CSNbbs

1. More evidence that the defense has improved significantly. With Bolden at QB, they had one long play when Rose was picked on the short crossing pattern. We couldn't stop McGloin, which is probably due to our inability to pressure him.
2. More evidence that the o-line is good. We did run the ball between the tackles on a superior run defense. (Temple had only 73 against PSU, but that rushed for 300 against MD). Also, the o-line does different things each week. This week Watman was pulling into the gap between tackle and tight end.
3. The killer play was the dropped lateral pass on the quick screen. That play was set up perfectly. Had he caught it, Brumfield would have been ten yards in the clear at the 30 with two o-line and a wide receiver ahead of him. Likely touchdown.
4. Special teams continues to be outstanding. This is a sign of depth and coaching.
5. We are much more physical. I was down on the field in the second half, and the hitting was ferocious.
6. What we need are two things First is to cut out the turnovers. We're like Notre Dame lite: good but clumsy. Second, we need some explosiveness. We plod along for two or three first downs, but we can't seem to break the big play.

I think #6 was the key to both game lost for us.. What would the game had looked like and the results if we did not commit unforced turnovers ? The good thing about this, it is something we can fix and control. It not as if the turnovers were forced due to tackles or hard hits, we just played give away.

The ST has played well.
The Defense has played well enough when given a chance to rest. We need to get more people in sooner because teams are scoring on us right before half-time. Usually right after a offense turnover. I would like to see more changing with the DB’s to make sure they are not tired and also to see what a rested freshmen/sophomore could provide. Sometime we need to jam the WR to throw the timing off especially in the red zone

(09-26-2011 09:32 AM)Larry Martin Wrote: [ -> ]1. More evidence that the defense has improved significantly. With Bolden at QB, they had one long play when Rose was picked on the short crossing pattern. We couldn't stop McGloin, which is probably due to our inability to pressure him.
2. More evidence that the o-line is good. We did run the ball between the tackles on a superior run defense. (Temple had only 73 against PSU, but that rushed for 300 against MD). Also, the o-line does different things each week. This week Watman was pulling into the gap between tackle and tight end.
3. The killer play was the dropped lateral pass on the quick screen. That play was set up perfectly. Had he caught it, Brumfield would have been ten yards in the clear at the 30 with two o-line and a wide receiver ahead of him. Likely touchdown.
4. Special teams continues to be outstanding. This is a sign of depth and coaching.
5. We are much more physical. I was down on the field in the second half, and the hitting was ferocious.
6. What we need are two things First is to cut out the turnovers. We're like Notre Dame lite: good but clumsy. Second, we need some explosiveness. We plod along for two or three first downs, but we can't seem to break the big play.

Agree and I too saw that botched screen pass/lateral and thought what a huge, huge mistake.

Again like the UofM game, if we do something things right (or avoid the costly turnover) the game looks much, much better on the scoreboard.

Very nice post.