We were keeping things very, very simple on both sides of the ball. On offense, we all know what Crowton is capable of and the UW game was not it - and it was not limited by Jefferson's abilities. It was done to ease Jefferson into the season, to build up his confidence and let him know that he doesn't have to do everything on his own. We could've thrown the ball to the edges all day long & scored 50+ points, but what would be the point... It was about showing poise in a (surprisingly) hostile environment and not making mistakes in a close game. Jefferson showed that he has what it takes to win the tight games we'll have in the SEC. And on defense, we're easing our guys into that scheme as well. UW's offense will be very good this year, regardless of what happened last season. This was about developing competition & making guys work harder. A blow-out of a team that went winless last year does nothing for our guys, but a close game keeps them from giving up their edge. That being said, this doesn't mean that there aren't weaknesses and that we don't have areas that need improvement. I'm only saying that we could've masked these if we had wanted to with a blow-out.
I'm rewatching the game when I find time here and there, and it isn't as bad watching the replay. Our defense wasn't as bad as it would appear. The guys were in the position to make plays most of the time, but in some cases were missing. Levingston has been taught to get his hands up to bat down balls at the line of scrimmage, for instance (something we weren't doing at all last year, and not much under Pelini, though it was a staple with Saban.) However, he was just off a couple of times, and big completions were the result. Late in the game, he had a key knockdown at the line. It seems something being stressed. Cutrera had a great game, and Peterson had a phenominal one. Our defense will be much, much better this year, guys. And JJ will be capable of leading our team. It was game one. It will get better from here.
One pass looked like it went right through his hand. He just missed. I think it may have been a third down play which resulted in a first down.
Yes, he came an inch from batting that pass right into Locker's face. Instead, it became a first down. It happened again on one of the long pass plays down the sideline.
You win some, you lose some. The odds will catch up and he'll knock down a lot with his size and reach. I agree - that one pass looked like it went between his fingers or something. Don't know how he missed it. And another thing - watching the replay without the emotional stress - the D looked like they were just a little bit away from making several BIG plays, and I think that will get better. Not nearly as bad as it seemed at the time. Yeah, they've gotta improve, but looking back at it things are not as bleak as they may have seemed. :geaux:
Nevis chasing down Locker on the sideline was my man crush play of the game. Big man got some leg. I agree with Parso's analogy and believe that many of the discussions on the sidelines were of making improvements for the future as apposed to panic. A game one on the road anywhere is gonna have mistakes. I am excited about seeing this team improve over those mistakes. Vandy should be a great example though still a bit conservative play, noticeable improvements just the same. A great Tiger crowd is gonna help. :tigereye:
Exactly why I'm not upset with running the ball so much in the face of a good rushing defense. We have to develop the inside running game to be effective in the SEC and there is nothing like knocking heads with a serious opponent to improve your game.
I am glad someone has a great rational exlanation. I now feel much better about this game. Thank you Cparso.
Rock out Cparso. I agree 100% and that's with P&G glasses off. We'll be fine.. but IMO.. there was one thing we lacked -- and that was intensity. Could be jetlag, could be overestimating your opponent, could be 100 things.. but I fully expect our guys to be pumped up for Vandy. Just have to get that confidence back and we're going to be very dangerous.
Bottom line, we lost the battles in the trenches on both sides of the ball against a team that is clearly inferior in terms of talent. I expected us to be hungry and angry and all other emotions in between that we would not get manhandled like that. This looked like a team coming off a national championship playing flat. That's my concern. The impact players are plentiful on offense. No problem there. Pat Peterson is the best cover corner in the nation and our linebackers look light years ahead of last season. We got beat in the trenches. That's worrisome. We didn't fail in that regard on purpose. Therefore, I cannot buy into the premise of this thread.
