Post-Game Thoughts on Troy
Posted
#176910
(In Topic #31282)
Wise Owl
Member since 2003
Another disappointing outcome in a game we should have won. Once again, we shoot ourselves in the foot with too many mistakes. Bad tackling, dropped passes and a really, really bad roughing the kicker penalty. The D was beaten for 3 big plays and that was pretty much the game.
The offense could not get the running game going, but I thought Rusty Smith was better than I have ever seen him. The last INT was a poor decision, however, and a bad throw. If you are going the throw into the endzone, make sure the pass is in a place where only the receiver can catch it…but this pass was thrown to the 1 yard line and the CB made a good play on the ball.
Overall, it wasn't a terrible performance. Troy just made more big plays, but there were a few positives. Once again we showed that we can play with any of the Sun Belt teams. Over the last 4 weeks, we have played the best 4 teams the SBC has to offer in ULL (who at the the time were playing well and considered a contender, but have since tanked), Arkansas St., MTSU, and Troy, and we have been right there with them physically. That was not the case last season. This year we matched up, but killed ourselves with mental mistakes, which I guess is expected given our youth.
Also, the attendance yesterday was the best of the season.
For the rest of the year, we have 2 games left and they are both very winnable. The goal now should be to finish above .500 in conference play and most importantly, bring the Shula trophy home.
Posted
Wise Owl
Member since 2004
Post-Game Thoughts on Troy
Posted
Bytor
Member since 2004
Post-Game Thoughts on Troy
Posted
Wise Owl
Member since 2004
Post-Game Thoughts on Troy
Ah, well. On to North Texas. We'll be there, hoping the Owls remain motivated in their final two games. With North Texas coming off a solid win, my guess is that the Mean Green will be ready. And with FIU getting hammered once again, my guess is that the Golden Panthers would be pleased to take out their frustrations on the Owls in a couple of weeks.
Posted
Bytor
Member since 2004
Post-Game Thoughts on Troy
North Texas looks like they have found new life in a season full of disappointments, hopefully the Owls go to Denton with purpose and determination and not allow the Mean Green to build anymore confidence on the gridiron.
Posted
Wise Owl
Member since 2004
Post-Game Thoughts on Troy
Post-Game Thoughts on Troy
Posted
Administrator
Member since 2006
Post-Game Thoughts on Troy
mh2os said
The breakdowns on defense were disappointing, but Rusty seemed bi-polar. He would have 2-3 good plays then throw the ball out of bounds on a swing pass, or throw right to the defender when no receiver was in the area, and on that last INT he had Sanchez open in the flat which would have easily been a first down. It seemed as though if the coaches designed a roll-out Rusty was fine on his feet, but if it was a straight drop-back he was wearing lead shoes. Also, on the last touchdown pass he made a good read a took his time, but almost every other time he checked off his first read something bad seemed to happen.
EXACTLY…i am a team guy and i appreciate those who chose to support him…BUT come next year, the boy better show up to play with his "nerves, misfires, badsnaps, and miscommunications" out the door…we have two very capable, and more accurate players in Cranor and Grant coming in for competition at playing time and the starting role…i think its safe to say that Clayton's injury has releived him of duties…not due to the injury itself, but due to timing etc…
Rusty, love ya man…but we need to win…
Posted
Wise Owl
Member since 2004
Post-Game Thoughts on Troy
2017 and 2019 Conference USA Champions
Posted
Bird of Prey
Member since 2006
Post-Game Thoughts on Troy
Those horrible refs, as usual aided us in our loss.
Special teams weren't that bad but should would like to have someone block so we can get beyond the 15 yard line when we do decide to run it back.
Defense - hate to say it but we sure dont' tackle the little ankle biters too good on the run. They were feet tackling! And the defensive backs - well …….. they need to concentrate on that area in the off season.
Offense - sure couldn't run the ball - especially when the same kid gets it over and over and over and gets no where. Very bad play calling if you ask me. Too many times this season they sent 1 kid out for the endzone pass - duh ….. and they wonder why he is intercepted ? With all the receivers they have that they never throw to, you would think they could send them all to the endzone and somebody could catch the ball , but no, they send 1 kid !!
Rusty didn't look that bad and I thought he didn't look nervous at all. HOWEVER, he makes himself look bad when it takes him 45 seconds to figure out what to do with the ball. He takes way too much time to make the play happen. Thus, the sacks, 0 yard gains. He has to learn to make quick decisions. Practice the long passes please - we sure could have used a few of those for a BIG PLAY !! Just one of those could have won us the game :(
I hope we decide the starting quarterback BEFORE SBC play next year.
Crowd was good and we had a great time.- tons of entertainments during the game. Sure hope they invest in a sound system next year - it was worse than our high school field - couldn't hear or understand a word anyone said.
There were a couple Troy players that I wish we could have hit REALLY HARD - #15 in particular who kept pointing at the scoreboard. Man it would've been nice to have beat them.
Can't wait for the next game when we win the Shula Trophy back !
Go OWLS !!
Posted
Wise Owl
Member since 2004
Post-Game Thoughts on Troy
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