quote:
My assessment:
1. We need a much better OL to win a NC.
2. Murray does not have good pocket instincts and doesn't have enough athletic ability in most cases to escape to the outside and make a play. He did make one good roll-out pass for a first down though. We are limited to slower developing pass plays due to Murray's height. Usually when he tries to throw a screen or any quick pass they seem to get batted down. Clemson was ready for Murray's back shoulder throws and they were on our receivers like white on rice. We should have done more stop and go routes but of course Murray rarely had enough time for any long developing plays.
3. Our secondary played better than I expected but we are not close to having a championship level defense.

I think the OL will be fine. Did they struggle? MOST definitely. I am chalking it up to first game...players in new positions etc. They will gell and become a cohesive unit, IMO. I HAVE been wrong before, though!

Not sure I agree with your assessment of Murray. he has shown too many times before he can break it outside. he may be out of practice, since the coaches have wanted him to stay in the pocket more. I think you will see him do better as the year moves along in this regard. One reason, it seemed as if he could not break it outside, is because the pocket was collapsing from the outside. they were putting pressure from the edges, then coming in the middle. Just my opinion form what I noticed, though.

I agree about the defense. It is not championship level right now. We have to hope the offense continues to put up huge numbers, as they are capable of doing...and the defense comes together to become adequate. It is what it is. We will have to do the best we can do.