We'll be lucky to cover that.

Did that. The game went about as I thought. The new passing game is definitely a work in progress, and the rebuilt OL (including missing two starters to injury) was a little shaky at times. Although Kentucky's DL is big and physical, so still not a terrible performance. Best thing: no turnovers. Tony's going to take time to get there, but I thought his decision-making was good. Also, his is faster than some on our board are giving him credit for. When he ran to the outside, he beat pursuit to the corner more than once. Our receivers need to do a better job of getting separation downfield, but with the move to more of a true spread offense, we're probably not going to take as many long shots as we did last season. Hopefully, Ward and Gwilly aren't too banged-up, and Ward has learned to let sleeping dogs lie. Still a cheap shot by the KY player, but I have to believe his comments earlier in the week were the reason behind that. I noticed the freshman RB made the trip over Ross. Hopefully it's because he's just too good to keep off the field.

Special teams were good, with the obvious bonehead decision by Davis to leave the end zone that time. Fortunately, Crawford's interception bailed us (him) out on Kentucky's next possession. Not sure if Davis will be playing again any time soon though. :(

The defense was actually fairly stout, despite missing one of our starting LBs (who I hope will be ready for Kansas). They wore down a bit in the 2nd half, understandably, since our offense got bogged down. Forcing four turnovers was good (could have been five, but I guess that's why Apsey's a LB, not a DB, LOL). I didn't think the targeting on Apsey was legit, really a weak call, IMO. So it's even more important that Briones be ready to go, since Apsey will have to miss the first half of the Kansas game. Ditto McCoy (I think that was the first targeting ejection). We won't see many power running attacks like that in MAC play. Even MSU's run game may not be THAT good this season. The pass rush was respectable. One sack, another time pressure led to Crawford's endzone pick, and there were other completions due to our rush.

Coaching: using two timeouts on our final scoring drive (FG) came back to bite us, when Kentucky's backup QB led a TD drive just before halftime. However, with the state of our passing game, I do understand trying to get all our ducks in a row. Had we scored six rather than three, I think most would feel better about it. However, I don't see that decision happening again. I thought the gameplan was fine, probably scaled back due to the new offensive players. The D worked well early, before fatigue and attrition (ejections) caught up.

Kansas lost to Nicholls in OT last night. Granted, Nicholls was 8-4 last season and lost in the 2nd round of the FC playoffs, but still. Kansas has to be feeling low, they are most likely playing for a lame-duck coach, and they haven't won on the road in years. If we start strong, I think we'll get them at home again. Although, I suspect it will be a closer game than last year.

Things to work on this week: continue growing the new passing game, eliminate mistakes (mostly penalties), and get our banged-up players ready for a weaker KU team.

(09-02-2018 12:43 PM)CMichFan Wrote:  Did that. The game went about as I thought. The new passing game is definitely a work in progress, and the rebuilt OL (including missing two starters to injury) was a little shaky at times. Although Kentucky's DL is big and physical, so still not a terrible performance. Best thing: no turnovers. Tony's going to take time to get there, but I thought his decision-making was good. Also, his is faster than some on our board are giving him credit for. When he ran to the outside, he beat pursuit to the corner more than once. Our receivers need to do a better job of getting separation downfield, but with the move to more of a true spread offense, we're probably not going to take as many long shots as we did last season. Hopefully, Ward and Gwilly aren't too banged-up, and Ward has learned to let sleeping dogs lie. Still a cheap shot by the KY player, but I have to believe his comments earlier in the week were the reason behind that. I noticed the freshman RB made the trip over Ross. Hopefully it's because he's just too good to keep off the field.

Special teams were good, with the obvious bonehead decision by Davis to leave the end zone that time. Fortunately, Crawford's interception bailed us (him) out on Kentucky's next possession. Not sure if Davis will be playing again any time soon though. :(

The defense was actually fairly stout, despite missing one of our starting LBs (who I hope will be ready for Kansas). They wore down a bit in the 2nd half, understandably, since our offense got bogged down. Forcing four turnovers was good (could have been five, but I guess that's why Apsey's a LB, not a DB, LOL). I didn't think the targeting on Apsey was legit, really a weak call, IMO. So it's even more important that Briones be ready to go, since Apsey will have to miss the first half of the Kansas game. Ditto McCoy (I think that was the first targeting ejection). We won't see many power running attacks like that in MAC play. Even MSU's run game may not be THAT good this season. The pass rush was respectable. One sack, another time pressure led to Crawford's endzone pick, and there were other completions due to our rush.

Coaching: using two timeouts on our final scoring drive (FG) came back to bite us, when Kentucky's backup QB led a TD drive just before halftime. However, with the state of our passing game, I do understand trying to get all our ducks in a row. Had we scored six rather than three, I think most would feel better about it. However, I don't see that decision happening again. I thought the gameplan was fine, probably scaled back due to the new offensive players. The D worked well early, before fatigue and attrition (ejections) caught up.

Kansas lost to Nicholls in OT last night. Granted, Nicholls was 8-4 last season and lost in the 2nd round of the FC playoffs, but still. Kansas has to be feeling low, they are most likely playing for a lame-duck coach, and they haven't won on the road in years. If we start strong, I think we'll get them at home again. Although, I suspect it will be a closer game than last year.

Things to work on this week: continue growing the new passing game, eliminate mistakes (mostly penalties), and get our banged-up players ready for a weaker KU team.

CMF, excellent overview of the game, I agree with your analysis. I will add too that I love the all white road uniforms, they look sharp!

FIRE UP CHIPS! :)

Thanks, CMF. You are the voice of reason. Good perspective. About what I thought would happen (minus the ejections). You're not going to get any favors from SEC officials, and I hope Ward has learned something. Let's get Kansas and get that passing game going!

Thanks guys! I'm not a fan of the white helmets, but to each his own, I guess.

CMU has opened as 7 point favorites against KU (I've also seen 6 and 6 1/2), FWIW.