Blocking

[Vitale]

What happened? Thornton Chandler started at right guard (which I don't hav ea problem with - I've always thought TC's good) and Eric Neal started in place of Judson Davis at left tackle. Whatever the reason, we opened very few holes for Briggs and even fewer for Kincade, and Bartel was getting killed out there. And we had the field goal blocked, and almost had a punt blocked.

I don't know if its an infusion of new blood that's needed, but the offensive line needs to play much better at UTEP. Can't wait for those redshirts to come off and for some of next year's signees to arrive. We have some capable blockers on the roster, but as a group, they just weren't nasty enough.

Nevada's right tackle (#74) wasn't going to make anyone forget Forrest Gregg or Dave Richards, but he got two personal fouls in about 5 minutes. He looked like he'd hit anyone in the stadium to help the Wolfpack move the ball. That's the kind of attitude our big fellas need.

[ClassOf81]

I listened to last week's game on the radio, and it sounded like that good defensive end at Rice (Somebody Green I think?) had a big day against both Sterling Harris and Judson Davis, since he flip-flopped from one end of the line to the other. But Judson should have been in there yesterday. He has been a warrior for us all year, and he's done a decent job protecting the QBs from the all-important left tackle spot. But Eric Neal was getting killed out there yesterday. He repeatedly got beaten on speed rushes by the Nevada defensive end (Cordoba or Cordova or something) and got shoved straight back on power rushes. On the first SMU offensive play of each half, Coach Edmondson called a pass play, and each time, Neal got run over and Bartel got sacked. He didn't seem to have the power necessary to hold his man up at the line of scrimmage, and it was crystal clear that his feet are just too slow to play the position. Davis needs to be playing. Neal is a decent backup - at guard, where he's not asked to move as much and where he can get more help from the center or the tackle, or from a back coming up to chip-block a would-be pass rusher.

[PonyTales]

I'm afraid you're right. I like Eric Neal, because he walked on and has put in tons of work to become a college football player. But he's just not quick enough to start, especially at tackle. He's a special teams blocker and a backup guard.

[JustAFriend]

On the blocking note, I'm not sure who it was but the missed cut block that led to the interception returned for the TD was pretty bad. Since it was a WR screen that cut block on the D-end is a must-have, and though Richard shouldnt have let go of the ball, thats a hard play to stop the throw since it is so quick. Anyways after watching the replay the cut block was a pathetic attempt. Tough game, hope the week off helps the guys get ready for UTEP.

[Buddha]

I think it was the left tackle, but I don't know if Neal or Davis was in on that play.

[fbdad]

Hargis needs to be back on the field. I don't know what he did, evidently in the Rice game, to get benched. He's played well throughout the season.

[Guest]

What did I say about Hargis? Mmm hmm...interesting. I agree though, Eric Neal is too slow. Not enough muscle for his size. Too much fat...and I'm trying to be sincere.

[Pony4Life]

I agree, SMUStudent06 - the truth hurts. But Neal has a good-sized frame, and perhaps he can turn that bulk into muscle over the next two years? He's only a sophomore. What do you think? Would that increase his footspeed? Hope so, because he works extremely hard, from what I can tell. It would be great to see him turn himself into a solid lineman.

[Guest]

He really does have a good frame, but most of his bulk is in his upper body. He should have decent footwork. He really needs to work on his chest and and arms. I'd bet that extra fat can't be great for his balance. We're not too deep in the 300lb. lineman dept. It'd be nice for him develop and be able to contribute in the future.

[This message has been edited by SMUStudent06 (edited 11-04-2002).]

[This message has been edited by SMUStudent06 (edited 11-04-2002).]