Spring Game Thoughts

**wartknight** · 04-14-2007, 04:10 PM

Oh they're not even CLOSE to where they need to be, but if they can get 3,4 yards a pop, we're going to win some football games.
I don't think the OL can take too much credit for the long run. If I remember right, it looked like it was designed to go to the right, it was all jumbled up in there, and then he ended up outrunning everybody around left end.

Originally Posted by MaxPower57

Well Dedrick did look like a good pass blocker, I'd give you that. Yet they've got a long way to go to be average. They really did not get any push, just kind of a stalemate a the LOS. I was just disappointed later in the game when our starting O could not manufacture more than 2-3 yards a pop with guys like frosh like Chase Hurtig and Patrick Neal on the D-Line.

Harris' long gain came with the 2nd teamers. This line is quite a bit different than last year, possibly more adapt to pass block, but there wont be much success running it down anyboys throat. At this point its a crapshoot though, but I do think Ben Lamaak will end up being a pretty solid tackle.

**ArathornClone** · 04-14-2007, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by twojman

Meyer disappointed me today. He looked like he was rattled a bit in the 'second half'. He was trying to scramble and something eerily familiar, did not check to another receiver a whole lot. (I know it is spring ball, but I thought I would see a difference.)

Meyer also underthrew a LOT of deep balls. Sumeral had the DB's beat by about 10 yards, the ball was underthrown to the endzone by a few yards and the D was able to knock it down.

I liked the pseudo stretch plays in the running game. Some O-lineman were able to get down the field and block a few yards beyond the line of scrimmage. I did notice that the offense seemed to be lacking in attitude and intensity. Again, maybe because it is a spring game, but the D seemed fired up.

Scales impressed me. He is big and much quicker (not faster) than Hicks. He went right through the small holes created for him and broke some tackles.

Harris had a great run for a TD with what looked to be, GASP, break away speed. He had a nice stiff arm at the line of scrimmage to get himself free.

Singleton had a nice shot on a WR to knock the ball out. He did get chewed out though on a punt play as the ball was touched by the punting team and did not jump on the ball, he just stood there. He really got reamed.

I am not going to predict a 9-3 season, but 6-6 is possible. If Gene can go to a bowl game in his first year, he is the Big 12 coach of the year.

What you saw was Meyer playing behind the 2nd string line with the 2nd string receivers and I agree it was awful. Arnaud looked good but overthrew as many deep balls as Meyer underthrew.

Meyer's pass to R.J. for the first deep play that setup the field goal was perfect. Meyer's pass to R.J. for the touchdown was perfect. Arnaud's passes short - mid range were great and on a rope. Deep balls - great spirals and very good throws just no timing. Most were overthrows and one was an underthrow that the defender tipped but the receiver stuck with it to make a great catch. Too bad he fumbled after that.

**wartknight** · 04-14-2007, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by ArathornClone

I have to disagree with you here on Sandvig. When I was watching Singleton played with the starting defense most of the time. They mixed some other guys in with various coverages and such. I don't think Sandvig has the starting corner spot.

Sandvig was with the first unit for pretty much the entire first half. I didn't pay too much attention to the DBs after that though.

**dbronco7sc** · 04-14-2007, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by ArathornClone

Most were overthrows and one was an underthrow that the defender tipped but the receiver stuck with it to make a great catch. Too bad he fumbled after that.

Who was that again??? I never got the name...

**ArathornClone** · 04-14-2007, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by dbronco7sc

Who was that again??? I never got the name...

no idea the name wasn't on the 2 deeps. Also, #17 in white had some very good catches and seemed to be Arnaud's favorite receiver. Not sure who it was though.

**MaxPower57** · 04-14-2007, 04:18 PM

#17 is Joel Zitek, I think he is gonna eventually get some time. He was impressive in the open practices and impressive today.

I think the other guy who had the catch may have been Scribbins

**CyForPresident** · 04-14-2007, 04:18 PM

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Zitek For Heisman.

**ArathornClone** · 04-14-2007, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by wartknight

Sandvig was with the first unit for pretty much the entire first half. I didn't pay too much attention to the DBs after that though.

that may be but he is listed 3rd on the 2 deeps at RCB. I'm pretty sure he didn't jump 2 spots since then. He did have a nice pass break up though an the Meyer to Sumrall underthrow.

**wartknight** · 04-14-2007, 04:22 PM

I saw the 2-deeps, that's why everyone around me was very surprised to see him out there with the first unit.

**scottie33** · 04-14-2007, 04:23 PM

I think Meyer will definately be our starting QB, from what you guys saw today, it is nice to see that Arnaud had good fundamentals and throwing technique. This proves valuable incase Meyer does get hurt, we feel somewhat comfortable with our backup quarterback in Arnaud

**ArathornClone** · 04-14-2007, 04:23 PM

Scales started slow but he ran really hard today. He was really hitting people which is what I recall was being said about him. If Harris can hang on to the ball then they may make a great "Thunder and Lightning" combination. Throw Bass in the mix and I'm really excited about ISU's running game this year.

Barkema looked good when he was thrown to.

Is Moses playing anymore? Didn't see him at all.

Parker looks much bigger.

It looked like Tuba has REALLY slimmed down and looks to be in great shape.

Our returners - granted the coverage was not full speed - really seemed to find some lanes and take off. Sumrall and Singleton both looked good back there.

The first time I remember hearing Bolt yelling (I think it was him) was when the defense had a 3 and out. Immediately after the play he was half way out on the field SCREAMING at the top of his lungs. "Get off the field, Get off the field. Don't give 'em nothing. Don't give 'em nothing, that a boy." He got more intense from there. It was great to see. very animated.

Chizik ran one sideline the first half and the other the second half.

Our 2nd string d-backs got burned - ALOT. But, Arnaud overthrew the receivers and Meyer underthrew a couple.

**ajk4st8** · 04-14-2007, 04:30 PM

Was it me or did Meyer not hit one reciever in full stride?

Is it some sort of strategy to make our recievers stop and turn back for the ball? If not wow.

Moses was on the sidelines with his broken foot in a boot.

I wouldnt put any importance on what DB played with which unit. They all rotated throughout the entire game.

**ArathornClone** · 04-14-2007, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by ajk4st8

Was it me or did Meyer not hit one reciever in full stride?

Is it some sort of strategy to make our recievers stop and turn back for the ball? If not wow.

Moses was on the sidelines with his broken foot in a boot.

I wouldnt put any importance on what DB played with which unit. They all rotated throughout the entire game.

Actually, yes - one receiver. He hit R.J. Sumrall on a beatiful deep ball over the corners right shoulder to setup the first FG and he hit Sumrall in stride for their touchdown. Outside of those two - maybe the pass to barkema on the sideline. That's about it though.

**ajk4st8** · 04-14-2007, 04:35 PM

Ah I forgot that one nice deep ball to Sumrall. Without much wind, I thought he was a bit off. But its spring so who really cares:)

**cycloneworld** · 04-14-2007, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by twojman

Meyer disappointed me today. He looked like he was rattled a bit in the 'second half'. He was trying to scramble and something eerily familiar, did not check to another receiver a whole lot. (I know it is spring ball, but I thought I would see a difference.)

Meyer also underthrew a LOT of deep balls. Sumeral had the DB's beat by about 10 yards, the ball was underthrown to the endzone by a few yards and the D was able to knock it down.

I liked the pseudo stretch plays in the running game. Some O-lineman were able to get down the field and block a few yards beyond the line of scrimmage. I did notice that the offense seemed to be lacking in attitude and intensity. Again, maybe because it is a spring game, but the D seemed fired up.

Scales impressed me. He is big and much quicker (not faster) than Hicks. He went right through the small holes created for him and broke some tackles.

Harris had a great run for a TD with what looked to be, GASP, break away speed. He had a nice stiff arm at the line of scrimmage to get himself free.

Singleton had a nice shot on a WR to knock the ball out. He did get chewed out though on a punt play as the ball was touched by the punting team and did not jump on the ball, he just stood there. He really got reamed.

I am not going to predict a 9-3 season, but 6-6 is possible. If Gene can go to a bowl game in his first year, he is the Big 12 coach of the year.

This about sums up my thoughts as well. I like the addition of the stretch running play altough the OL can't get beat within .3 seconds like it did today.

And I agree about Parker looking MUCH bigger.

Another thing...I don't EVER remember there being that many people at a spring. Even though the weather was weird...it would be warm when the sun came out then cold when the sun wasn't out.