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My Thoughts on This Team
Posted on 9/12/16 at 7:53 am
Posted on 9/12/16 at 7:53 am
The game vs WKU was obviously very sloppy. But, the O-line, which I hoped would be a strength this year, has work to do in the run game. Granted, we didn't really commit to running the ball. We "took what the defense gave us" and threw the ball. I think (hope) that, with some more reps, the line gels and starts opening up some holes. There is plenty of skill at RB. Emmons may be in the #2 role before the year is over.
Some of the Hurts fan boys think I'm anti-Hurts, but I'm not. He's obviously going to be the guy, and at this point, apparently, our best option. That said, he looked like a freshman Saturday. Call it timing or just poor throws, but he was off all game. And I think his running ability may be a little over-hyped. He's definitely mobile which is an asset, but I don't think he's going to rush for 1000 yards this year or anything. I know he has good passing stats so far, but they could be a lot better if he improves, which I'm sure he will over time. I'm just worried how fast a true freshman is going to improve, because our competition is about to ramp up quickly. It's definitely a benefit that the receiving corp is probably one of the best in the nation, and the strength of our team.
The defense speaks for itself. It's hard to complain there. I suppose we could stand to build a little more depth, but most teams would kill to have what we have.
In short, if the O-line doesn't improve, and the QB doesn't grow up fast, there will be some hiccups.
Some of the Hurts fan boys think I'm anti-Hurts, but I'm not. He's obviously going to be the guy, and at this point, apparently, our best option. That said, he looked like a freshman Saturday. Call it timing or just poor throws, but he was off all game. And I think his running ability may be a little over-hyped. He's definitely mobile which is an asset, but I don't think he's going to rush for 1000 yards this year or anything. I know he has good passing stats so far, but they could be a lot better if he improves, which I'm sure he will over time. I'm just worried how fast a true freshman is going to improve, because our competition is about to ramp up quickly. It's definitely a benefit that the receiving corp is probably one of the best in the nation, and the strength of our team.
The defense speaks for itself. It's hard to complain there. I suppose we could stand to build a little more depth, but most teams would kill to have what we have.
In short, if the O-line doesn't improve, and the QB doesn't grow up fast, there will be some hiccups.
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Posted on 9/12/16 at 8:07 am to Teague
I don't disagree at all. I think Hurts could be given some more high percentage throws, but I think the coaching staff was letting him air it out a little bit to get into the groove of things.
The entire offense, minus the receivers, will have to step up big time if we want to win a 3rd consecutive SEC title. Next week won't be easy either like some think. Ole Miss will play the game of their lives at home.
The entire offense, minus the receivers, will have to step up big time if we want to win a 3rd consecutive SEC title. Next week won't be easy either like some think. Ole Miss will play the game of their lives at home.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 8:10 am to Gary Busey
quote:
Next week won't be easy either like some think. Ole Miss will play the game of their lives at home.
Next week is going to be a war.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 8:31 am to SummerOfGeorge
frick, now I'm worried about this game.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 8:34 am to Teague
I wasn't as confident in this OL as many were coming into the season. The loss of Kelly just couldn't be stated enough. I do think once they get settled in, the left side of the line with Robinson and Cotton is going to be devastating. Going to take a few more games though.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 8:48 am to SummerOfGeorge
Ole Miss better hope Bama doesn't play the game of their lives. If Bama does, the game is over before it starts.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 8:49 am to Teague
quote:
Call it timing or just poor throws, but he was off all game. And I think his running ability may be a little over-hyped.
Fair point.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 8:53 am to Teague
Agree for the most part. Hurts isn't as fast as people think he is. He's probably a 4.7 40 guy at best. That's fast enough, but he isn't a burner by any means.
On the deep balls, I believe he's still thinking a little bit which is to be expected. He's just a tad late on letting it fly in most cases. Instead of anticipating his receiver getting open (if he's even he's open on a 9 route) he's waiting for his guy to get a step and then under throwing it. Easily correctable and will come with more reps. I think we can win it all with him under center, our defense is filthy.
On the deep balls, I believe he's still thinking a little bit which is to be expected. He's just a tad late on letting it fly in most cases. Instead of anticipating his receiver getting open (if he's even he's open on a 9 route) he's waiting for his guy to get a step and then under throwing it. Easily correctable and will come with more reps. I think we can win it all with him under center, our defense is filthy.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 9:07 am to Riseupfromtherubble
Honestly - I think he has to learn to put air under the deep balls. He throws them all on a frickin rope. Again, this is something that I'd much rather have than a guy we have to teach to throw the ball hard and straight (because most of the time that isn't teachable).
It's just another one of those things that, while it needs to be fixed/made better, is the best "problem" you could have a true freshman. "YOU THROW THE BALL TOO HARD AND STRAIGHT ON 50 YARD BOMBS JALEN".
It's just another one of those things that, while it needs to be fixed/made better, is the best "problem" you could have a true freshman. "YOU THROW THE BALL TOO HARD AND STRAIGHT ON 50 YARD BOMBS JALEN".
This post was edited on 9/12/16 at 9:08 am
Posted on 9/12/16 at 10:03 am to SummerOfGeorge
quote:
I think he has to learn to put air under the deep balls. He throws them all on a frickin rope.
I agree...a little more loft would allow the receivers to adjust a bit...hopefully, he'll learn that with time...
With all the talk 'bout how he was underthrowing against WKU, I think he had just as many overthrows. But even with the throws he missed, he still passed for 280+ and completed 'bout two-thirds of his passes...and without the penalty and a couple of drops, he throws for nearly 400 yards and another TD or 2...
I think he'll be just fine, but he's gonna make some mistakes as he's learning how to play at this level...and with our lack of experience at the position, that's something we'll probably have to live with no matter who's the QB. I'm actually worried more 'bout our OL though...while our tackles have played well, the other 3 have not...hopefully that gets corrected this week...
Posted on 9/12/16 at 10:07 am to SummerOfGeorge
I dont blame him at all for making sure his wr's are open; hes been in a competition for the job up to this point, and turnovers would be the best way to lose the job. Im sure thats had to play at least a small part in the timing. Hes had to be certain guys are open.
I think he will get exponentially more confident as he gets further removed from the competition, and gains valuable experience.
Dude has been splitting reps up to a week ago.
I think he will get exponentially more confident as he gets further removed from the competition, and gains valuable experience.
Dude has been splitting reps up to a week ago.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 10:15 am to PowHound
quote:
I dont blame him at all for making sure his wr's are open; hes been in a competition for the job up to this point, and turnovers would be the best way to lose the job. Im sure thats had to play at least a small part in the timing. Hes had to be certain guys are open. I think he will get exponentially more confident as he gets further removed from the competition, and gains valuable experience. Dude has been splitting reps up to a week ago.
Oh yea - totally agree. It's just part of it, he's a true freshman figuring out the speed of the game and the speed of his own dudes.
Like I said, those problems are the best problems you can have. I'm really excited about him, and I'm generally pretty cynical and wait on see on young guys getting a bunch of hype.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 10:25 am to Riseupfromtherubble
Hurts runs a legit 4.5 so that is not true, he was not showcasing his running ability sat by design. The game plan was to get passes from the pocket downfield to work on reps and abilities. Many times hurts stayed in the pocket longer than he should have to get passes in. People over analyze it all. He needs to work on releasing sooner but other than that is solid.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 10:27 am to CrimsonBoz
quote:
Many times hurts stayed in the pocket longer than he should have to get passes in
Which, in the grand scheme of things, is awesome. A raw, young, inexperienced guy with running skills who wants to stick in the pocket and make throws down the field instead of taking off at first read.........that's some special stuff.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 10:36 am to CrimsonBoz
quote:
Hurts runs a legit 4.5 so that is not true
I know you have your sources, I just doubt that. 4.5 is hauling major arse. For perspective, Cyrus Jones runs a legit 4.49 and Derrick Henry a legit 4.54. Hurts looks more in the Manziel/Tebow speed realm in pads than the Cyrus Jones speed realm.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 10:50 am to Riseupfromtherubble
I understand what you are saying but he can move when he wants too. His quickness is a nice touch though. He is not Cyrus fast but like you said he runs a 4.49. I think he is between Johnny footballs 4.68 and maybe D Henry in reality. Setting times aside.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 10:50 am to Riseupfromtherubble
I don't remember Tebow being that fast, he would just run your arse over.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 11:03 am to Teague
quote:
The defense speaks for itself. It's hard to complain there
Yea from the limited amount I've watched of Bama the D looks legit. I still don't understand how USC thought starting a 360 lbs RT was a good idea against Bama. Maybe you should have chipped with a TE a bit more since a tackle that big will in no way stop a 260 lbs rush end/LB
Posted on 9/12/16 at 11:15 am to Teague
I am not concerned about Ole Miss. We know what to expect going and their D is not the same D of the past two years. Their DBs do not look great and their DL is good but not great. The key to the game for us is C Kelly. As someone already mentioned they are going to come out and try and prove something which is what I hope they do. Kelly is not that good and he tried to win the FSU game and it did not work out well for him. I think our DBs are going to have a field day if they get behind and have to rely on him. And I do not see them running on us with our D.
This Ole Miss team reminds me a lot like the year Snead was suppose to be a Heisman contender and did not happen. I actually would not be surprised to see this be the game that puts Freeze on the hot seat.
This Ole Miss team reminds me a lot like the year Snead was suppose to be a Heisman contender and did not happen. I actually would not be surprised to see this be the game that puts Freeze on the hot seat.
Posted on 9/12/16 at 11:16 am to Buckeye06
Agree on RT, a TE could have helped that situation some. Sometimes bigger isn't better. Ryan Kelly never broke 300 lbs.
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