I like how both of the games are wrapped up in one thread, because certain observations are consistent between the two.
One thing that concerns me is that in "obvious" running situations that we're not getting the yards. Beanie getting stopped twice by YSU in a goal line situation and again by Akron on the safety play come to mind. I am not going to put those on Wells alone, as I think that also against YSU on at least one of the runs, the YSU defender was also untouched.
Perhaps we need to see a Jumbo formation for some of the short yardage stuff. Big Wells can get it done, and we certainly have enough big TEs to run a double or triple TE set. If we're going to telegraph that a run is coming, we might as well put some meat on the line and show what power football is about. If you can get past an eight man line plus a FB unblocked, then you've earned your two points or your goal line stop.
Not to put on scarlet-colored glasses about U Dub, but I'm not about to pick a loss there. This defense is sharp and hungry, and the Huskies' QB is going to be seeing more pressure than he ever has. Our DB's will eventually have to stop dropping INTs, and this would be a most opportune time to do just that. The combination of pressure and a DB crew that are going to be focusing a little more on to hanging on to the ball should hopefully mean that the offense will get a couple of looks at very good field position as a result.
I'm not sold on this unit grinding out consistent 80 yard TD drives just yet, but with a short field, I like the range of options. With say, first and ten at the UW 45 after an INT, it's reasonable to expect that we'd come away with points every time, even if that means relying on Pretorious' leg, which is what this game may just come down to.
One aspect of this team that I am definitely sold on is special teams. Punting and kicking are just about as solid as we've had, and kick coverage has looked good as well. As far as returns, Robiske is sure-handed, even if he's not a Ginn-like threat. Hartline's fumble is the main knock, and he's really not a primary punt returner. I did like the way that Saine was used on the opening kick return, though I am not sure we're going to be able to go to the well too often with that.
What we have so far is a fundamentally sound team that doesn't have an Earth-shaking offense. I'd expect this week's game to be uber-Tresselball -- field position, very buttoned down O, defense, defense, defense, punt, take care of the football and final score that looks like 13-10, or 17-14 if it's a shootout. JT can make another team play his game, and that's what he'll do this week.
