I thought we played well. Not great, not bad, but well. The difference, once again, was on the margins. This team is still not good enough to overcome when the ball does not bounce their way. Think about the 1:40 minute of gametime stretch going from 10-10 to 27-10:
3rd down (i think) ball off McWood’s hands that potentially could have been returned for a TD or at least give us great field position instead turns into a UK first down, which they turn into 3.
KO Return for a TD. Returner drops the ball very close to the goal line (i thought he dropped it early and it was conclusive). Another instance where a close call does not go our way. Have to be a lot better on special teams moving forward.
Fumble pops directly to a UK defender who returns it inside the 10.
They have to figure out a way to be on the right side of a close call at the goal line, a 2pt conversion to win the game, etc. I think this is a good football team but in a game of inches we’re still coming up on the wrong end of the measurement.
I still think we’re beating both UC and Northwestern and winning the MAC.
Love your optimism, JCook…wish I could go all the way with ya but I would agree our team is pretty solid (in a MAC team way), and should be a strong competitor to win the East division…not convinced we can beat UC but a NW win is definitely possible if our HC believes we can and inspires the players to do so.
Same OOC story year after year. I was at the Swamp when we played Florida a number of years back. We had the advantage in total offense, time of possession, etc., but lost the game by giving up two big plays.
And ESPN recap title today: “UK routs Miami 37-13”. The article does mention our first half D, etc., but I am sure we are all tired of seeing such headlines.
I have no idea how severe Gabbert’s injury is. Even if he’s ready to go against Phillip Morris I’d still have him sit out and let Smith and Hesson take all the snaps.
When the outcome of a game has been decided----one way or the other (big lead or big deficit), good teams use those opportunities for 2nd and 3rd stringers to get some “semi-quality” game action…at least it diminishes the “deer-in-the-headlights” look many kids have when they are asked to go into a game because of another player’s injury, transfer, suspension, etc., etc. It’s really the best way to build depth and player confidence.
I know many coaches keep players, especially QBs, in games when they are “decided” either because that’s always been culture or they want the kid to get his stats…but it really doesn’t help “the program.”
Given the revolving door nature of the portal era, I’d personally give every player some time in (assuming they were physically ready.) unless someone agrees to a redshirt, why wouldn’t you?
Well the guys who put up of a heck of a fight in The Swamp (12 years ago today) ended up with double digit wins, a MAC championship, and a bowl victory. So let’s hope this mirrors that year.
I’m optimistic about this season. Feeling like that we saw a solid effort for 2/3 of the game. Lots to improve on, but far from an embarrassment. Let’s take care of business against Robert Morris and win against UC or Northwestern (or both).
