We had a 42-3 run that started in the second quarter and lasted through the third. Then I said that we'd need to score again to make sure we won. That was pretty nearly the case..
I've never heard Klatt broadcast worse. He's ragging on Riley in the fourth for abandoning the running game, but TCU was loading the box to stop the run.
If, in that case, we don't throw the ball, then you'd be complaining that he stopped throwing it, and went into a shell. It's about execution. There is a great play call, that got Andrews open on a crucial third down. He catches it under, a good call against their man to man, and Andrews slips and falls without being touched, apparently on his way to the first down.
In the OP, Joe credits Riley for getting the running game going. Again, say what? The players got the running game going. A successful first down run on third and ten by Perine, that set up the touchdown. But if Samaje doesn't get there, the peanut gallery would be ragging on the OC for calling a run on third and ten. You can't call running plays if it ain't working. Then the drop on third down in the last three minutes.
Kinda weird OLine lineup. Bobby Evans didn't start. We're already down two guys, but Samia started at right tackle and Dalton started at guard. Evans then came in and we started moving it, but it looked like Dalton played most of the second half, with Samia at tackle.
My ten thoughts on the game.
1. Parker's interception turned the momentum of the game, and maybe the season. And he made a half dozen tackles in space that were terrific plays.
2. The fact is that this offense, against good defenses, is not going to be able to run the ball without using some either zone read, or designated quarterback keeps, to keep the other D honest. For a while, TCU disregarded that, knowing we really don't want to run Mayfield much. But it changed the offense when Baker ran it.
3. When I watch other games, I see receivers in space making plays, and especially yards after catch and yards after contact. We finally got Westbrook going. But Miller and Smallwood aren't the players I expected them to be, by now. That drop on third down before the last field goal has to be caught. Not a great throw? Yes. But I'm reminded of the old Bill Mazeroski quote: "Don't complain about the bad hops. Your grandmother can field the easy ones." CTDB Especially on third down.
4. I don't think OUr defense was the only gassed unit on the field at the end. They finally got it right, but the officials did all they could to screw up that intentional grounding call before we finally got a stop to end it. A crucial call.
5. Joe Mixon might be a better receiver than running back. If we don't get somebody besides Andrews and Westbrook to throw to, we're going to wear those guys out before Halloween.
6. You can't know why. Maybe it's learning the defense. Maybe it's something else. But it's hard to imagine why Doucet didn't play at all against tOSU, and didn't play more yesterday.
7. When the fourth quarter started, I said that we wouldn't win if we didn't score again. Those three points weren't exactly affirming, but it did make a difference. If TCU had only needed a field goal, they might have figured out a way to get to the red zone. I wasn't liking our chances when they took over anyway, down only six. Obo sucked it up, and made three plays.
8. When you look at defenses, not just in the Big XII, but also around the country, these scoring orgies are close to becoming the norm, with two matched teams. If you don't score at least 40, then you'd better not complain about your defense, because you're likely to surrender more than 40. Against a tired defense in the fourth, who's already played 80 snaps in the first 45 minutes, you can get from your own 30 to the red zone on the other end quickly. If you didn't see the end of the UTenn win at Georgia, go cue up those two hail Mary touchdown passes in the last 15 seconds.
9. Michiah Quick is learning that corners get a little tired. Even elite receivers get to rest occasionally. DB's play pretty much every snap.
10. The broadcast crew implied that Cobb couldn't play because of injury. But I saw somebody with jersey number 4 on special teams. I believe he's the only 4 we have.
and 11. Any RRR tickets available for under face value?
