I would love to see everybody's thoughts on the game if they watched it over again, or not. As you can see, a few things, in my opinion, have changed since watching it again.
Questions, comments, and criticisms are welcomed as always.
Offense:
- Rhoda earned the starting quarterback with his command of the offense, accurate passing in limited situations, and leadership ability. The sample size is small to be making that decision, but it seems like Croft is going to be needing to figure some things out away from the football field, in the academic, social, and spiritual aspects of his life.
- Rhoda's throw to Tyler Johnson was right on the money. Crossing route over the middle was on time, and on the money. Also, the touchdown pass that was taken away due to a very questionable penalty was a very good read and recognition of coverage.
- Rhoda showed some ability to tuck and run when there was pressure and no other options. He had two first down runs when the pocket collapsed early in the game.
- Croft has to fall on that ball. Inexcusable mistake. Dropping the snap is one thing, but trying to pick it up after, in the rain, is not okay. Especially on this program that values possession of the ball more than anything. This led to a score for OSU and hurt Croft's chances tremendously.
- Croft is still a better QB in the run game, as was shown with that read option keep for a touchdown. The running backs are also more effective with him in, which wasn't shown because of his lack of snaps. That being said, Rhoda earned the chance to at least be named the starter and run with it.
- Running backs. Three touchdowns for Brooks, and one for Smith. 58 running plays compared to 8 passes, and they were still productive in the run game.
- The O-Line play in the run game seemed to improve a bit, but it still needs a lot of improvement as they continue to learn how to play as a unit. The rushing yards and domination would not have been so evident if it weren't for the terrific play, and yards after contact from the backs. O-Line is getting better, but still a question mark.
- 58 rushes, 253 yards, and 4.4 yards per attempt. After taking away the outlier, Croft's run, 57 rushes, 189 yards, and 3.3 yards per attempt.
- Tyler Johnson had another huge touchdown. First off, nice throw and read by Rhoda, but this play was all TJ. His route was clean, and this created separation that was essential for his yards after the catch. If he doesn't get so open, he doesn't get the extra yards afterward. Credit first to Tyler for the hard offseason work, and also to Coach Matt Simon for the job he's done with him.
-Someone needs to step up beside Johnson. Douglas is probably the next option behind him, then Bell (when healthy). This is a problem having three underclassmen as top options. Need Still, Holland, and Carter to make a step forward to give Minnesota another threat in the passing game.
- Could Lingen be more of a pass catching option? Possibly. If none of the receivers decide to step up, he could be put out wide and be effective in short yardage situations where he can use his size as an advantage.
-The offense, in general, was reminiscent of the first game, to the point that it was vanilla, but this time, it worked very well. The only difference was a pre snap motion plays, and less passing. I know I've been a little critical about this, but it is probably a smart idea for Fleck and Ciarrocca. They have shown almost nothing out of their offensive playbook and have built tremendous confidence in their players on offense at the same time. Look for the same against MTSU unless it starts to look like a really close game.
- 38 minutes time of possession. That is fantastic.
Defense:
- Celestin had another terrific game. The big hit was the highlight for him, but his nose for the ball and constantly being in the right spot is what impressed me the most. 10 tackles, 8 of them solo.
- The pass rush was better. 3 sacks and 4 QB hurries is a solid improvement over the game against Buffalo. I will say the pass rush game plan against Buffalo was more for QB containment than for getting sacks and applying pressure.
- Duke McGhee had a very solid game. 5 tackles, 4 of them solo, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. He is still blowing plays up and making an impact with his presence in the run game, but what I am most impressed about is his improvement in coverage, especially zone coverage. Credit Coach Mo Linguist for that.
- Cool to see the sack from Coughlin. He also had two tackles and a QB hurry. It's not his ideal spot, but he is doing a very solid job at the rush end position, even though his stats haven't been huge.
- Thomas and Shenault need improvement, that's for sure. Credit them immensely however for their performances so far. A lot of times that they are getting beat, they are getting beat by the quarterback making a great throw, and not always by the route or receiver itself.
- Note for the comment above, Minnesota only allowed 145 yards passing. That's terrific.
- Winfield just knows how to fly around the ball. Credit Coach Robb Smith for being creative in where to put him in different situations. Developing more into a Jabril Peppers type role on defense.
- Dominating defense in the second half.
Special Teams:
- Great bounce back week from Carpenter!
Questions, comments, and criticisms are welcomed as always.
Offense:
- Rhoda earned the starting quarterback with his command of the offense, accurate passing in limited situations, and leadership ability. The sample size is small to be making that decision, but it seems like Croft is going to be needing to figure some things out away from the football field, in the academic, social, and spiritual aspects of his life.
- Rhoda's throw to Tyler Johnson was right on the money. Crossing route over the middle was on time, and on the money. Also, the touchdown pass that was taken away due to a very questionable penalty was a very good read and recognition of coverage.
- Rhoda showed some ability to tuck and run when there was pressure and no other options. He had two first down runs when the pocket collapsed early in the game.
- Croft has to fall on that ball. Inexcusable mistake. Dropping the snap is one thing, but trying to pick it up after, in the rain, is not okay. Especially on this program that values possession of the ball more than anything. This led to a score for OSU and hurt Croft's chances tremendously.
- Croft is still a better QB in the run game, as was shown with that read option keep for a touchdown. The running backs are also more effective with him in, which wasn't shown because of his lack of snaps. That being said, Rhoda earned the chance to at least be named the starter and run with it.
- Running backs. Three touchdowns for Brooks, and one for Smith. 58 running plays compared to 8 passes, and they were still productive in the run game.
- The O-Line play in the run game seemed to improve a bit, but it still needs a lot of improvement as they continue to learn how to play as a unit. The rushing yards and domination would not have been so evident if it weren't for the terrific play, and yards after contact from the backs. O-Line is getting better, but still a question mark.
- 58 rushes, 253 yards, and 4.4 yards per attempt. After taking away the outlier, Croft's run, 57 rushes, 189 yards, and 3.3 yards per attempt.
- Tyler Johnson had another huge touchdown. First off, nice throw and read by Rhoda, but this play was all TJ. His route was clean, and this created separation that was essential for his yards after the catch. If he doesn't get so open, he doesn't get the extra yards afterward. Credit first to Tyler for the hard offseason work, and also to Coach Matt Simon for the job he's done with him.
-Someone needs to step up beside Johnson. Douglas is probably the next option behind him, then Bell (when healthy). This is a problem having three underclassmen as top options. Need Still, Holland, and Carter to make a step forward to give Minnesota another threat in the passing game.
- Could Lingen be more of a pass catching option? Possibly. If none of the receivers decide to step up, he could be put out wide and be effective in short yardage situations where he can use his size as an advantage.
-The offense, in general, was reminiscent of the first game, to the point that it was vanilla, but this time, it worked very well. The only difference was a pre snap motion plays, and less passing. I know I've been a little critical about this, but it is probably a smart idea for Fleck and Ciarrocca. They have shown almost nothing out of their offensive playbook and have built tremendous confidence in their players on offense at the same time. Look for the same against MTSU unless it starts to look like a really close game.
- 38 minutes time of possession. That is fantastic.
Defense:
- Celestin had another terrific game. The big hit was the highlight for him, but his nose for the ball and constantly being in the right spot is what impressed me the most. 10 tackles, 8 of them solo.
- The pass rush was better. 3 sacks and 4 QB hurries is a solid improvement over the game against Buffalo. I will say the pass rush game plan against Buffalo was more for QB containment than for getting sacks and applying pressure.
- Duke McGhee had a very solid game. 5 tackles, 4 of them solo, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. He is still blowing plays up and making an impact with his presence in the run game, but what I am most impressed about is his improvement in coverage, especially zone coverage. Credit Coach Mo Linguist for that.
- Cool to see the sack from Coughlin. He also had two tackles and a QB hurry. It's not his ideal spot, but he is doing a very solid job at the rush end position, even though his stats haven't been huge.
- Thomas and Shenault need improvement, that's for sure. Credit them immensely however for their performances so far. A lot of times that they are getting beat, they are getting beat by the quarterback making a great throw, and not always by the route or receiver itself.
- Note for the comment above, Minnesota only allowed 145 yards passing. That's terrific.
- Winfield just knows how to fly around the ball. Credit Coach Robb Smith for being creative in where to put him in different situations. Developing more into a Jabril Peppers type role on defense.
- Dominating defense in the second half.
Special Teams:
- Great bounce back week from Carpenter!
