The week is fastly getting away from us today. I've returned and will really try to get another blog in on Thursday or Friday of this week..
THE HOT LIST:
1. T-Magic is creating Husker Fever....(reflection on the Washington Game)
2. Big 12 Rankings
3. Tid-Bits from this past Saturday
1. As sticking to the usual schedule on the first post of the week we start with T-Magic. For those who still don't know that the team nickname for Taylor Martinez. His magical feet have begun to stir up Husker Fever. Taylor and the Cornhuskers DOMINATED the Huskies last Saturday making a statement win by producing three 100 yard rushers in a game. This is the first time since 2003 when Nebraska played Baylor that we've that kind of accomplishment. The most impressive aspect to take away from the game is how strong our offensive line looked as the game progressed. They simply punched the Husky D right in the mouth thus allowing us to run the ball down their throats time and time again. T-Magic didn't do anything but impressed and he took the opening handoff of the second half and bolted down the sideline for an 80 yard score. He also threw his first TD pass to Mike McNeill in the first quarter after the blackshirts forced a turnover from Jake Locker. It's a game that Locker would like to forget going 4-20 for only 71 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INT's. One of which was housed for a TD that essentially put the game away. It was impressive how quickly Nebraska put that loud crowd of Husky fans silenced after jumping out to a quick 14-0 lead. This win is a HUGE step in the right direction, on Saturday not only were the Husker Nation watching but Nebraska was in the National Media spotlight...their impressive win certainly has people talking that Nebraska might be the best team in the top 10 not getting mentioned in the National title talk. I know there still is a lot of season still left to go, but try to remember the last time the Huskers were getting this much love....yea its been that long....Nebraska can only get better from this point....
The troubling issue I take away from the game was Cody Green. He came into the game in the 2nd quarter, coughed the ball up and gave 7 points to the Huskies. Later towards the end of the game he looked sloppy again nearly losing the ball again on a QB read play. Its concerning because should T-Magic fall to an injury...Cody Green must be ready to take the reins of this offense and produce points which right now looks like that could be a real challenge. So to this point the fate of our season could rest on the healthiness of T-Magic...if he goes down...you better be prepared to put all those lofty expectations of this season to bed...but till then no question he's too exciting to watch on the field...wonder if he'll house another 40+ yard TD run this weekend???
2. We go back to the Big 12 Rankings for this week:
1. Nebraska (3-0) vs. South Dakota State
Nebraska showed its overall team dominace on both sides of the ball last Saturday. Continue to show improvement and it National Title hopes aren't far off of the seasons expectation.
2. Texas (3-0) vs. UCLA
The Longhorns got redemtion beating Tech on the road, but Gilbert didn't look good in the win. Texas is relying too much on its Defense to win games. With Oklahoma and Nebraska looming the offense better get it into high gear and fast.
3. Oklahoma (3-0) @ Cincinnati
The Sooner just can't get jacked up for the little guys on their schedule....the scary thing is those little guys could of beaten the Sooners...twice. Time to see Landry Jones on the road but Cincinnati isn't a great team to measure how good this team really is at this point of the season...Texas looms next weekend.
4. Kansas State (3-0) (1-0) vs. Central Florida
Daniel Thomas is the heart and soul of the Wildcat offense...if he goes down...there goes their season. Defensive improvements are needed if this team wants to compete for the North Division title.
5. Oklahoma State (3-0)
The Cowboys high power offense gets a week off to look at the school record 171 points put up in 3 games this season. Wonder if they can do that against the likes of Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska....this team still has major defensive questions it must answer before Big 12 play.
6. Texas Tech (2-1) (0-1)
No magic in Lubbock last Saturday and Texas' defense wore the Red Raiders offense into the ground. Lessons can be learned from this game. Better QB play is a must if this team wants to compete with the Big Dogs of the South.
7. Texas A&M (3-0)
The Aggies cupcakes are done now come OSU next Thursday and Arkansas after that. We'll know how good the Aggies are then...but if your an Aggie fan you have to be worried about how four Johnson INT's almost gave Florida International a huge win @ Kyle Field.
8. Missouri (3-0) vs. Miami of Ohio
Bad News is you had to get a miracle TD late just to beat San Diego State....oh and you lost your best Defensive Lineman for the next 6-8 weeks. Good News is your still unbeaten but barely...wonder how this team will play on defense without their defensive leader...
9. Baylor (2-1) @ Rice
The Bears had a chance to make a statement but they fell flat on their face. It shows this offense is not ready to compete with the big boys just yet. Bad news when you play in the Big 12 South.
10. Kansas (1-2) vs. New Mexico State
Will the real Kansas team please show up...I repeat...will the real Kansas team please show up...Who knows which team will show up on the field at home this week.
11. Colorado (2-1)
The Buffaloes notched a nice win over Hawaii at home last week but that still doesn't hide the beating they got from Cal the previous week. Georgia and Missouri come calling in the next two weeks...better grow up quick or a losing season is imminent.
12. Iowa State (1-2) (0-1) vs. Northern Iowa
The Cyclones have gotten beaten down in back to back weeks. Only a few games on the conference schedule you need to win and last week was one of them. Keep losing and 0-8 is looking like a possibility.
3. Thoughts from Saturday.......
-Urban Meyer is gutsy but knows just when to drive the stake into the heart of their opponents...the fake punt set up a TD that put them ahead by two scores....wonder if he'll be that gutsy against Alabama in two weeks.
-Iowa's title hopes are gone following a 34-27 loss to Arizona on Saturday, but when you play poorly in the special team area..you deserve to lose...Kirk Frenze is losing more hair after his defense gave up the game winning drive after they came back to tie it up...Championship teams don't do that...
-Mark Antonio is one risky guy going for the fake field goal to beat Norte Dame on Saturday....Wonder if he was having pre-heart attack jitters knowing he needed this win to save his job?
-Ohio State and Alabama are really good...it'll take a lot for teams to upset them this season
-OU better learn to stop the run...and fast because these little school teams gashing them for over 300 yards of total offense have given Stoops nightmares this season.
-Arizona State will be seeing that blocked PAT in their dreams for the rest of the season...how many times have I said how important special teams are to winning games....well you saw it here. The Badgers almost lost with theirs but won the game later with it.
-Heartbreaker for Clemson who outplayed Auburn but a missed field goal in overtime ended any hopes of a win. Wonder how crazy Dabo Sweeny will be about making sure his team doesn't get another illegal procedure penalty again (can't fake snap the ball). That was the win Dabo needed to keep the Tiger faithful on his side...oops.
-Oregon State barely squeaked by Louisville on Saturday...wonder if they knew College Gameday was going to be in Boise next week and how important that game is on the National Title picture.....my guess YES....
Back later this week...Enjoy friends...SKOCZ OUT!!!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
September 13, 2010
Well after a wild week of getting things laid down with the first week of school I've mapped out blogging days. We'll try to get three days on the books each week. Mondays, Tuesdays, and possibly Thursdays.
THE HOT LIST:
1. Post Game Idaho Reaction
2. Reflection of Monster Saturday
3. Big 12 Rankings
1. We begin with a reaction and reflection into the 38-17 win over Idaho on Saturday. I think the most impressive thing to take away from the game was the play of the defense. They harassed Idaho's QB forcing him to throw 5 interceptions...two of which were housed for touchdowns by Dejon Gomes and Rickey Thenarse. That's a HUGE boost for this defense that after last week's game against Western Kentucky looked soft against the run. LaVonte David and Eric Martin could be the real deal at LB this season. Both looked well, allowing only 60 yards on the ground compared to over 150 last week. Clearly this coaching staff can gameplan for a team when they get a chance to see what they do on offense the week prior. Everything wasn't all peachy keen last weekend, the offense might of progressed a step back this past weekend. They turn-overed the ball four times, two of which should of resulted in scores. That's something that you simply cannot do in a game. There will come a time when you will have to finish drives late in games to put teams away...you certainly don't want to be giving the ball to the other team on those opportunities. Overall I thought Taylor Martinez did take another small step forward into being the type of QB we all think he can be. He'll need to develop his passing threat though. When you play upper elite teams you have to be able to pass against those defenses to set up your running game. Right now I sense were a bit to run happy with Taylor's feet. When he drops back to pass, sometimes he doesn't wait at long before taking off...he'll need to develop patience to let his WR get open so big plays can be made in the passing game alongside his impressive running plays he continues to keep making.
Another pressing concern is penalties. We looked sloppy on Saturday being flagged 10 times for over 100 yards. That's six points you left on the field in penalties. I know Bo expressed his displeasure for how the team performed after halftime when we were ahead 31-3. You gotta find a way to shore up your sloppy mistakes and keep the fuel going. I expect we could be in a fourth quarter showdown this Saturday at Washington. When you haven't played mentally for four quarters yet this season, its hard to just do it when you need to. I don't doubt that Bo and his staff will have these guys ready....you better be...Jake Locker is no joke at QB this week.
2. After what we called MONSTER SATURDAY...I decide to weigh in on the major matchups from the weekend.
-No question the most impressive performance was in two games...Michigan and Oklahoma...scary to think what Denard Robinson will do in his next game. He just continues to put up XBox like numbers each week....as they continue to keep winning that hot seat that Rich Rodriguez was sitting on keeps cooling...I still think he needs to win against the upper teams in the Big 10 to keep his job...but Robinson is still the talk of the first two weeks of the season...
-Oklahoma woke up on Saturday and decided to slaughter Florida State. Whether the Seminoles decided to overlook the Sooners, didn't diminsh Landry Jones going 30-40 for 380 yards and 4 TD's. Very disappointed that being ranked 17th, Florida State did have a chance to show it can compete with the best...the opposite happen...they took a major step back into mediocre while the Sooners helped convince all their preseaon pickers that they are very much in the National Title hunt.
-Boise State was a major loser this weekend, with Virginia Tech absolutely laying an egg and getting worked by James Madison. Another FCS school getting a win on the road last weekend. The Hokies looked awful on Saturday. People might blame it on the weather, but when you chose to not show up on Saturday...you likely will get beat. If you're a VT fan you have to be absolutely embarrassed...the panic button is being pressed yet, but if you don't make an honest effort to compete for the ACC title...what could of been this season could turn out to be one that Hokie fans may want to forget....this all but cements the Bronco's out of the BCS title picture...if that's your best win all season...how good is that if VT never makes it back into the top 25???
-Miami showed that they have the speed to compete with the best teams in the country...they just need a smarter QB. Jacory Harris threw 4 INT's against Ohio State and sealed the Hurricanes fate on the road in Columbus. Give credit to Terrelle Pryor, he didn't have to be a superstar on Saturday....just produce points when his defense gave him short fields to work with...that's what he did....the Buckeye's better get that Special Teams corrected and fast....hate to lose out on a National title chance when a team returns a punt for a touchdown that loses the game for you....I've seen those things happen....Special teams TD change momentum and games
-Florida is in trouble...when your tied with South Florida at half 7-7....not good for that offense. I wonder if the Gators would win games if their defense didn't force as many turnovers as they have...Clearly they didn't mold the future of this offense when they had Tim Tebow...you can tell they miss his running ability....hmmmmmm wonder why Brantley keeps playing when this offense is more suited with a running QB....The Gators are barely keeping their head above water...watch the SEC East bury them when they have a chance (i.e. South Carolina).
-Texas didn't look that impressive on Saturday either...the Cowboys helped Texas out by not tackling well and trying to get out of their offensive rhythm at the end of the first half. That lead to two quick TD's. Wonder how this offense will look against OU in two weeks...better start panicking b/c I see a whooopin coming
-Theres one team in the Pac-1o now...it ain't Stanford...its Oregon...the Ducks put on an offensive show in the second half against Tennessee. They are good...scary good...with LaMichael James back at Tailback now....this team really can only hurt itself on offense...schedule gets easier with Portland State next Saturday...all eyes are likely on Stanford game on October 2nd.
-Kansas might of saved Turner Gill...for now...getting an upset win over Georgia Tech is huge especially if the Yellow Jackets compete for a BCS bowl bid...but if you go winless in the Big 12 this season...how big is that win you got last Saturday...it'll be a thing of the past if that happens...enjoy it while it last
3. I've waited a few weeks to do my Big 12 rankings...wanted to let a few teams play a few games first...
1. Oklahoma (2-0) vs. Air Force
The Sooners took a major step forward towards their national title hopes demolishing Florida State. Keep that high momentum going and this team will be very tough to stop. Impressive to see Landry Jones rebound from a bad game against Utah State to picking Florida State apart the next week. Concerns with Clay's injury concern their RB depth right now.
2. Nebraska (2-0) @ Washington
The defense showed it can make major strides in just one week to being the elite unit that Pelini raved about during the off season. Passing game is a must for this Offense to truly be difficult for any opposing Big 12 defense to stop. Taylor Martinez's speed gives those defenses fits already.
3. Texas (2-0) @ Texas Tech
Garrett Gilbert has been ok...not spectacular like his potential is. His first Big 12 Road Game could be scary for Longhorn fans due to the unimpressive running game that this team still doesn't have. Youth can only take you so far in this league....losses are coming Longhorns...
4. Texas A&M (2-0) vs. Florida International
Jerrod Johnson has made sure this offense has clicked early this season. Von Miller's bum ankle better get rested quit before playing OSU on September 30th. Wonder how many games the Aggies must win to keep the hot seat cool for Mike Sherman?
5. Missouri (2-0) vs. San Diego State
Blaine Gabbert keeps putting up great numbers each week....no kidding anyone can against McNeese State. No big test this week...but Miami of Ohio could be next weekend...the Tigers need another offensive running back to develop since they lost Derrick Washington for the season.
6. Kansas State (2-0) vs. Iowa State
Daniel Thomas continues to run over any defense each week. UCLA doesn't look like a great win since they got shutout by Stanford over the weekend. The emergence of Coffman as a passing threat give the Wildcats some new offensive excitement.
7. Texas Tech (2-0) vs. Texas
Blowing out New Mexico really isn't the best tune up with Texas coming to town this weekend. Tommy Tubberville has a chance to make a name for himself...better get that Raider Magic going. Defense has played solid but will be tested in its pass defense this weekend.
8. Baylor (2-0) @ TCU
Bear fans love seeing Griffin back...healthy...and now throwing for TD's. The evolution of their passing game could give the bears a scary offense to contend with in the Big 12. Both units will be tested with TCU...could be a sign to come for how the Bears think they'll fare against A&M, Texas, Oklahoma, and OSU this season.
9. Oklahoma State (2-0) vs. Tulsa
Going down to the wire with Troy is cause for concern. The offense must shore up its sloppy play with the Aggies on the slate in two weeks on a Thursday night. Defense has shown its youth side...lots to shore up before Big 12 play...Cowboys should be concerned on both sides of the ball at this point of the young season.
10. Iowa State (1-1) @ Kansas State
The Cyclones got gashed by Iowa's running back duo. Not a great sign as you ask that defense to stop the conference's best running back in Daniel Thomas this week. The troubling side was how this offense sputtered playing a well talented defense. Not a great sign for the Cyclones with Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska still on the schedule.
11. Kansas (1-1) @ Southern Mississippi
Getting an upset win over Georgia Tech might of cooled off the disgruntled Jayhawk fans wanting a new coach after last week's loss to North Dakota State. True test to see how this team plays on the road this week. With 8 homes games this year...winning games on the road is a must for the Jayhawks to right the ship after last year's dismal season in the Big 12.
12. Colorado (1-1) vs. Hawaii
Getting whooped by Cal has Buff fans scared of what life will be like in the Pac-10. Think it will be easier...hmmmm guess again...Pathetic to see a fifth year coach take a team and look completely out matched....could be a long long season for Hawkins again....wonder if the AD will clearly the budget to get rid of him this year?
THE HOT LIST:
1. Post Game Idaho Reaction
2. Reflection of Monster Saturday
3. Big 12 Rankings
1. We begin with a reaction and reflection into the 38-17 win over Idaho on Saturday. I think the most impressive thing to take away from the game was the play of the defense. They harassed Idaho's QB forcing him to throw 5 interceptions...two of which were housed for touchdowns by Dejon Gomes and Rickey Thenarse. That's a HUGE boost for this defense that after last week's game against Western Kentucky looked soft against the run. LaVonte David and Eric Martin could be the real deal at LB this season. Both looked well, allowing only 60 yards on the ground compared to over 150 last week. Clearly this coaching staff can gameplan for a team when they get a chance to see what they do on offense the week prior. Everything wasn't all peachy keen last weekend, the offense might of progressed a step back this past weekend. They turn-overed the ball four times, two of which should of resulted in scores. That's something that you simply cannot do in a game. There will come a time when you will have to finish drives late in games to put teams away...you certainly don't want to be giving the ball to the other team on those opportunities. Overall I thought Taylor Martinez did take another small step forward into being the type of QB we all think he can be. He'll need to develop his passing threat though. When you play upper elite teams you have to be able to pass against those defenses to set up your running game. Right now I sense were a bit to run happy with Taylor's feet. When he drops back to pass, sometimes he doesn't wait at long before taking off...he'll need to develop patience to let his WR get open so big plays can be made in the passing game alongside his impressive running plays he continues to keep making.
Another pressing concern is penalties. We looked sloppy on Saturday being flagged 10 times for over 100 yards. That's six points you left on the field in penalties. I know Bo expressed his displeasure for how the team performed after halftime when we were ahead 31-3. You gotta find a way to shore up your sloppy mistakes and keep the fuel going. I expect we could be in a fourth quarter showdown this Saturday at Washington. When you haven't played mentally for four quarters yet this season, its hard to just do it when you need to. I don't doubt that Bo and his staff will have these guys ready....you better be...Jake Locker is no joke at QB this week.
2. After what we called MONSTER SATURDAY...I decide to weigh in on the major matchups from the weekend.
-No question the most impressive performance was in two games...Michigan and Oklahoma...scary to think what Denard Robinson will do in his next game. He just continues to put up XBox like numbers each week....as they continue to keep winning that hot seat that Rich Rodriguez was sitting on keeps cooling...I still think he needs to win against the upper teams in the Big 10 to keep his job...but Robinson is still the talk of the first two weeks of the season...
-Oklahoma woke up on Saturday and decided to slaughter Florida State. Whether the Seminoles decided to overlook the Sooners, didn't diminsh Landry Jones going 30-40 for 380 yards and 4 TD's. Very disappointed that being ranked 17th, Florida State did have a chance to show it can compete with the best...the opposite happen...they took a major step back into mediocre while the Sooners helped convince all their preseaon pickers that they are very much in the National Title hunt.
-Boise State was a major loser this weekend, with Virginia Tech absolutely laying an egg and getting worked by James Madison. Another FCS school getting a win on the road last weekend. The Hokies looked awful on Saturday. People might blame it on the weather, but when you chose to not show up on Saturday...you likely will get beat. If you're a VT fan you have to be absolutely embarrassed...the panic button is being pressed yet, but if you don't make an honest effort to compete for the ACC title...what could of been this season could turn out to be one that Hokie fans may want to forget....this all but cements the Bronco's out of the BCS title picture...if that's your best win all season...how good is that if VT never makes it back into the top 25???
-Miami showed that they have the speed to compete with the best teams in the country...they just need a smarter QB. Jacory Harris threw 4 INT's against Ohio State and sealed the Hurricanes fate on the road in Columbus. Give credit to Terrelle Pryor, he didn't have to be a superstar on Saturday....just produce points when his defense gave him short fields to work with...that's what he did....the Buckeye's better get that Special Teams corrected and fast....hate to lose out on a National title chance when a team returns a punt for a touchdown that loses the game for you....I've seen those things happen....Special teams TD change momentum and games
-Florida is in trouble...when your tied with South Florida at half 7-7....not good for that offense. I wonder if the Gators would win games if their defense didn't force as many turnovers as they have...Clearly they didn't mold the future of this offense when they had Tim Tebow...you can tell they miss his running ability....hmmmmmm wonder why Brantley keeps playing when this offense is more suited with a running QB....The Gators are barely keeping their head above water...watch the SEC East bury them when they have a chance (i.e. South Carolina).
-Texas didn't look that impressive on Saturday either...the Cowboys helped Texas out by not tackling well and trying to get out of their offensive rhythm at the end of the first half. That lead to two quick TD's. Wonder how this offense will look against OU in two weeks...better start panicking b/c I see a whooopin coming
-Theres one team in the Pac-1o now...it ain't Stanford...its Oregon...the Ducks put on an offensive show in the second half against Tennessee. They are good...scary good...with LaMichael James back at Tailback now....this team really can only hurt itself on offense...schedule gets easier with Portland State next Saturday...all eyes are likely on Stanford game on October 2nd.
-Kansas might of saved Turner Gill...for now...getting an upset win over Georgia Tech is huge especially if the Yellow Jackets compete for a BCS bowl bid...but if you go winless in the Big 12 this season...how big is that win you got last Saturday...it'll be a thing of the past if that happens...enjoy it while it last
3. I've waited a few weeks to do my Big 12 rankings...wanted to let a few teams play a few games first...
1. Oklahoma (2-0) vs. Air Force
The Sooners took a major step forward towards their national title hopes demolishing Florida State. Keep that high momentum going and this team will be very tough to stop. Impressive to see Landry Jones rebound from a bad game against Utah State to picking Florida State apart the next week. Concerns with Clay's injury concern their RB depth right now.
2. Nebraska (2-0) @ Washington
The defense showed it can make major strides in just one week to being the elite unit that Pelini raved about during the off season. Passing game is a must for this Offense to truly be difficult for any opposing Big 12 defense to stop. Taylor Martinez's speed gives those defenses fits already.
3. Texas (2-0) @ Texas Tech
Garrett Gilbert has been ok...not spectacular like his potential is. His first Big 12 Road Game could be scary for Longhorn fans due to the unimpressive running game that this team still doesn't have. Youth can only take you so far in this league....losses are coming Longhorns...
4. Texas A&M (2-0) vs. Florida International
Jerrod Johnson has made sure this offense has clicked early this season. Von Miller's bum ankle better get rested quit before playing OSU on September 30th. Wonder how many games the Aggies must win to keep the hot seat cool for Mike Sherman?
5. Missouri (2-0) vs. San Diego State
Blaine Gabbert keeps putting up great numbers each week....no kidding anyone can against McNeese State. No big test this week...but Miami of Ohio could be next weekend...the Tigers need another offensive running back to develop since they lost Derrick Washington for the season.
6. Kansas State (2-0) vs. Iowa State
Daniel Thomas continues to run over any defense each week. UCLA doesn't look like a great win since they got shutout by Stanford over the weekend. The emergence of Coffman as a passing threat give the Wildcats some new offensive excitement.
7. Texas Tech (2-0) vs. Texas
Blowing out New Mexico really isn't the best tune up with Texas coming to town this weekend. Tommy Tubberville has a chance to make a name for himself...better get that Raider Magic going. Defense has played solid but will be tested in its pass defense this weekend.
8. Baylor (2-0) @ TCU
Bear fans love seeing Griffin back...healthy...and now throwing for TD's. The evolution of their passing game could give the bears a scary offense to contend with in the Big 12. Both units will be tested with TCU...could be a sign to come for how the Bears think they'll fare against A&M, Texas, Oklahoma, and OSU this season.
9. Oklahoma State (2-0) vs. Tulsa
Going down to the wire with Troy is cause for concern. The offense must shore up its sloppy play with the Aggies on the slate in two weeks on a Thursday night. Defense has shown its youth side...lots to shore up before Big 12 play...Cowboys should be concerned on both sides of the ball at this point of the young season.
10. Iowa State (1-1) @ Kansas State
The Cyclones got gashed by Iowa's running back duo. Not a great sign as you ask that defense to stop the conference's best running back in Daniel Thomas this week. The troubling side was how this offense sputtered playing a well talented defense. Not a great sign for the Cyclones with Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska still on the schedule.
11. Kansas (1-1) @ Southern Mississippi
Getting an upset win over Georgia Tech might of cooled off the disgruntled Jayhawk fans wanting a new coach after last week's loss to North Dakota State. True test to see how this team plays on the road this week. With 8 homes games this year...winning games on the road is a must for the Jayhawks to right the ship after last year's dismal season in the Big 12.
12. Colorado (1-1) vs. Hawaii
Getting whooped by Cal has Buff fans scared of what life will be like in the Pac-10. Think it will be easier...hmmmm guess again...Pathetic to see a fifth year coach take a team and look completely out matched....could be a long long season for Hawkins again....wonder if the AD will clearly the budget to get rid of him this year?
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Septmeber 5, 2010
Post gameday reflection today....gotta a lot to say...
THE HOT LIST:
1. Post-Game Reflection: Western Kentucky
2. Around the Big 12: Thoughts
1. Well we can put it in the books now...we've started the season. Nebraska looked good last night...in the first half on both sides of the ball. Clearly the story that will sweep through the state in the next week will be the continuing competition at Quarterback and the play of Freshman (rising sensation) Taylor Martinez. For those fans who didn't think that he could start as a true freshman...look again...Taylor became Nebraska's first freshman to EVER start a season opener. Its the changing times in College Football, teams across the landscape are throwing out rules if it gives them a chance to win...and win now. Taylor arguably gives Nebraska a serious threat at QB simply because of his running ability. He's fast, shifty, and showed in the open field he's got the vision to get into the endzone. Alum Husker Fans probably were excited to see some of the glory days of QB play where they would consistently rush for 2-3 touchdowns every game. I also came away very impressed with his ability to look off over anxious safeties and hit underneath WR's in the passing game. It's an area that I feel Taylor will continue to work on in the coming weeks. I also was impressed with Cody Green as well. You can tell an area of his game that he's really worked on is staying composed in the pocket and getting better touches on his passes. His TD pass to Niles Paul was very impressive.
When you break down the reps of the QB's, one thing stands out: Zac Lee entering the game with only 6 mins left. I dunno if this was meant to be a message, but it clearly radiates out to the state...our senior QB is buried on the depth chart right now. He hasn't done what the coaches demand consistently to warrant more playing time. You have to remember this...this offense is evolving where our QB running ability will become a pivotal part of our offensive philosophy. Zac may have the most knowledge of the play book, but his lack of running for first downs last season and his par speed have placed him where he is now. It'll be an interesting story line for the week...we could all be singing a different tune if Cody Green gets the bulk of the playing time next week against Idaho. I don't foresee that to happen, as I think we'll begin to see the coaches mold Taylor into the manageable QB that can just win games without turning over the ball....would of been nice to see him play against Texas last year if he continues to look like the real deal. We haven't had one of those in a long long time.
I thought the defense played well in the first half but did get gashed a little bit in the second half. Bo wasn't to pleased with his defense especially when they gave up 219 of Western Kentucky 299 in the second half. This will have to be addressed because if you give up that many points in the second half against higher quality teams, you could find yourself on the losing end of most of those games. No matter how you slice it up, its a start...its by no means where we wanna be at the end of the season....we have room to grow and improve to be a dominate team.
2. Around the Big 12:
Many teams were in action last night. If your fans of Texas and Oklahoma you might be a tad concerned. OU's defense got gashed by Utah State and needed a late INT to seal their win, while Texas was unable to put away Rice in early parts of the game...I think the most impressive team was Oklahoma State. The dismantled Washington State 65-17. Their offense clicked for over 500 yards of total offense and their newly remodeled defense game the Cougars fits. Its not that impressive if they can't do that against the big dogs but its a good start. Robert Griffin looked back to form giving the Bears a nice 34-3 win. Iowa State, K-State, Colorado, Missouri, Texas A&M all get W's on opening weekend.
The most shocking game was Kansas. Turner Gill's first game in a coach in a BCS school will be memorable. The Bison of North Dakota State shocked the Jayhawks with a 6-3 win in Lawrence. Kansas amassed 293 yards of total offense but three costly turnovers sealed their fate. For a team with a lot of questions, that question bag got a whole lot heavier after yesterday's game. If Turner can't get things back on track...it could be a long long season for Kansas Fans this year.....I'm still in awe about it today....
Back later this week....Enjoy the Labor Day weekend....
THE HOT LIST:
1. Post-Game Reflection: Western Kentucky
2. Around the Big 12: Thoughts
1. Well we can put it in the books now...we've started the season. Nebraska looked good last night...in the first half on both sides of the ball. Clearly the story that will sweep through the state in the next week will be the continuing competition at Quarterback and the play of Freshman (rising sensation) Taylor Martinez. For those fans who didn't think that he could start as a true freshman...look again...Taylor became Nebraska's first freshman to EVER start a season opener. Its the changing times in College Football, teams across the landscape are throwing out rules if it gives them a chance to win...and win now. Taylor arguably gives Nebraska a serious threat at QB simply because of his running ability. He's fast, shifty, and showed in the open field he's got the vision to get into the endzone. Alum Husker Fans probably were excited to see some of the glory days of QB play where they would consistently rush for 2-3 touchdowns every game. I also came away very impressed with his ability to look off over anxious safeties and hit underneath WR's in the passing game. It's an area that I feel Taylor will continue to work on in the coming weeks. I also was impressed with Cody Green as well. You can tell an area of his game that he's really worked on is staying composed in the pocket and getting better touches on his passes. His TD pass to Niles Paul was very impressive.
When you break down the reps of the QB's, one thing stands out: Zac Lee entering the game with only 6 mins left. I dunno if this was meant to be a message, but it clearly radiates out to the state...our senior QB is buried on the depth chart right now. He hasn't done what the coaches demand consistently to warrant more playing time. You have to remember this...this offense is evolving where our QB running ability will become a pivotal part of our offensive philosophy. Zac may have the most knowledge of the play book, but his lack of running for first downs last season and his par speed have placed him where he is now. It'll be an interesting story line for the week...we could all be singing a different tune if Cody Green gets the bulk of the playing time next week against Idaho. I don't foresee that to happen, as I think we'll begin to see the coaches mold Taylor into the manageable QB that can just win games without turning over the ball....would of been nice to see him play against Texas last year if he continues to look like the real deal. We haven't had one of those in a long long time.
I thought the defense played well in the first half but did get gashed a little bit in the second half. Bo wasn't to pleased with his defense especially when they gave up 219 of Western Kentucky 299 in the second half. This will have to be addressed because if you give up that many points in the second half against higher quality teams, you could find yourself on the losing end of most of those games. No matter how you slice it up, its a start...its by no means where we wanna be at the end of the season....we have room to grow and improve to be a dominate team.
2. Around the Big 12:
Many teams were in action last night. If your fans of Texas and Oklahoma you might be a tad concerned. OU's defense got gashed by Utah State and needed a late INT to seal their win, while Texas was unable to put away Rice in early parts of the game...I think the most impressive team was Oklahoma State. The dismantled Washington State 65-17. Their offense clicked for over 500 yards of total offense and their newly remodeled defense game the Cougars fits. Its not that impressive if they can't do that against the big dogs but its a good start. Robert Griffin looked back to form giving the Bears a nice 34-3 win. Iowa State, K-State, Colorado, Missouri, Texas A&M all get W's on opening weekend.
The most shocking game was Kansas. Turner Gill's first game in a coach in a BCS school will be memorable. The Bison of North Dakota State shocked the Jayhawks with a 6-3 win in Lawrence. Kansas amassed 293 yards of total offense but three costly turnovers sealed their fate. For a team with a lot of questions, that question bag got a whole lot heavier after yesterday's game. If Turner can't get things back on track...it could be a long long season for Kansas Fans this year.....I'm still in awe about it today....
Back later this week....Enjoy the Labor Day weekend....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)