I have very few concerns coming out of Saturday.
Things went sideways early in that game like things do sometimes in sports.
Northwestern with two weeks to prepare put together a touchdown on chalk and accurate throws.
Happens. Nice job Fitz.
Then they benefited from some short fields and penalties. Also happens. The end result was a 17 point hole (and ultimately the only offense NU would mount all day).
Our offense suffered most from a lack of conversion on 4th and short and a dropped pass. These things gave away possessions, chewed valuable first half clock and kept NU in a better field position.
In the end, the team got a helluva lot more out of this game than they would have a 20 point win. With a lot of new pieces on O from staff down through personnel, they are finding themselves. The offense is becoming Patterson, Gentry and Higdon's offense and we appear in great hands with those three.
This is not an explosive offense yet - it could be by the time we get to Columbus. The defense has to find a way to excel early in our big three upcoming games, particularly MSU.
Once you accept that this isn't a national title team, the formula is this - win two of Wisconsin, MSU, Penn State.....then go beat the Bucks. That gets you to Indy.
I have a feeling this team will be incredibly effective with a lead against almost anyone, but the D needs to help ensure we get that lead. Hasn't been the case in our first two road games.
Things went sideways early in that game like things do sometimes in sports.
Northwestern with two weeks to prepare put together a touchdown on chalk and accurate throws.
Happens. Nice job Fitz.
Then they benefited from some short fields and penalties. Also happens. The end result was a 17 point hole (and ultimately the only offense NU would mount all day).
Our offense suffered most from a lack of conversion on 4th and short and a dropped pass. These things gave away possessions, chewed valuable first half clock and kept NU in a better field position.
In the end, the team got a helluva lot more out of this game than they would have a 20 point win. With a lot of new pieces on O from staff down through personnel, they are finding themselves. The offense is becoming Patterson, Gentry and Higdon's offense and we appear in great hands with those three.
This is not an explosive offense yet - it could be by the time we get to Columbus. The defense has to find a way to excel early in our big three upcoming games, particularly MSU.
Once you accept that this isn't a national title team, the formula is this - win two of Wisconsin, MSU, Penn State.....then go beat the Bucks. That gets you to Indy.
I have a feeling this team will be incredibly effective with a lead against almost anyone, but the D needs to help ensure we get that lead. Hasn't been the case in our first two road games.
