I drove for 8 hours after the game and just now turned my computer on. I haven't read thru the thread and I haven't read thru stats except for what was on the score board at the game. I am not willing to make a judgement about how much the team has improved from last year based on this opponent. I won't be willing to make a judgement on how much the team has improved after next weeks game either based on that opponent, unless we pull a shocker. I think after UNC and Pitt, we will probably have an indication about that.
In this game, the team looked like a well coached team. Calls were in on time. Defense was set in time. Yates looked really good. I think he has the "it" factor where you just believe he is going to make plays. Charlie Thomas had an incredible game. He had interceptions, pass break ups, TFLs, etc.
Win or lose, I will feel better about the direction of the team if we look like a poised team next week as opposed to how we looked against NIU.