. Just think, all that practicing for us, and if JJ just has an average first start, we beat them like a red headed "coach". First games, especially against tough competition is always a crap shoot. Just ask the #2, #3, and #4 ranked teams. And they played much weaker competition than we did. I like where we are and where we're headed.
