Comprehensive, but Pedestrian

[gocatsgo2003]

The performance against EIU today was comprehensive, but pedestrian. Sure the Cats took care of business and the defense looked stellar... but that was an incredibly out-manned EIU team we saw today. They just don't have the roster to challenge a FBS-level team, to say nothing of a BCS-level team. Their coaches also did themselves no favors with some questionable play calls.

The offensive line was particularly worrisome. Against a defensive line that just isn't very good, they were not physical in the run game and took very soft pass sets. More often than not, our running backs made yardage because they were patient in finding and hitting holes rather than the offensive line getting significant push. If we put up that kind of offensive effort against Duke, I don't know that we score ten points.

On the plus side, Thorson is starting to look more comfortable throwing the ball. There were still a couple of questionable decisions and a blatant miss of McHugh for an easy TD, but he's stepping up into the pocket and making throws into the middle of the field with authority. If we can get consistent catching the ball and actually move defenses off the line of scrimmage, we could be pretty darn good on offense.

 

[Hungry Jack]

I did not see the game as I was on a plane, but it sounds as if the Cats played down to the level of competition on offense.

I was glad to see AA get some carries, even though he fumbled. I have high hopes for him, but he needs to play to learn how not to fumble, make his blocks, and run between the tackles.

 

[CoralSpringsCat]

Although I do agree that our OL play must improve in order for us to reach a bowl game, I don't believe you can read too much into today's performance. The two regular starters Mertz and Mogus were perfectly fine. As for the other three spots - Olson and North were out, DePietro got hurt early and Park didn't play much. The three that played the majority of snaps were a RS freshman seeing his first game action (Hance), a guy who had played DL the last couple of years (Mahoney) and a walk-on third string center (Butler). Throw in the fact the game plan was pretty vanilla, I'm hopeful that today's OL performance will not be indicative of what we will see next week in Durham.

 

[NJCat83588]

Although I do agree that our OL play must improve in order for us to reach a bowl game, I don't believe you can read too much into today's performance. The two regular starters Mertz and Mogus were perfectly fine. As for the other three spots - Olson and North were out, DePietro got hurt early and Park didn't play much. The three that played the majority of snaps were a RS freshman seeing his first game action (Hance), a guy who had played DL the last couple of years (Mahoney) and a walk-on third string center (Butler). Throw in the fact the game plan was pretty vanilla, I'm hopeful that today's OL performance will not be indicative of what we will see next week in Durham.

Agree on the OL. Who knows how bad North, Park and Olson are hurt. But the OL was pretty make-shift most of the game. DePietro's injury didn't look good.....

 

[Alaskawildkat]

.....

The offensive line was particularly worrisome. Against a defensive line that just isn't very good, they were not physical in the run game and took very soft pass sets. More often than not, our running backs made yardage because they were patient in finding and hitting holes rather than the offensive line getting significant push. If we put up that kind of offensive effort against Duke, I don't know that we score ten points.

Given the lack of depth on the O Line due to two of last week's starters being sidelined, I was actually glad to see we were not being as physical this week when we did not have to be. Keeping our O Line healthy today as part of the game plan was for the greater good.

 

[loyolacat]

and EIU hjad 8 or 9 in the box almost the whole game. Dont know if THorson has the go ahead to audible but it would have been nice to make them pay earlier for jamming the box

 

[Palindrome]

“Pedestrian” is precisely what a team wants to be against an overmatched opponent. First off, it’s bad form to run up the score so just stay conservative. Secondly, why show off alignments and plays that are better kept somewhat under wraps until there is stiffer competition. Thirdly, when you empty the bench, what do you expect them to do? They can be evaluated better if the game strategy at that point is very basic.

 

[FanatiCat]

I was still surprised they didn't allow ZO or Alviti to pass even ONCE despite having plenty of chances including multiple 3rd and long situations.

 

[Cat In The Cradle]

I thought Eastern played a very competitive 41-0 football game.

 

[Sheffielder]

I was thrilled with the result today. Defensive shut out, which is either a reflection of a decent NU defense and/or a change in attitude from Fitz to let them score a few just to be a good sport. Regardless...I left happy.

 

[Deeringfish]

I was still surprised they didn't allow ZO or Alviti to pass even ONCE despite having plenty of chances including multiple 3rd and long situations.

I think a pick 6 was the greatest threat to the shut out. I think the shut out has emotional and statistical value.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Given the lack of depth on the O Line due to two of last week's starters being sidelined, I was actually glad to see we were not being as physical this week when we did not have to be. Keeping our O Line healthy today as part of the game plan was for the greater good.

There's no such thing as a week in which an offensive line doesn't have to be physical.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

I was thrilled with the result today. Defensive shut out, which is either a reflection of a decent NU defense and/or a change in attitude from Fitz to let them score a few just to be a good sport. Regardless...I left happy.

Or EIU was awful.

 

[ricko654321]

Or EIU was awful.

Awfully grumpy today.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Awfully grumpy today.

Didn't see nearly the reasons for optimism yesterday that others did.

 

[willycat]

I was thrilled with the result today. Defensive shut out, which is either a reflection of a decent NU defense and/or a change in attitude from Fitz to let them score a few just to be a good sport. Regardless...I left happy.

If you were thrilled with yesterday's result, you must have loved the past two seasons. Also if any coach lets other teams to score to make them feel good, that coach should be fired.

 

[CoralSpringsCat]

 

[Sheffielder]

If you were thrilled with yesterday's result, you must have loved the past two seasons. Also if any coach lets other teams to score to make them feel good, that coach should be fired.

....then you have some strongly worded letters to write to Philips about Fitz. You honestly don't think he let opposing teams/cupcakes score once or twice at the end of games "just because?"

 

[gocatsgo2003]

....then you have some strongly worded letters to write to Philips about Fitz. You honestly don't think he let opposing teams/cupcakes score once or twice at the end of games "just because?"

No, I don't think that's ever happened.

 

[willycat]

....then you have some strongly worded letters to write to Philips about Fitz. You honestly don't think he let opposing teams/cupcakes score once or twice at the end of games "just because?"

No I don't think that any coach would or should do that but you insinuated that Fitz showed a 'changed attitiute" by not just allowing a team to score.