This has been a really good year. There has been a lot of pressure on the offense to perform and for the most part they have delivered. Last night, (as many of us thought) we needed about 40 to win and came up a bit short.
Has this team under performed? I don't think so. We have a couple of nice wins, been competitive in every game and still have a shot at an excellent season.
The defensive weaknesses were exposed last night. The front doesn't get penetration like we did in the great years. Interior linebacking is ok but not what it was with Shayne and Tarp. We are not getting as much pressure from OLBs either which is somewhat of a surprise given the speed of Alfi and Pete. Couple that with youth and some tackling issues with the dbs in general and some additional issues at safety and you have a middle of the road defense. After such dominating Dees the last few, it really makes u appreciate how good those groups were and how they pave the way to championships. Would really like to see the first guy get a guy on the ground. Not happening enough. The loss of Hoffpauir turns out to be a key loss this season. We need a "linebacking" db in the mix. Hopefully Edwards and Reid can provide some that next year. Was encouraged by Reid's tackle of Freeman.
Finally it is great that the Big Game will be so important this year. Both teams will come in with a lot of fire. Take care of business next Saturday night and we get a shot at the Rose Bowl and .......Harb's? but more likely Iowa.
Based on the Oregon game, think N.D. becomes a real challenge because they have a good defense and an balanced offense. If we can't score at least 31 in that game, I don't think our defense can do enough to get us a win.
Has this team under performed? I don't think so. We have a couple of nice wins, been competitive in every game and still have a shot at an excellent season.
The defensive weaknesses were exposed last night. The front doesn't get penetration like we did in the great years. Interior linebacking is ok but not what it was with Shayne and Tarp. We are not getting as much pressure from OLBs either which is somewhat of a surprise given the speed of Alfi and Pete. Couple that with youth and some tackling issues with the dbs in general and some additional issues at safety and you have a middle of the road defense. After such dominating Dees the last few, it really makes u appreciate how good those groups were and how they pave the way to championships. Would really like to see the first guy get a guy on the ground. Not happening enough. The loss of Hoffpauir turns out to be a key loss this season. We need a "linebacking" db in the mix. Hopefully Edwards and Reid can provide some that next year. Was encouraged by Reid's tackle of Freeman.
Finally it is great that the Big Game will be so important this year. Both teams will come in with a lot of fire. Take care of business next Saturday night and we get a shot at the Rose Bowl and .......Harb's? but more likely Iowa.
Based on the Oregon game, think N.D. becomes a real challenge because they have a good defense and an balanced offense. If we can't score at least 31 in that game, I don't think our defense can do enough to get us a win.
