Post by deano on Sept 25, 2018 10:45:57 GMT -5
Before I get into thoughts on game this weekend want to recap thoughts on UConn win.
Thought our defense escaped early on the first drive against UConn with the fumble by their QB. I was hoping at best they would only allow a FG but it was nice to get the turnover. Our offense seemed to be clicking and scored pretty easy the first few possessions. Was hoping the D would continue to shut things down but at times they had some serious brain cramps. How they let the UConn QB scamper all the way on a QB sneak for a long TD was mind boggling. Our LB's should have made a play on that or someone in the secondary. Felt good going into half but the fumble by Howard at the goal line was another head scratcher. One thing that will not earn you playing time with Babers is key fumbles, just look at Markenzy Pierre from last year. I think Howard is our second best back behind Moe Neal right now. Don't want to see him get buried on bench with bone head plays like that as I'm not a huge Strickland fan. Thought Gabe Horan did a nice job of filling in for Ravian Pierce. It doesn't sound good that RP will be back anytime soon so Horan and Hackett are going to need to step up big time. As far as second half goes, it seemed like the offense sputtered quite a bit in the second half but thankfully Riley had a huge punt return. The defense looked really good at times and then others looked blah. Really wish Ward would sub in the back-up LB's at times. Both Williams and Cullen are good and need the playing time. If Ward does what he did last year with the LB core our starters will be wiped out towards the end of the season again. Glad to hear Cordy wasn't seriously injured along with Foster and both should be G2G for Clemson this weekend.
I'm not getting my hopes up on the Clemson game. They want revenge in a back way from last year's loss. I'm hoping SU can keep it close but just don't see our D stepping up to stop their O. They have two really good QB's and now that Lawrence has been named started think it presents a bigger problem for SU. Kid can really sling and hard to believe he's only a freshman. Think our offense will have a tough time scoring against their D as well unless the O line gives Dungey time to make throws and plays. Right now I'm seeing about a 41-17 final for Clemson but hope it's closer. Let's just get out of there without any injuries and get ready for Pitt the following week. Really need a win at Pitt, then come home to UNC and would love to see us beat them as well. Will be happy with a 6-1 record at that point as it makes us bowl eligible and everything from there on out is gravy.
What are you thoughts??
Thought our defense escaped early on the first drive against UConn with the fumble by their QB. I was hoping at best they would only allow a FG but it was nice to get the turnover. Our offense seemed to be clicking and scored pretty easy the first few possessions. Was hoping the D would continue to shut things down but at times they had some serious brain cramps. How they let the UConn QB scamper all the way on a QB sneak for a long TD was mind boggling. Our LB's should have made a play on that or someone in the secondary. Felt good going into half but the fumble by Howard at the goal line was another head scratcher. One thing that will not earn you playing time with Babers is key fumbles, just look at Markenzy Pierre from last year. I think Howard is our second best back behind Moe Neal right now. Don't want to see him get buried on bench with bone head plays like that as I'm not a huge Strickland fan. Thought Gabe Horan did a nice job of filling in for Ravian Pierce. It doesn't sound good that RP will be back anytime soon so Horan and Hackett are going to need to step up big time. As far as second half goes, it seemed like the offense sputtered quite a bit in the second half but thankfully Riley had a huge punt return. The defense looked really good at times and then others looked blah. Really wish Ward would sub in the back-up LB's at times. Both Williams and Cullen are good and need the playing time. If Ward does what he did last year with the LB core our starters will be wiped out towards the end of the season again. Glad to hear Cordy wasn't seriously injured along with Foster and both should be G2G for Clemson this weekend.
I'm not getting my hopes up on the Clemson game. They want revenge in a back way from last year's loss. I'm hoping SU can keep it close but just don't see our D stepping up to stop their O. They have two really good QB's and now that Lawrence has been named started think it presents a bigger problem for SU. Kid can really sling and hard to believe he's only a freshman. Think our offense will have a tough time scoring against their D as well unless the O line gives Dungey time to make throws and plays. Right now I'm seeing about a 41-17 final for Clemson but hope it's closer. Let's just get out of there without any injuries and get ready for Pitt the following week. Really need a win at Pitt, then come home to UNC and would love to see us beat them as well. Will be happy with a 6-1 record at that point as it makes us bowl eligible and everything from there on out is gravy.
What are you thoughts??