My takes in no particular order:
1. Excellent win and finally started the game prepared and with a killer mentality. Amazing atmosphere with the blackout and that had to make a big impression on some top recruits we had there visiting. The final box score doesn't tell the real tale on how dominant we were if you watched the game. As to the 21 points, not thrilled with it but I will say this...if the offense was sputtering some like against ND, the defense would have given up 10 points or less. There were a couple blown assignments and a bad call that led to at least 14 of those points.
2. Stover is a monster and a natural athlete, hell of a game for him. So exciting to see us utilize the TE. With all the attention our WRs (rightfully) garner, I think that is really giving him some big opportunities in the passing game. He is going to be a headliner on this team between his farm-tough physicality and amazing pass catching ability. So happy things are falling into place for him after he's worked so hard here.
3. Eichenberg is a brand new man, it is official. Between the Rose Bowl performance and the first 4 games, he is a wrecking ball and so disruptive at and behind the line of scrimmage. Enjoy him this year folks.
4. DL is still being very disruptive in the run and pass game, but still not seeing any breakout type performances from any one player. And we are not getting home unless we blitz LBs/DBs. That said, Sawyer is starting to look damn good and JT is always around the ball or in on a tackle. I suppose if the DL is solid like they have been (and maybe they have been very good even if you haven't Young/Bosa brothers type performances), we should be good.
5. Stroud had a very good night, but had a few errant passes that could have turned out worse than they did. All in all though, another great performance and that will keep him at the top of the Heisman race. Video game stat sheet coming up next week with Rutgers.
6. Meatball is looking like our best RB right now, so tough to bring down and is an extremely decisive runner. Henderson is effective, but not hitting that elite level we expected. But the sophomore slump is a real thing and teams have a year of film on him now, so an early season lull is not shocking. We know Tre is plenty talented, the rubber will hit the road for him at some point this year and he will hit us with some "wow" plays, mark it down.
7. Fleming had a hell of a night and I am ecstatic to see him doing so well and be healthy for once. Egbuka is straight up legit and having the JSN type sophomore season I thought he would. Harrison was as solid as ever, TD streak had to end at some point. But really hoping JSN comes back healthy soon because he is special and fun to watch, plus I want to see his draft stock at a peak. Not to mention this WR group is absolutely torching people without him, can you imagine how lopsided it will get with a full strength JSN?
8. Can anyone tell me what suddenly happened with the DB group and injuries? Announcers said they would explain it but I never heard what went on and got on the game late. In any event, I thought J Brown and JK looked really good out there and that was some great experience for them and a real confidence builder.
9. McCallister gets his own paragraph, amazing performance out there all game and that is exactly what I was hoping to see from him. If he keeps that up, this defense is going to be really good. Also, Proctor played an outstanding game. They stepped up big to help our young corners without a doubt.
10. OL looked incredible last night, in both pass protection and run blocking. Munford and PJ look every bit as good as we were hoping, and then maybe some. Interior OL is really getting after it too, but Wypler in particular seems to really have improved vastly and looks like our next Remington finalist candidate. Hope this group stays healthy for the whole bid, because they are a special group.
That does it for now, a really fun game and Go Bucks!