2nd String LBs > 1st String LBs

[Stallion]

It won't be long until Anthony Rhone and Kyran Mitchell are full time starters. Those guys were hitting out there. I'm getting a little tired of waiting for Yenga and Horton to learn how to fill a hole. Randolph needs to step up too. You could tell they are gaining the confidence of the coaching staff

We played more players tonite more downs than we have in years-and for the most part they responded. We're developing a little bit of depth on this team

I'm really pretty satisfied with how we played tonite except for the turnovers. Conservatively, game should have been a 48-10 type of game. Fumble at the 1, fumble at the 10, couldn't score on 4 downs in redzone, fumble punt. Great learning experience game. You play freshman-they are going to make some mistakes. We were challenged and responded. We won by 18 but have plenty that the Coaches can point to that needs to be cleaned up. Effort was pretty damn good but we were our own worst enemy with the turnovers

[Charleston Pony]

as coach Morris said...let's wait to see what the starting lineup looks like by week 4

[JasonB]

It was awesome to see the rotation out there at all positions. Defense, offense. I agree with you on defense, 44 and Rhone both made some nice plays, and last week 11 was the only player who showed up on defense. We even had a Hollie sighting this week . Randolph played better this week than last week.

I was shocked to see our backup corners play the entire 4th quarter after we took the lead. Montes and Johnson went the rest of the way. And did a good job.

[ojaipony]

I was bummed about the final score due to all the mistakes - should have been 45-10 like Stallion said. However, I saw that FSU beat USF 34-14.

Just happy with any wins this year really. Happy to see the resilience. Let's come out and make TCU earn it.

[Stallion]

Nick Horton ALMOST made a tackle last nite-could have been one of biggest plays of the game for a 10 yard sack but Boykin slipped under his tackle for a long run to extend a key drive when SMU had a big chance to take the lead

Horton now has been credited with 1 tackle on the year. Yenga did lead the team in tackles with 7 against TCU. How does your starting inside LB have only 1 tackle after starting 3 games

[StallionsModelT]

We need Noah Spears to go ahead and pony up.

[gostangs]

yep - this is no doubt obvious to our staff.

[Stallion]

I'm really interested to see how they perform against more traditional offenses. I mean they gave up 730 yards last nite. 723 against Baylor. But consider our offense is controlling the ball much better this year. How much would they have given up if SMU's offense hadn't improved? 900? 1000? I realize that once the score gets out of hand the total offense usually declines. but just how much have we improved on defense-if at all. I'm thinking the Defensive Line has shown improvement-not so sure about LBs and DBs who simply don't have the speed to stay with TCU or Baylor receivers

[JasonB]

MLB is still a concern. Rhone was in the right place more against UNT and Baylor, but didn't do that great last night. The only MLB last night who made plays was Tui, and they really don't like to leave him in on passing downs.

[PSCA]

I think Rhone is a smart player and physical, but IMO he is heavy footed. It show's when he has to cover, close and/or pursue. In the more traditional smash-mouth up the middle, he is OK. He will struggle a little with the O's we face. In fact, with a few exceptions, I think overall speed with our LB's is lacking. I think lack of speed in the secondary is front and center when we play a Baylor/TCU .. the same could be said for the receiving core a little.

But, they play their butts off with a lot of heart. You can't coach speed, but what you can coach these young men they are buying in to and giving 100%. I think we will be pleasantly surprised with conference play/results

[ALEX LIFESON]

I'm really interested to see how they perform against more traditional offenses. I mean they gave up 730 yards last nite. 723 against Baylor. But consider our offense is controlling the ball much better this year. How much would they have given up if SMU's offense hadn't improved? 900? 1000? I realize that once the score gets out of hand the total offense usually declines. but just how much have we improved on defense-if at all. I'm thinking the Defensive Line has shown improvement-not so sure about LBs and DBs who simply don't have the speed to stay with TCU or Baylor receivers

Agree on all points. After three games, I would grade our starting defensive units as such.

Defensive line- C+ to B-
Linebackers D-
Cornerbacks D
Safeties C-

[GrapevineMustang]

I'm quickly becoming a fan of Kyran Mitchell.

Pass the mayonnaise to go with this big plate of crow I'm eating after saying he's too small to play in college.

[skurtn]

I think it's important to state that our D has improved (at least partially) because O is able to take a load off of them by staying on the field.

[ponyboy]

D line is playing great. Don't get the C+ to B- grade above. Both lines, offense and defense, are a strength for us right now. It's kind of nice to get the base solidified. And offensive skill positions are good. We just need badly to shore up the linebacker and defensive back units.

[footballdad]

D line is playing great. Don't get the C+ to B- grade above. Both lines, offense and defense, are a strength for us right now. It's kind of nice to get the base solidified. And offensive skill positions are good. We just need badly to shore up the linebacker and defensive back units.

But wait, aren't these all the same horrible June recruits with few P5 offers that have no business playing D1 football?

(not an endorsement of June in any way shape or form)

Simply an endorsement of the same players who were pretty much all thrown under the bus after last season.