1. QB. Something's just missing. Armstrong is decent. Not saying he's done a bad job, as he's 10-1. However, he misses quite a few throws by a significant margin. I honestly wish that Ryker Fife would get some meaningful action. I think his throw is much more natural than Tommy's. Not hating on Tommy. Just saying that we should keep both options open. Of course, Bo will never do that as he believes in giving starters every minute possible. Tommy will never be a great passer. That's just how it's going to be. He doesn't have the touch needed to do so, but no way would I play Fyfe more. I like Tommy and think he can win a conference championship for us at QB, but we need to run the ball for him to be effective. I truly feel that Stanton is better than Fyfe.
2 RB. Ameer is Ameer, so no need for analysis. I was somewhat surprised that Newby looked very ordinary last night. Not sure what to think of that. This may sound crazy, but I'm not that overly impressed with Cross and Newby. I'm just glad that Adam Taylor will be back next year. When we have Abdullah we are good enough, but I'd like to see Cross take some of Newby's carries.
3. O-line. I'm a little concerned about this unit. They're not bad, but I was expecting more by now. In fairness, if we keep throwing on every other down, then these guys are never going to develop consistency. If I were Bo, I would select one series in the first half and tell his offense, "On this drive, we are not going to throw a single pass." This would let the line settle into a rhythm. Would probably help develop some attitude, as well. Also, seems like Zach Sterup is a step down for us at tackle. It may be due to injury or not playing, but we weren't as good with him in. Also, seems like Pelini got used a few times last night at center. I think Cotton's penalties are overblown: that motion penalty against him in the first half was bunk: the Fresno player was completely in the neutral zone when Cotton flinched. Having said that, I haven't seen a whole lot of power out of our line. I want some aggression. Yes, we sprung a few big runs (which is great), but I'm more interested in consistency. I have been impressed with the pass blocking so far, but the run blocking hasn't been good. Plain and simple. I don't expect to pancake people all game but Fresno and Mcneese aren't good defenses.
4. Wide receiver. Wow, Hovey made us a lot better in short order. With Hovey, Westerkamp, and Bell, we are suddenly a good unit. Moore has dropped too many balls. Kid has talent but needs to work on not using his body so much. I would like to see Allen get more looks. Overall, once we get Burtch and Reilly back this unit is even better. Westerkamp is a stud, of course.
5. Tight end. Still hard to believe that Beck has used our tight ends as much as our fullbacks before last night. Nice to see them back. But, will they remain? Probably not. Beck seems to forget things that work. Don't hate Beck, just that he gets so caught up in trying to fool other teams that he forgets that simple plays can go for big gains. We have tried to throw at them more but Tommy seems to want to over throw them. Carter needs to be used as a true weapon going forward.
6. D-line. Best part of entire team. Totally pleased. However, I felt like I was watching a China doll last night when Randy Gregory played. I kept feeling like he'd get injured at any moment. Agreed, this unit will only get better as the year goes along too. Scary that all 4 starters are 3 sophs and a Jr. Then if we get Moss back next season as well. LOOKOUT. I still think Randy is the best player in the nation. I look for his 14' coming out better next week vs MIA.
7. Secondary. These guys have total attitude and are tough. If we could put half their attitude into the O-line, we'd be awesome. Attitude is great, but lets get a damn turnover.
8. Linebackers. If I could use a food to describe them, it would be vanilla ice cream. No overt power or aggression from them, but no dumb plays. I knew losing Rose would be a big loss. Anderson hasn't stood out as much as I thought he would this year so far. Roach needs some more snaps along with Love.
9. Special teams. Very solid all around last night. Kick coverages were GREAT. That bodes well for us. Rebecca DeMornay was fabulous on kick returns last night. Visions of a freshman Bobby Newcomb. #DPE Well, we scored on a punt. Enough said there.
10. Coaching. I'm not wowwed by our coaching, but not upset. Not sure how to feel about this. I feel about the same at this point in the year. I'd like to use a few more blitzes besides the corner on D. Offense needs to sustain some drives.
