I think most of the riff-raff has finally gone, so I thought I'd make a few comments about the Nub game and what I see as the biggest areas of concern going forward.
1 - Tackling. I can't count the number of times one of our guys tried to make a play with an arm tackle. :tickedoff: At least once, Burkhead broke three different "tackles" because our guy threw an arm at him. English has got to get this fixed NOW. We won't survive long in conference, especially against teams like SDSU, AF, TCU, and BSU by arm tackling. This was probably my biggest frustration.
2 - Special teams. Kickoff coverage and return game have got to improve. And we've got to find a kicker who can but the ball trough the end zone on kickoffs and through the uprights on FG's. Sullivan may be the guy, and may just be getting nervous, but we've got to get those parts of the game shored up.
3 - Passing game. I hadn't seen this up to the Nub game, but our guys have got to catch the ball, especially when Smith puts it right on target like he did a couple of times on Saturday. Those would probably have both gone for touchdowns. Smith is pretty accurate, and I'm impressed with his quick release and ability to use his feet to keep a play alive. Protection seems to be pretty good to. Just catch the damn ball when it's there!
I'm actually pretty optomistic about the rest of the season. I think we've got a great chance at Utah State and against UNLV. SDSU and TCU will be tough, but we seem to have SDSU's number lately. Shut down Hillman and we've got a chance. Having TCU at home will help. AF and Boise will be tough, but AF is winnable. And I think we've got a great shot with NM and at CSU. If we play hard, eliminate the mental errors and stupid penalties, I like the way the rest of this season shapes up, and I think we surprise a few. All told, the Nub game was a great judge of where this team is, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this season!
GO POKES!
1 - Tackling. I can't count the number of times one of our guys tried to make a play with an arm tackle. :tickedoff: At least once, Burkhead broke three different "tackles" because our guy threw an arm at him. English has got to get this fixed NOW. We won't survive long in conference, especially against teams like SDSU, AF, TCU, and BSU by arm tackling. This was probably my biggest frustration.
2 - Special teams. Kickoff coverage and return game have got to improve. And we've got to find a kicker who can but the ball trough the end zone on kickoffs and through the uprights on FG's. Sullivan may be the guy, and may just be getting nervous, but we've got to get those parts of the game shored up.
3 - Passing game. I hadn't seen this up to the Nub game, but our guys have got to catch the ball, especially when Smith puts it right on target like he did a couple of times on Saturday. Those would probably have both gone for touchdowns. Smith is pretty accurate, and I'm impressed with his quick release and ability to use his feet to keep a play alive. Protection seems to be pretty good to. Just catch the damn ball when it's there!
I'm actually pretty optomistic about the rest of the season. I think we've got a great chance at Utah State and against UNLV. SDSU and TCU will be tough, but we seem to have SDSU's number lately. Shut down Hillman and we've got a chance. Having TCU at home will help. AF and Boise will be tough, but AF is winnable. And I think we've got a great shot with NM and at CSU. If we play hard, eliminate the mental errors and stupid penalties, I like the way the rest of this season shapes up, and I think we surprise a few. All told, the Nub game was a great judge of where this team is, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this season!
GO POKES!
