My late night (early morning) 2 cents

[GahLee]

Just watched the game again on DVR and I want to give some thoughts. I've had a few, so forgive me.

Arkansas State is a physical, mini-SEC team. We got some real work in today that will pay off when we head to Athens in a couple weeks. They also had much better team speed than USU.

If by mini-SEC team, you actually mean a team full of vertically challenged people, then I agree, otherwise… no

The injuries to EW and VP are unfortunate. However, injuries are sometimes a good way to build depth on the roster. Not just for this season, but looking down the road one or two years from now as well. Smith, Malone, and Helm need to step up the next few weeks.

While this can be true, you want Pearson/Wolfe on that wall, you need them on that wall.

Justin Worley is playing the best ball of his life right now. If he continues the way he's playing now we will give OU all they can handle next week.

I'm a skeptic here. Massively so. Has Worley improved from last year? Sure. Has he played great? No. Even close? No. His offensive line isn't doing him any favors but his receivers are. A team like OU will all but **** the short passing game down, Worley doesn't have a strong arm and his accuracy drops dramatically when throwing down field. He will have to hit more than a few deep balls for us to be successful this Saturday.

If it wasn't obvious before today, it certainly is now - Jalen Hurd is RB1. Lane may start, but he's the backup. Weird.

I don't know what the motive is here. It's not as if Hurd has been overly impressive, much like Worley, his line isn't isn't doing him any favors.

North is a grown ass man.

Yes he is. He's is a physical specimen that can catch anything.

Not sure why everyone is in such an uproar over the offensive line. They gave up two sacks which looked to be coverage sacks and the run blocking improved from game one. The pressure they got on 14 looked to be halo pressure that he simply just stepped through. They'll continue to improve.

They should improve because there is plenty of room for it. They should have been able to run wild on the last two opponents. That didn't happen.

AJ and Cam are consensus AA's at the moment.

AJ looks great so far, it'll be interesting to see how he fairs when he isn't able to run downhill all game. Cam is the real deal, nary a bad word about that kid, he's an absolute stud.

Enjoyed watching Bates get some PT.

Can't help but think we pulled in the reins on offense mid 2nd half.

Short week with OU coming up against a pretty damn good, physical football team could have been a recipe for disaster but we survived it.

Now let's go get OU!

Just a few thoughts.

 

[GahLee]

CBJ said in the post game presser that people are reading way too much into Hurd getting more carries than Lane. He said they just go by the feel of that game, who they feel is running the ball better at the time.

How is Lane supposed to establish himself when he isn't getting carries? He's a proven back. He's not elite and talent wise he isn't on Hurd's level but he's the better back right now.

 

[White Bread]

How is Lane supposed to establish himself when he isn't getting carries? He's a proven back. He's not elite and talent wise he isn't on Hurd's level but he's the better back right now.

I agree, I was just relaying the message. Don't shoot the messenger. But I do think it was good to get Jalen a few more carries today to get him acclimated to the speed of the game. I think we'll see a lot more of Land against OU

 

[JonWard]

Arky State is not a "mini-SEC" team. Not even close.

I'd say they are in this sence: they play a tough, physical style of football with speed in a few positions-- they just have less talent overall from an SEC standpoint.

 

[deaconkane]

I think Hurd gets his first start against OK. You are right; he is clearly the #1 back for the coaches.

I really hope Bajakian has some wrinkles in the run game starting with OK. I fear handing the ball off five yards behind the LoS every single time is going to see the ypg average drop precipitously from here on out. I don't think the non-read option plays to Jalen's strengths as a runner.

There are some plays it takes almost 3 seconds for the rb to get to the line of scrimmage from snap.3 seconds. Earliest is after 2 seconds. It takes Worley almost 4 seconds to release the deep ball on option plays. With our fast receivers they are out running his arm. Over 5 seconds to get the ball 50 yards. A lot of plays our receivers on the right Side do a 8 yard hitch, and less than 5 yards apart. When we do a go route it is all 3 receivers/te, with the rb going to the sideline. No one in the middle. 2 plays we had 2 receivers standing on the 40, the same number 40, after their routes on the same sideline. All this in the last 8 minutes of the half. 2nd half We drove right down field with quick passes and no read option, we either would hand it off or throw quick. Great drive. In 3 minutes of play. Keep blaming our non sec caliber players tho. It's Not the players. Tired of defending them tho, it makes me a negavol.

 

[Biopsyman]

They could probably beat Vanderbilt...

So could a team of midgets

 

[gobravesvols16]

That's not saying much. I'm sure the South Central Louisiana State University Mud Dogs would best Vandy.

I hear they have a pretty good LB.

 

[vols4evah]

It was clear to me that after that really good drive in the 3rd we changed to getting some practice in on different plays and players. Its far more important to a team this young to get vital live game experience then it is to score a couple more meaningless touchdowns in a game we have already won.

I don't understand why some of you cant see that our coaching staff is looking at the whole year ahead of us and not just that one game alone.

 

[deaconkane]

It was clear to me that after that really good drive in the 3rd we changed to getting some practice in on different plays and players. Its far more important to a team this young to get vital live game experience then it is to score a couple more meaningless touchdowns in a game we have already won.

I don't understand why some of you cant see that our coaching staff is looking at the whole year ahead of us and not just that one game alone.

Gotcha! That's your opinion, just like mine. if we run those plays on offense that we were "practicing", our defense will be demolished at half time of any game we play in this stretch. Didn't even come close to working on the mighty A state.

 

[92volalum]

To me we know nothing really about this team. They best two teams they should have beat n dominate them. Run game has issues n play calling still is an issue to this point.

Sat will tell u if the r a 6 win team or better.

 

[vols4evah]

Gotcha! That's your opinion, just like mine. if we run those plays on offense that we were "practicing", our defense will be demolished at half time of any game we play in this stretch. Didn't even come close to working on the mighty A state.

well that's kind of the point. Wouldn't we rather be practicing those plays against ASU then OU ??

Plus things are different for a coach, while you just see a running play that goes for 4 yards the coaches want flim of it so they can study the blocking assignments etc...

there is a lot more to it than what you see on the field. Its constant work to improve the 0-line and running game.

 

[deaconkane]

well that's kind of the point. Wouldn't we rather be practicing those plays against ASU then OU ??

Plus things are different for a coach, while you just see a running play that goes for 4 yards the coaches want flim of it so they can study the blocking assignments etc...

there is a lot more to it than what you see on the field. Its constant work to improve the 0-line and running game.

Agree, start by not making them block for so long before the rb hits the hole, To long. Watch the replay and Count the seconds from snap how long it takes for the rb to hit the line of scrimmage. All I am saying. All of Hurds good runs were off tackle strait ahead, without a read option fake. Was getting good yards.

 

[Remy]

Just watched the game again on DVR and I want to give some thoughts. I've had a few, so forgive me.

Arkansas State is a physical, mini-SEC team. We got some real work in today that will pay off when we head to Athens in a couple weeks. They also had much better team speed than USU.

The injuries to EW and VP are unfortunate. However, injuries are sometimes a good way to build depth on the roster. Not just for this season, but looking down the road one or two years from now as well. Smith, Malone, and Helm need to step up the next few weeks.

Justin Worley is playing the best ball of his life right now. If he continues the way he's playing now we will give OU all they can handle next week.

If it wasn't obvious before today, it certainly is now - Jalen Hurd is RB1. Lane may start, but he's the backup. Weird.

North is a grown ass man.

Not sure why everyone is in such an uproar over the offensive line. They gave up two sacks which looked to be coverage sacks and the run blocking improved from game one. The pressure they got on 14 looked to be halo pressure that he simply just stepped through. They'll continue to improve.

AJ and Cam are consensus AA's at the moment.

Enjoyed watching Bates get some PT.

Can't help but think we pulled in the reins on offense mid 2nd half.

Short week with OU coming up against a pretty damn good, physical football team could have been a recipe for disaster but we survived it.

Now let's go get OU!

I pretty much agree with OP and the tone. We had over 400 yds of offense, gave up >300 yds on defense but only 19 points. This to what appeared to me a better QB and team in ASU. There were mistakes, there are areas of improvement to be made, but this is far from gloom and doom.

 

[arkivol]

Just watched the game again on DVR and I want to give some thoughts. I've had a few, so forgive me.

Arkansas State is a physical, mini-SEC team. We got some real work in today that will pay off when we head to Athens in a couple weeks. They also had much better team speed than USU.

The injuries to EW and VP are unfortunate. However, injuries are sometimes a good way to build depth on the roster. Not just for this season, but looking down the road one or two years from now as well. Smith, Malone, and Helm need to step up the next few weeks.

Justin Worley is playing the best ball of his life right now. If he continues the way he's playing now we will give OU all they can handle next week.

If it wasn't obvious before today, it certainly is now - Jalen Hurd is RB1. Lane may start, but he's the backup. Weird.

North is a grown ass man.

Not sure why everyone is in such an uproar over the offensive line. They gave up two sacks which looked to be coverage sacks and the run blocking improved from game one. The pressure they got on 14 looked to be halo pressure that he simply just stepped through. They'll continue to improve.

AJ and Cam are consensus AA's at the moment.

Enjoyed watching Bates get some PT.

Can't help but think we pulled in the reins on offense mid 2nd half.

Short week with OU coming up against a pretty damn good, physical football team could have been a recipe for disaster but we survived it.

Now let's go get OU!

Pretty good post for having a few, well done sir!:hi:

 

[thomaseusin]

Was expecting a disaster with that thread title but pretty much spot on. Too bad it got mini-derailed early on.. Nothing good happens at 2am..

 

[JonGrudensAgent]

Just watched the game again on DVR and I want to give some thoughts. I've had a few, so forgive me.

Arkansas State is a physical, mini-SEC team. We got some real work in today that will pay off when we head to Athens in a couple weeks. They also had much better team speed than USU.

The injuries to EW and VP are unfortunate. However, injuries are sometimes a good way to build depth on the roster. Not just for this season, but looking down the road one or two years from now as well. Smith, Malone, and Helm need to step up the next few weeks.

Justin Worley is playing the best ball of his life right now. If he continues the way he's playing now we will give OU all they can handle next week.

If it wasn't obvious before today, it certainly is now - Jalen Hurd is RB1. Lane may start, but he's the backup. Weird.

North is a grown ass man.

Not sure why everyone is in such an uproar over the offensive line. They gave up two sacks which looked to be coverage sacks and the run blocking improved from game one. The pressure they got on 14 looked to be halo pressure that he simply just stepped through. They'll continue to improve.

AJ and Cam are consensus AA's at the moment.

Enjoyed watching Bates get some PT.

Can't help but think we pulled in the reins on offense mid 2nd half.

Short week with OU coming up against a pretty damn good, physical football team could have been a recipe for disaster but we survived it.

Now let's go get OU!

If they aren't consistently winning their 1:1 battles against Utah St and Arkansas St, then the likelihood of doing so against better competition is slim.

If the better teams can get pressure on Worley without blitzing, then his effectiveness will drop as well.

 

[Rockytoptn83]

I think AS could beat some SEC teams. They are better than you think.

Agreed. Personally I think they'd beat Arkansas. I live in Central AR and they've been begging Arky to play them for the last few years, but they won't. I think they know they'd get beat.

 

[Pooods]

I agree with several. This team helped us with our learning curve. They were more physical than I expected and the QB had wheels! I sorta see the "Mini SEC Team" comment. They would finish in the cellar but probably beat a team or 2 each season if they played like they did yesterday.
Now the rough road begins like so many recent seasons! It's going to suck but we all know we will get man handled at times. After all we will be having many teens on the field facing many grown men. What I love is as the season progresses we should get better with these kids. Might even win one or 2 that we shouldn't. I hope at least we win the ones we should win and so far so good.

 

[JamesBenUT]

I'm not saying they're bad(nor ever did). They just aren't SEC material. And again, saying somebody would beat Vandy means almost nothing.

They beat Georgia State last year who beat.......Florida

 

[deaconkane]

We have fallen farther than I ever thought we would. Calling A state a mini sec team? But we can chalk wins over sc, Kentucky, Missouri and Florida? Amazing. I am going fishing.

 

[armchair]

Apparently the coaches think Hurd is better than Lane--but the fact is that Lane's yards per carry average has been higher than Hurd's in both games. They are both good backs and they should get equal carries, in my view.

 

[Wolfeman_Vol]

We have fallen farther than I ever thought we would. Calling A state a mini sec team? But we can chalk wins over sc, Kentucky, Missouri and Florida? Amazing. I am going fishing.

He didn't say they were an SEC team. You're looking for something to knit pick. What I took it as, is that Arkansas state is built on the same model as an SEC team. Physicality and speed. He did use the term "mini", and never said, "they should be an SEC team." You and Yankee looking hard for something to be negative about.

 

[TechnoVol]

They beat Georgia State last year who beat.......Florida

It was Georgia Southern and not Georgia State. Southern was a perennial FCS power winning 6 national championships before moving to FBS Sunbelt Conference.

 

[Rudy123]

They could probably beat Vanderbilt...

IS Vandy an S.E.C. team??????

 

[Orangedogsrule]

Apparently the coaches think Hurd is better than Lane--but the fact is that Lane's yards per carry average has been higher than Hurd's in both games. They are both good backs and they should get equal carries, in my view.

These games are tune ups for SEC play.

Hurd has to get game speed experience, coaches want film to study, and etc. as has been posted above. We'll see a few more offensive wrinkles against OU, the D plays like a pack of hounds on a wild boar. Offense and special teams ... hmmm?