So many observations from the Herd's relatiively easy win on Saturday over App State... Here we go.
First, and this should go without saying, the folks from App absolutely have bigger things going on in life than football. As disaster recovery continues down here in WNC, I hope they get a chance to enjoy what is left of their football season.
As for the game -
The good:
• Braxton looked like his pre-injury self... Struggled to throw the ball in the first half, but was still able to move the offense with his legs and the passing game came around after halftime. Most importantly, no turnovers and very few negative plays.
• Turner continues to be the big play threat we need.
• The offensive line was rock solid, even when a couple guys got dinged up as the game went on.
• The defense played well in spurts and was opportunistic in creating turnovers.
• Getting into the game was way more streamlined and efficient than it was for Stony Brook.
• Have to give Doege and Huff their flowers this week. The team was ready from the jump (no slow start) and the play calling was very good overall.
The bad:
• How can we still not get game day operations together?... Had to replay a down because we couldn't shut off the music in time (were warned a second time)
• How did we manage to make concessions worse than in previous years?... We expand the concourse with prison fencing, which is all fine and good, but we move beer sales into the concession stands, but only certain ones? Lines at the concession stands taking 25-30 minutes? I realize it was our biggest crowd of the year, but it was a cluster.
The ugly:
• Honestly, none... It was a beautiful day for football. The Herd played its best game of the year so far, and beat a comparable opponent handily. A similar result this week at Georgia Southern would put us right in the mix in the East at the midway point. Let's hope it happens.
First, and this should go without saying, the folks from App absolutely have bigger things going on in life than football. As disaster recovery continues down here in WNC, I hope they get a chance to enjoy what is left of their football season.
As for the game -
The good:
• Braxton looked like his pre-injury self... Struggled to throw the ball in the first half, but was still able to move the offense with his legs and the passing game came around after halftime. Most importantly, no turnovers and very few negative plays.
• Turner continues to be the big play threat we need.
• The offensive line was rock solid, even when a couple guys got dinged up as the game went on.
• The defense played well in spurts and was opportunistic in creating turnovers.
• Getting into the game was way more streamlined and efficient than it was for Stony Brook.
• Have to give Doege and Huff their flowers this week. The team was ready from the jump (no slow start) and the play calling was very good overall.
The bad:
• How can we still not get game day operations together?... Had to replay a down because we couldn't shut off the music in time (were warned a second time)
• How did we manage to make concessions worse than in previous years?... We expand the concourse with prison fencing, which is all fine and good, but we move beer sales into the concession stands, but only certain ones? Lines at the concession stands taking 25-30 minutes? I realize it was our biggest crowd of the year, but it was a cluster.
The ugly:
• Honestly, none... It was a beautiful day for football. The Herd played its best game of the year so far, and beat a comparable opponent handily. A similar result this week at Georgia Southern would put us right in the mix in the East at the midway point. Let's hope it happens.
