[NU Sports] One down, 12 to go ...

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

First off, perhaps the best thing about the Big Ten
Network? Our designated abbreviation on top of the
screen was NU. Not NW or NWU ... NU. FINALLY!

So, not a great game but a solid first effort all
around with lots to be excited about this year!

The good ...
* CJ Bacher - He was on fire, he was utilizing every
one of his weapons and he was cool under fire. He even
showed some elusiveness (except he seems to spin out
of pressure the opposite way you would naturally). Our
offense is in good hands!

* Special teams - NU fans dreaded the new kickoff rule
- but touchbacks and opponent starting position inside
the 30 were the norm. Good coverage and punts too. Now
let's work on returns.

* The secondary - Tighter coverage and a bit of an
attitude. McManus was flying around the field and
making some nice pump-up plays. Good to see some
aggressiveness (without the stupid penalties, of
course).

The bad ...

* Our O-line - Sutton earned every yard he got through
sheer will and by breaking many, many tackles. Our
line didn't help him or Bacher much. We did wear them
out at the end, but I want that domination to start
early.

* Our front seven on D - Let's hope our secondary's
attitude is contagious because we need some edge and
fire up front. We gotta get some pressure there.

But overall, nice to get the shutout and nice to see
us start to dominate in the second half on both sides
of the ball. We just need to score more points when we
have the chance.

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

Oops - Appalachain State just recovered from their
bout of consevativitis and started playing again -
could come down to a field goal!

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


       
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