This isn't going to be nearly as detailed as WIO's write-up yesterday, but I thought I would go ahead and share some thoughts/observations about the scrimmage today.

Overall, I agree with the coaches that the defense handled the bad weather much better than the offense. The defense swarmed every play while the offense looked sluggish at times. Even when the offense put together a couple first downs, they stalled out near the red-zone.

Special Teams:

The only special teams work I saw was FG practice and kick-off drills. Ritter looks like he has a good leg as you would expect from a kickoff specialist. His highlight was making a 50 yard FG from the right hash. He also missed a couple short ones so consistency could definitely be an issue again this year. The backup - Andrew Fletcher - made some solid shorter kicks. I didn't see him try or make any over about 35 yds. Ritter also kicked it through the endzone consistently on kickoff drills which was nice.

Defensive Line:

Obviously, with RN out I was looking for Channing to step up. I'm not sure about his technique (because I don't pretend to be an expert on that) but his intensity was definitely there during the scrimmage. CJ looked stronger than he did yesterday. Maybe it was because I was further away, but I didn't notice as much of a limp. Herbert Moore definitely impressed during the one on one against the O Line. Hooks seems to be faster every time I see him. Fadol was disruptive as usual and did a nice job forcing/recovering a fumble by Kincade. He looked to be hurt at one point, but came back out a couple of series later.

Defensive Backs:

The DBs did get burned on a couple of big plays, but I still liked what I saw. Even on Moncrief's big catch, Burdette did a great job fighting him for position and would have forced an incompletion against most other receivers. Dehendret got a nice pick by baiting Bo into a bad throw and knocked down a couple of other passes. Standifer continues to improve. His biggest asset is playing till the whistle blows - he just doesn't give up on a play even if he makes a mistake. Derrick Jones and Bobby Hill weren't as noticeable, but that also means they didn't make too many stupid mistakes. Still concerned about Conner in cover situations

Linebackers:

No specific notes here. Serderius got a nice interception (forget which QB) and Denzel was his usual disruptive self. I like the intensity of our linebackers and definitely think this will be a strong point this year.

Offensive Line:

Overall did a good job protecting Bo. There was usually a pocket around him although the defense did a good job bringing pressure. Tunsil continues to impress. Didn't pay as much attention to this group as others so hopefully someone else can fill in with more thoughts.

Wide Recievers:

Other than the QBs, the WRs were the most affected by the weather. Treadwell had a couple drops although in his defense the throws were behind him and the rain didn't do him any favors. Other than his deep sideline grab, Quincy looked pretty average - maybe because he's hurting like one of the coaches mentioned. Ja-Mes was fantastic blocking. Didn't really see him get as involved in the passing game. Cody Core was pretty awful outside of one short catch-and-run. The highlight was Korvic Neat getting lit up on a crossing route by Marry I think.

Running Backs:

Walton and Mathers were decent but not super impressive. No fumbles, but only a few runs over 4-5 yards. I felt like Wilkins took a step back today and obviously not having Dodson and Moore didn't help. Jeff Scott only got a few series but looked fine.

Quarterbacks:

After a few days of decent practices, Bo really looked like he took a step back. It could have been the weather like he said, but even when it wasn't raining his decision making seemed off. Also, on his long completion to Moncrief it seemed like he underthrew him. If he hit him in-stride it was a sure touchdown. Not sure if that was due to armstrength or just trying to play it safe. Brunetti actually had his best passing day yet with 2-3 long completions. He was still extremely inconsistent though and short hopped a bunch of throws. He did lead the only TD drive of the day. Kincade didn't seem as confident today and got sacked several times because he held onto the ball too long. He's going to be great, but I really hope we get a chance to redshirt him. Buchanan was alright but couldn't string completions together. I think he only got 1-2 drives though so maybe he couldn't get a rhythm.

Bottom Line:

Blame it on the rain or whatever you want but the defense dominated the practice. They had more effort and intensity and the offense was just sloppy. Obviously, the offense will have off days but I will definitely be worried if they have a few more days like this especially considering the defense was missing some big playmakers.