Defense

[KnuckleStang]

Unbelievable job overall by the defense tonight. This is a team that fully expected to hang 50-60 on us, and we stuffed them at crucial times more than four times. We paid for the blitz on numerous occasions, but it also served us well, and it's nice to see. The extra athleticism is evident.

I'd be interested to hear some comments about the offense from people who were actually at the game. But the defense's stalwart effort against "Air Tech" leads me to believe we might have a chance to win some conference games this year.

[Hoop Fan]

the defense bent alot, but only broke a few times. I definitely saw some things to be encouraged about. Cory Muse play alot and is going to be a player. Even so, I dont think we had any sacks and only a few hurries against an offense that dropped back to pass over 60 times. The linebackers were on their heels alot, but I was wanting to see them dish out more punishment. I didnt notice Avery Cleveland in the game at all, maybe we needed him there. Corners and safties did a solid job keeping some big, fast receivers in front of them for the most part. Nothing to be ashamed of at by the defense tonight. Although we did drop 3 interception opportunites that were right in our hands. Gotta capitalize on those chance and got to find a way to create fumbles and turnovers.

[StangEsq]

On the first tech touchdown, we kept the drive alive by dropping an easy interception.

The last two touchdowns were both underthrown balls that the defense was in position for, but failed to make a play.

3 simple plays made a difference in the game. We played well enough to win the game but for these mistakes.

Eckert looked really good. It will be iteresting to see who is named the starter for week 2.

[Stallion]

some of the big plays I saw-Brandon Jones made two TD saving spectacular plays in limited playing time. Desmond Jones knocked batted down a pass. Charles Akinyemi made several knockdowns, a sack and hits pretty goood for a small guy. Eckert and Lowery hooked up on a beautiful play into about triple coverage. DD Lee had a big hit in the 2nd half. Cory Muse made a nice tackle behing the line. Unfortunately, we were not able to get any? turnovers and dropped a couple that would have been big plays. Phillips was outstanding in the running game but was not sharp in the passing game. BUT was anybody open ALL NITE? Can any one remember one receiver running free into space all nite. Most of Eckert's 6 completions were thrown into prevent defense and two were underthrown. He bobbled two deep snaps. SMU's defensive backs at least were in the vicinity tonite but didn't always make the play-often becauase height matchup problems ala Roshown Woods. Cedrick Dorsey had two great tough runs late-I love Munlin and think he'll have a big year but I think we can find a way to use this guy-although Bennett rarely goes to backups at runningback. The two guys on defense that was most impressed with were Akinyemi and Brandon Jones-think you'll be seeing more of Jones soon.

[Stallion]

so no one else has a comment on the actual game.

[MrMustang1965]

so no one else has a comment on the actual game.

I wonder why we didn't use Munlin more tonight? Is he still nursing that injury from the car wreck? Dorsey seem to get more of the running game calls than Munlin. And Munlin fumbles one of his carries that I think (can't really remember right now) lead to a TT score.

I think you've analyzed the game on the gridiron pretty acurately, Stallion. I'm encouraged by what I saw tonight. The Mustangs are not gonna take another whipping all year like they did in 2003. It's a new day and a new philosophy...and I like it!

[Pony Up]

.... And Munlin fumbles one of his carries that I think (can't really remember right now) lead to a TT score ....

Actually, the defense held. That was one of the possessions that Tech went for it on fourth down and failed to score. If I remember correctly, that's one of the drives where Brandon Jones made one of his great plays that Stallion was talking about.

[MrMustang1965]

Ponyup: Thanks for refreshing my memory.