Where does the team go from here?

[DaddyBigBucks]

The term "bandwagon" is used in at least 2 different ways with respect to sports teams:

1. In the original use of the term, every team has a bandwagon, but only the true fans stay on the bandwagon though thick and thin. Fair-weather fans hop off the bandwagon at the first sign of trouble.
2. Over time, the term bandwagon ended up being used to describe the behavior of fair-weather fans of certain teams so often, that the term was transferred to the team itself. How this came about should probably be discussed in the Ntre ame thread.

 

[scarletngray]

The changes we have seen over the past two weeks show much promise. The addition of TP at QB and the return of Beanie at RB really showed the damage that can take place in the ground game, with two premiere players in the backfield. Defenses cannot focus on just one player.

TP averaging over 12 yds per carry and Beanie averaging 7.5 yds a carry against an undefeated Minny was impressive. Both TP and Beanie make each other better players. That's a scary thought. They also make the OL better because Defenses cannot load up and cheat on D.

We have yet to really see a lot of play action with TP. This might be the week we will need it, if we want to beat a strong Wisconsin team.

I think the the thing I am most impressed with TP thus far is that he does not turn the ball over (the INT on the hail mary means nothing imo).

With Rehring returning to the line I look for Cordle to go back to Center. If Brewster stays at Center it will be interesting to see if Cordle will replace Person or be the odd man out. Person had an impressing day against Minny in the running game, imo, so it will not be a easy decision.

The move of Heyward inside was long overdue. We will need the other DT to step up against UW because they will run the ball effectively and control the clock, otherwise.

Both the O and the D have been playing faster the past two weeks. With the Wisky QB not being very mobile, I see our guys pressuring him throughout the game. Hopefully, this will result in a turnover or two.

Talking of turnovers, this has been a major change compared to last years D. INT's, fumble recoveries, the boys are getting it done as I believe they are averaging about 3 turnovers a game.

Let's hope for the same this week!!

:osu:

 

[RugbyBuck]

We still gave up first downs and a lot of yardage. Better teams will cash that in for points. I still haven't seen the angry silver bullet defense I want to see. There is so much speed and talent on that side (well, both sides, of course). I don't want to see a pass completed and if it is, I want that receiver's bell rung IMMEDIATELY. There's still too much yardage after the catch. That said...

Go Bucks!

 

[scarletngray]

Yeah, a few areas I would like to see the team shore up:

1) Too many missed tackles on D. That won't go well with a guy like PJ Hill

2) Too many penalties by the Offensive line that ends up hurting or stallling drives.

3) Playing a full game. Especially with the D. They need to stay mentally disciplined throughout the entire game.

However, the last couple games the positives have far outweighed the negatives. I like the changes, new personel, strategies, etc.

I'm also glad to see some of the Frosh playing. Posey, Flash, Williams, Wells, Brewster, Shuggarts, Sweat, Sabino....

 

[OState29]

Yeah, a few areas I would like to see the team shore up:

1) Too many missed tackles on D. That won't go well with a guy like PJ Hill

2) Too many penalties by the Offensive line that ends up hurting or stallling drives.

3) Playing a full game. Especially with the D. They need to stay mentally disciplined throughout the entire game.

However, the last couple games the positives have far outweighed the negatives. I like the changes, new personel, strategies, etc.

I'm also glad to see some of the Frosh playing. Posey, Flash, Williams, Wells, Brewster, Shuggarts, Sweat, Sabino....

... and some kid named Pryor

 

[daddyphatsacs]

We still gave up first downs and a lot of yardage. Better teams will cash that in for points. I still haven't seen the angry silver bullet defense I want to see. There is so much speed and talent on that side (well, both sides, of course). I don't want to see a pass completed and if it is, I want that receiver's bell rung IMMEDIATELY. There's still too much yardage after the catch. That said...

Go Bucks!

Bingo! I think that a teams overall attitude starts with it's defense. The "D" sets the tone. I think this week, more than any other point so far this season......the "D" was pumping up the crowd a bit. Of course, the crowd was anemic for the most part. I think that crowd noise is a huge factor in the attitude of the defense.

 

[scarletngray]

... and some kid named Pryor

WHO?








Don't know how I missed that one!!

 

[bukIpower]

Yeah, a few areas I would like to see the team shore up:

1) Too many missed tackles on D. That won't go well with a guy like PJ Hill

2) Too many penalties by the Offensive line that ends up hurting or stallling drives.

3) Playing a full game. Especially with the D. They need to stay mentally disciplined throughout the entire game.

However, the last couple games the positives have far outweighed the negatives. I like the changes, new personel, strategies, etc.

I'm also glad to see some of the Frosh playing. Posey, Flash, Williams, Wells, Brewster, Shuggarts, Sweat, Sabino....

Before I answer I just want to also say our fans really suck at noise level until we play someone good then we get loud (which sucks).

1. PJ won't be the problem it'll be Brown/Clay for Wisconsin that could break our backs. PJ's far too slow.

2. I think we just have to stop holding for god sakes. It's like Ginn's freshman year. We have all these talents in the backfield right now there's no need to hold because almost 80 percent of the time if they do get to beanie/pryor they'll break that tackle anyways.

3. This is also the biggest question remaining for me as well. Can this defense finally play a good game? Sure, YSU we just rolled but so did like Wyoming against them. We have yet to play a full game against a good team. We absolutely gave Minnesota points. Beanie's fumble lead to three points, we had two personal fouls on one drive to give them 3 more points, and then they get two touchdowns on 1/2 our first team defense. That game could've/should've been 42-0. Can this defense step up to the plate and deliver?

 

[scarletngray]

Well, were half way through the regular season and 3 games after the USC loss. We have seen a number of changes and some improvement. However, it seems that this team is still trying to find itself as it makes slow progress in all facets of the game.

With BEANIE we are an entirely different team. He makes the Offense run. When he is out of the game we simply do not have the same productivity. Once again, the best player in CFB averages over 7 yds a carry. Let's hope he is able to recover from the soreness after 20+ carries, especially since BOOM may not be able to go due to the concussion he received in last nights game. I'm afraid we would be lost a RB if both BOOM and BEANIE had to sit against Purdue.

TP is the real deal. He is still learning and in the future will either throw the ball away or tuck it under and take off up field. He could have easily had 100 yds. rushing should he have chosen the later. He showed great poise and leadership in the final drive, getting most of the yardage through the air. By seasons end he is going to be something special, i.e. more special than he already is.

The OL is playing better and faster. A few lapses in last nights game, but boy did they give TP time to throw and also open holes for BEANIE. It's great to see the improvement and it should only continue to get better.

The DL, especially at DT is slowly improving but is still the weak link on the team. However, holding UW to 17 pts at Camp Randal isn't too shabby. We need to find a way though to put more pressure on the QB and shore up the run D.

We continue to get turnovers on D and as long as we do, we will put our team in the position to win. NOW we need to capitalize on the TO by putting more points on the board.

Trapasso has done a fabulous job punting the ball and he played a major role in last nights victory. Yes, UW had a couple of long drives, but that was not Trap's fault.

:osu: