It's been a pretty unbelievable ride so far and quite frankly, better than I would have ever dreamed. At this point, every win here on out is just gravy. With that said, I think yesterdays game exposed some issues and also showed the grit of this team.
Reasons for optimism:
1) CJ Beathard- this guy is just a gamer. Gritty, instinctive, poised and a playmaker. It's hard to imagine where this team would be without him.
2) Running back by committee- How many teams in college football can go down 3 spots on their depth chart and find a guy who can rush for 150+ yards? Leshaun Daniels is beast mode 2.0. I like the idea of Wadley's game changing speed coupled with Daniels beating people up.
4) The Outlaw Josell Jewell- man this kid is good. He's the epitome of why measurable aren't always the best way to measure a guy that can play football. He is the heart and soul of this team and just makes plays
5) Our run blocking- to me, the sign of a great running team is when the defense knows you're going to run the ball and you do it successfully anyways. Our last drive to run out the clock was an example of this at it's finest. No matter who's lined up at RB, this OL has created holes and opportunities. On top of that, seeing our WR's blocking downfield turns this 7 yard runs into 15+ yard runs.
Reasons for concern:
1) We get no pass rush. Some of that may have been by design to keep the last two mobile QB's we played in the pocket. I think we need to run a few more blitzes so QB's can't get comfortable.
2) Our pass defense- Mabin and Fisher had a rough day yesterday. They have to stet up their game if we're going to have any chance of winning out and beating OSU.
3) OT's pass blocking- They do a good job in the run game and have a lot of work in pass blocking.
4) WR's disappearing- I know MN has good corners but we need to get some more production here. Vandenberg is pretty consistent and reliable. Would like to see more out of Smith, Hillyer and J Smith.
5) Downfield passing- I'm sure Beathard's injury is impacting this but we have to start connecting on some of these deep passes, especially when the receiver is wide open.
Overall, it's hard to complain as this team continues to find ways to win football games. They play well as a team and somebody always step up to make the plays that win football games. It's been an amazing ride and any time you're relevant in the college football playoff picture, that's a good thing.
Reasons for optimism:
1) CJ Beathard- this guy is just a gamer. Gritty, instinctive, poised and a playmaker. It's hard to imagine where this team would be without him.
2) Running back by committee- How many teams in college football can go down 3 spots on their depth chart and find a guy who can rush for 150+ yards? Leshaun Daniels is beast mode 2.0. I like the idea of Wadley's game changing speed coupled with Daniels beating people up.
4) The Outlaw Josell Jewell- man this kid is good. He's the epitome of why measurable aren't always the best way to measure a guy that can play football. He is the heart and soul of this team and just makes plays
5) Our run blocking- to me, the sign of a great running team is when the defense knows you're going to run the ball and you do it successfully anyways. Our last drive to run out the clock was an example of this at it's finest. No matter who's lined up at RB, this OL has created holes and opportunities. On top of that, seeing our WR's blocking downfield turns this 7 yard runs into 15+ yard runs.
Reasons for concern:
1) We get no pass rush. Some of that may have been by design to keep the last two mobile QB's we played in the pocket. I think we need to run a few more blitzes so QB's can't get comfortable.
2) Our pass defense- Mabin and Fisher had a rough day yesterday. They have to stet up their game if we're going to have any chance of winning out and beating OSU.
3) OT's pass blocking- They do a good job in the run game and have a lot of work in pass blocking.
4) WR's disappearing- I know MN has good corners but we need to get some more production here. Vandenberg is pretty consistent and reliable. Would like to see more out of Smith, Hillyer and J Smith.
5) Downfield passing- I'm sure Beathard's injury is impacting this but we have to start connecting on some of these deep passes, especially when the receiver is wide open.
Overall, it's hard to complain as this team continues to find ways to win football games. They play well as a team and somebody always step up to make the plays that win football games. It's been an amazing ride and any time you're relevant in the college football playoff picture, that's a good thing.
