[NU Sports] wow

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

> > Any guesses on what happened between ASU and PSU?

I think the biggest difference on offense was the
addition of the downfield pass and Baz's ability to
throw it so well on the run. We were spreading the
field out horizontally to create running lanes, but
the Ds still kept 9 or 10 guys by the line of
scrimmage because we weren't throwing deep. Now if
they stack the box, Baz can go over the top and that's
spread things vertically as well as horizontally.

That's also the biggest difference between 2000 and
2005, IMO. In 2000, teams started to figure out that
if they stack the box and stop DA2, they could contain
this juggernaut offense. We've seen Purdue and MSU try
the last few weeks to do that and it's just given Baz
more highlight footage.

As for the D, I think the experience has helped. We
started a LOT of new kids on the line and in the
secondary, so they've gained experience. Also, we seem
to have changed philosophy there as well -- more
blitzes, more pressure and more hard-hitting coverage.
We'll be beaten at times, but we're forcing the issue
with pressure and press coverage instead of waiting
for the opposing team to pick us apart.

Finally, I think the senior leaders (#14 and #41) and
the coaches have really rallied the team. Walker seems
to thrive on this "us against the world" mentality and
the team has rallied around it after all those
questions following the 2-2 start.

> However, I also think ASU and PSU are probably the
> best teams we have
> played so far, and that there's been a drop in the

Dunno about that -- ASU has turned into the MSU of the
west and, after a strong start, fizzled as they moped
over the USC loss. But ASU did match up best against
us with a QB and receivers against our young
secondary.

Wisconsin's a pretty darn good team though, and PSU
looks better each week. So we're playing at a high
level this past month (MSU's got talent too -- they
just are quitting on the season, like ASU).

> So, while it has been tremendous to watch this NU
> team improve each
> week, I think the level of competition goes way up
> the next 3 weeks.

No doubt - Michigan and Iowa are always better teams
at the end of the season than in September, and OSU is
always tough at the Shoe.

> Can the O-line (perhaps the biggest surprise of the
> season so far?)

I'd agree there -- there were times yesterday that Baz
had time to make a call, tie his shoes and then find
which one of his 20 receivers he wanted to throw to
this down.

A split the rest of the way would be great -- 3-1 even
better and 4-0 perfect. But it all starts one game at
a time with Meeeeeeeechigan.

WEAR PURPLE!!!
MAKE NOISE!!!

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

* * * * * * * * *
STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog at yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!


	
		
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