You Know What Time It Is... A Scout's Eye *Long Read*

After my recent success in Vegas last weekend, I was feeling good this whole week, and feeling confident about tonight. Tonight was another good game, and a confidence booster for some. Before, I start though, I feel like I should put a disclosure out as I felt a little un-loved by a few the last time:

If you don't believe my creditibility, DON'T READ THIS!!!

With that out of the way, and the people who appreciate this reading, let me start this off with some player notes:

- Jefferson played GREAT. Taking away Shepard's two drops, Jefferson went 10 for 14 for 96 yards. His throws were very crisp, mostly on point throws, and was exactly what he needed after a week where he felt a little hurt. Not only that, he made a number of great runs that got us key first downs to keep drives moving.

- Jasper had a great game as well. After missing his first field goal in the UNC game, he has responded with perfection. Did a great job tonight continuously putting points on the board. Also, with the ONLY punt we had (more on that) he put it on the 2 yard line. Very impressive night

- While Loston didn't do too much noticeable stuff, he has to get some space with the block on the opening kickoff that I think set the tone for this whole game and got the crowd going early.

- Tyrann Mathieu played like a man tonight. Played great kickoff coverage, then causing the Nevis interception, and making a number of good tackles on defense as well.

- We all saw why Peterson is the best cornerback in the nation tonight. His two interceptions tonight are what highlight videos are made of

There are more player notes, but those will be covered in the next parts. First...

The Offense:

- Again, Jefferson had the type of game that he needed to get himself ready for the next couple of games. Completed a lot of passes, and while some wanted more deep balls, it's better to let Jefferson see his passes getting caught.

- I think Miles needs to start considering Chris Tolliver, Kadron, or James Wright on obvious 3rd and passing downs. Look, I love Shepard's ability, but his two drops killed a drive and was an easily catchable touchdown ball. I like the ball in his hands, but there are better ways to get it there.

- When are we going to learn to run from the I more often? Almost everytime we did this, Ridley was able to get at least 4 yards, if not more. We have the big line, we have a big fullback in Stampley, and we have a big back in Ridley. Quit with the pistol stuff. Also, with this said...

- The option needs to be erased from our playbook. Now, I noticed people were getting this and the "Zone Read" mixed up. The Zone Read is fine because it gives Jefferson the ability to run. The option just hasn't really worked for us and almost caused a turnover.

- I still think Crowton needs to go and this game didn't change much. The booing was well deserved and I thought very appropriate. The crowd never booed at a player, but booed at the playcalling. Running the ball up the middle 3 times from the 10 yard line after a turnover? Just dumb. I know the playcalling got booed twice more, but I can't remember it (Hopefully someone can help me out and I can change this).

Now, we shall move onto the Defense:

- I wish we could stay with the blitzing, causing pressure version of Chavis. He's done a great job this year, but I just wish we could see more pressure. EVERYTIME that we blitzed tonight, we caused a turnover or a very bad pass. We have smart defenders that are blitzing and don't allow the QB to go anywhere, so keep doing it.

- To keep up with this blitzing thing, we need to look at what it did: caused turnovers. 4 of our 5 interceptions were off of great pressure fromt he blitzing. Why we didn't get any interceptions against Vandy was we got enough pressure from our d-line, which results in sacks instead of forced bad passes more often than not. When you send pressure, QBs make bad decisions like passing over to Peterson's side which is huge trouble.

- The hitting all around was great and is what kept getting the crowd fired up, even after they got quieted. Sheppard, Hatcher, Mathieu, and Loston all brought the lumber tonight (If there are others I missed, let me know). Even though the D-line and LBers didn't play as well as they did the past couple games, they still played well, and it was those hits that kept getting them fired up.

In a game that hosted over 50 prospects/commits, this was a great game. The atmosphere was great, the booing was appropriate at the times it came, and the play on the field was great. An all around great performance, and while some may dislike how the offense was played, they did what they were supposed to do: give Jefferson that confidence and swagger back.

Finally, I want to apologize if this one isn't as long or in-depth as my last two, but I have been under the weather the past couple of days. I've been tired, and just wasn't as attentive to this game as the other two and just didn't want ot type too much. However, I hope you all go out tonight, party it up, and enjoy another great game and a 3-0 start. Most importantly though:



Thanks and God Bless