Those are valid comments but some of those runs were with second team OLine as well. I was the least impressed with the those guys. If we have a major injury to a couple of Oline starters, it could really swing our season. Here is to hoping they all stay healthy.
True about the oline in the second half, but Williams didn't show much behind the starters in the first half either. I didn't see Murphy till the second half. I've heard good comments about Ridley, and I see why. He seemed quick strong and a tough one to get down. I'll be watching him. And its the first game. Plenty of concerns IMO. Those concerns could go away if kids correct mistakes and make progress like teams always do. But, we gotta get better. (Doesn't Les say that alot also?)
Murphy ran hard and made yardage out of a couple of good defensive plays by App State. Like you, would've liked to see him behind the first team OLine.
I really feel like based on what we saw we are going to be challenged to the max by strong SEC competition. Our strong OLine and DLine will be facing strong opposition and won't be able to overly dominate. QB play at this time makes us look very one dimensional, which bodes poorly for more serious competition. We should improve, but the game against Auburn seems really soon all of a sudden. QB play may limit our talented receivers, punting and kickoffs were pretty dismal. Scott looked solid and Williams looked like Vincent as someone brought up earlier (very disappointed in the later). I'm also concerned about defensive coverage and the dual DC situation.
I think the offensive play calling/ game plan was probably a scaled down version of what we'll see during SEC play. We were able to score points early and jump out to a pretty good lead and our OLine was pretty solid. I hope the coaches didn't use KW, TH, RM or Terrance Tolliver much because we don't want to let the cat out of the bag yet. Also, We have 2 more games to bring our young QB's along before SEC play begins. Game 1 was a confidence builder. I expect to see a few more wrinkles in the next 2 games, and then hopefully our all-out offense by Auburn. Having said that, I our punting was terrible. A great punter can change the field position which can help you win or lose a game....scary. Don't worry guys, our QB's will get better!!! :crystal::geaux::crystal::geaux::crystal:
So, any of your concerns different after 2 games? Punting seemed better & we now have a punt returner. I didn't notice any defensive miscommunications this time. QB play was still below average, but did look a little sharper. I'd still like to see more Peterson!
You think? I will say that Hatch manages the game well, but I wish he could be more accurate past 20 yds. Lee,well thats another story.
--LB obviously. is it safe to assume that LB will be an even more important position against the spread/AU team that can throw? or is it less important because less drop-back coverage? --RB. interested to see how scott will do being the main guy against a top D. especially when they know it coming. hester was pretty good at it. we'll see if scott is. the OL should be better, but i doubt scott has the same pop as hester after contact. i expect to see more murphy out of need.
Interesting point about CS. Certainly, the defenses will be gunning for him, but I think his toughness and YACs will bear out fine. Nice to have RM as a change of pace, though.
I was very concerned about our QB's missing some open receivers but overall they did good. I was impressed with Jefferson. About Hatch, Did he hurt his arm in such a way that he has to release the ball almost like a shot put? I honestly believe I can throw a deep route better than him however, he can zip the short ones.
