Before I start chuckin erasers at the O-line, I went back to review the tape of the first half.
First off, the 6 attempts at the 1:
1. Overthrown fade route
2. Stuffed run. They had a 5-2 front and the linebacker made the stop. Roberts didn't follow his lead back who was the only one who could have picked up the linebacker.
3. Pass interference, although Bailey should have created separation
4. Stuffed run. SEE #2. Lead back didn't get through the hole and pick up the linebacker and Roberts didn't follow the lead back.
5. A 2 inch out by McCartney. He was the 3rd option and play was slow to develop. I couldn't actually see his route on TV
6. Crossing route by Austin and Bailey, overthrown out. Bailey was open on the slant.
Not sure you can put that all on the O-line. There was no surge by the line on the runs. In fact, the right tackle's first step was actually backwards. But one on one with the 5 man front and none of their blocks made the tackle! Running backs are not in sinc!
OK. That being said I disagree with one statement Coach H made after the game. He said the were at least targeted correctly but not sustaining blocks. Not quite. There were some definite missed assignments. And then there were some out and out wiffs. Braun for example: I saw a outside linebacker crash down and make the tackle. Braun whiffed by taking a bad angle as the linebacker crashed down from the outside. Unfortunately, Barclay is just not ready for prime time. We you get beat one on one with a pass rusher in a three man rush, you're not getting it done. You have inside help, just don't get beat outside!
On the positive side, honestly the right side of the line held up. O-lineman are like officials. The less you see of them, the better they're doing. Nothing to note except a first step backwards on a run play at the goal line.
Coach says schematically there's no issue. I disagree. Short yardage is about who can hit who first and get a little momentum. When the QB is under center, the RB can take off at the snap. In shotgun, the RB must wait for the ball to come back to the QB to take his first step. We're missing the punch on short yardage. Line up under center and hit them in the mouth!
OK, this isn't going to be popular: Bruce Irvin needs to learn technique! He has awesome explosiveness off the ball and can launch himself at QBs. On first and second downs, he has awesome explosiveness off the ball and launches himself at what ever the target is. He needs to keep his feet and wrap up. Good backs can take that initial hit and keep going. Some Qbs can as well but usually not as often.
One beat writer pointed out the defense has allowed a TD. True, but last time I checked 4 FGs are worth more than a TD. Defense is giving up too much yardage. Red Zone defense has been spectacular under Casteel. We have some young linebackers than need to get more instinctual instead of read and then react. It has to happen instantaneous. When you play back the game in slow mo, you can see them thinking about it. ........Yes, I do.
How about a cut out of the RBs. Straight line running even when your running hard is only going to get you 5 yds. MAKE A CUT. Or I would entertain the idea of using Austin in the backfield. He certainly hasn't lit anybody up as WR.
One last note. Geno has played well in the first 2 games, but he has missed run blitzes in both. How about a quick check off to the hot read. That's when he'll turn the corner from good to great!
Here's to seeing the Mounties take the next step before the Maryland game.
"President Clements and I represented West Virginia University at last night's BIG EAST meeting in New York. The group concluded the meeting with a strategy to recruit top level BCS-caliber institutions that match the league's strong athletic and academic histories and traditions.
