Calm Down

It is not time to fire coaches. It is not time to give up on our team.

There are plenty things to feel good about after the MSU game. Although, I say this in the context of a college team that is only four games into the season with still a lot of things to work on:

Offense:
• I have confident in JJ. When he is throwing the short/intermediate pass, he is as good as any QB we have had in recent memory. Plus he has the running ability that some of our prior QBs didn’t have. He improved on the “longer” pass in the MSU game.
• We have high quality receivers who have made big plays this year. LaFell and Toliver are tough to cover and make things happen after they make the reception. Most people don’t know RJ Jackson, but he has made clutch receptions against UW and MSU. Dixon is strong and Randle, Mitchell and other will contribute this year.
• Running backs are high caliber, but most need holes to be successful. RS (QB and RB) makes his own holes and will likely surprise the defense with a pass soon. I wouldn’t be surprised to see RS run an option with Holiday.
• Offensive line is most in need of improvement. The holes are not there for the RBs. Beyond the blocking of the OL, I have seen too many missed blocks by other players. Basis blocking assignments need to be addressed and changes on the OL need to be considered.
• Play calling against MSU was acceptable, considering the weakness between the tackles. I saw lots of pass plays and runs outside the tackles.

Defense:
• Chavis’ defense should prevent big plays by the opposition. However, to accomplish this, our defense may be on the field longer than we would like, and makes it more imperative that our offense plays ball possession.
• In the secondary, what more can you say about Peterson and Jones. We have seen some blown coverage, but not unexpected for a young unit early in the season.
• Linebacker play has been good and contributed, directly or indirectly, to two “pick sixes” this season.
• Defensive line play is inconsistent. Dixon of MSU had way too much success against our DL. I would like to think that I have seen improvement since the start of the season. Also, I love watching Alem pressure the passer.
• By the way, how about that goal line stand!!

Special teams:
• We need work or a possible change on long snaps. We can’t afford to spot the opposition points in this area.
• Helton’s leg has improved but he needs some catching practice on field goals and punts. Also, what are his instructions regarding fielding a fumbled snap near the goal line. While we did have a goal line stand later in the game, Helton being tackled on our two yard line was tantamount to a touchdown (versus a safety had he been tackled in the endzone).
• Without checking the stats, I think Holiday had his best return day this year. And don’t forget the play of the game with Chad Jones. (Chad, the punt return and the goal line stand had to be as much fun as pitching in the CWS.)

So again, calm down. It is not time to fire coaches. It is not time to give up on our team. We are in a great position in the ranking.

Our remaining schedule is one of the toughest of any team in college football. The road ahead is not easy, but it is sweet to be on this road that so many other programs could only dream of being on at this point.

Savor the victory and buckle up for an exciting ride.