Morning thoughts...
Unlike the previous four or five seasons this was a game where the Frogs felt completely in control for four quarters. The first half wasn't pretty offensively, but seeing the defense fly to the ball, complete open field tackles, and play fundamentally sound football was encouraging and prevented the onset of panic. We haven't had a game like this, even against non-P5 opponents, in quite some time.
Offensively the line was the most improved unit and with Miller, Demercardo, and Bailey our run game should be something that will keep defensive coordinators up at night. It was nice to finally see a formation that featured both Miller and Demercardo in the backfield, and moving forward with Max behind center that triple threat option should create a ton of problems for defenses.
Defensively I don't think the three man front and sparse blitzing was indicative of what we'll see once we get to Conference play, but even after staying on the field for 22 minutes in the first half they were still fighting on every down and flying to the ball; a vast improvement over the last couple of seasons. I can't remember the last time we played a game and didn't give up a big play for a TD, and that alone was a joy to see.
Special Teams got off to a rough start with the facemask on the opening kickoff but with Davis returning the punt, Sandy's excellent punts, and the kicking game not missing an opportunity to put points on the board I'd say they were phenomenal last night.
A few other points:
- No clock management idiocy
- Lost two Frogs to injury, but reports concerning Morris' injury appear to be optimistic
- Sam Jackson... WOW
- We need to throw more jump balls to our big receivers, Manziel-style
- Good to see TEs utilized more than once a season
- Receivers can block? Who knew!
- I still hate the WR/bubble screen