sith_horn

Iowa putting it on ISU ...

When you look at Iowa St, it's all about the 5 star culture and 0 points on the scoreboard.

The Suckage is strong in Nebraska.

CU pom-pom talent not good.

Laughing at Kendal Briles for not understanding this. He was too busy executing Briles' offensive wizardry to win the game. That CU defense wouldn't have made it to the 4th Q.

User ID checks out.

Ripe opportunity for local 10 yr olds to practice with their Daisy Red Ryders ...

Did you ever get squared away with Weber smokers?

Are you sure about that? Taking easy yards when the field is open and everyone is covered isn't too risky so long as the QB isn't stupid about it. Big difference between making a defense pay for selling out to coverage vs Sam Ehlinger trucking defenders. I think Sark just doesn't want his QB's tempting fate.

I was told there would be no math Latin. Let there be Latin ...

It will be Alabama strength vs Texas weakness if the OL doesn't step up their game. Hopefully Flood and crew are cleaning things up on recognition by the OL and emphasizing stunts, delayed blitzes, etc. They're easily confused by trickery. That's how an undersized opponent like Rice made them look bad.

It will be interesting to what extent, Burke vs Collins in a heavy front are used situationally. Burke's sack was really a team effort though. Good on him for getting back up and not quitting the play, but since the pocket was pushed back and Bush was coming around the other side, Daniels was turned right back into Burke's grasp. Of course, the caveat here is Rice OL << Bama OL. Also, won't be surprised if Saban plays more than one QB. Regardless, let's hope Burke and Co. remember to set the edge and contain as well as rushing the passer. Especially with Milroe in the backfield.

Not sure how candid Sark is behind the scenes. He comes off as a positive reinforcement, player's coach kind of guy. But I think he needs to stop with the kid gloves at this juncture. Time for Ewers to grow up.

Basically he went on a diet and got a haircut... fans projected that to mean he fixed his happy feet and mechanics. Actually, what Red Five said per 995'rs and their "sources". Not projection by fans. But it's also true much was made of a haircut and diet ad nauseam.

the vibe is entirely too defeatist and negative around here. people need to get a grip

Or did he revert to bad habits under live fire? Tough to know since all we have are 3rd hand reports from fall camp. The reason I suggest this as a possibility is I'm pretty sure there was a hands off QBs policy throughout the off-season.

I agree with your first statement. On the 2nd, I will cite Alabama and OU last season. He absolutely played like a rock star in those two games. To me, this is a mental problem -- his state of mind. His light needs to come back on, and stay on. When will that happen? Can't say when or if it will but I can say that sometimes after a full offseason there is game rust. He shouldn't have been nervous, but it sure looked like he was in the first half. OL didn't help that situation either. I'm not giving him a pass on that, just saying if this was just first time back in the saddle after a while jitters ( run on, anyone?), he may yet hit his stride.

but . . . Texas

Yes. I remember that being more of a team sack than individual play by Burke. Good hustle by both.

It fits actually. While I agree with your take he shouldn't be nervous after being QB1 all last season, I'd guess Fall Camp was no contact for QBs. Couple that with an OL that hasn't gelled yet on pass pro in particular, and I could see some potential for live bullets "rust" in game 1. I was particularly interested to see how the OL would handle stunts/blitzes and creative lineups this game since they didn't handle it so well last season. I think once they "know" what they're supposed to do, then that talent will be able to assert itself with authority. Question is, how soon can they get it together. Likewise with Ewers. Keep in mind that the OL practices against a particular defense and probably get's to know their tendencies. Rice wasn't obligated to play by that script. They don't have to be superior talent to generate confusion in the OL. Ewers' first half poise was shit and he took sacks he shouldn't have. Hell, he self-sacked once. 995'rs pumped his improved footwork, haircut, mature approach, faster release, deep ball connections and going through his progressions. I think he failed under live fire and reverted to poor habits. But he just might adjust and be better in game 2. He'd best get it together soon though or make way for next man up.