re: Game thoughts

I've had time to step away and I'm feeling a bit better about the game. First, take a look at JJ's #'s compared to Cam's in 2010 (I am not excusing his pitiful performance. Just comparing some numbers).

Ms State in 2010
Completions: 11
Attempts: 19
%: 57.9
Yds: 136
TDs: 2
Int: 1

Clemson in 2010
Completions:7
Attempts: 14
%: 50.0
Yds: 203
TDs: 2
Int: 2

JJ's
Completions: 11
Attempts: 21
%: 52.4
Yds: 137
TDs: 1
Int: 3

I used those two teams since they were comparable talent-wise to Louisville.

Louisville's defense is most likely better than both of those teams (based on last year's final ranking of total defense #6 in country and this year's talent). Ms State was 49th in total defense in 2010 and Clemson was 19th.

Also, Clemson was at AU. This past weekend was neutral site.

I saw a statistic, but can't find it now, that showed JJ's completion % based on how long his passes were. He was almost perfect on short and intermediary passes. Melvin Ray had the notable drop that would have been good for a first down. And it's been said time and again since the game that JJ tried to make too much happen.

The Defense
Yes, the defense looks different without Lawson, but I don't think his absence in the 2nd half is what caused the D to "look like a totally different unit." Sure that's part of it, but they were worn down from the offensive turnovers. Add to the fact that UL was running a zone read and as many people have pointed out, Bobby Petrino has never run a zone read before.

Special Teams
Looked great

One other thing that is good is that 23 AU players (freshman, true freshman, eligible transfers) got to see their first snaps this weekend. Sure, the Ole Miss 2nd and 3rd string players got plenty of PT this weekend, but is seeing time against UTM as beneficial as a team that will end up in the top 25 this season? Having so many players get reps against a quality opponent is going to help us down the stretch.

We beat a very good football team, coached by a very good football mind without two of our key RB's for half a game and two of our key defensive players missing significant time.

We led 31-10 at the start of the 4th quarter.

Some other random stats:

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StatTiger ?@StatTiger 3h3 hours ago
Louisville game marked the first time since 2008, the AU defense posted a first-half shutout against a Power-5 opponent.

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StatTiger ?@StatTiger Sep 6
AU finished the UL gm, +6 in tackles (AU 9 / UL 3). It marked only the 4th time AU was +6 in TFL or better against a Power-5 opp, since 2008

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