Huddled around my phone with my two boys, we watched ESPN's GameTracker dutifully throughout the game. It is a pretty sober way to see a game, because there is no emotion...just words and basic graphics.
My takeaways from the game epitomize the season:
1) Why can't we be ready for the first play of the game?
2) I have never seen a team in more second and third and 20 yards or more situations, ever. Penalties, sacks...ugh.
3) Cam. Oh Cam. Good completion percentage. Good yardage. But locking into your receiver leads to sacks and, worse yet, 14 point swings for a team that is on the ropes mentally.
4) Our running game is emerging, but mental mistakes with penalties and turnovers has gutted it along the way. When you are behind the sticks, you cannot grind.
5) We are really young. But that excuse is rapidly diminishing. They are 5 games in and still blowing huge holes in their feet with regularity. I can see gaffes here and there, but oh my.
6) And this is the most important point...these kids have not given up and are learning. You see glimmers of improvement and maturation. But for a 14 point swing with the interception and pick 6 from our redzone and another fumble on 4th and 1 in the redzone, this is a different game. Our defense was much improved, at least watching GameCast and the fact that their punter actually had to play in the game.
In my view, being CSU would be a worse plight...which is always true but especially so this year. They are underachieving with talent all over the place. They are squandering great players and regressing in a way that has the fans finally recognizing the Mac was their team. They may make a Bowl, but it will be a huge step backwards.
My takeaways from the game epitomize the season:
1) Why can't we be ready for the first play of the game?
2) I have never seen a team in more second and third and 20 yards or more situations, ever. Penalties, sacks...ugh.
3) Cam. Oh Cam. Good completion percentage. Good yardage. But locking into your receiver leads to sacks and, worse yet, 14 point swings for a team that is on the ropes mentally.
4) Our running game is emerging, but mental mistakes with penalties and turnovers has gutted it along the way. When you are behind the sticks, you cannot grind.
5) We are really young. But that excuse is rapidly diminishing. They are 5 games in and still blowing huge holes in their feet with regularity. I can see gaffes here and there, but oh my.
6) And this is the most important point...these kids have not given up and are learning. You see glimmers of improvement and maturation. But for a 14 point swing with the interception and pick 6 from our redzone and another fumble on 4th and 1 in the redzone, this is a different game. Our defense was much improved, at least watching GameCast and the fact that their punter actually had to play in the game.
In my view, being CSU would be a worse plight...which is always true but especially so this year. They are underachieving with talent all over the place. They are squandering great players and regressing in a way that has the fans finally recognizing the Mac was their team. They may make a Bowl, but it will be a huge step backwards.
