I have not seen these questions answered by our coaches, mods, or other posters with an in-depth knowledge of football.
Here is a post from Saturday:
Just finished watching the game and listening to the v-cast. While listening to the v-cast I have been watching the ND-GTech game.
Air Force is a disciplined, scrappy team. But, if we were to have played GTech instead, who is the cream of the crop of triple option, we might not have won today.
I understand that we were playing against 7-8-9 in the box. But, we have to be able to get more yards. Why are we not doing a better job? I know Kieler is out, but we still are supposed to have a very dominant line. Our RBs had no holes to hit whatsoever.
I agree that we were determined to run the ball inside vs a stacked box, but we have to do a better job if we expect to reach our goals. We should still be able to get solid chunks. All three teams we have played have put 7-8-9 in the box. I guess that is what teams are going to do all year. We have too good of an oline and RBs to struggle like this. (MD echoed this sentiment in his comments on Sun)
Also, what was wrong with our pass pro? Cook got hit or hurried more this game than the last two combined. That aspect wasnt very good either.
On defense, we did a very poor job. ND, facing a far superior triple option team, is doing a MUCH better job defending the run. Heck, GT has only scored 7 and we all know ND's D is not nearly as good as MSU's (which should be top 5 or so again this year). We were getting smacked up the middle, on qb keepers, and especially on the edges. Where were the adjustments? I do not understand how such a great defense could have so many leaks (not to mention the four+ busts in the secondary. That is a big concern as well). If we were playing GTech, all those 5-10 yards plays would be 12-20 yards plays. And their QB would have done much more damage through the air. Heck, I could have hit those guys they were so wide open (prolly not but you get the point).
I guess I have very high expectations because we have the talent and experience and we are supposed to be contending for the playoffs. This play isnt going to get us there. Maybe it was just a bad day, I dont know. Just frustrating and disappointing. This is on top of all the injuries adding up.
I have no doubt we will continue to work hard and improve week to week like we always do. Just thought we were at a place to have far fewer errors than what we saw on Saturday.
Here is a post from Saturday:
Just finished watching the game and listening to the v-cast. While listening to the v-cast I have been watching the ND-GTech game.
Air Force is a disciplined, scrappy team. But, if we were to have played GTech instead, who is the cream of the crop of triple option, we might not have won today.
I understand that we were playing against 7-8-9 in the box. But, we have to be able to get more yards. Why are we not doing a better job? I know Kieler is out, but we still are supposed to have a very dominant line. Our RBs had no holes to hit whatsoever.
I agree that we were determined to run the ball inside vs a stacked box, but we have to do a better job if we expect to reach our goals. We should still be able to get solid chunks. All three teams we have played have put 7-8-9 in the box. I guess that is what teams are going to do all year. We have too good of an oline and RBs to struggle like this. (MD echoed this sentiment in his comments on Sun)
Also, what was wrong with our pass pro? Cook got hit or hurried more this game than the last two combined. That aspect wasnt very good either.
On defense, we did a very poor job. ND, facing a far superior triple option team, is doing a MUCH better job defending the run. Heck, GT has only scored 7 and we all know ND's D is not nearly as good as MSU's (which should be top 5 or so again this year). We were getting smacked up the middle, on qb keepers, and especially on the edges. Where were the adjustments? I do not understand how such a great defense could have so many leaks (not to mention the four+ busts in the secondary. That is a big concern as well). If we were playing GTech, all those 5-10 yards plays would be 12-20 yards plays. And their QB would have done much more damage through the air. Heck, I could have hit those guys they were so wide open (prolly not but you get the point).
I guess I have very high expectations because we have the talent and experience and we are supposed to be contending for the playoffs. This play isnt going to get us there. Maybe it was just a bad day, I dont know. Just frustrating and disappointing. This is on top of all the injuries adding up.
I have no doubt we will continue to work hard and improve week to week like we always do. Just thought we were at a place to have far fewer errors than what we saw on Saturday.
