It went about as expected. Tulane has a decent defense, but not quite at our level. Later in the game - part of the third and fourth quarter, they were competitive when our seconds played.

Our run game looked impressive with Flanders carrying the load most of the way. He really fits well into the offense and is very tough with just enough speed to go the distance. But don't get in his way or he will give you a headache. Atkinson made some of the best catches I've ever seen on Skelly Field. I think he may end up on a pro roster someday. He looked like a man among boys. IMO we have the best receivers in the AAC and among the best in the nation.

Tha score could have been even more lopsided, but PM did the right thing and gave a lot of kids some valuable experience later on. Rubley got reps late and Simon and several on defense made some nice plays. Whitfields 2 point runback was my favorite play of the day. That kid has a lot of tools! I think he is a future star/all-conf type player.

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On another note, Houston is imploding at this point. I'm not sure if it is due to the Big12 decision or not, but could be. I really hope they have a good year and settle down and enjoy this league for what it is. IMO they should be darn glad they aren't aligned with those prima donna's.

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We still have a tough schedule to go and playing at Memphis and Navy won't be easy, but we are a feared team and capable of winning any game left. IMO

Besides being very happy with the win, it also made me worry a little about our run defense. Memphis runs an option type offense and Navy runs the best option offense in the country.......that looks like a problem for us. Preparing for Memphis may help a little with Navy's option but it's hard to get ready for the options offense in one week. I know one thing, if we don't stop the first back through the line we won't have to worry about the outside. I don't have a lot of faith in us stopping the option offense.

The option requires everyone to be "assignment sound" with reading keys and proper techniques used. Most kids nowdays don't see the true option which is why several college teams use it as an "equalizer" at the college level. I know Bill Young has a tremendous amount of experience with defending it. His first stint at TU under John Cooper was when TU ran the Veer Option. So I know the kids will understand their assignments, but the problem is will they "do it". Against Navy, there should be a lot of pressure on our D Ends and OLBers, but those are some of the better players we have imo. So I think we will do well if the players just do the assignment they are taught, but of course mistakes will also be made. We have to stop that dive play or everything breaks down.

IMO

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