Here are my thoughts on last night's game:
- Positive - Running Game
- I liked what I saw from the running game. I was hesitant after the Fall Scrimmage to anoint Stafon the lead back, but after last night's game I believe he should get equal time with CW. He showed great patience, ability to break the 1st tackle, and a nice combo of speed/power.
People will argue that C.J. Gable had more yards per carry, but the thing that concerns me with C.J. is his inability to break the first tackler. When there's a hole, C.J. thrives with his shiftiness, but he can't absorb two hits and push for 3-4 yards like Stafon did last night on one play.
- Negative - D-Line Play/Turnovers
- Where was the D-Line this game? When the defense wasn't blitzing, it seemed like the Idaho QB had a full minute to get the ball off. The run D looked atrocious at times as well; the Idaho O-Line were getting their angles and pushing the D-line out of position leaving gaping holes. Definitely disappointing.
- I don't think much needs to be said about the turnover battle. We picked up a fumble when the Idaho QB lost the handle on the ball but didn't force any turnovers.
- Player of the Game - Stafon Johnson
- Stafon was the only player that really stood out to me. He ran the ball hard and showed great shiftiness and vision.
- Play of the Game - Vidal Hazelton's One-Handed TD Catch
- No question it's Vidal's beautiful one-handed catch in the end-zone. The angle in which he caught the ball and the way he secured it using only one hand was mind-boggling.
- Game-ball - Kristofer O'Dowd
- Kristofer played a solid game in his first career start. The line looked in-sync, I don't recall there being a false start, and the center-to-QB exchange looked smooth. Although he wasn't be the best player in the game, I think he deserves the game-ball for his play considering the circumstances.
- Final Thoughts... - Stanley Havili's Stellar Play/Rant Against USC Student Section
- Stanley Havili just impresses me more and more. When he leaped over the Idaho defender I turned to my friend and said, "We have ourselves a USC version of Brian Leonard."
- To the USC Student Section: Take note of the Cal-Tennessee game last night. Yes, the Cal section has ripped off chants/cheers from Florida, WVU, Notre Dame, etc., but they have become more intimidating, organized, and cohesive than the USC student section... BY FAR. How we still accept mindless chants like, "Beat the ____" at a cadence that makes it impossible to be loud is beyond me. Start simple like Cal is doing and then establish your own traditions. It's flat out embarrassing to be outdone by schools like Cal, Rutgers, etc. that have little to no football tradition whatsoever.
When all is said and done, I'm confident going into the Nebraska game. Yes there is cause for concern, but I have faith that this team will turn it around in two weeks. Pete Carroll knows how to get a team ready for big games and I have full faith that we'll be clicking in Lincoln.
