(12-31-2017 06:28 PM)80sTiger Wrote:  I am beginning to think our bowl games will always be weird and unpredictable. If we're in one, that means we've been successful. If we've been successful, that means some ass't is probably gone, which means the play-calling will be awkward and unfamiliar, untested, etc. Or the head coach has been disengaged looking at other jobs. Or players have decided that aren't playing because of NFL possibilities. Or are afraid of getting hurt. So the whole thing is always unpredictable in a bowl game that is almost always meaningless anyway in the bigger picture (I know, I know, but still) ...

I totally agree. Unless it's a real playoff game, all bets are off during bowl season.

Watched the recording of the game today and came to these conclusions:

Refs:
There were bad calls on both teams, but some definitely had an impact on the game.
The illegal man downfield call that negated our td was the correct call without a doubt.
The interference call against ISU late in the game when Miller sold the contact was terrible.
ISU got away with holding on the offensive line all day long.
It looked to me that when Wyndham made the interception, he had possession of the ball when he hit the ground. Only when he rolled over did he lose it. That should have been ruled an interception in the end zone.
The roughing the passer after the interception was an absolutely ludicrous call. No self-respecting ref would throw a flag on that play.
The ISU fumble that looked like a td before he lost it, looked like the correct call because it was a bad handoff and he never had a sure possession of the ball when he fell into the end zone.

Observations:
Offense could not find a rhythm, but a lot of that had to do with ISU's defense.
Henderson being injured and not playing was a big factor in our running game.
Questionable play calling at times. Did not understand why we didn't run some short slants, especially on 1st down. Coach Dickey leaving for Texas A&M made a difference.
Defensive backs playing too soft a number of times. ISU ate our lunch with slants with their big receivers.
Don't know the effect Swamp Donkey getting hurt on the first series of the game and not playing after that had on the defense.
ISU has an outstanding coach who had a great game plan on how to play us.
ISU has a great and friendly fan base. Enjoyed talking to several after the game. They were very complimentary about the Tigers, the city, and the hospitality they were given.

I was disappointed in the way we played offensively. The defense played well enough for us to win the game, so I am unhappy with the final score.

Even though we lost the bowl game, it was to a very good team. They were definitely a lot better than their record indicated.
I am so very proud of the coaches and the players and what they have accomplished this year. Even though we are losing some outstanding seniors this year, I am very excited about next year and hope we can continue to build on the success we had this season.

GO TIGERS!