where do you think it is after watching that MSU game? Is it finding a 2nd receiver to take the pressure off Early? Is it the O line, especially on the right side with Hitt/Carnell Stewart? For me, I would have to say its the play of the O line. With the running backs we have I am amazed there arent more big plays from the running game. I imagine Hitt and Stewart will grow with each game, but boy do we need them to grow up quick by Sat.
I think O-Line is the obvious answer, and is the area where the team needs to get better. Also as a first year starting quarterback, I look for Flynn to progress with each and every game.
For me, clearly the O-line - both in terms of blocking execution and minimizing penalties. VT has a great defense - some think as good or better than LSU. If the O-line doesn't give Matt time and the RBs a chance, this could be the low scoring, field position kind of slugfest that many are predicting - or worse (can't believe I just wrote that last bit...) I have confidence that we're going to see improvement on the O-line.
Against VT, If Stewart gets beaten like he did against Titus Brown of MSU time and time again, do we put Barksdale in in crucial spots to see what he can do? Or do we stick to the senior in Stewart and hope?
It's a fine line, because I think you can't ignore the fact that game experience is valuable for a guy like Barksdale, but you have to at least give Stewart the benefit of the doubt. He's a 5th year Sr, paid some dues, and have to give him the opportunity to show that he can, and will, improve. But sooner or later, the bottom line is that "paid dues" don't guarantee you playing time.... However, if after a few games, Stewart is still having the same struggles then....well, if a Freshman and a Senior are equal, then I'd rather see the Freshman play--build him for the future.
IMO finding the recievers is just as important as the O-line. Given that there are no real issues on defense and the O-line is CLM bread and butter I think the O-line will be much improved on Sat night. Against the V-tech D any improvements may not be obvious unless we can make them respect the passing game. If Barksdale is ready I'm sure he'll at least be rotated in more often. CLM seems to be his biggest fan. Also, I'm hoping to see more of Richard Murphy in this game.
Well we thought the O-line would get better throughout the year last year because CLM is an Offensive Line guy, but that didn't turn out. Our running game was none existent agains AU and UF. I expect them to get marginally better but I don't think they will make huge improvements. This will be our achilles heal throughout the season just as the run blocking was last season. Last season the pass blocking was good but the run blocking was not good at all. This year it looks like we will struggle with both. I sure hope I'm wrong, but if we are to have BCS game or even title hopes the run blocking and the running game has to improve greatly. Not being able to run the ball in the 1st half of MSU, is not a good sign. I'm still hopeful but improvements have to be made.
