The 1995 formula

[Mr. Stupor]

Smothering, flying-around shut-down defense

Run the ball

Don't do anything crazy when throwing

No turnovers

Solid special teams.

Aside from what I considered a half dozen or so ill-advised throws, I think we played this game pretty well according to the 1995 formula.

 

[Deeringfish]

Smothering, flying-around shut-down defense

Run the ball

Don't do anything crazy when throwing

No turnovers

Solid special teams.

Aside from what I considered a half dozen or so ill-advised throws, I think we played this game pretty well according to the 1995 formula.

And for at least one game you have to give Thorson some slack in his first collegiate start.

 

[CoralSpringsCat]

I thought Thorson came up big with a couple throws late in the game. The throw to Shuler was huge. Sweet redemption after his issues last season. Thorson will only get better. The future is bright.

#NUpollyanna

 

[iskaboo]

Yeah, I got the impression that Thorson's passing ability improved in the fourth quarter. The completed pass to Shuler was beautiful, and the incompletion a bit later was a well-thrown ball that could not have been easily intercepted. Credit should also go to the guy calling the plays.

 

[Katatonic]

The passing game was shaky enough where I started to cringe.

But Thorson came up w/ some big throws later on (esp. that huge 3rd down conversion to Shuler - nice catch!).

Not surprising for a RS frosh in his 1st start who just needs to keep getting the reps in practice and gain game experience.

CJ working his way back to 100% and the return of CamMan should help the passing game.

If by mideason - Thorson becomes a good game manager, I'd be pretty content (next season, letting Thorson be more of the man).

 

[DaCat]

Smothering, flying-around shut-down defense

Run the ball

Don't do anything crazy when throwing

No turnovers

Solid special teams.

Aside from what I considered a half dozen or so ill-advised throws, I think we played this game pretty well according to the 1995 formula.

Still early, but love the analogy. Workhorse runningback: check. Clutch wide receiver (CJ): check. Stud middle linebacker: check. Number 51 on defense: check. Outstanding secondary: check. Can't ask for a better result from the first game.

 

[KramerCat91]

Yeah, I got the impression that Thorson's passing ability improved in the fourth quarter. The completed pass to Shuler was beautiful, and the incompletion a bit later was a well-thrown ball that could not have been easily intercepted. Credit should also go to the guy calling the plays.

Thor's throws over the middle were ill-advised. His throws to the sides which had zip were much more successful. I think McCall called a better game in the second half giving Thor easier throws to the side.

 

[Mr. Stupor]

I've said this before and I'm sticking to it. We play our best when we play a game that relies on defense and a conservative run-first offense. A lot of people bought into the fad of winning 50-45 games with the spread. But that was a one-time, short-term head fake, IMO, because once the novelty has worn off and defenses have adjusted, it relies on speed and timing. And those will never be NU strong suits long term. Yes, we can get a guy here and there, but we just can't land enough freaky fast guys to field freaky fast teams that can compete in a track meet with freaky fast teams for a variety of reasons.

I like our chances a lot better when we're shoving people around and hitting people hard instead of trying to dance around them. Always have. I guess I've come to accept the spread. But I like it a lot better when it's the original NU run-first spread. So I'm OK with doing it out of a spread, just as long as we do it. So... I think that for these reasons, I'm going to like this team.

 

[SchizoCat1]

Stupor, I agree. Into the 2nd quarter, when we were really controlling both lines of scrimmage, I started feeling like I felt in 1995. I remember reading Barnett's book (or something) when he said in spring practice they felt the defense had REALLY improved, and that's what I saw today--altho the pass rush needs to improve. The running game is very strong and the O line performed much better than I expected and against a ranked team. Thorson will only get better--altho he could have thrown four INT's.

It was a very solid game. I just hope we don't let down over the next three weeks, with three very winnable games ahead of us. It was also a pleasure to see both Ped State and Nebby lose.

 

[Alaskawildkat]

I thought Thorson came up big with a couple throws late in the game. The throw to Shuler was huge. Sweet redemption after his issues last season. Thorson will only get better. The future is bright.

#NUpollyanna

Out of fairness to Thorson with regard to early game play, he received no favors from the way the ball was coming at him. Lots of high snaps and there was at least that one that went for lost yardage killing a drive. I like to think that the Starting Center would have settled down as the game progressed but due to his injury we did not have to find out.

 

[NJCat83588]

Out of fairness to Thorson with regard to early game play, he received no favors from the way the ball was coming at him. Lots of high snaps and there was at least that one that went for lost yardage killing a drive. I like to think that the Starting Center would have settled down as the game progressed but due to his injury we did not have to find out.

In fact, North played the second half and played well once he settled down. But Park looked really solid in the brief time he played Center.

 

[beetlemania74]

Just don't f-ing lose game number two....

 

[Alaskawildkat]

In fact, North played the second half and played well once he settled down. But Park looked really solid in the brief time he played Center.

Thanks. I missed hearing that he came back into the game. Good that now we have some proven depth at Center.

 

[NJCat83588]

Thanks. I missed hearing that he came back into the game. Good that now we have some proven depth at Center.

I would not be surprised to see Park move to Center when Frazier returns to Guard. Ian looked really strong today.

 

[hdhntr1]

Still early, but love the analogy. Workhorse runningback: check. Clutch wide receiver (CJ): check. Stud middle linebacker: check. Number 51 on defense: check. Outstanding secondary: check. Can't ask for a better result from the first game.

You forgot about good D line and reasonable OL