TGTBTU
The Good:
*When Kevin Prince had time to throw, he did so with precision and calm. That's not always as easy as it looks.
*Rahim Moore is a ball hawk. Three picks, albeit on some lame duck throws, is pretty nuts.
*The offensive linemen advanced to the second level quickly, which gives line coach Bob Palcic and offensive coordinator Norm Chow some options in the running game. Don't be surprised to see more zone blocking schemes.
*Brian Price and Kevin Prince were not seriously injured, despite each being on the ground for more than a couple minutes during the game.
The Bad:
*Aaron Hester is injured. Hester told me briefly after the game that he had already had X-rays taken, and that the fracture is minimal. He also said he was injured in first series but still played.
*UCLA's pass protection simply broke down a few times, and Prince is too young to give up too early. He'll have his fair share of sacks this season.
*The running back-by-committee standing could rear its ugly head as the season progresses. Coleman and Franklin were very judicious in their comments today; see what happens after a loss.
The Ugly
*Prince's two picks were freshman mistakes. His touch passes, though, show his talent.
*That first Lindley interception. Ouch. The drummer from Def Leppard could've made a better effort.
Wished the coaches would have kept Thigpen's redshirt. Already have an all conf PR/KO returner in Austin and the RB corps is already crowded.
Jon, I was under the impression the coaching staff would only burn Brehaut's redshirt if they absolutely needed to (ie. due to injuries). Any reason why they chose to throw it all away in the last series of a game that was out of hand?
Do they really think he will compete for the starting job this year?
I for one am glad they decided to burn Brehaut's redshirt. We should have at least 2 or 3 blow out games this year where he could get some valuable experience. Moreover, if Prince decides to be a turnover machine again, the coaching staff won't hesitate to sub in Brehaut.
Of course they should burn Thigpen's redshirt. The guy is ELECTRIC. Look at that punt he downed at the five, he got there in a dash! Man they will find ways to use him, I mean he is the fastest guy on the team. People get hurt, banged up, suspended, etc. You need more than just one or two playmakers. They will find ways for him to get the ball...
About Brehaut, same thing. Let those two compete for the next 3/4 years. May the best man win. And INJURIES ALWAYS happen at the QB position. I also think this means that he will be the backup QB this year instead of Craft.
Good points Jay - the injury factor will play a big part of this team. If KP goes down, we need a guy like Brehaut who can make the long tough throws that KC is not equiped to make.
Good points Jay. After of few hours of reflection, it's obvious that the coaching staff wants to put the best talent/playmakers on the field at all times. And Thigpen is definitely going to be making plays.