I think the defense will continue to improve over the season and will keep us at the 28-30 points per game that it's always sort of been.
The question to me is, can the offense score more than that on an average basis?
Right now, that answer is a no.
They have to be able to do it, when they need to, which has been the story all along with Frost's offense.
On the plus side, the staff found out that they could lean on Grant, and that is what they are going to do now, I believe.
That will be good for a few more wins and can actually help this team quite a lot.
When not expecting in, the passing game will be more than just serviceable.. just need to lean on the run game from here on out.
Pleased with the performance of A.J as well.. I would not be surprised if he slides into the #2 spot. Ervin Jr got his chance and wasn't ready, but AJ was.
We can still put together a decent year, but I think they will have to go run first to do it and the offense has to come together a lot more. Saw a bit of this on Saturday, there were moments where Thomson, Williams, Grant and Palmer looked like the group within the group. I liked seeing CT run for the first down too.
I don't believe all is lost yet, but we have to start making big jumps now and come together on both sides of the ball quickly.
I do think it's possible the trip to and from Ireland is going to be less of a factor. Seemed Saturday some of the kids just didn't have much bounce in their step, this week they should be good to go.
As far as NU plays off the ball, it looks to me like Gabriel from OU will carve them up. He has a helluva arm, gets the ball out quick, plus the dude can run too. He might be NU's biggest challenge at QB all season.
If NU is adopting a run the ball theory, and sticks with it, as you say, it does advance the passing game. As a unit, they may have really begun to show some confidence. I'm actually impressed with how well the offense has done, penalty wise. In past years, without looking, I think NU was a 9+ penalty team week after week.
I wouldn't mind if NU came out in desperation mode again on Saturday. Ga Southern is obviously a must win situation. Maybe a really tough game, with NU showing progress in not pissing down their leg will pay dividends as NU gets into the winnable, but presumably tight games ahead like the Purdue, Ind, Minn, Illini, Rutgers and Iowa games.
With NU's really nice punting game, and I do think Bleekrode can be pretty dependable, NU can still manage a decent season IF the defense can start to slow some people down. NU needs both Robinson and Nash to be a factor on the inside. Looks like Wynn and Drew are coming along, and Feist is giving what he's got.
I still want to see Chubba get 2-3 series, especially since Grant is looking like a real man right now. I like AJ a ton, and though it's early, I think the kid is the real deal. Super quick in there, and am waiting to see what happens if this kid bounces it outside. Kudos to Grant!