So now we have had a little time to digest Saturday's big win by the Aggies over Arizona State, read through analysis by other writers, read through the comments from the coaches post-game and earlier today, and rewatch the game.
And overall, the reaction is not much different than our initial reaction - wow from the defense, ermeged from the offense. But there are some other things to shine a quick spotlight on.
First, we didn't talk enough about how great the special teams were. Oh my - especially Kaser flipped the field almost every time he kicked, and clearly we have a return game to fear. Of the pre-season questions we had, only Taylor Bertolet remains as an unknown as he was never really challenged. Certainly that first extra point was a bit scary, but everything else was nice and safe.
Second, the linebackers. Not sure how exactly to take this, but we played a walk on linebacker for 48 snaps on Saturday. Forty-eight. Needless to say, we want to upgrade at that position, but the fact that the rest of the team played well enough that a walk on could contribute says a lot about everyone involved.
As for the rest of the defense, it really was something to behold. The safety and nickle play was so strong - SO strong. And clearly the line was fantastic. So much so that someone making a comment that the team didn't get any interceptions is laughable - the quarterback has to have a decent number of chances to throw the ball, right? All the Sun Devil QB had time to do was cuss to himself and begin running for his life.
As for the offensive concerns.... I think it comes back to my main concern from the off-season - the offensive line. Fix that, and Allen and Murray will have the time to do their thing, and the issues at WR can be worked through as well. There certainly is enough talent at those spots that if the OL can do its job, the coaching staff will work though what they have at the other positions and get the right players set up for success.
I do have one other concern - depth at running back. Carson is a beast, but we can't use one back all season. I hate to have to think about bringing Brandon Williams back to run, but if James White is not healthy, you have to have another option, no?
The nice thing is the team has two games to work out those kinks on the OL and develop the offense, but they better take advantage of it because right after that, they play a very improved Arkansas team, followed soon thereafter by Alabama.
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