I was at the game Saturday night against App St, sitting close to midfield, row 3 close to the field. Some Observations:
1. LB pursuit (mostly Steed & Jennings) - The D-ends did a good job setting the edge. Honestly, textbook technique often, but the issue was the LB's were over pursing the ball carrier. The D end would set the edge, and the RB cut inside and Steed & Jennings were often ahead of the RB, with no chance to stop the momentum and cut back to make the tackle - - If many is the D coordinator, how do these kids not understand leverage & angles? The sideline is your friend as an extra defender of sorts, in addition to our team speed being a plus, to easily limit yards. To me that says many isn't coaching details, bur rather general scheme alone.
2. King looked like **** - Often he would bring the ball down too quick only making one read, sometimes two, then take off as if he's shell shocked. He missed some wide open throws as well, like easy pitch and catch type stuff. If it continues, both backups should get snaps. This frosh class is the best offensive unit we have had in a long time with top QB Jake Garcia, two long outside receivers, one being able to go up and get it and the other is smooth and shifty in Brinson & George, as well as either slot WR or scat back with explosive speed in the mold of tyreek hill-> Brashard Smith. At tight end Arroyo looked impressive seeing him live at the game. Long arms, big athletics frame, already bigger than mallory and had a great block when he was lined up outside. He's much more athletic than Mallory, but Mallory does have really good strait line speed, and should be used running the seem, not 5 yard outs. With this class is our best shot at a national title.
3. Press Coverage - We heard Miami wanted to play press man more as that's Travaris Robinsons style. I didn't see it that much. At times we played closer to the line, but we weren't jamming anyone off the line. everyone had a free run. If they were getting the ball out quick to neutralize our pass rush, why weren't we playing press to take away the quick throws????
4. Bolden & Hall played well coming down hill and tackling.
5. Special teams should a an above average group with all the safety's we have, but as a whole, we are slow to the ball getting up field. This unit needs to pay way more aggressive.
6. Donaldson has been a huge disappointment - In the Bama game, he was aligned as a double blocker with Gainor, looking left, but his head wasn't on a swivel so he could adjust if needed, and sure as ****, the LB on a very slight delay walked right into the backfield. He used to play the other guard spot and excelled. He looks in good shape, but he should be dominating and he's not.
7. Our line looked huge compared to App St, yet, there was no push. It looked like lethargic slowly running in place, pretending to push.
8. Cam hasn't had much help with poor O line play, but none the less, he's had opportunities, and he's dancing way too much. He was never that guy. He's a run down hill guy, and he's not doing it, and looks awful in the process. Hopefully as our bigger backs like cody brown get touches we will see that type of running, which will drastically improve our positioning and play calling as a result.
9. They need to play the guys that produce. If your upper classman, and your not producing well that's your fault not the coaches. Get him out and get someone else reps. It will either light a fire under a kids *** or he will cower, but either way we would be going in the right direction.
10. I liked that we played four Safeties on Third down plays and some other scenarios. We need to get james williams and guys with length on the field. Why wouldn't they give Chase Smith a look at LB?
