Some random thoughts from Sunshine after watching the Auburn game.
The Good
Well, let’s start with the offensive line. The complete mauling of an Auburn defense, who coming into the game was ranked #23 nationally in run defense, was impressive to say the least. Stephen Parker’s block on McFadden’s TD run was a thing of beauty. As he pulled to his right and saw no one, he turned up into the hole to bury the linebacker. Doesn’t get any better than that for an O-lineman.- It is time we all gave some props to the coaching staff for putting together a great game plan, which was executed to perfection on both sides of the ball. Not only that, but to get the players to believe they could go into a hostile environment, execute together as one, and win is a tribute to them, their enthusiasm, and their preparation.
- The trickeration to Reggie Fish was sprung at the exact right time. The foolish, unsuccessful “rugby-style” punt by Auburn opened the door, and Coach Malzahn was ready to strike with a momentum turning play.
- The ability of the defensive front four to put pressure on Cox, without having to blitz more than one other defender was big. This allowed Herring to defend without “selling out,” keeping Auburn from hitting the big play. Five sacks, but the longest Auburn play was just 24 yards on their lone touchdown play.
- The Hogs finally pushed into the Top 25 with the win, and could ascend into the top 15 if they can finish the month at 7-1.
The Bad
- The Mitch Petrus sustained block that turned into a personal foul penalty in the fourth quarter was unfortunate. The 15 yards turned a second and short into a second and 24, that stalled the drive when the Hogs were trying to run clock.
The Ugly
- On a day where we assaulted the #2 team in the country…on the road…by 17 points…by running it down their throats…there is no ugly this week. Enjoy. GO HOGS!!!
Well Sunshine, I notice Auburn is ranked 11 and Arkansas ranked 17 in the AP Poll. I guess it's because Auburn hasn't had 50 points hung on 'em this season. Reckon?
Ha. Could be. It's about time you voiced an opinion on here. I know you've been lurking….
I will say this: Had we played as well in that season opener as we did yesterday, we might very well be undefeated. Nothing we saw in the first four games would have told us to expect that yesterday. But now that we know this team has that type of game in them, look out. People are going to expect that kind of effort, game planning, and execution every week.
We'll see now if they can deliver.
Maybe if HDN would have started Mustain in the first game, things would have been different. I know, it was probably best to pass on the freshman against USC, but it does make you wonder what could have been….
5 turnovers made the biggest difference in the USC game. I do not think the team was ready yet to run this offense- particularly blocking and execution of all other sorts. Mustian would not have made that difference and I do not think the team was ready for him to take over. Casey Dick would have been the other difference maker possibly. Unfortunately for him we have likely seen the last of him. I do not think he plays the rest of the year unless absolutely needed. Saving him a readshirt when he transfers. I hate to see him go. But I'll bet it happens particulary if Kodi Burns commits. I do not think the guy is afraid of competition. I just think he is a competitor who is going to want to play.
We wouldn't have won if Mustain started against USC.
No, not in game 1, but he might now…even a better chance by the end of the season. I sure would love another shot at those guys…especially now that we're improving and they don't seem as bullet proof. I don't think there are any bowl matchups outside of BCS that this could happen, so looks like we'll have to wait for our chance.
That's right razorblade! We are definitely improving and Mustain is simply A WINNER. He and Gus have brought something with them from Springdale that is intangible. They are WINNERS. They don't want to lose, they don't like to lose, let's face it, they DON'T LOSE. You can't teach that quality to players. They either have it or they don't. Mitch and Gus obviously do, and it is refreshing!
I would love to have another shot at USC as well. We are definitely turning things around. MAN this Koolaid tastes GOOD!!!
I don't mean to rain on your Mustain parade but anyone could have played his position Saturday because it was all about the line and the backs on offense not the qb. The pass thrown to Monk if not for Monks great play should have went the other way. I am just not impressed yet I do beleive he is going to be a stud in the future but there is no way he would have been close to beating USC that first game if anything we would have gotten beaten worse. Some of you must be watching his play with your eyes closed or watching reruns of his high school games.
DieingHog, I think everyone agrees that Mitch has a ways to go, but both his abilities and confidence improve with every snap. Hats off to the coaches, line, backs, and defense to allow us to actually win big games while he's getting the much needed experience. Can you imagine the kind of day McFadden and Jones could have had if the attack had been balanced and Auburn not KNOWN we were going run the ball every down