Some quick thoughts

[Excalibur]

The "it's a service academy" so they can't be good argument rings hollow.

No, it rings simplistic, which is all you need to know.

 

[kris1]

Who keeps pounding a tiny back up the middle? HCBD.

It's pretty simple really. A head coach who realizes that Newsome has half the carries that Ron Johnson does yet leads the team in rushing yards (32 for 153), averages nearly 5 y\c, and almost 10 yds per catch. Do you want a back that can move the chains via run or pass or a bruiser that gets 2.4 y/c? Don't get me wrong, I like using all 4 RBs, but Newsome (who's grown from last year both physically and mentally) should absolutely be the feature back behind an O line that doesn't hold blocks very long.

 

[Alum86]

Delorenzo

 

[NYUConn]

1. Progress isn't linear. They never threatened to win, but from 2011-2014 that Navy team would have beat UConn by 30. Unless you got overly excited by beating Army and Villanova - you had to know that outcome was probable.

2. Beals should shatter every UConn FBS receiving record. Offers matter - it's not an accident a player with his pedigree can step in and contribute.

3. They have to be more careful with Newsome. They ran him 5 straight plays at one point. He's not going to be as effective if they run him into the ground.

4. Going on fourth. onsides kicks. Love it - go out and play to win.

5. Crowd was dead - Navy's approach will do that.... but it was so nice to see a solid crowd so quickly. Clearly the schedule isn't as big a barrier as some may have believed. Win some games, be entertaining and the attendance will be pretty good.

If may not go well in Provo - but they have given every sign the trend is still up. To me, ahead of schedule.

Great summary. Had the same thoughts.

We're getting there, but it's a process. Won't happen overnight.

 

[kris1]

Delorenzo

Cumulative team stats

 

[Alum86]

Cumulative team stats

So, coach doesn't play him on the run so his stats aren't there. Great research.

 

[Confident Carl]

I feel like this was our best barometer this far. Navy is a good team, but we will only go as far as our line takes us this year - that still needs a good bit of work. We aren't at a point where we can overcome breakdowns on the line just yet. Gotta get back to work and keep improving.

Remembering Whitmer's many sacks last year, the pass blocking looks much better. Shirreff's mobility also helps. The run blocking needs more improvement although Tyler Samara looked very good in a pulling situation against Navy. Hopkins too. This is only Verchery's 5th game at Center. If the line plays well in Provo, BYU could be a much better game than the 18 pt spread would indicate.