- As Phil and BWI noted, Maryland at times played a zero or 1 coverage, straight up man. But what I found interesting was the 5-2 Oklahoma alignment they used. I have to say its been since high school since I've seen it as the base defense for an entire game. When I played our coaches called it 52 Trojan and its a run defense - everybody has an assignment in their gap. For those of you clamoring to go wide, just note that in the 5-2 the DTs move to the gaps and the LBs are positioned over the Guards -- its a wider alignment. I'm sure Donovan wanted to break one over the 0 (center to gap), hence the between the tackle runs by Barkley. Wonder if Franklin saw it in the PSAC when he played QB? Clearly, the Terps took their off week to install.
- While our DEs are fairly consistent pass rushers (I think Sickels is really coming along btw), they are still not physical enough at the point of attack. I'll be curious to see how Michigan attacks our DEs in the run game. It jumps out at you on tape that its not just contain or inside shoulder technique. It's both, depending on the play. But Sickels will get stronger. Carl and Sickels can be run at in other words.
- Bell is hurting. He doesn't have the acceleration and pop he had earlier this year. But he's a warrior and I'm impressed with his grit -- great play at the end of the game.
- Gaia. Wow. I don't know what to say again this week. I think he can really move and seems to excel when pulling but drive blocking? No.
- Mahon. Good game. Head is up, good vision, moving his feet. Bet he got a good grade Sunday night.
- Lucas. Better this week and I wonder if he prefers corner?
- Reeder is leaving his feet and not driving thru tackles. This happens to young players and it can become a habit. No doubt film study and a discussion on moving his feet thru a tackle is coming this week.
- Barking. Anybody notice our kids doing a lot of smack talk this week? I thought Geno was going to beat the defender up after beating him for the decisive catch.
- Coaching. I think Donovan has a strange feel on things from time to time. As a result, his offense loses rhythm. I applaud the trick plays in the second half though. You have to try.
- Maryland played inspired football. I think their run game surprised the Lions and it certainly made things tight.
