Winasota Gopher
Deep Insider
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2012
- Messages
- 6,668
- Reaction score
- 77
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- 48
Just a few things that haven't been mentioned...
I was faked out on the first couple of Mitch's runs and so was the defense. I started watching a little closer and I think Mitch is holding the mesh point a bit longer - until the defense bites. On those first few runs he was all by himself for the first 10 yards while the defense was going the other way.
Holland got a lot of work - I saw him taking snaps with first, second and third string. He dropped one but in general I think he has good hands.
Jones took 5 tries to get his touchdown. He didn't get over his first three times, there was a penalty so the O got first and goal and then Jones got over the line in two more tries. Jones is shifty enough but just is not as big and strong as Nugget. I doubt if they use Jones down near the goal line any more.
All three backs are very good. At this point, Rodrick would start, Smith would get 30% to 40% of the carries at running back and Jones would be coming in for Maye and Smith and perhaps used some as a WR. Kill has said he doesn't want Jones standing next to him on the sidelines. Another way to say that is Jones is not good enough to be our starting RB so lets see where else we can use him. I think Jones is very good but Nugget is clearly our best running back. For those of you who are remembering the Nugget from last year, put that out of your mind - this years version is faster, quicker and pretty good at weaving through traffic.
They were running Edwards a lot on between the tackle plays. I think they are trying to recreate the Chad Spann era. For those of you who didn't see the No. Ill. vrs MN game of 2010, or those of you who have repressed that nightmare, Chad Spann was Northern's RB who gained about 1,000 yards that game. Once he got around end or got through the line, it was off to the races. Edwards could be the same thing but he is not there yet - partly because. as MN4LYFE points out, the defense is really very, very good and because Edwards just isn't finding the holes as well as the other three backs.
I think this defense will be the best in the B10 this year. If a QB takes a half second too long in making their read or in getting rid of the ball they are in danger of a sack or a pick.
Who is the big upgrade on getting pressure this year? Is it coming more form the development of our ends or is it an increase in pressure in the form of blitz due to the trust in the secondary?