First of all, what a GREAT game today!!! The Rockets looked like a well-oiled machine on offense, defense, and special teams.

When Swanson had that incredible run just before halftime, I remember watching the play unfold and thinking, "Ely is going to throw a block!!" I was really pumped to see that. Most quarterbacks wouldn't risk that, and I thought it was terrific.

Also, this team has swagger that I haven't seen in a Rockets team in a very long time. They aren't arrogant, but definitely confident that they can play with anyone.

The biggest thing for me, though, is undoubtedly the defense. When you compare them to what we have seen the last several years, the transformation is truly incredible. The fact that they have come so far in such a short time is even more incredible. It's a testament to the coaches and the players. Last year it seemed the defense stood around and waited for something to happen, and then tried to react. This year they are making things happen and changing the game. Dramatic transformation for sure!

Murdock showed some moves. Okay, A move but still.

Some great highlights on both sides of the ball. Some VERY solid sticks. Loving Russell's old-school catching style. Makes me want to buy some bubble-gum.

I didn't think the first quarter was all that spectacular for the Rockets. D gave up chunks of yards (though only 6 points) and the O was non-existent. Wasn't sure about play calling for a bit there as well.

2nd and 3rd quarters were much improved (save the snap issues for some reason).

Loved seeing that block from Ely. Swanson doesn't get to midfield without it.

Not sure about Coleman's injury. That would be a significant loss.

Our D may be tested a bit by a UMass team with a good QB who likes to throw the ball a lot. Right now, though, I think our weakness on D is a QB that is mobile and runs, and running plays to the outside--not UMass's current style.

The Rockets still made a number of mistakes in this game - bad snaps, fumbled punt, couple drops, offensive pass interference penalty, some poor tackling on D.

To me what sets this team apart from the past few seasons is that the talent, depth and discipline of this team allows them to overcome those mistakes and still dominate an opponent. It wasn't long ago that a few bad mistakes were enough to keep a team like EMU in the game, or lead to a loss to a team with more ability than EMU. This one has enough ability to overcome those and more.

The hardest part of the season is still to come. It will be fun to see if they can keep improving week after week.

The good thing - this team has yet to play the 'perfect' game, and we're still dominating. Hopefully they're saving the 'perfect' games for NIU, Bg, WMU.

They keep improving every week. That's a good sign of a strong team

(10-17-2015 04:48 PM)northcoastRocket Wrote:  The Rockets still made a number of mistakes in this game - bad snaps, fumbled punt, couple drops, offensive pass interference penalty, some poor tackling on D.

To me what sets this team apart from the past few seasons is that the talent, depth and discipline of this team allows them to overcome those mistakes and still dominate an opponent. It wasn't long ago that a few bad mistakes were enough to keep a team like EMU in the game, or lead to a loss to a team with more ability than EMU. This one has enough ability to overcome those and more.

The hardest part of the season is still to come. It will be fun to see if they can keep improving week after week.

Great Day, but the mistakes need to get cleaned up. Those kind of errors against better competition will result in a big L! At least we didn't have a delay of game coming out of a time out, or otherwise.
Improvement is needed.