When I compare P.J. this year to last year’s game against Penn State, it just shows how much he’s matured. Vs. PSU, after, I believe the 7th dropped pass, he just started forcing throws which resulted in 4 interceptions. Vs UCF, there were several early drops and the pick six, and P.J. was unshakable. Even after drops by Bryant and Anderson, he went right back to them. Mature, accountable, a leader. Lot to like about this kid!
Jahad Thomas’ 33 yard reception at the start of the second quarter is absolute highlight reel material. Not just outstanding quickness, cutting ability, but that spin move to break a tackle was a tremendous show of athleticism. A minor complaint: He had 31 carries, many of which came after we’d established dominance. He’s got a short week ahead of him and a game where we’re going to need every last bit of talent and ability to win this one. I’d really have liked to have seen more Armstead.
Shahbaz Ahmed is listed at 296, color me skeptical on that number. I’m going to guess he’s 15 or so north of that. He’s a little up and down, getting blown off the line on one play and delivering a devastating pancake the next. One thing is for sure, this big boy can run! How someone that big can get down field so fast to explode his man is hard to understand.
Kyle Friend had his worst game of the season. Not just the flubbed snap in the 3rd quarter that turned be ball over on our side of the field. He was having a tough time in both pass and run blocking and the difficulty locking onto his man on the second level was there. Friend, Dawk, and Ahmed did not have a stellar night screen blocking, and at one point, it looked like P.J. called them out. Leon Johnson had a very nice night at RT, particularly in pass blocking. He was beaten outside on pass rushes early this season, looks like he’s got that locked down.
A Marshall Ellick sighting for the second week in a row. Robbie Anderson looks like he finally knocked the rust off. He really is an amazing athlete, not just the speed, size, vertical, hands but just the fluidity he displays, a pleasure to watch.
I was thinking it’s a shame J.C. isn’t more involved in the passing game, and it occurred to me I think that about Colin Thompson… and Kip Patton, and Bryant, Jennings and Anderson could be used more as well, and I like Thomas coming out of the backfield. There are so many good skill players on this team, they’re really aren’t enough balls to go around. A guy like Keith Kirkwood doesn’t even dress.
I’d love to know the snap counts for Hassan Riddick. At the start of the season he was a depth guy, getting, I’d guess somewhere around 10 per game. He has come further in these six games (excluding some Freshmen/RS) than anyone on this team. He could be a star next year.
If the conversation is about unsung heroes, it’s got to be the DL. The top six haven’t had a ton of sacks since PSU, but they’ve done one heck of a job getting pressure on the opposing QBs all year long.
T Mat’s tackles are down this year, but his interceptions underscore his improvement in the passing game. Earlier, I pointed out that to man him up on a WR, even in the red zone is completely unfair to him. However, he’s shown that in a zone, the ability to diagnose plays that allow him to collect triple digit tackles, allow him to break up passes and pick off passes as well.
I keyed on Tayvon Young quite a bit. The huge cushion he gives is clearly at Snow’s behest. On the occasions where he can play bump and run, he’s very good at it. Very physical, sticky, and doesn’t get fooled. I’d love to know what his QB rating is.
It’s so nice to have a dedicated long snapper and holder as well as a solid kicker and punter. So many times it seemed like that was an after thought, but it really is about 1/3rd of the game, considering the importance of those plays.
I’m going to say it again – yes Champ had the 65 yard punt return. We also blocked a punt and fumbled one. Why can’t we just send ten on every punt and fair catch? I truly think we’d gain more positive yards doing that than trying to set up returns. I have to give a tip of the cap to Ventell Bryant and Cole Boozer for some big time blocks on that return, though.
Jahad Thomas’ 33 yard reception at the start of the second quarter is absolute highlight reel material. Not just outstanding quickness, cutting ability, but that spin move to break a tackle was a tremendous show of athleticism. A minor complaint: He had 31 carries, many of which came after we’d established dominance. He’s got a short week ahead of him and a game where we’re going to need every last bit of talent and ability to win this one. I’d really have liked to have seen more Armstead.
Shahbaz Ahmed is listed at 296, color me skeptical on that number. I’m going to guess he’s 15 or so north of that. He’s a little up and down, getting blown off the line on one play and delivering a devastating pancake the next. One thing is for sure, this big boy can run! How someone that big can get down field so fast to explode his man is hard to understand.
Kyle Friend had his worst game of the season. Not just the flubbed snap in the 3rd quarter that turned be ball over on our side of the field. He was having a tough time in both pass and run blocking and the difficulty locking onto his man on the second level was there. Friend, Dawk, and Ahmed did not have a stellar night screen blocking, and at one point, it looked like P.J. called them out. Leon Johnson had a very nice night at RT, particularly in pass blocking. He was beaten outside on pass rushes early this season, looks like he’s got that locked down.
A Marshall Ellick sighting for the second week in a row. Robbie Anderson looks like he finally knocked the rust off. He really is an amazing athlete, not just the speed, size, vertical, hands but just the fluidity he displays, a pleasure to watch.
I was thinking it’s a shame J.C. isn’t more involved in the passing game, and it occurred to me I think that about Colin Thompson… and Kip Patton, and Bryant, Jennings and Anderson could be used more as well, and I like Thomas coming out of the backfield. There are so many good skill players on this team, they’re really aren’t enough balls to go around. A guy like Keith Kirkwood doesn’t even dress.
I’d love to know the snap counts for Hassan Riddick. At the start of the season he was a depth guy, getting, I’d guess somewhere around 10 per game. He has come further in these six games (excluding some Freshmen/RS) than anyone on this team. He could be a star next year.
If the conversation is about unsung heroes, it’s got to be the DL. The top six haven’t had a ton of sacks since PSU, but they’ve done one heck of a job getting pressure on the opposing QBs all year long.
T Mat’s tackles are down this year, but his interceptions underscore his improvement in the passing game. Earlier, I pointed out that to man him up on a WR, even in the red zone is completely unfair to him. However, he’s shown that in a zone, the ability to diagnose plays that allow him to collect triple digit tackles, allow him to break up passes and pick off passes as well.
I keyed on Tayvon Young quite a bit. The huge cushion he gives is clearly at Snow’s behest. On the occasions where he can play bump and run, he’s very good at it. Very physical, sticky, and doesn’t get fooled. I’d love to know what his QB rating is.
It’s so nice to have a dedicated long snapper and holder as well as a solid kicker and punter. So many times it seemed like that was an after thought, but it really is about 1/3rd of the game, considering the importance of those plays.
I’m going to say it again – yes Champ had the 65 yard punt return. We also blocked a punt and fumbled one. Why can’t we just send ten on every punt and fair catch? I truly think we’d gain more positive yards doing that than trying to set up returns. I have to give a tip of the cap to Ventell Bryant and Cole Boozer for some big time blocks on that return, though.
