Ok, so here we are at the at the halfway point already(!). We've had our ups and downs, but how do you feel we are really doing so far?. These are my feelings at the halfway point. I can't go as in depth as many of you, as my work schedule and location has limited my ability to see every moment. But from what I've seen/read, here's my feelings....
QB- Troy could definately stand to improve his game, but nice to see some big plays this week! He still tends to lock onto his recievers, and doesn't read as well as I'd like. The potential is there, but I would love to see him become a better all around player. JZ has been efficient, if not spectacular in his time on the field. To me, he doesn't give us the "big-play" ability Troy does, but it's great to have him there to go to if it were necessary. Boeckman looked nice in his limited action against Miami, and could be a good option for the future. We (more accurately Troy) still need to tighten up here. Overall C+
RB/FB- Antonio Pittman has won me over. I had my doubts about him coming in, but he has played very well when given the chance. He just always seems to be moving forward. He will probably never be a major gamebreaker, but he can get the tough yards when counted on. The kind of guy that will quietly get you 1,000-1,200 yards. I don't really like Scnittker as a #2 back. Like him better at FB. Speaking of FB...could we please get Dionte Johnson in the game more?!?! I love seeing that kid play! He has a bright future at tOSU. MoW I think can be special. Not as an every down back, but as a nice change of pace back. Down the road I think he will be a great asset to this offense. Don't know what to think of Haw at this point. But the reports of his physical ability have me wanting to see him more. Hopefully we get some comfortable leads, and he can get some action if he gets his head in it.
Overall B
WR/TE- Kind of tough to judge with our QB struggles, but some big plays today gave some reason for excitement. Santonio is one of the best out there. Rock solid, and I can't wait to watch him on Sunday's. I would like to see Gonzo more involved. I think we should get him in there more, and maybe bring Teddy in for more designed packages. I'm not convinced he is best suited as an every down WR. We need to get away from these 5-7 yard routes and let these kids just GO. I hate to get on Hamby's case, he's gone through enough, but he's been a disappointment. Hopefully he can pull it together in the second half. I'm routing for him. Overall B
OL- All in all, I think we have held our own here for the most part. Some improvements can definately be made. I'd love to see them give Antonio more holes to work with. Datish is the one weakness that has stood out to me. I'd like to see him get it going since he comes from my own stomping grounds though
. Loved what I saw from Boone today, he's going to be special. Overall-B
DL- Another position I'd like to see some improvements from. Coming into the season, I think many of us had some questions about these guys, but overall they have played pretty well. Kudla has been a beast at times, and Pitcock has been solid. The youngsters are starting to show improvement as well. Overall B
LB- What can you say? Even when I take off my Scarlett Glasses, these guys are hands down the best in college football. I love watching these guys play! A.J. is a maniac that is involved in every play, and Bobby had four(!) sacks today. Shlegal is the quiet one, but he is a stud as well. Freeman and MDA will prevent us from suffering too big a dropoff next year. The way these guys persevered today against that Sparty offensive assault sent shivers down my spine! Overall-A+
DB- Again we are solid here again this year. Nate and Donte are one of the top safety combos in all of college football. Ashton is playing pretty damn well, and Tyler has been solid. In all honesty, I really would like to see Teddy get some action here, and maybe limit him on offense to make him harder to plan for. But all in all, another solid unit to this point.
ST- It would be very hard to say this hasn't been a disappointment overall...atleast return wise. Trespasso is continuing the lineage of rock solid Punters. I always have faith in him to pin the opposition back as far as possible. Huston thus far has been solid. Yeah he's missed a couple kicks. LONG KICKS that almost anyone(outside of NUUUGEE) would miss. But overall he's been pretty damn good. I am not nervous with him as our kicker, and he's been booming kickoffs pretty well (from what I've seen). As I said, returns have been a bit of a disapointment. We all came into the season with HUUUUUGE expectations for Teddy in this department. At this point, I think he has struggled under the weight of those very expectations. Today's game was awful. The fumbles (sun or not) cannot happen. Teddy will come around. I have a feeling once he stops dancing around and finally busts one, the flood gates will open. He is to special a talent not to come through.
Overall-C
So there are MY opinions. I can't lie, I wish we were better than 4-2, that Texas gane broke my heart. But I firmly believe that they are hands down the best team in college football this year, and I have no shame in the loss to a strong Penn St team in Happy Valley. As I said, I haven't had the opportunity to watch every second of every game like many of you, so criticism is welcome. Most of all, lets get your opinions. That's what boards like these are here for.
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