The Big Picture

[Finwad32]

If I had told everyone on Thursday, that we’d walk out 2-td winners, would you have grabbed that?

This is why I’m asking...

Be frustrated about the Butler drops, the Scoop struggles and the Tommy D situation all you want, it’s irrelevant. This is why I say that...

1) mission accomplished 1-0. Time to tighten up with another dress rehearsal before FSU. Our 2nd game in the friendly confines of the Dome in as many weeks.

2) Custis emerged / Pierce is good - now we need to figure out the other half.

3) Cisco learned - only way to do it, he’s going to be a stud. Frederick looked pretty damn good. Dino went to true Fr Trilliams in a time of need and he played wellll. We have young, real talent back there, now was the right time for it to start to get seasoned. PS - we had two pics and won the turnover battle.

4) RB YPC - these averages need to be taken in context, how many runs came out of the power package during situational periods (tight RZ and 3/4th & short)? A lot, the avg is misleading. We have two steady backs, I believe Moe’s better, but, Dontae’s fine for what we need them for.

5) Tommy D - Needed/(s) experience. Well, he broke the seal. Nobody liked the timing, or the game of chicken we played bc it jeopardized the game. It doesn’t matter now, we won and TD got some reps. BTW, how bout that arm strength and some sneaky athleticism in there. I’m looking for him to improve against Wagner.

7) LB’s overperformed from my house - very pleasantly surprised.

8) DL - let’s get a bit more of a sampling before we condemn. I saw some things I liked that didn’t necessarily produce sacks.

9) Attitude - we play with it. Not just Dungey, everyone from jump. It’s why we jumped all over W. Mich. I LOVE that, our guys love the game, the competition, it matters.

Overall, moving on out with a grocery list of improvements needed and a tuneup before a huge matchup with FSU at home. Sitting in A position, the best possible spot we could’ve been.

I mean really, for all the downside I’m hearing, we scored 55 on a team that most were wringing their hands about this week and outperformed Vegas, who thought this was damn close to a toss up.

Enjoy the wins - learn from them without the sting of a loss.

 

[rocklloyd]

Completely agree. A little sloppy at points, but what’s the saying coaches use? Biggest improvements are from game 1 to game 2. Poor Wagner.

 

[bigmike]

Well reasoned, and completely agree with the conclusions.

After the third quarter, I especially like the way the team rebooted their attitude and got back to business. ED played a large part in that - as did Slayton with his assist on the int.

Bonus of the game was seeing the big fellas rumble on kickoff returns (and I put Shy in there with Ruff and Elmore).

 

[kmart128]

All in all playing Western Michigan on the road shouldn't be that easy of the win. The game was never in doubt in my eyes. Knew as soon as Eric came in they wouldn't be able to catch us. We got the win on the road and that's what matters. As long as we replace Bradshaw and Butler then I think we will be just fine.

 

[Nick44]

The issue I have is Dino doesn’t care about the defensive performance as long as it gives up one less point than his offense scores.

All well and good until your defense gives up 42 and the increasing pressure to outscore that defensive collapse falls on a QB with a bad injury history. Recipe for disaster.

 

[SmilinBob]

Let's add winning on grass as a positive as well along with that new FG/PAT kicker.

 

[Ragman2000]

Let's add winning on grass as a positive as well along with that new FG/PAT kicker.

Not going to lie, I hadn't even heard of this kid before the game. Thought that Hof was doing everything but kickoffs.

But wow. Smooth release and everything was right down the middle. Loved it.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

The issue I have is Dino doesn’t care about the defensive performance as long as it gives up one less point than his offense scores.

All well and good until your defense gives up 42 and the increasing pressure to outscore that defensive collapse falls on a QB with a bad injury history. Recipe for disaster.

Eh. Playing defense first was a recipe for disaster too.

This way can be a lot more fun.

 

[Millhouse]

Eh. Playing defense first was a recipe for disaster too.

This way can be a lot more fun.

Started watching at 730 on DVR and it still took as long as a game ought to take not fast forwarding

If we are going to suck every year, I don't need four hour games all year.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Started watching at 730 on DVR and it still took as long as a game out to take not fast forwarding

If we are going to suck every year, I don't need four hour games all year.

I agree with that.

 

[billsin01]

Started watching at 730 on DVR and it still took as long as a game out to take not fast forwarding

If we are going to suck every year, I don't need four hour games all year.

People always hammer baseball and there's more action in football, but four -ing hours is not something I can build into every weekend. That was a slog at times.

 

[RF2044]

Started watching at 730 on DVR and it still took as long as a game out to take not fast forwarding

If we are going to suck every year, I don't need four hour games all year.

No kidding -- injuries didn't help. At one point, around the time I was getting kids ready for bed, it was 8:15pm CST and the third quarter still wasn't over.

 

[SmilinBob]

WMU averaged over 8.6 yards a carry running the ball and add the big passes they made, this is unacceptable. SU RB's averaged 3 yards a carry. That is not a recipe for a bowl game.

 

[BlueShaq]

Would rather have a 2 possession victory against WMU than an OT win over Tulane.

 

[billsin01]

4) RB YPC - these averages need to be taken in context, how many runs came out of the power package during situational periods (tight RZ and 3/4th & short)? A lot, the avg is misleading. We have two steady backs, I believe Moe’s better, but, Dontae’s fine for what we need them for.

7) LB’s overperformed from my house - very pleasantly surprised.

8) DL - let’s get a bit more of a sampling before we condemn. I saw some things I liked that didn’t necessarily produce sacks.

Nice post and i agree with most of it (particularly points 7 and 8 on the LBs playing better than expected and not crushing the DL on one game. I think it's fair to point out that the DL didn't particularly impress, but they also had a few moments here and there.

The only real disagreement I have is at RB. Neal is, IMO, adequate. He's not going to kill us, he's OK between the tackles and has a little bit of burst. But he's OK at best. Strickland had a nice grab and our longest run from an RB but really shouldn't be on the field for a team that really hopes to compete in the ACC. Or at least not as one of the primary RBs. The difference with Bellamy was when there was something there he had the speed to turn it into something huge.

Part of the reason we struggled is that we never turn a hole into a big play -- it's more like an 8 or 9 or maybe 15-yard run. We need to turn those into chunks but we don't have the personnel (at least on the field in game 1) to do it.

The only frustration I have is that if you are a coach drafting offensive skill players from that game you'd take Dungey 1, but then you'd take Bellamy/Reed/Eskridge in some order over the next three picks and then there's a bit of a gap to custis at 5. Even WMU's backup running backs flashed some nice potential.

We absolutely need to figure out the RB situation, IMO.

Otherwise agree almost across the board.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Nice post and i agree with most of it (particularly points 7 and 8 on the LBs playing better than expected and not crushing the DL on one game. I think it's fair to point out that the DL didn't particularly impress, but they also had a few moments here and there.

The only real disagreement I have is at RB. Neal is, IMO, adequate. He's not going to kill us, he's OK between the tackles and has a little bit of burst. But he's OK at best. Strickland had a nice grab and our longest run from an RB but really shouldn't be on the field for a team that really hopes to compete in the ACC. Or at least not as one of the primary RBs. The difference with Bellamy was when there was something there he had the speed to turn it into something huge.

Part of the reason we struggled is that we never turn a hole into a big play -- it's more like an 8 or 9 or maybe 15-yard run. We need to turn those into chunks but we don't have the personnel (at least on the field in game 1) to do it.

The only frustration I have is that if you are a coach drafting offensive skill players from that game you'd take Dungey 1, but then you'd take Bellamy/Reed/Eskridge in some order over the next three picks and then there's a bit of a gap to custis at 5. Even WMU's backup running backs flashed some nice potential.

We absolutely need to figure out the RB situation, IMO.

Otherwise agree almost across the board.

Abdul Adams

 

[Rautins07]

If I had told everyone on Thursday, that we’d walk out 2-td winners, would you have grabbed that?

This is why I’m asking...

Be frustrated about the Butler drops, the Scoop struggles and the Tommy D situation all you want, it’s irrelevant. This is why I say that...

1) mission accomplished 1-0. Time to tighten up with another dress rehearsal before FSU. Our 2nd game in the friendly confines of the Dome in as many weeks.

2) Custis emerged / Pierce is good - now we need to figure out the other half.

3) Cisco learned - only way to do it, he’s going to be a stud. Frederick looked pretty damn good. Dino went to true Fr Trilliams in a time of need and he played wellll. We have young, real talent back there, now was the right time for it to start to get seasoned. PS - we had two pics and won the turnover battle.

4) RB YPC - these averages need to be taken in context, how many runs came out of the power package during situational periods (tight RZ and 3/4th & short)? A lot, the avg is misleading. We have two steady backs, I believe Moe’s better, but, Dontae’s fine for what we need them for.

5) Tommy D - Needed/(s) experience. Well, he broke the seal. Nobody liked the timing, or the game of chicken we played bc it jeopardized the game. It doesn’t matter now, we won and TD got some reps. BTW, how bout that arm strength and some sneaky athleticism in there. I’m looking for him to improve against Wagner.

7) LB’s overperformed from my house - very pleasantly surprised.

8) DL - let’s get a bit more of a sampling before we condemn. I saw some things I liked that didn’t necessarily produce sacks.

9) Attitude - we play with it. Not just Dungey, everyone from jump. It’s why we jumped all over W. Mich. I LOVE that, our guys love the game, the competition, it matters.

Overall, moving on out with a grocery list of improvements needed and a tuneup before a huge matchup with FSU at home. Sitting in A position, the best possible spot we could’ve been.

I mean really, for all the downside I’m hearing, we scored 55 on a team that most were wringing their hands about this week and outperformed Vegas, who thought this was damn close to a toss up.

Enjoy the wins - learn from them without the sting of a loss.

I agree with all your points.

Dungey is a REAL leader, has attitude and fearlessness, though I cringe when he takes off, big time programs have those players with EDGE an his team feeds off it.

DeVito did ok, Not his fault that Pierce fumbled, and there was a holding call on the Custis play.

A win on the road is big no matter who or where you are playing.

I don't think they showed all of the offense that they want to show, I think they wanted to impose their will and run the ball, something we have not been able to do.

Would like to see more pressure on the QB, when it happened it resulted in a TO.

I do think Dino should have let Dungey finish the first half, Dungey was unstoppable and it very well could have been the final dagger if we had scored before the half.

Win is a win, I will not apologize and we move on to next week.

 

[PAcuse]

Thank you, I've been seeing way to many post focusing on the negative (i know that's what we do) and I'm happy to see positive posts.
We had a lot of great take aways from this game and winning on the road week 1 by double digits I will take it 100% of the time.

 

[syrBossHogg]

I think the most important thing is that Cisco/Trill get better every week and become dependable starters this year. Still amazing how many WRs just blow by our DBs. Also the D-line needs to step up

 

[SmilinBob]

There were a lot of positives from last night and let's hope they continue and Babers and staff can improve the negatives.

 

[Rautins07]

I noticed he was doing a lot of position switching and OL rotation, I don't think he will be doing all of the massive rotations and substitutions starting with FSU game, these are the two games to do it and maybe a little in the UCONN game.

He finally has a little more talent and depth, so why not use it and see what you have in true game situations.

Dungey is gonna get our program some national attention before this season is over.

 

[djorange1989]

The score was 55-21 with Dungey in the game, against a 5 pt underdog on the road, on grass, a team that took USC late into the 4Q on the road last year. Michigan State needed a very late TD to beat Utah State last night, Wake went to OT to beat Tulane. Plenty to work on but take the freaking win and be happy. And pray Dungey can stay healthy. And hope the NCAA approves Jackson and/or Adams to play this year, that wouldn’t hurt

 

[Rautins07]

Well reasoned, and completely agree with the conclusions.

After the third quarter, I especially like the way the team rebooted their attitude and got back to business. ED played a large part in that - as did Slayton with his assist on the int.

Bonus of the game was seeing the big fellas rumble on kickoff returns (and I put Shy in there with Ruff and Elmore).

People may forget Ruff came in as a LB/TE and Elmore is a RB/FB/BEAST on offense.

Also want to Add Kleinburg can block!!

 

[Cuseregular]

If I had told everyone on Thursday, that we’d walk out 2-td winners, would you have grabbed that?

This is why I’m asking...

Be frustrated about the Butler drops, the Scoop struggles and the Tommy D situation all you want, it’s irrelevant. This is why I say that...

1) mission accomplished 1-0. Time to tighten up with another dress rehearsal before FSU. Our 2nd game in the friendly confines of the Dome in as many weeks.

2) Custis emerged / Pierce is good - now we need to figure out the other half.

3) Cisco learned - only way to do it, he’s going to be a stud. Frederick looked pretty damn good. Dino went to true Fr Trilliams in a time of need and he played wellll. We have young, real talent back there, now was the right time for it to start to get seasoned. PS - we had two pics and won the turnover battle.

4) RB YPC - these averages need to be taken in context, how many runs came out of the power package during situational periods (tight RZ and 3/4th & short)? A lot, the avg is misleading. We have two steady backs, I believe Moe’s better, but, Dontae’s fine for what we need them for.

5) Tommy D - Needed/(s) experience. Well, he broke the seal. Nobody liked the timing, or the game of chicken we played bc it jeopardized the game. It doesn’t matter now, we won and TD got some reps. BTW, how bout that arm strength and some sneaky athleticism in there. I’m looking for him to improve against Wagner.

7) LB’s overperformed from my house - very pleasantly surprised.

8) DL - let’s get a bit more of a sampling before we condemn. I saw some things I liked that didn’t necessarily produce sacks.

9) Attitude - we play with it. Not just Dungey, everyone from jump. It’s why we jumped all over W. Mich. I LOVE that, our guys love the game, the competition, it matters.

Overall, moving on out with a grocery list of improvements needed and a tuneup before a huge matchup with FSU at home. Sitting in A position, the best possible spot we could’ve been.

I mean really, for all the downside I’m hearing, we scored 55 on a team that most were wringing their hands about this week and outperformed Vegas, who thought this was damn close to a toss up.

Enjoy the wins - learn from them without the sting of a loss.

Great post spot on in the perspective you present. #5 though you're right won't matter, IF, and only if these shannigans don't continue and he takes a more traditional approach to time for td when dungys doing well.

Love Dino and think he's smart enough to learn the lesson of yesterday. Don't mess with prosperity until the fat lady has at least started to sing!

 

[HRE Otto IV]

On O Dungey had to carry us. Didn't expect that to be needed to get a simple first down. I was expecting the OL to play better. Both Dungey and DeVito were under pressure pretty often. The running game was non existent again. Next week the OL needs to figure things out.