A few random thoughts from Sunshine after the exciting, double overtime win over the Tide.
The Good
- Some may disagree, but I thought the defense was very good. They stopped the run for the first time this season (2.3 yards per rush). Got a takeaway and capitalized, returning it for a score. Pressured the QB all day, forcing five sacks for 42 yards in losses. And only gave up 17 points in regulation after the offense turned it over three different times. In my book, that’s good enough to win.
- Randy Kelly…man that’s the game of his life. 13 tackles and a fumble recovery which he “scooped and scored.” Great game.
- Matt Hewitt has found a new home. I’m sure he missed some assignments in his first start at LB, but he was around the ball all day, compiling eight total tackles. Give Herring and Nutt some credit for getting another tackler on the field. Nice job.
- Jamaal Anderson and Antwain Robinson - 4 1/2 sacks combined. That’s more like it guys.
- Ernest Mitchell, subbing for the injured Marcus Harrison, used his considerable strength to plug the middle all day, and recorded five tackles. As Coach Rocker says…he brought his lunch pail with him on Saturday.
- Watching HDN jump the wall after the game, go into the student section, climb the band director’s stand, and orchestrate the singing of the fight song…priceless.
The Bad
- Mustain’s three picks. As a freshman, he’s going to have some days like that. But give him a lot of credit for hanging in there and tossing the winning TD pass in the second OT. Kines 1, Mustain 0.
- We can’t miss extra points, but I’m not going to complain too much considering the day that Mr. Tiffin had for the Tide.
The Ugly
- The 78 yard Alabama TD pass from Wilson to Hall. Could have done without seeing that.
- Michael Grant’s dead ball, stupid penalty after the Hogs had held on third down to stop an early drive. Can’t have that sort of stuff.
However, all in all, it did indeed turn out to be a “beautiful day in the Ozarks.”
I agree the defensive front seven came through for us. Matt Hewitt found a new home, unfortunately the home he vacated was effectively exploited by Bama for a long TD against our third string safety. Speaking of which I thought John Parker Wilson played like a fifth year senior.