I haven't watched the replay yet, but my observations from the game...
Anyone who is blaming Johnson for anything in this game is on crack. He did everything good NU Qb's do, but he can't play defense or open up holes for the RB's! Did he miss some throws...sure, but I would say he was the best player on our team yesterday with possible exception of Skoronski. Funny, when we win everyone loves a QB that doesn't make mistakes and manages the offense.
The receivers looked better, line looked average at best and the running backs were what i thought they were. All the guys on this board who said Hunter would never turn into anything proved they no little. I expect him to only get better in the coming weeks.
I don't blame O'neil for anything except late substitutions that made players sprint 50 yards and then have to rush the passer! That is just stupid. He has a lot less impactful talent starting than Coach Hank.
The purple koolaid brigade wanted everyone to believe that losing all those star players on defense would have little effect and that we would just suddenly be great right out of the gate. There were reasons no other LB's even saw the field last season to even give the big 3 a breather in even a single meaningful minute... and we may just have trouble at linebacker this season, but especially at the beginning of the season. Until some guys get used to the speed of the game and we figure out the right guys to play. We lost a ton of experience and playmakers on defense. I really wish we had Leota too, as I don't see much of a pass rush from some of our guys. And the DT's didn't have ANY impact on the pass rush. Take them out on passing downs.
Our kicking for years is always a gamble. Its why Fitz goes for it many times because there is NEVER a sure thing with our kicking. Those two short missed kicks were a killer. I would never give a scholarship to a kicker or punter until they earned it. In the history on NU, I think we have had just as many good walkon kickers and punters as we did from giving them 4 year scholarships.
Getting a delay of game penalty after a timeout is on FITZ.
Who knows maybe MSU is good, they obviously have more speed than we do and played a pretty flawless game.
I thought the DB's were fine in coverage, We didn't have much of a pass rush and MSU made 2 great catches to sustain drives. Against the run and overall tackling was poor. Jackson on the long TD and Hampton just isn't strong or big enough to tackle large receivers.
Our fans are still easily the worst fans in the country. Most left with the game still in reach early in 3rd qtr. Its not about the amount of NU fans...Its the fans themselves. Much rather go drink in a parking lot than cheer their team on. I still love the drunk dentist who comes very late in first QTR and leaves early in the 3rd! Every game!
Other observations- I have seen many highschool bands that are bigger than ours and The PA announcer is an imbecile. Not sure he is even watching the game.
I still think we are a 7 win team with a bowl win. A solid season still very possible.
Anyone who is blaming Johnson for anything in this game is on crack. He did everything good NU Qb's do, but he can't play defense or open up holes for the RB's! Did he miss some throws...sure, but I would say he was the best player on our team yesterday with possible exception of Skoronski. Funny, when we win everyone loves a QB that doesn't make mistakes and manages the offense.
The receivers looked better, line looked average at best and the running backs were what i thought they were. All the guys on this board who said Hunter would never turn into anything proved they no little. I expect him to only get better in the coming weeks.
I don't blame O'neil for anything except late substitutions that made players sprint 50 yards and then have to rush the passer! That is just stupid. He has a lot less impactful talent starting than Coach Hank.
The purple koolaid brigade wanted everyone to believe that losing all those star players on defense would have little effect and that we would just suddenly be great right out of the gate. There were reasons no other LB's even saw the field last season to even give the big 3 a breather in even a single meaningful minute... and we may just have trouble at linebacker this season, but especially at the beginning of the season. Until some guys get used to the speed of the game and we figure out the right guys to play. We lost a ton of experience and playmakers on defense. I really wish we had Leota too, as I don't see much of a pass rush from some of our guys. And the DT's didn't have ANY impact on the pass rush. Take them out on passing downs.
Our kicking for years is always a gamble. Its why Fitz goes for it many times because there is NEVER a sure thing with our kicking. Those two short missed kicks were a killer. I would never give a scholarship to a kicker or punter until they earned it. In the history on NU, I think we have had just as many good walkon kickers and punters as we did from giving them 4 year scholarships.
Getting a delay of game penalty after a timeout is on FITZ.
Who knows maybe MSU is good, they obviously have more speed than we do and played a pretty flawless game.
I thought the DB's were fine in coverage, We didn't have much of a pass rush and MSU made 2 great catches to sustain drives. Against the run and overall tackling was poor. Jackson on the long TD and Hampton just isn't strong or big enough to tackle large receivers.
Our fans are still easily the worst fans in the country. Most left with the game still in reach early in 3rd qtr. Its not about the amount of NU fans...Its the fans themselves. Much rather go drink in a parking lot than cheer their team on. I still love the drunk dentist who comes very late in first QTR and leaves early in the 3rd! Every game!
Other observations- I have seen many highschool bands that are bigger than ours and The PA announcer is an imbecile. Not sure he is even watching the game.
I still think we are a 7 win team with a bowl win. A solid season still very possible.
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