Saturday Scrimmage Notes

Just got back. Here's my synopsis:

1. There's no "open competition" at QB. Miles is going with JJ all the way.

Yes, JJ had a solid outing, but you have to understand he was working with the first team OL and Rueben Randle, who had at least two of the TDs. I liked the way JJ ran the option, and he made some pretty good decisions in the pocket. His mobility is definitely an asset. Just understand when you see the "stats" come out and JJ has 5 TDs and 0 INTs, it because he's getting great protection and throwing to guys like Randle and Peterson. On a very positive note: RR looks even stronger, faster, and quicker. He's looking 1st team ALL-SEC. I realize I sound like I'm downplaying JJ's performance, but getting all your reps with the 1's is a HUGE advantage. I think the kid could be our best option right now, especially with the way he's running the ball (he looks a tad bit quicker), but we've got to find ways to get the ball to Rueban downfield. JJ's short passing game looked much better, but he's always been able to throw slants and bubble screens in practice.

For the most part, JL ran second team and Mett ran 3rd, operating behind the shoddiest combination of walk-on OL you can imagine. Had it not been for throwaways and his quick release (and ability to make the first guy miss), Mett would've been sacked 20 times. If he was promised a shot at starting, he certainly isn't getting it. JL had a mediocre day. Unfortunately for him, the playbook seems to be entirely catered to JJ. JL ran at least 2 short side options that ran about as smoothy as the Iraq War.

Overall, the passing game was very vanilla. Mett made a couple nice throws, as did JJ, but there wasn't much to take away from it. When Mett had ample time, he looked great. He just never had ample time. Most of his throws were forced by pressure to be a bit early, and WR had trouble adjusting.

Offense (besides QB):

OL: Great 1st team OL. Arguably the best we've had in a while (yeah, I know we say that every year, buy hey). Very physical off the ball, and very solid in pass blocking. 2nd guys like Shaw, Washington, Branch looked pretty good as well.

RB: Ware=beast. Kid looks bigger and quicker. I think he's our Stevan Ridely this year. He knocked some guys out and juked a few as well. Great vision.

Gore is a fantastic change of pace guy. And I thought Ford had a good outing. Both got 1st/2nd team reps. Blue ran pretty well, I just find him to be the blandest back of the 3. Still very valuable. At this point, I'd like to see Ware get 18 touches, Gore get 8, Ford get 6-8, and the rest get spread out to whomever.

FB: I really like Stampley and Copeland. Copeland showed some nice footwork on a 3 yd carry cutting to the outside.

TE: Peterson still looks like M. Colston in practice. I'd love to see him translate that to the field more consistently. Obviously our best guy didn't participate (Clement). Other guys looked fine to me.

WR: Randle=Yahweh. We just need to see a couple guys step up out of the Williams, Fobbs, Tolliver, Boone, Wright group. None of them got very many touches, but they're promising to say the least. Williams really has a nice tall frame. I feel like 2 or 3 of these guys will emerge, and the other 2-3 will fall behind guys like Jarvis L in the fall.

Defense

Frankly, I didn't pay as close attention. Matthieu is still a beast. Baker is still the most underrated guy on the field. Hatcher's move to LB was very much beneficial. I really like the pressure our DL was getting, and I really like the young guys we've got at D-tackle. Not sure if Montgomery played, but if he's healthy, he's All-SEC calibre. Come to think of it, I don't remember seeing Mingo either. I should've watched the LBs more closely, but there were certainly no glaring weaknesses. Chavis will have em ready.

Secondary looks terrific, IMO. I really like having Claiborne and Matthieu locking down their islands at CB and then having Reid (beast) and Loston (beast) in the secondary (I'm blanking out on the name of our other very solid safety BTW..last years starter). Top it off with guys like Brooks, Simon, Bryant, etc and you've got what I think can be a very solid bunch.

Special Teams:

I'm a little worried about Punter. Wing doesn't get consistent airtime. Hell, best leg on the team is the one-arm wonder. I just wish he could punt. he booted a few KO into the end zone. Josh Jasper and Derek Helton may prove to be the biggest loses.

In the return game, Matthieu really looked solid returning punts. Randle is still your safe option. Gore and Claiborne seemed to get the most reps for KO, and both looked good. I love seeing Gore run in the open field. Great cutback vision.


Sorry for the length. Keep in mind these are strictly my amateur observations.