by jettison » Mon Sep 23, 2002 4:11 pm
It's quite obvious from the 4 teams we've played thus far that 'big men' are the critical factor. We usually seem to matchup OK (not great) at the other positions, but our O & D-lines look similar in size to the D-2 (and dare I say even some of the better D-3) lines that I've seen the past several years. It's painful to admit, but we aren't going anywhere if pressure cannot be applied to an opposing QB (don't care who we play) and our QB (don't care who it is) has to keep running for his life.
We stayed with Tech because they were very sloppy, undisciplined and took lots of plays off - in other words, I don't think they took SMU very seriously. We stayed with TCU because their offensive (but not defensive) talent/coaching philosophy has undoubtedly dropped off from the last couple years. But when teams come ready and eager to play, we see the result.
So, as much of a cliche as it sounds... Coach Bennett isn't lying when he simply says "we have got to better" (and bigger and meaner and more confident, etc, etc)
Maybe this week in Oahu will help. I know I'm looking forward to it!