Did You Expect This Kind Of Offense?
In Nebraska, where the QB and the Offensive Coordinator are scrutinized hourly - where people still idolize the “The Tripletts”, a trio of legends from the early 80’s. It’s a place where you can buy ANYTHING with Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodger’s picture or autograph and Tommy Frazier’s “Run” is still talked about in small town coffee shops. In Nebraska, you had better be able to move the ball and score points. Mission accomplished in Week 1!
Everyone wants to talk about Rex’s knee or Taylor M’s passing numbers but there is more to look at. There was incredible diversity by the Offense. Obviously our QB was great. By the way, one of my pet peeves is Heisman Watch on ESPN…really? After one game? If I was the D-Coor at UCLA, in might have a headache. This Offense had big-time tempo. It attacked the middle, it hit the flanks, there was a power element, and our “running QB” didn’t even run. Heads up Bruins…are you ready for some option? That little piece of the equation wasn’t even used Saturday.
I get that Southern Miss and their Defense wasn’t Ohio St or Wisconsin. I know knocking 230lb DEs off the ball is different than winning vs Big10 Def Fronts. Nonetheless, there were tons of good things from this Offense on Saturday. I loved the effort of the big guys up front. The receivers were a nuisance downfield but the best part to me was what we DIDN’T do. We will win a lot of games with 0 turnovers and 2 penalties. Typically, it’s that first game that makes coaches nervous when it come to these kind of mistakes. While certainly not perfect, there are a lot of good things to put on film and teach from.
So right now there a bunch of “kool-aid drinkers” or “haters”. To satisfy both points of view, here ya go…
Taylor Martinez - Heisman trophy winner or same old mechanics?
Rex Burkhead - Superman or Kryptonite this year?
OLine - Walk-Ons and some underachievers or the Pipeline Returns?
Receivers - Just one good game or difference makers?
600 Plus Yards - Scoring Explosion Returns or Wait til we play some real teams?
As usual, I am guardedly optimistic. So much more to love than hate. 1-0 last week is as good as we could do. On to Cali!!!
