Punting? 1983 was either John Teltschik, future Philly great, or someone else, but the punting was much better then. FG kicking, another miss tonight, and if these two units have another bad game at the same time it could kill us.
Punting edge to '83
Kicking even. If Ward makes 4 out of 5 or 5 out of 5 in the '84 CB we would have been National Champs.
Offense, 24 much better, even with the turnovers.
Defense, '83 no doubt, but it is getting closer. '83 was #1 in the country in yards per game. I haven't looked at our rating now, but it almost has to be in the top 5.
Offense, lapses in every game, both years. Much worse in 1983, when we had problems due to Fred not able to decide on a QB and the fact that we lost our best running back in October I think. In his prime, Edwin Simmons reminded me of Bo Jackson, and almost as fast. But due to a medical condition Edwin found out that one leg was shorter than the other which caused knee problems. By the time the '83 season ended we had nobody who could hit the hole as fast as Edwin. Then Rick McIvor magically had the day of his life against the Age in the 45-13 win and Fred was committed to go with Rick for the Cotton Bowl.
Tonight the defense could have easily outscored the offense in the 2nd half, similar to how the '83 unit operated, but two potential interceptions were dropped. The drop by the DL is totally excusable, would have been a ridiculous catch and I didn't see a replay on the other, a ball thrown at the end of the third quarter.
Sad to say about the offense, but the offense is so bad in whichever quarter it disappears that I believe the D needs to try to score one TD per game.
If Aggy picks up the punt block and runs it in, we still win, but talk about fingernails on a chalkboard!! 17-14.
Let's have one game where all three units play well!!