So here's my take on the game and positions based on my observations from facing UK.
Game analysis:
This games was "winable". Poor personnel decisions, playcalling, turnovers and amongst other things cost us the game. I was impressed by the improved performance of the defense and WR group.
Position analysis:
QB- Thought it was fair to give Keon the start considering the situation he was faced with last year and having to lose the "shirt"; however, he stayed in the game too long. Since he still hadn't put points on the board after 2 drives, it was time to try Kwadra. Also, Keon was doing decent in drive management and ball security. But did not use his gift of mobility as he should. Also needs to put more air under his passes, especially swing passes to the flats.
Kwadra..well, I think we all could honestly say everyone felt a sense of security when he entered the game. I myself noticed a new confidence and energy in the team that I didn't feel with Keon. I believe the JUCO experience really benefited Kwadra. His ability to ready the defense before the snap, wait for the play to develop (for as long as the Oline would allow) and realizing to scramble when nothing was there truly shows his game "wisdom". I believe we have finally found our starter!
RB:
This was not the game for the RBs to shine. The OL was overpowered by the UK DL which "wasn't having it". Ito's fumble pretty much sealed the victory for UK. We had to score on THAT drive to win. The team should put the unit through ball security drills to train them to always hold the ball securely; even when they have or are about to break for a long run because they never know when someone is around them.
WR:
This group WILL be the strength of the offense. Robertson will be a stud this season! I love the physicality he displayed when breaking tackles and stiff-arming defenders off of him. Quiz Watkins has great speed, hands, body control and ball-reading skills for a rFR. Staggers' speed was NOT utilized in the game; THAT could have made a HUGE difference in getting a win. All the times we were pinned deep in our territory, we should have been looking to hit Staggers on a "go" route due to him being on an island with a DB, but I'm guessing the OC felt the OL would allow the QB the time to wait for Staggers to get open. Jaylond Adams showed he has talent and playmaking ability, he just has to be used the right way. The one negative I can point to is I noticed sometimes WR who was to go in motion was not focused and never went in motion when instructed by the QB.
TE:
What happened to them? No existent.
OL:
This is the weaning link in the offense. You could tell they are young. They provided hardly any running lanes and were unable to give the QB enough time to let the play develop and find the open man because they couldn't maintain a pocket for the QB. I hope this improves SOON.
DL:
I admired the much improved pass rush and run stopping. I didn't notice "paw-paw" playing much (idk what's up with that), but when I did see him I couldn't help but noticed how slim he looked (but he's been dealing with alot so I won't go there; my prayers are with him).
LB:
Man those guys are fast! I was really impressed with Booth and Ruff! I would just say the LBs should wrap up better when tackling. UKs RBs were slipping through the LBs tackles and getting a few more yards when they should have been brought down 2-5 yard back.
DB/S
Good job is covering the receivers. The man-to-man coverage was great. I couldn't help but notice how well Mikell was playing and in his technique. How he was step for step with the receiver, looking them in the eyes and if the ball was coming to his man, Mikell showed great timing in turning and locating the ball to make a play. The only negative I can point out is the unit didn't capitalize on the opportunities it had to create turnovers, which could have also lead to more points. Also, I thought this group was supposed to be "fast"?! The times when the TE #87 broke loose, he seemed to be pulling away from the secondary, and he wasn't even fast; maybe the defense was gassed.
ST:
KO unit- This area need serious work. We got blocked, knocked around like rag dolls. To many times the U.K. return man gained too many yards.
P:
Punter needs more leg strength and accuracy. The idea to fake the punt and let the P run for the 1st was NOT a smart call.
Well, that's my take on what I observed. Other opinions welcome.
Game analysis:
This games was "winable". Poor personnel decisions, playcalling, turnovers and amongst other things cost us the game. I was impressed by the improved performance of the defense and WR group.
Position analysis:
QB- Thought it was fair to give Keon the start considering the situation he was faced with last year and having to lose the "shirt"; however, he stayed in the game too long. Since he still hadn't put points on the board after 2 drives, it was time to try Kwadra. Also, Keon was doing decent in drive management and ball security. But did not use his gift of mobility as he should. Also needs to put more air under his passes, especially swing passes to the flats.
Kwadra..well, I think we all could honestly say everyone felt a sense of security when he entered the game. I myself noticed a new confidence and energy in the team that I didn't feel with Keon. I believe the JUCO experience really benefited Kwadra. His ability to ready the defense before the snap, wait for the play to develop (for as long as the Oline would allow) and realizing to scramble when nothing was there truly shows his game "wisdom". I believe we have finally found our starter!
RB:
This was not the game for the RBs to shine. The OL was overpowered by the UK DL which "wasn't having it". Ito's fumble pretty much sealed the victory for UK. We had to score on THAT drive to win. The team should put the unit through ball security drills to train them to always hold the ball securely; even when they have or are about to break for a long run because they never know when someone is around them.
WR:
This group WILL be the strength of the offense. Robertson will be a stud this season! I love the physicality he displayed when breaking tackles and stiff-arming defenders off of him. Quiz Watkins has great speed, hands, body control and ball-reading skills for a rFR. Staggers' speed was NOT utilized in the game; THAT could have made a HUGE difference in getting a win. All the times we were pinned deep in our territory, we should have been looking to hit Staggers on a "go" route due to him being on an island with a DB, but I'm guessing the OC felt the OL would allow the QB the time to wait for Staggers to get open. Jaylond Adams showed he has talent and playmaking ability, he just has to be used the right way. The one negative I can point to is I noticed sometimes WR who was to go in motion was not focused and never went in motion when instructed by the QB.
TE:
What happened to them? No existent.
OL:
This is the weaning link in the offense. You could tell they are young. They provided hardly any running lanes and were unable to give the QB enough time to let the play develop and find the open man because they couldn't maintain a pocket for the QB. I hope this improves SOON.
DL:
I admired the much improved pass rush and run stopping. I didn't notice "paw-paw" playing much (idk what's up with that), but when I did see him I couldn't help but noticed how slim he looked (but he's been dealing with alot so I won't go there; my prayers are with him).
LB:
Man those guys are fast! I was really impressed with Booth and Ruff! I would just say the LBs should wrap up better when tackling. UKs RBs were slipping through the LBs tackles and getting a few more yards when they should have been brought down 2-5 yard back.
DB/S
Good job is covering the receivers. The man-to-man coverage was great. I couldn't help but notice how well Mikell was playing and in his technique. How he was step for step with the receiver, looking them in the eyes and if the ball was coming to his man, Mikell showed great timing in turning and locating the ball to make a play. The only negative I can point out is the unit didn't capitalize on the opportunities it had to create turnovers, which could have also lead to more points. Also, I thought this group was supposed to be "fast"?! The times when the TE #87 broke loose, he seemed to be pulling away from the secondary, and he wasn't even fast; maybe the defense was gassed.
ST:
KO unit- This area need serious work. We got blocked, knocked around like rag dolls. To many times the U.K. return man gained too many yards.
P:
Punter needs more leg strength and accuracy. The idea to fake the punt and let the P run for the 1st was NOT a smart call.
Well, that's my take on what I observed. Other opinions welcome.
