Midway through the second half today, I started to think about the Stanford game. Not because of the scope of the potential upset, but because of the identical game progressions. Western Washington did to the Aggies almost exactly what UC Davis did to the Cardinal two years ago. The Vikings held the ball for more than 38 minutes and ran 22 more plays than the Aggies. Go back and look at the Stanford stats and you'll see some similiarities. In both cases, the superior depth of the better-funded team never really had a chance to take control.
Here are some other obsevations:
--There's not a quarterback controversy. Aggie coach Bob Biggs had planned to play both Tim Plough and Matt Engle, just to allow each of them to get some snaps.
--UCD's receivers were disappointing. One wonders how different the game is if Chris Carter catches that pass over the middle on the Aggies' first drive. Too many drops.
--UCD's defense committed three personal foul penalties, including back-to-back ones late in the second half that gifted Western Washington a field goal. The Aggies had a nasty habit of taking personal foul calls last year too, some of which were quite costly. It will be interesting to see what the coaches think of those plays when they see them on film.
--UCD's defensive line couldn't get to the quarterback. There were two sacks and some hurries, but mostly, in passing situations, the Aggie defensive backs were left in single coverage. That's not to say the DBs had a great game, because they didn't. But things aren't always what they seem.
--Aggie Stadium needs lights. The final totals, as you'll read tomorrow, 85 fans treated, eight sent to the hospital (although none were critical). The lights are coming, but this was a tough opener all around.
2 comments:
Mirer - can you please spotlight the lights situation more? Specifically, I would like to see something exploring the logic (or lack thereof) of the Athletic Department NOT using temporary lights to play at night. Those of us who have been in this area long enough know the potential heat.
The whole situation stinks of poor planning all around. They rolled the dice with the health of fans (especially the older alumni donors - not smart). We were VERY lucky nothing serious happened. That would have been one very bad way to usher in the "New Era". The lost game was bad enough. A dead fan would be a thousand times worse.
There is quite an outrage being discussed at www.aggiesportstalk.com that you should read.
PLEASE, spotlight this issue so we can pressure the AD and not risk the same situation against Northeastern.
Great observations, Mike. I agree whole-heartidly. We simply shot ourselves in the foot. The boys gave it their all, however! The heat was kind of scary at times, it's hard to explain. I believe this is a good team and they'll bounce back. However, I do believe that the Qb position will need to improve in order to put ourselves in a place to seriously contend and win.
Post a Comment