First of all, I'm not proud to admit to I hung in there with Bo until the Minnesota game last year. Then the audiotape of the meeting with the players made it crystal as to what kind of a psycho we had as a coach.
I also must admit that my initial thoughts on MR weren't very optimistic. I can see that he is a tremendous person, and will have great influence on the players. I'm not sure how this will relate directly to wins and losses.
I was at the game yesterday, and have had a chance to re-watch it at home. What follows are my observations from what my eyes saw.
QB-Tommy is improved. He can make all the throws, but will continue to struggle if the line can't properly protect him. I would use him more in the run game, but it seems obvious that the coaches want to keep him healthy.
RBs-I believe Wilbon is the guy. Much more ability to make people miss. I am hoping that Newby isn't playing more solely due to better pass pro. That would be a bad sign. We must run the ball better to be competitive.
Receivers-Good group. I'm sure getting Carter back will help and DPE needs to get back asap. Missing those two, but they did a nice job yesterday. Moore is obviously better, which should help miss DPE less here.
OL-Have a ways to go, but did feel like they improved as the game went along. BYU has a nice blitz game. Guard play is weak, but sometimes matchups have a lot to do with that. Again, imo, we must run the ball much better, and Tommy can help.
DL-Strong in the run game, not much pass rush. Having little outside pressure makes it tough for MC, VV, and KW, as they are getting much more attention without it. Stay healthy, and things will be alright up-front. Not hearing good things about Gangwish' injury, unfortunately.
LBs-Pretty solid first game without MRI. Young will be a stud and Banderas is improving. Again, stay healthy, and we'll be alright there. Rose back should help a bunch.
DBs-Worried about this bunch if we continue to leave the CBs on their own so much. I can see how BYU's big receivers can really cause problems, but the fact that those big receivers were able to create space as much as they did worries me.
Coaching-I'm sure these guys are generally better teachers than their predecessors, but I have concerns, particularly offensively, that they aren't necessarily using these kids in the best possible ways to use their talents. The good thing is, I do believe that this team will get better as the year progresses, and the BIG West title should be our most realistic goal this year. With a stronger run game(please), I believe that this is possible. gbr
I also must admit that my initial thoughts on MR weren't very optimistic. I can see that he is a tremendous person, and will have great influence on the players. I'm not sure how this will relate directly to wins and losses.
I was at the game yesterday, and have had a chance to re-watch it at home. What follows are my observations from what my eyes saw.
QB-Tommy is improved. He can make all the throws, but will continue to struggle if the line can't properly protect him. I would use him more in the run game, but it seems obvious that the coaches want to keep him healthy.
RBs-I believe Wilbon is the guy. Much more ability to make people miss. I am hoping that Newby isn't playing more solely due to better pass pro. That would be a bad sign. We must run the ball better to be competitive.
Receivers-Good group. I'm sure getting Carter back will help and DPE needs to get back asap. Missing those two, but they did a nice job yesterday. Moore is obviously better, which should help miss DPE less here.
OL-Have a ways to go, but did feel like they improved as the game went along. BYU has a nice blitz game. Guard play is weak, but sometimes matchups have a lot to do with that. Again, imo, we must run the ball much better, and Tommy can help.
DL-Strong in the run game, not much pass rush. Having little outside pressure makes it tough for MC, VV, and KW, as they are getting much more attention without it. Stay healthy, and things will be alright up-front. Not hearing good things about Gangwish' injury, unfortunately.
LBs-Pretty solid first game without MRI. Young will be a stud and Banderas is improving. Again, stay healthy, and we'll be alright there. Rose back should help a bunch.
DBs-Worried about this bunch if we continue to leave the CBs on their own so much. I can see how BYU's big receivers can really cause problems, but the fact that those big receivers were able to create space as much as they did worries me.
Coaching-I'm sure these guys are generally better teachers than their predecessors, but I have concerns, particularly offensively, that they aren't necessarily using these kids in the best possible ways to use their talents. The good thing is, I do believe that this team will get better as the year progresses, and the BIG West title should be our most realistic goal this year. With a stronger run game(please), I believe that this is possible. gbr
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