I think Longestday is closer to the truth. We gift wrapped seven points 90 seconds or so into the game. After that, the score is 38-14 on the road.
I was sitting in the corner of the end zone, a much different angle from my seats in BDS, so that may affect my perspective on the game. What I saw was some of the more vigorous hitting we have done on D in a while. People seemed to be flying around, putting their bodies into the licks, playing quick, committing and not being tentative. I think the whirlpool at Tulane is getting some work tonight. We tackled much better than against Wofford. Except for the long pass play, we made Tulane earn their yards. Not allowing any points after the second fumble was huge. Three interceptions, one a pick six and one by a true freshman. Dare I hope that the D is beginning to take on Roof's personality a little? Good to hear Harrell's named on the PA system.
On Offense if Thomas stays healthy, the TO may achieve escape velocity later this year. We seem to have more of an attitude of "set the ball down and let's play". Again, the lack of hesitation just like on D seems to be much better. I think that's an indicator of confidence. Boomergump has hit the nail on the head that Thomas will force the rest of the team to play faster. Zenon seems to have figured that out. It think we ran a little more TO in this game. That's probably Johnson not putting too much on Thomas too early. Let Thomas and the rest of the O settle in with called plays, and add more TO as the game and season progresses. We have been talking about Thomas for three years, so we forget he was a Sophmore starting his first game on the road this week. He was a little shaky in the first quarter last week before settling down, and that seems to be what happened again this week. Maybe he has to get hit a couple of times to get into the flow. I loved the draw play. Get him in middle of the field one-on-one on a linebacker, and good things will probably happen. I thought Johnson used Byerly well, also.
On the OL. Looks like the move of O'Reilly to guard is a done deal. Marshall did OK in his first game from what I could tell. No bad exchanges, and quick off the ball. Good spot to get the backup center some experience. Best guess is that Johnson and Sewak are aiming to get at most two to three other OL some playing time until we get some more games under our belt. Burden and Griffin are first year starters. They need to jell with Mason and Braun. Don't throw too many new faces into the mix yet.
Blocking on the perimeter has been very good, much much better than the last couple of years. Combining that with Thomas getting us to the corner quicker will put a smile on Laskey's face. The rocket toss is back, and with the horde of A backs we have, I think we are going to see some gassed linebackers on opposing teams in the 4th qtr.
Special teams block a punt, make a pressure FG right before half, get lots of touchbacks, have no problem with our punt. Return game still needs work and missed a short FG. I'd say B+ for a grade.
The overall high effort, hard hitting, good conditioning, lack of confusion and few penalties will usually keep you in a game. We didn't panic when we had early turnovers and fell behind. People continued to play within the system, got on top, and then buried the opponent when they made a couple of mistakes.
One last observation since Tulane sells beer at their stadium. We DO NOT want to allow alcohol sales in BDS based on the reaction around me of our Super Negative fan base after just a couple of beers to the early turnovers. Had we been losing in the 4th qtr given the number of beers consumed on a very hot day, there would have been trouble. Ask yourself, would you want to be in BDS next week with our intoxicated fans if we lose to GSU or after the uga game last year? I love my bourbon at the tailgate, and after the game, but it is best if we leave it out of the stadium until we win more consistently or our fans mature.
