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O.

M.

G.

Two weeks in a row. Cardiac Kids. I swear, I want to put on a UAB shirt and go out in public so people can congratulate me.

Can I make a confession? I mean we're all friends here, right? A sadistic pleasure I have is reading other school message boards' reactions to losing to us. I noticed an interesting difference between Tech and Middle fans. Tech never loses a game. Rather, they are victims of a series of evil conspiracies that steal victory from them. Middle, on the other hand, is "Oh, no! We suck again!"

If I would comment (and I don't. I may be a jerk, but I'm not THAT big a jerk) I'd tell them both that doing one thing would make them both happier. Acknowledge that the Blazers aren't the easy out you thought they'd be.

I made one prediction going into the season. Anyone who thought we'd get boat raced like SMU did are in for a surprise. We'd be a lot better a lot faster than people think.

Thank you, team and coach, for making me look so smart.

Anywho, on to the observations.

We'll get called lucky, but don't you believe it. We outgained Middle (434-394). Held the ball longer (30:02-29:58), committed fewer penalties (8/73 -10/88) and turned it over fewer times (1-2). And we rushed for 260 yards. Speaking of which...

The Good

Spencer. Brown. That man-child is a straight up wrecking ball. 160+ yards. I questioned some of our play-calling during the game, but on our last possession, we did what I would have done: Tell big two-eight, "Son, you're getting it. Now go knock some mouthpieces out."


Defense Think we're not getting better defensively? Something that was a problem for us early was getting off the field on third down. Last night middle was 4 of 13. D like that will win you some ball games.We spent a lot of time in their backfield last night. But for some quick feet by Urzua (and some shameless uncalled holding), we'd have put him down at least 3 more times. How's this for halftime adjustments? Middle had 20 points at the break. We held them to 3 points in the second half and (wait, I'm going to type this very slowly, to savor it) we pitched a shutout in the 4th quarter. Hell, our D scored more points in the game than they gave up in the fourth quarter: 2.

I was so happy for Shaq Jones.

AJ Erdely But for that one ugly pick at the goalline, he had a clean, efficient game, hit some big throws, and didn't take a sack. He accounted for 237 total yards and a TD. I'm sure last night was particularly gratifying for him, particularly after they leaned over and woofed at him while he was on the ground after that pick. That bomb to Lisa on third and long after the Viking Clap could not have been better timed. Speaking of which...

The Viking Clap I knew it was coming, and frankly, thought it might be a little hokey, but it was very, very cool, and something I hope we continue. Getting the percussion kids to tap it going was genius.

Special teams

This was a weakness early in the year, and yes, we got a punt blocked, but we covered kicks extremely well, Nick Vogel rebounded for the winning points after a rough game against Tech. Joel Dixon averaged 42 yards a punt, including a 56 yard rocket that backed Middle up to their own 14 on their last possession before the end.

We only returned one kickoff, but Jonathon Haden had an electrifying 50 yard return. Only thing: young man, when it's you and the kicker, you've got to cut it back inside and make him tackle you. Remember, their tackling ability is not what earns them a scholarship.

The Crowd Yes, attendance was very good, particularly on a race weekend and the Crimson Menace kicking their homecoming right after ours (but that's the extent to which I will dwell on it), but (and I talked about this last week), kudos to the faithful. We were loud, engaged, and timely. The team feeds off it. It's a beautiful thing.

The Bad

Ugh. The humidity Should I really sweat through my clothes in the middle of October? I had salt deposits on everything when I finally peeled it off after 11pm.

Conference USA officiating

I'm sure I'm a homer here, but two calls (or lack thereof) jumped out at me. First, the Middle fumble on their wildcat QB. They overturned it, which was correct, but if it's incomplete, how the hell is it not intentional grounding? He threw it literally at the defender's feet. That miss gave Middle a field goal. They call it, and Middle probably punts. The other was the pass interference on Middle's last drive. Pure, unadulterated horseshit.

The Ugly

I mentioned the punt block and the pick, right?

So, what does this mean, Barbara?

Friends, a bowl game is rapidly becoming a real possibility. Going undefeated at home is becoming a real possibility. I don't know what will happen. What I do know is this is way more fun than not having a team. And I believe Charlotte better buckle up in 6 days.
We have some pretty good coverage now from the Daily Dragon and others, but this is the postgame coverage I look forward to reading the most each week. Well done as always.
"First, the Middle fumble on their wildcat QB. They overturned it, which was correct, but if it's incomplete, how the hell is it not intentional grounding? He threw it literally at the defender's feet. That miss gave Middle a field goal. They call it, and Middle probably punts. The other was the pass interference on Middle's last drive. Pure, unadulterated horseshit."

This. So much.

I looked my wife after that call and said "If that was an incomplete pass, how was it not grounding?"

That's a mystery that only a C-USA ref can understand.
Since the intentional grounding wasn't called on the initial play, can the refs call a penalty after a video review? I know in the NBA the refs aren't allowed to call a violation based on video review alone, even if it's blatantly obvious on review, if it wasn't called on the floor.
Give me some more Donnie Lee. If he can catch the ball out of the backfield, he has a chance to turn into a complete back. Sucks he disappeared after his first series. The move he made to the outside was a legit running back move with vision.
(10-15-2017 11:18 AM)The Answer UAB Wrote: [ -> ]Since the intentional grounding wasn't called on the initial play, can the refs call a penalty after a video review? I know in the NBA the refs aren't allowed to call a violation based on video review alone, even if it's blatantly obvious on review, if it wasn't called on the floor.

I suspect that's the case, but I thought it was grounding as it was happening. I was amazed the initial ruling was a fumble.
(10-15-2017 11:37 AM)Smaug Wrote: [ -> ]
(10-15-2017 11:18 AM)The Answer UAB Wrote: [ -> ]Since the intentional grounding wasn't called on the initial play, can the refs call a penalty after a video review? I know in the NBA the refs aren't allowed to call a violation based on video review alone, even if it's blatantly obvious on review, if it wasn't called on the floor.

I suspect that's the case, but I thought it was grounding as it was happening. I was amazed the initial ruling was a fumble.

I'm pretty sure that's what the issue is. I can't believe they didn't call it on the field. It was blatantly obvious intentional grounding.
(10-15-2017 11:37 AM)cb4029 Wrote: [ -> ]Give me some more Donnie Lee. If he can catch the ball out of the backfield, he has a chance to turn into a complete back. Sucks he disappeared after his first series. The move he made to the outside was a legit running back move with vision.

I agree. He makes for a nice counterpunch when Brown needs a breather.
(10-15-2017 11:39 AM)The Answer UAB Wrote: [ -> ]
(10-15-2017 11:37 AM)Smaug Wrote: [ -> ]
(10-15-2017 11:18 AM)The Answer UAB Wrote: [ -> ]Since the intentional grounding wasn't called on the initial play, can the refs call a penalty after a video review? I know in the NBA the refs aren't allowed to call a violation based on video review alone, even if it's blatantly obvious on review, if it wasn't called on the floor.

I suspect that's the case, but I thought it was grounding as it was happening. I was amazed the initial ruling was a fumble.

I'm pretty sure that's what the issue is. I can't believe they didn't call it on the field. It was blatantly obvious intentional grounding.

agreed...the moment they said it was a fumble, i said "well thats coming back"
Ronnie Turner is starting to show his super star potential. On one catch the DB had position and a potential INT. Ronnie stopped, adjusted his body, came back to the ball and took it from the DB. Hope Erdely continues to build some chemistry with him.
(10-15-2017 11:39 AM)Smaug Wrote: [ -> ]
(10-15-2017 11:37 AM)cb4029 Wrote: [ -> ]Give me some more Donnie Lee. If he can catch the ball out of the backfield, he has a chance to turn into a complete back. Sucks he disappeared after his first series. The move he made to the outside was a legit running back move with vision.

I agree. He makes for a nice counterpunch when Brown needs a breather.

Since our offense is old school, except for QB snap position, we need Brown and Lee in the Power I.
I think the diamond formation has run its course especially since we only run 2 or 3 different plays out of it.

Lee & Brown in the backfield at the same time for several plays would be great.

Heck, on special occasions swap the diamond around into a wishbone for short yardage situations.

We also need to go 4 wide more to open things up for Brown on short yardage.

Memphis stacked the line when we went diamond.
(10-15-2017 01:02 PM)the_blazerman Wrote: [ -> ]I think the diamond formation has run its course especially since we only run 2 or 3 different plays out of it.

Lee & Brown in the backfield at the same time for several plays would be great.

Heck, on special occasions swap the diamond around into a wishbone for short yardage situations.

We also need to go 4 wide more to open things up for Brown on short yardage.

Memphis stacked the line when we went diamond.

Memphis??

I think coach still has a few more wrinkles to the diamond. I'm waiting for him to start motioning out of it and throwing to add more confusion.
I don't know why Copeland isn't featured in the diamond. He's a decent running back. Decent receiver. And he can throw. I have an awesome trick play in mind when I think of him being used there.
The cutback draw (if that’s what’s called) was called at the perfect time. The two times I saw it happen both resulted in big gains. I think one time was 3rd and long too.
My son and I loved the game. He is 10 and is really into the games this year. He even said he wants to start working out to play football at UAB. Proud papa here.
(10-15-2017 11:14 AM)JeffUAB Wrote: [ -> ]We have some pretty good coverage now from the Daily Dragon and others, but this is the postgame coverage I look forward to reading the most each week. Well done as always.

Completely agree with this. Also, I don't think I've ever seen a back judge literally 30-40 yards away from the play throw a flag for PI.
(10-15-2017 01:33 PM)cb4029 Wrote: [ -> ]I don't know why Copeland isn't featured in the diamond. He's a decent running back. Decent receiver. And he can throw. I have an awesome trick play in mind when I think of him being used there.

I thought the trick play we ran on the 2 point conversation attempt was well drawn up, just didn't execute.
(10-15-2017 04:13 PM)jcduncan13 Wrote: [ -> ]
(10-15-2017 11:14 AM)JeffUAB Wrote: [ -> ]We have some pretty good coverage now from the Daily Dragon and others, but this is the postgame coverage I look forward to reading the most each week. Well done as always.

Completely agree with this. Also, I don't think I've ever seen a back judge literally 30-40 yards away from the play throw a flag for PI.

Did you see the two calls against La Tech that basically were thrown from the parking lot? Both were targeting and both got overturned.
(10-15-2017 06:12 PM)dfarr Wrote: [ -> ]
(10-15-2017 04:13 PM)jcduncan13 Wrote: [ -> ]
(10-15-2017 11:14 AM)JeffUAB Wrote: [ -> ]We have some pretty good coverage now from the Daily Dragon and others, but this is the postgame coverage I look forward to reading the most each week. Well done as always.

Completely agree with this. Also, I don't think I've ever seen a back judge literally 30-40 yards away from the play throw a flag for PI.

Did you see the two calls against La Tech that basically were thrown from the parking lot? Both were targeting and both got overturned.

Yes I was there. Targeting is a little different because the refs are taught to throw it anytime it's close due to the fact they can always overturn it. PI cannot be overturned.
(10-15-2017 01:21 PM)cb4029 Wrote: [ -> ]
(10-15-2017 01:02 PM)the_blazerman Wrote: [ -> ]I think the diamond formation has run its course especially since we only run 2 or 3 different plays out of it.

Lee & Brown in the backfield at the same time for several plays would be great.

Heck, on special occasions swap the diamond around into a wishbone for short yardage situations.

We also need to go 4 wide more to open things up for Brown on short yardage.

Memphis stacked the line when we went diamond.

Memphis??

I think coach still has a few more wrinkles to the diamond. I'm waiting for him to start motioning out of it and throwing to add more confusion.

Sorry. It felt like Memphis.
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