Got up with a spring in my step this morning. This was a big win. Not pretty. Not perfect. But BIG! Late in the 4th quarter, people all over the land were ready to bail on the season, the coaches, the QB. Hell, friggin' DaQuan Jones is sending out Tweets calling for Cliff to be benched. And then one drive snatches victory from the jaws of defeat and changes everything.
That said, the running game does not appear to have experienced a resurrection from its last-season woes. For crying out loud, why can we not incorporate some stuff on the edge. Pitch-action where you get guys in space. We waste too many downs with this slow-developing, between-the-tackles stuff. Sure, you've got to run those too, but diversify the running attack for heaven's sake. You need a functional running game to have a good offense.
In addition, the receivers need to catch balls that are thrown right into their hands. Allar made a beautiful throw between two defenders, and the TE couldn't hold on to the ball. That was ust one example. You have to make some plays for the QB.
Also, the secondaries on both teams seemed to be grabbing on every pass. PI could have been called on every throw...and was called on a lot of them. Then again, I guess that's how the game is played today, We've got a very physical secondary, which is good. But against the Sacred Cows in Columbus and Ann Arbor, we're going to be crucified by the zebras.
Speaking of the secondary, really guys, the strutting and posing on every play is a bit much. Play the damn game and hold that shit until you actually bring away the W at the end.
As for the zebras, no complaints here. The targeting call was terrible, but it was made in the booth. Fact was, we got bailed out a couple times by penalties on Purdue. Felt damn good too.
Still, it was a great win and hopefully augurs well for the season. On the other hand, last year we came away with a great win on the road against Wisconsin, and well, and you know what eventually happened. But hope springs eternal. And last night gave us grounds for hope. Again, congrats to coaches and players!
That said, the running game does not appear to have experienced a resurrection from its last-season woes. For crying out loud, why can we not incorporate some stuff on the edge. Pitch-action where you get guys in space. We waste too many downs with this slow-developing, between-the-tackles stuff. Sure, you've got to run those too, but diversify the running attack for heaven's sake. You need a functional running game to have a good offense.
In addition, the receivers need to catch balls that are thrown right into their hands. Allar made a beautiful throw between two defenders, and the TE couldn't hold on to the ball. That was ust one example. You have to make some plays for the QB.
Also, the secondaries on both teams seemed to be grabbing on every pass. PI could have been called on every throw...and was called on a lot of them. Then again, I guess that's how the game is played today, We've got a very physical secondary, which is good. But against the Sacred Cows in Columbus and Ann Arbor, we're going to be crucified by the zebras.
Speaking of the secondary, really guys, the strutting and posing on every play is a bit much. Play the damn game and hold that shit until you actually bring away the W at the end.
As for the zebras, no complaints here. The targeting call was terrible, but it was made in the booth. Fact was, we got bailed out a couple times by penalties on Purdue. Felt damn good too.
Still, it was a great win and hopefully augurs well for the season. On the other hand, last year we came away with a great win on the road against Wisconsin, and well, and you know what eventually happened. But hope springs eternal. And last night gave us grounds for hope. Again, congrats to coaches and players!