I posted this before the game - thought it would be good to summarize how it played out.
Ten Things we should learn against UNC
1) Can we establish a consistent running game against an average defense?
- Yes, I think we did that. Showed improvement anyway.
2) Can the OL hold up better against lessor pass rush? Do we see any improvement?
- Well, fewer sacks. I think we saw at least some improvement.
3) Can we get the other receivers to contribute? Will Jeff Thomas return to form?
- Not as much as I had hoped. A bit better than against UF, but not really anything solid.
4) Can our DL get more TFL and sacks against a lessor team?
- Not as much as I expected against a freshman QB. Clearly not as strong an area as last year.
5) Will our DBs hold up given they may be targeted by UNC?
- Nope. This was an area of concern after UF. The DBs got targeted and it wasn't pretty.
6) Will JW perform better - get ball out quicker, spot open receivers, avoid sacks?
- Yes, I think we saw good progress with JW.
7) Can we establish any downfield passing game?
- Not much. Clearly still an area of emphasis.
8) Will Mallory - can he shake the jitters and play to his capability?
- Actually, I didn't notice him much in the game. So I guess not yet.
9) Will coaches find a way to help the OL with pass protection? - Quick plays, miss directions, TE and RB support?
- I saw more of this. Still need to get JW more help. Too many sacks and rushed passes.
10) Can we get our kicking game rocking? Better punting, more consistent kicking, ability to flip the field.
- Yes, for sure on the punting and kick coverage. Much better. Unfortunately our FG / EP game seems to have regressed with Baxa.
So of the ten things I was looking for in the game, maybe 4-5 were encouraging. The rest, not so much.
Ten Things we should learn against UNC
1) Can we establish a consistent running game against an average defense?
- Yes, I think we did that. Showed improvement anyway.
2) Can the OL hold up better against lessor pass rush? Do we see any improvement?
- Well, fewer sacks. I think we saw at least some improvement.
3) Can we get the other receivers to contribute? Will Jeff Thomas return to form?
- Not as much as I had hoped. A bit better than against UF, but not really anything solid.
4) Can our DL get more TFL and sacks against a lessor team?
- Not as much as I expected against a freshman QB. Clearly not as strong an area as last year.
5) Will our DBs hold up given they may be targeted by UNC?
- Nope. This was an area of concern after UF. The DBs got targeted and it wasn't pretty.
6) Will JW perform better - get ball out quicker, spot open receivers, avoid sacks?
- Yes, I think we saw good progress with JW.
7) Can we establish any downfield passing game?
- Not much. Clearly still an area of emphasis.
8) Will Mallory - can he shake the jitters and play to his capability?
- Actually, I didn't notice him much in the game. So I guess not yet.
9) Will coaches find a way to help the OL with pass protection? - Quick plays, miss directions, TE and RB support?
- I saw more of this. Still need to get JW more help. Too many sacks and rushed passes.
10) Can we get our kicking game rocking? Better punting, more consistent kicking, ability to flip the field.
- Yes, for sure on the punting and kick coverage. Much better. Unfortunately our FG / EP game seems to have regressed with Baxa.
So of the ten things I was looking for in the game, maybe 4-5 were encouraging. The rest, not so much.
