09-10-2017, 11:46 AM
OK folks, those who know me know that I have been involved with the game at every level from pop-Warner through the pros. With that said I would like to offer a couple observations from a completely neutral standpoint.
Everybody needs to relax. Most people have no idea what just occurred. A team that has been playing for only 2 years (this is their 3rd season on the field) with only 21 games under their belt, just went on the road and played the #1 team in FCS football, in their home opener after winning a national title, while raising their championship banner. Anyone remember last year Bama beating USC 52-6 on opening night, or Ole Miss 43-3, Miss State 51-3? Should I continue? I am not comparing JMU to Bama or ETSU to any of the others, but you have to take into consideration the whole situation.
I attended the game and saw a lot of good and no so good. The run D was very solid, so much so that the Dukes had to go to the air. That is a HUGE step up. They were solid up the middle and set the edge pretty well. Also, I noticed #45 was not on the field most of the night, as he was on the cycle bike on the sidelines. The run D did all that without one of their best defenders on the field. You have to grade that effort an A+.
Someone said ETSU needs more JUCO transfers. I submit to you that both your starting safeties are/were JUCO transfers. How did that work out last night against the pass? I’m NOT bashing the buc safeties! In fact, I think seeing that level of competition will only server to enhance their game – they just received a huge education that they will build on and use in the following weeks.
One glaring issue I saw was the ETSU corners. The bucs CBs never pressed the JMU receivers. Probably because the JMU receivers are/were 6’4 and up; whereas, the Bucs CBs are 5’8 to 5’10. That was a huge mismatch – but you can’t let them release freely. You can’t defend that aspect and the staff better get that corrected as other teams are going to see that film. The young CBs need to be coached up.
I was impressed with the OL protection. I admit, I thought I was going to see a jail break and an assault on the QB. The OL did a very good job allowing only 2 sacks against the #1 team. JMU had 8 tackles for loss, but the bucs had 5, so I’m pleased with that unit’s growth.
ETSU #7 threw an int, but that was not his fault. Receiver #9 literally batted the ball in the air… During the same type of route #4 caught it, bobbled it, and then fumbled it. Luckily ETSU recovered it. It looked to me as the QB only looked in one direction the entire night. He never scanned the field. He threw where he looked and never looked off. That could have been nerves, but I think the plan was to get rid of the ball fast and short. I think that decision could/should have been changed based on the solid play of the OL. I would have liked to see some better pay calling of plus 5.
Receivers: Again there was no looking off. A lot of the backside receivers we open. With the exception of #80 who had a great catch down the sideline, some of the folks they put out there were open but never saw the ball thrown their way (#17, #88, #89). I saw 88 and 89 break open with no safety over the top and the ball was thrown to a 5yd out without any contemplation of the rest of the field.
Another observation I had was that I’m not sure how much coaching the ETSU DBs and WRs are doing. It looked like the WRs did not know or show how to get off of press man coverage. The fundamentals appeared missing. The DBs didn’t look like they knew how to change up the coverage or press man. That is one of those questions that can only be answered by a player.
Lastly: This as this is way too long – the penalties on ST buried them in the shadow of the goal posts all night. I noticed the lack of penalties called against the O and D – so take that as a positive.
Remember - it's all about progression. Be worried if they were regressing. They are not. This game will be looked back on by the staff and players as a BIG TIME step, and well needed growing pain.
Everybody needs to relax. Most people have no idea what just occurred. A team that has been playing for only 2 years (this is their 3rd season on the field) with only 21 games under their belt, just went on the road and played the #1 team in FCS football, in their home opener after winning a national title, while raising their championship banner. Anyone remember last year Bama beating USC 52-6 on opening night, or Ole Miss 43-3, Miss State 51-3? Should I continue? I am not comparing JMU to Bama or ETSU to any of the others, but you have to take into consideration the whole situation.
I attended the game and saw a lot of good and no so good. The run D was very solid, so much so that the Dukes had to go to the air. That is a HUGE step up. They were solid up the middle and set the edge pretty well. Also, I noticed #45 was not on the field most of the night, as he was on the cycle bike on the sidelines. The run D did all that without one of their best defenders on the field. You have to grade that effort an A+.
Someone said ETSU needs more JUCO transfers. I submit to you that both your starting safeties are/were JUCO transfers. How did that work out last night against the pass? I’m NOT bashing the buc safeties! In fact, I think seeing that level of competition will only server to enhance their game – they just received a huge education that they will build on and use in the following weeks.
One glaring issue I saw was the ETSU corners. The bucs CBs never pressed the JMU receivers. Probably because the JMU receivers are/were 6’4 and up; whereas, the Bucs CBs are 5’8 to 5’10. That was a huge mismatch – but you can’t let them release freely. You can’t defend that aspect and the staff better get that corrected as other teams are going to see that film. The young CBs need to be coached up.
I was impressed with the OL protection. I admit, I thought I was going to see a jail break and an assault on the QB. The OL did a very good job allowing only 2 sacks against the #1 team. JMU had 8 tackles for loss, but the bucs had 5, so I’m pleased with that unit’s growth.
ETSU #7 threw an int, but that was not his fault. Receiver #9 literally batted the ball in the air… During the same type of route #4 caught it, bobbled it, and then fumbled it. Luckily ETSU recovered it. It looked to me as the QB only looked in one direction the entire night. He never scanned the field. He threw where he looked and never looked off. That could have been nerves, but I think the plan was to get rid of the ball fast and short. I think that decision could/should have been changed based on the solid play of the OL. I would have liked to see some better pay calling of plus 5.
Receivers: Again there was no looking off. A lot of the backside receivers we open. With the exception of #80 who had a great catch down the sideline, some of the folks they put out there were open but never saw the ball thrown their way (#17, #88, #89). I saw 88 and 89 break open with no safety over the top and the ball was thrown to a 5yd out without any contemplation of the rest of the field.
Another observation I had was that I’m not sure how much coaching the ETSU DBs and WRs are doing. It looked like the WRs did not know or show how to get off of press man coverage. The fundamentals appeared missing. The DBs didn’t look like they knew how to change up the coverage or press man. That is one of those questions that can only be answered by a player.
Lastly: This as this is way too long – the penalties on ST buried them in the shadow of the goal posts all night. I noticed the lack of penalties called against the O and D – so take that as a positive.
Remember - it's all about progression. Be worried if they were regressing. They are not. This game will be looked back on by the staff and players as a BIG TIME step, and well needed growing pain.