The final score was 56-23, after being up 49-3. In some ways, that is good (getting up 49-3). In some ways, not so good. but mostly it is good and then good. Specifically, the 1s did really well for the most part, and you could tell it was constructive for them. Additionally, you could tell that the 2s also did well for the most part.
And while the other players did not play as well, and there is something to be said for them coming in with less focus and energy, rather than coming in hungry and firing, at the same time we got to see some of those players rise to the occasion and it will be good to add them to the depth chart for when we need more than just 30-40 guys to beat teams (which is coming soon).
So let's go unit by unit real quick and make some notes.
The Defensive Line
Oh my goodness this group is strong and deep. There really isn't much other to say here as they played really well for much of the game.
Linebackers
Getting a little depth back and seeing those who did play do well gives us some confidence. That being said, we need to see more progress as the real SEC games are coming fast. Winning the Arkansas and Mississippi State games will be key to separating us from the bottom of the SEC West and right now, those both look very possible, but only if the team as a whole - and this unit specifically - continues to work and improve. Getting Hilliard back in time to play Nevada is important.
Safeties
While not as strong as in the Arizona State game, the safety play against Ball State was strong enough that it stays in the positive category with momentum. If they do well against the running game of the Wolfpack, then I think we can go into the Razorback game with some real confidence.
Cornerbacks
We saw some cracks in the armor here. A few times they were beaten, and they earned some laundry. We should not be surprised, but it does highlight that this group also has work to do.
Special Teams
Once again, solid to spectacular across the board. Opponents return teams better have their assignments straight or the Aggies will be working from a short field a lot - and that is not something you want to give this offense on any sort of regular basis. The coverage units were also good. The only concern I had was we didn't see Bertolet get tested... Might want to find a way to do that before we are in an SEC game... Of course, you have to take what the game gives you.
Wide Receivers
I feel much better after this game about the wide outs. Reynolds was solid, Kirk showed he wasn't just a one-hit wonder, and we saw progress from Noil, Seals-Jones and the other receivers. We need to see more progress and the Nevada game ought to offer that opportunity, but as long as people continue to work, this group will be ready come September 26th.
Quarterbacks
Much more effective, albeit against a less challenging situation. Both Allen and Murray got more experience and comfort running this offense and made adjustments as needed. This is so key as the learning curve in college football is steep for QBs. Set aside the Manziel experience - usually, it takes at least a year or two of starts to really learn all the ups and downs needed to be successful with this kind of system.
Running Backs
Going into the Ball State game, I was really worried about the depth at this position, but after this game and Sumlin's comments earlier this week, I am less worried for now. Depth could still be an issue if injuries hit this group hard, but with James White missing only by coaches decision to rest him and the way the 3s and 4s played, I feel good that this group can be effective with the players we have. Sumlin saying that the two true freshmen RBs will redshirt made me breath a sign of relief.
The Offensive Line
Progress was made, and that is a good thing. And if more progress is made next week, then we will be good. But this is not what this team has had in the past and they have to learn faster than they are if they want to beat teams like Alabama. In fact, I am concerned about both Arkansas and Mississippi State right now, although a good showing against Nevada could settle my stomach.
This game saw sacks and QB hurries that shouldn't be seen against a mid-table MAC team. Especially with the additional roll-outs, etc., that Spavital did.
Overall
The good thing is that the problems this team is facing are problems we expected and we have seen more progress than we thought we might. In fact, the only real trouble spot that I am not confident a solution will be found in time is the OL. I think the LBs and CBs will be good enough by the time we enter SEC play that getting the "must have" wins will be done, and the other units are playing well enough to beat the Razorbacks and Bulldogs already. It is just the offensive line that I do not think is ready for those games just yet, and am not confident in what I have seen that they will get there with relative ease.
No, I think the OL is going to have to really do some work to get ready in time for Arkansas and Mississippi State. Can they do it? Do they have the resources (players, coaches, time) to do it? Yes. But it is going to be in their hands to get that work done.
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