1. We didn't choose to test Memphis defensive front up the gut until the 2nd half. I think our kids handled Memphis 'multiple fronts' more effectively once we were able to play a bit of smash mouth. Or maybe we simply needed to throw the ball effectively before we could crease their defensive front.
2. Herman has made it clear that Greg is the starting QB. Not going to argue with a guy who is 10-0. That said, I don't think we come back and win this game with Greg playing. For me, he hasn't been the same guy this year that I watched at Cincy and Pitt last year. I know, heresy. Confidence looks shaken, even on the read option runs where he is struggling to make the right decision.
3. We caught a bit of a break with Memphis losing their #1 WR. That said, with RS Freshman starting (Winchester is a RS Freshman?), Lynch only completed one long ball down the field, the post route on last series that put them in scoring position. Secondary coverage was exceptional.
4. Tackling was an issue last night for the first time all season. Mayhew is a big dude, but he was dragging our DBs. And Dorceus just made us look silly on a number of runs. Kid ran behind his pads and had more wiggle than I anticipated.
5. Officiating wasn't horrible, but they had three calls that were killer against us. The first was missing the offensive lineman 15 yards down field on the TD pass to the TE up the sideline. That needed to be reversed. The fantom holding call on 72 during the series of motion/holding calls was a killer. And the lack of a roughing call on Ayers after his 12 yard catch on a comeback route, and then the lack of targeting call against Ayers later in drive were all in my mind egregious. The replay booth did however get it right each time.
6. Memphis won the ST war right up to the missed kick. They never let Wilson return a kick, and they consistently started in good field position (two drives were started behind their own 10).
7. Paxson Lynch was every bit as good as advertised. He is surprisingly quick for a 6'7 dude. Made great decisions most of the night. We won't play against a better QB this season, unless we somehow find our way in a bowl against Oklahoma.
8. Elandon Roberts had 17 tackles and a critical pick. He and McDonald define our defense, though Tre Stewart certainly brings some swagger to the group.
9. DeMarcus Ayers has been incredible. Playing hurt and still is the absolute go to guy on the offense. Bonner has been a pleasant surprise, though he let a key pass slide off of his hands in the back of the end zone. Dunbar looks a step slower to me, may have overamped the weight room. Tyler Mccloskey continues the hard luck streak. Not sure if he failed to take the step back, or if the WR who covered him up made the mental mistake. Either way, that was a huge reversal on TD, though announcers pointed out it was the right call.
10. #1-0 culture and mentality. I said it during the game thread, even down 20 going into the 4th I thought we had a chance. The coaching staff stayed confident. No panic in their decision making. The kids executed. Thurman's fumble recovery was a huge play ... and not an easy one. He stole that ball off of the ground from the Memphis kids. Defense did just enough. Offense did just enough.
But the obvious elephant in the thread is Kyle Postma. Kid was nails. His 4th down play was spectacular. His feet were as good as his arm. He was quick with decision making and used the whole field. It seemed that the coaches had a bigger playbook working with him on the field. I don't want to say too much, because the guy in front of him on the depth chart got a letter from the Heisman committee. Herman says Kyle goes back to the bench, so he goes back to the bench. But, without Kyle, this team isn't 10-0. He was special.
Or as coach would say ... he is one real dude.
2. Herman has made it clear that Greg is the starting QB. Not going to argue with a guy who is 10-0. That said, I don't think we come back and win this game with Greg playing. For me, he hasn't been the same guy this year that I watched at Cincy and Pitt last year. I know, heresy. Confidence looks shaken, even on the read option runs where he is struggling to make the right decision.
3. We caught a bit of a break with Memphis losing their #1 WR. That said, with RS Freshman starting (Winchester is a RS Freshman?), Lynch only completed one long ball down the field, the post route on last series that put them in scoring position. Secondary coverage was exceptional.
4. Tackling was an issue last night for the first time all season. Mayhew is a big dude, but he was dragging our DBs. And Dorceus just made us look silly on a number of runs. Kid ran behind his pads and had more wiggle than I anticipated.
5. Officiating wasn't horrible, but they had three calls that were killer against us. The first was missing the offensive lineman 15 yards down field on the TD pass to the TE up the sideline. That needed to be reversed. The fantom holding call on 72 during the series of motion/holding calls was a killer. And the lack of a roughing call on Ayers after his 12 yard catch on a comeback route, and then the lack of targeting call against Ayers later in drive were all in my mind egregious. The replay booth did however get it right each time.
6. Memphis won the ST war right up to the missed kick. They never let Wilson return a kick, and they consistently started in good field position (two drives were started behind their own 10).
7. Paxson Lynch was every bit as good as advertised. He is surprisingly quick for a 6'7 dude. Made great decisions most of the night. We won't play against a better QB this season, unless we somehow find our way in a bowl against Oklahoma.
8. Elandon Roberts had 17 tackles and a critical pick. He and McDonald define our defense, though Tre Stewart certainly brings some swagger to the group.
9. DeMarcus Ayers has been incredible. Playing hurt and still is the absolute go to guy on the offense. Bonner has been a pleasant surprise, though he let a key pass slide off of his hands in the back of the end zone. Dunbar looks a step slower to me, may have overamped the weight room. Tyler Mccloskey continues the hard luck streak. Not sure if he failed to take the step back, or if the WR who covered him up made the mental mistake. Either way, that was a huge reversal on TD, though announcers pointed out it was the right call.
10. #1-0 culture and mentality. I said it during the game thread, even down 20 going into the 4th I thought we had a chance. The coaching staff stayed confident. No panic in their decision making. The kids executed. Thurman's fumble recovery was a huge play ... and not an easy one. He stole that ball off of the ground from the Memphis kids. Defense did just enough. Offense did just enough.
But the obvious elephant in the thread is Kyle Postma. Kid was nails. His 4th down play was spectacular. His feet were as good as his arm. He was quick with decision making and used the whole field. It seemed that the coaches had a bigger playbook working with him on the field. I don't want to say too much, because the guy in front of him on the depth chart got a letter from the Heisman committee. Herman says Kyle goes back to the bench, so he goes back to the bench. But, without Kyle, this team isn't 10-0. He was special.
Or as coach would say ... he is one real dude.
