So, can we talk about the game?...

[dr. rick]

1) loved LaGasse's effort - especially when he knocked the db onto his a@@ after catching a pass. He looks small, but seems to have a big heart.

2) Loved Nlemchi's 25 yard (not year) run at end of game... Reversed field and turned nothing into a big gain.

3) what is up with the O-line? they seemed to be improving week-to-week, but couldn't open holes for RB's, and GG got sacked twice, with more hurries.

4) Did the UConn receiver really catch the ball on their last TD drive? The one to Phillips where it was replayed, and it appeared that he dropped the ball?

[CalallenStang]

2) Loved Nlemchi's 25 year run at end of game... Reversed field and turned nothing into a big gain.

Great run, but I don't think it took 25 years

[dr. rick]

thanks, I'll edit the first post.

[sbsmith]

-Niemchi is woefully underutilized

-OL has been a problem all season long, I'm worried about Gilbert getting hurt these last 3 games (especially against UCF)

-UConn didn't really have the personnel to challenge us deep (weak armed QB, slow WRs)

-Special teams played their best game in awhile

[gostangs]

O line had a tough day. share the concern for Gilbert in last two games. No idea what is happening there.

As with most people who watch this team carefully - getting encouraged about our D-line with minor in it. Don't understand what took so long. Our coaches act like we are alabama and have to nurture these guys along. we don't have the luxury to wait on anyone that has talent.

KC should start and get as many minutes as he can get. Line is not the answer.

SS carried the entire defense on his back yesterday. We need 7-8 more with his motor.

we must be down to our last few cover guys or changes would have already been made. Thats a shame.

GG is still a stud. Texas should just go ahead and admit they screwed that up. They would have at least one extra win, prob two if he had stayed.

[dr. rick]

"SS carried the entire defense on his back yesterday. We need 7-8 more with his motor. "

agree totally. his pick 6 was great. amazing how pressure on QB helps! (yenga i think)

[mrydel]

For those so concerned abut GG's health due to the offensive line play, will you please note that GG is one of the nation's passing leaders and leads the nation, including Johnny freakin' Manziel, in total offense. And we have no running game so the defense knows we are going to throw almost every play. I would say the OL deserves some kudos. There is a big difference in pass blocking and run blocking, and we do not have a lead blocker in the backfield. This OL has improved every game

[jpe747]

For those so concerned abut GG's health due to the offensive line play, will you please note that GG is one of the nation's passing leaders and leads the nation, including Johnny freakin' Manziel, in total offense. And we have no running game so the defense knows we are going to throw almost every play. I would say the OL deserves some kudos. There is a big difference in pass blocking and run blocking, and we do not have a lead blocker in the backfield. This OL has improved every game

I agree. They are playing much better.

[dr. rick]

I would agree that they are playing better. Serious question... Is their d-line as good as Cincinnati's who also got two sacks? (Progression as 4 vs. Rutgers, 0 vs. Temple, 2 vs. Cinn., 2 vs. Ucon).

[jpe747]

Actually I think this was one of those games that SMU went into without the normal fire. However, a really good thing was that we had few mistakes. If that is a sign of things to come that alone is a big improvement over the past.

[mrydel]

If we chose to, we could put together a running offense, with at least 2 backs in the backfield, spend most of practice on run blocking and guys would see a great improvement in the running game. You would attract more big, run blocking linemen as recruits. But that is not our style. We are pass first, run never and that is how we recruit and practice. Until there is a philosophy change that is the way it will remain. I am very proud of the OL and the improvement they have shown. And I pretty well think you have to include Line P., as an offensive lineman. That is his job. With Nlemchi's improvement in blocking we now have something very similar to what we had with Z. Line and Shawnbrey a few years ago. And it is improving every week too. I just wish Jones knew we do not have a 16 game season and the first 4 are not preseason. We always start to come together at the end of the year. This year it may be too late.

[AusTxPony]

Prescott Line needs to watch film of the UConn RB bouncing off tacklers looking for a hole. PL seems to just duck his head and hit the hole whether it's open or not. However, he may be such a better blocker than KC, that he gets the majority of the plays. That's all I can guess.

This defensive secondary does not seem to get better. And don't they need some sticky fingers...should have had at least 4 interceptions. We would be bowl bound by now if they could make some key stops and get the offense on the field.

And thanks for getting a "football talk" thread going. Love it!

[ojaipony]

we don't have the luxury to wait on anyone that has talent.

Bingo. Keno. Then when they have talent, and play them, they waste it (JJ). The game isn't that damn complicated. I know. I played it. It's funny how pure talent/athleticism makes up for a steep learning curve.

[ojaipony]

For those so concerned abut GG's health due to the offensive line play, will you please note that GG is one of the nation's passing leaders and leads the nation, including Johnny freakin' Manziel, in total offense. And we have no running game so the defense knows we are going to throw almost every play. I would say the OL deserves some kudos. There is a big difference in pass blocking and run blocking, and we do not have a lead blocker in the backfield. This OL has improved every game

This ^.

We ran that delayed draw play over and over with Zach. I know that Zach was a beast (and a smart player), but I like KC. Well time running plays really opens up things. We need to do that more against UH I think.

[dr. rick]

So, what is up with the defense (serious question)? We have linemen (e.g., Barnes) who get kudos here and at other sites (e.g., CFN). We have LB's who are studs (e.g., SS). Is it coverage? then why can't we stop run? (is safety play the reason we don't blitz more?)