sith_horn

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.

It would be nice if he developed some touch on short stuff. Mayhap that improves with more live reps? We kept hearing about all these deep ball connections and how improved Ewers was at going through his progressions during Fall Camp. Oh Yeah, improved footwork, mechanics and faster release too. I suspect there was a no contact order on QBs in place during fall camp, and greater familiarity with how the D ligns up, stunts and blitzes (this pertains more to poor OL performance, but certainly relevant to Ewers). Ewers' first half poise, footwork and pocket presence sucked. It's game 1 only so some rust and live game adjustment perhaps excusable but he no longer has the excuse of being a fledgling lamb. Especially after Sark refused to pull him in atrocious games like Ok State last season to foster his development.

And I still don't know how, he didn't even really get hit. Might have landed wrong.

And his floaters were due to a noodle arm which is anything but for Ewers.

Beautiful pass.

He's also moving damn well at his size. He gave great pursuit of JT Daniels earlier in the game.

He's definitely holding up his end.

We should still be able to impose our will against Rice though. Blocking is a problem and not just for the OL. WR's and TE's too. And Ewers is not having a good day thus far. Hopefully this is all just a game 1 or 1st half funk they shake loose of. If they settle in, this might all be just a blip we forget. One can hope.

Sark playing 3D chess with Saban ...

Maybe too cautious on revealing playbook?

In Defense and Bert we [must] Trust? ...

To be fair, this is a true statement. Strangely, however, that’s looking more and more like an aberration Against OU too, but yeah, if he can't be consistent ...

He had it against Alabama last season. He lost it and needs to find his way back.

A. Mitchell whiffing on too many blocks.

J. Brooks!

Gunner Helms failed to pick up block.

OL too, but let's be glad there is this tune up game, which isn't over yet. A lot of this may be they just need to settle down and play confidently like they've been coached to do.

Gotta compliment #22 Rice on fighting off the stiff arm and making the TD saving tackle on Baxter there.