I had my first child this weekend, so I haven't had much time to read the board or comment, but here are my thoughts on UH and the upcoming games...
Defense
1. aGAIN, how can you really complain? Houston under Sumlin, though clearly hobbled, is an offense that is always going to score. I am not sure that I see a whole lot of improvement from game-to-game yet, but they have at least shown that they can be consistently difficult to score on. That is really all that matters. Only 10 points by Houston while the game was still really hotly contested is pretty good.
2. Banks must read SPS, because I finally started to notice him more after questioning whether he should be moved back to safety and Whitley moved to OLB. He played a good game.
3. Still slow reacting on passes over the deep/intermediate middle of the field. I really only saw one pass where we really made a play on the ball in that part of the field - it was the questionable catch that Whitley dislodged with a good hit.
4. Good to see Broomfield getting back to making big plays.
5. Seemed like McCardell got on the field a good bit having just been moved back to defense. Not that I noticed many big plays. It does highlight our lack of depth at DE.
6. I think Big Pern is starting to feel it. Looking a lot more violent on his pass rush. I really think it took a few games for McPhee to hit his stride last year too. He may just be a slow starter.
Offense
1. Vick Ballard.
Other Notes: I think Perkins is getting acclimated to the speed of the game. We also started showing a little more creativity with him. Looks like we have established Ballard as the lead dog and Perkins as a change of pace - that combo looks really good. Glad we got Tyler some reps, he is going to need them if Relf gets knocked out again. Don't look now, but Relf is actually improving before our eyes - this team can be really dangerous if he is safe with the football. I hate we lost Berry, but I think Chris Smith will fill his role adequately and may even be an upgrade. I hope we get Brignone back, but the line looked pretty good with Saulsberry at center too. This gives me hope that we might only have to really worry about replacing Sherrod next year, as Saulsberry can slide to center with T. Smith and G. Jackson playing guard.
Winning 3 in a row feels good. That said, looking at the schedule isn't any more comforting. We can beat Florida, but we will have to play our best game of the season thus far. UAB should be a win, and UK is going to be a fight. I think everyone knows we need to come out of these next 3 with 2 wins and remove all doubt. If we beat Florida - Azzurri goes into full wool mode.
Defense
1. aGAIN, how can you really complain? Houston under Sumlin, though clearly hobbled, is an offense that is always going to score. I am not sure that I see a whole lot of improvement from game-to-game yet, but they have at least shown that they can be consistently difficult to score on. That is really all that matters. Only 10 points by Houston while the game was still really hotly contested is pretty good.
2. Banks must read SPS, because I finally started to notice him more after questioning whether he should be moved back to safety and Whitley moved to OLB. He played a good game.
3. Still slow reacting on passes over the deep/intermediate middle of the field. I really only saw one pass where we really made a play on the ball in that part of the field - it was the questionable catch that Whitley dislodged with a good hit.
4. Good to see Broomfield getting back to making big plays.
5. Seemed like McCardell got on the field a good bit having just been moved back to defense. Not that I noticed many big plays. It does highlight our lack of depth at DE.
6. I think Big Pern is starting to feel it. Looking a lot more violent on his pass rush. I really think it took a few games for McPhee to hit his stride last year too. He may just be a slow starter.
Offense
1. Vick Ballard.
Other Notes: I think Perkins is getting acclimated to the speed of the game. We also started showing a little more creativity with him. Looks like we have established Ballard as the lead dog and Perkins as a change of pace - that combo looks really good. Glad we got Tyler some reps, he is going to need them if Relf gets knocked out again. Don't look now, but Relf is actually improving before our eyes - this team can be really dangerous if he is safe with the football. I hate we lost Berry, but I think Chris Smith will fill his role adequately and may even be an upgrade. I hope we get Brignone back, but the line looked pretty good with Saulsberry at center too. This gives me hope that we might only have to really worry about replacing Sherrod next year, as Saulsberry can slide to center with T. Smith and G. Jackson playing guard.
Winning 3 in a row feels good. That said, looking at the schedule isn't any more comforting. We can beat Florida, but we will have to play our best game of the season thus far. UAB should be a win, and UK is going to be a fight. I think everyone knows we need to come out of these next 3 with 2 wins and remove all doubt. If we beat Florida - Azzurri goes into full wool mode.
