[NU Sports] Sad

[Jonathan Hodges]

Offense - many mistakes, especially from Kafka who spent the whole
game staring down his #1 reciever, all the defense needed to do was
watch him and step in front of the receiver.  Well, there were those
overthrown balls too.  It was nice to see McGee make some gutsy calls
(a couple of bombs) but unfortunately Kafka's not the guy at this
point that can make those passes.  Plus the OL had quite a few false
start penalties on top of some low snaps - Rees is definitely not at
the same point as when he left.  At least NU was running the ball
well.  Improved from previous games - if you take away the turnovers.

Defense - did an admirable job (only 2 long drives by Nevada - 17
points were "gifts" from the NU offense), although they let the
running game for Nevada get going in the 4th allowing the clock to
bleed.  They did have 4 sacks though and were playing with more
aggressiveness.  That was good to see.  I think this is the strong
point of this year's team.

Special teams - welcome back to the bad old days.  Blocked FG, missed
FG (both should have been easily hit), 2 mediocre punts (none inside
20), muffed kickoff return, non-existent punt return game.  The only
bright spot was McManis and his 45 yard kickoff return - this guy is
good (but unfortunately can't play every spot on special teams).

Team identity - this is a learning year, whether we like it or not.
Defense has potential, but still breaks down from time-to-time.  The
offense gets in sync but then gives up turnovers.  Kafka is a work in
progress who needs to learn his read progressions and not to stare
down his receiver (and not cough up the ball).  Special teams had been
a strong point until this game.  I expect to see a couple more wins -
but unfortunately no bowl (barring a big turnaround).  In any case, Go
'Cats!!!

Jonathan


On 9/23/06, Dennis W. Brandt <tbng at comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> > I thought our offense looked MUCH improved over the past three weeks.
>
> Yes, it did, as long as you ignore five turnovers.  And so far this season
> we seem incapable of getting to a loose ball.  The opposition always seems
> to get to it last.  Kafka is a strong runner on two good legs, but he's no
> Michael Vick, and defenses will now be laying for him - if he can run at
> all.  We must pass the ball to win.  In that skill, his inexperience shows.
> I believe, however, he has the potential to be a good quarterback.
> Hopefully, painful experience will be a good teacher, and he will be a
> quality student on the football field as well as in the classroom.
>
> The defense is improved over last season, but last year's defense was
> horrible and this year's is still porous.  And, ugh!  The kicking game.
> Last night's loss was a team effort that required the everyone's individual
> ineptitude at the proper moments.
>
> Has anyone noticed that our allegedly weaker opponents all have had better
> punters and place kickers?  Why can't we get decent kickers?  Howells has
> had plenty of opportunities to take control but has consistently failed to
> do the job.  Try the younger kid.  We could hardly lose anything.
>
> Please don't whine about that out-of-bounds call or the spot.  He was
> clearly out.  As to the spot. . .  Well, that was questionable.  But what
> was Nevada doing running the ball down our throats in that series?
>
> And did anyone notice how many times the snaps from center were low?  Not
> only does Kafka's leg hurt this morning, so too does his lower back from
> bending over so much.
>
> P.S.  That "pistol" offense has some good points, especially the one that
> allows the running back to build up steam before receiving the ball from the
> quarterback.  I see Tyrell flourishing under that system.
>
>
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-- 
Jonathan W. Hodges
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