So what did we learn after the first game?

by **peruna81** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 10:15 am

-"Father of Texas" State University did not match up well with us at all...
-This defense will be interesting to watch as it grows...
-We can run the ball...to a degree...
-Turnovers were not plaguing us in the first game...a new look from the past.
-We still have receivers that can catch the ball, and Sutton is not the only one.
-Hicks was pedestrian efficient.

Any other observations?

by **Stallion** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 10:42 am

I wasn't overly excited in the running game either as RBs averaged slightly less than 5 yards per carry against a FCS school. I think SMU could have probably put up a lot more points if they had to though but they wanted to get a lot of players some work

by **ponyte** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 11:08 am

Hard to draw conclusion because for once we had far better athletes than our opponent. This isn't a knock on the Ponies, just they should have dominated this team and they did.

There was no need to do more than base offense and base defense. We did show more blitz than usual. At least our upcoming opponents have to prepare more for blitz pressure.

Our third team atheletes were better than SFA's 1st team. We did what we should do, dominate and close out an oppoent early. And we got a load of younger players some playing time. All that is good.

But its hard to gauge this team in what was basically a full scrimmage without exposing too much.

I agree with Stallion, our rushing game should have been better. Runners need a bit more North South and less running around East West.

Our recievers will cause issues. Double Sutton and there are at least two other recievers that can burn folks.

Our D played solid team defense. They played their positions with discipline and there was very solid tackling. And we didn't make a bunch of mistakes that cost us long plays.

Special teams have yet to prove they are special. Coverage on kickoffs still lacking.

O-line dominated as they should but still had some mistake getting into the second level (on to the linebackers).

One wonders if mentally the players started to ease off after around the middle of the second quarter. Its only natural but the intensity seemed to drop some at that point.

by **Bergermeister** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 11:10 am

OT: were team rosters made available at the game? Couldn't find any. Print your own this season?

by **mrydel** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 11:13 am

They were in the game program

by **JasonB** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 11:59 am

We need to find a QB before the TCU game. That was my main observation.

by **LA_Mustang** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 12:07 pm

JasonB wrote:We need to find a QB before the TCU game. That was my main observation.

This. I do not understand why Morris did not play Gillins and Peavey more.

by **mrydel** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 12:17 pm

Maybe just coach speak but in the post game interview he stated very clearly that Hicks was the starter.

by **SMU21TCU10** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 12:25 pm

Hicks is still doing acting really frustrated and irritated every time something doesn't go his way. Thought that was just a freshman thing. Still doing it.

by **PonySnob** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 2:14 pm

Guessing Courtland didn't come back for another year to catch two passes a game.

by **JasonB** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 2:17 pm

LA_Mustang wrote:
JasonB wrote:We need to find a QB before the TCU game. That was my main observation.

This. I do not understand why Morris did not play Gillins and Peavey more.

I thought for sure we would see Peavey the first or second series of the second half.

by **jimhagle** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 3:55 pm

Morris said that Hicks didn't do anything to lose his starting job. Really? He did nothing to retain it either. And did we burn redshirt years on Medlock and Page last night? Not sure what the rules on that are but since we are loaded at both places why rush these guys unless they are truly better then the lettermen which may be the case in both instances.

by **mrydel** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 4:07 pm

Rules are simple. They played, red shirts are burned. But we will see a lot of Medlock. The kid is quick.

by **DanFreibergerForHeisman** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 4:14 pm

Not worried about redshirts the players we have in four years will be better than these guys anyway

by **mrydel** » Sun Sep 03, 2017 4:19 pm

Skill position players, if good enough, should play. It is the linemen you like to redshirt. This true freshman center who played must be very special. Probably the most difficult position in the line and to be able to step in as a true freshman and play is impressive.