Tech Concerns?

[pied]

The DMN indicated the defense did not play that great and that Harrell was a little off. His stats don't show that to me, but I saw zero of the game.

Very little news. Any Red Raiders that can shed some light?

Thanks

[lonny23]

The DMN indicated the defense did not play that great and that Harrell was a little off. His stats don't show that to me, but I saw zero of the game.

Very little news. Any Red Raiders that can shed some light?

ThanksThe general feeling among those at Tech is that Harrell was off. Off was still 49 points so that's a starting point to understand where we're coming from. Tech turned the ball over on downs twice inside the 5. They missed a FG and had one blocked, along with an extra point. Tech made a lot bigger effort to run than normal and they probably could've scored more if they had passed more.

I know one concern was a lack of blocking for Harrell. Leach said after the game that he has more respect for EWU than almost anybody he has ever played because Tech completely dominated them on both sides of the ball for the first 3 series and they just let up from there. I think part of the story was Tech let up because it was too easy and EWU kept playing hard. EWU wanted it more.

EWU has a couple good DE's and they were pressuring Harrell some (Not getting sacks) and maybe part of the problem was Vasquez going out with an injury (He came back to play later on). The QB is good and the reigning Big Sky Player of the Year.

As far as defense goes, Tech did a good job of playing 3rd downs, they came up with big plays like 3 INT's, getting sacks and tackles for loss. The run defense has been the problem in the past and they stuffed it good. All of the yards came in the passing department and that was Tech's strength last year. Maybe losing Chris Parker hurts more than we expected. The front 7 are better than last year. I really think the biggest problem last night is Tech just didn't come ready to play 4 quarters. Several times they'd let EWU drive and then stop the drive by getting a turnover, turn the ball over on downs, and they even blocked a FG. I wanted them to stuff EWU, but they slacked off too much.

[Favpack]

I guess if he had been "on" he would have thrown for 950 yards?

[wesaxman34]

I don't know how many people on this board actually got to see this game, but here's what I think:

Tech's defense made a huge statement right off the bat. The first play of the game was a throw that was picked off, and our offense quickly took advantage of the turnover. The next series was a 3 and out, and this is where our offense began to reveal some hiccups in the passing game. It seemed like Leach was trying to incorporate more running play selections, as the stats can show, with 25 play running plays (5 TDs) and 43 passing (2 TD's).

However, we ended up leading 20-0 in the first, which really isn't that bad for the first game of the season. We started to really drag when we couldn't convert two 4th downs in the redzone, and when EW's defense started to pressure Harrell in the 2nd and 3rd quarter.

I will say this. From what you're saying, the DMN news suggested that the defense struggled, which isn't true. In my opinion, Ruffin's defense out played the special teams by a long run and our offense as well. We got into trouble because of the 18 penalties we had. I will say it again, 18 penalties (169 yds). We played poorly on special teams, so in the long run, we basically gave ourselves really bad field position, or gave their offense really good field position. I was really proud of our defense. Harrell would not have 536 passing yards if we didn't end up starting on the 10 yard line every time (and I'm not exagerrating).

So really, we beat ourselves more than anything. As I said on the other thread, EWU is a very respectable team in their division, and if I were their coach, I would feel really good about their performance on both sides of the ball.

Thankfully, we play Nevada, SMU, and Mass before we play any conference games. This team is going to be outstanding when we don't beat ourselves. Our WR's are making some huge plays, and our defense really is starting to make a name for themselves. An 11-2 season is not out of the question for this team. Mark it down.

[lonny23]

I guess if he had been "on" he would have thrown for 950 yards?
Off was 536 yards, so on would have to approach 700 or more.

[lonny23]

I don't know how many people on this board actually got to see this game, but here's what I think:

Tech's defense made a huge statement right off the bat. The first play of the game was a throw that was picked off, and our offense quickly took advantage of the turnover. The next series was a 3 and out, and this is where our offense began to reveal some hiccups in the passing game. It seemed like Leach was trying to incorporate more running play selections, as the stats can show, with 25 play running plays (5 TDs) and 43 passing (2 TD's).

However, we ended up leading 20-0 in the first, which really isn't that bad for the first game of the season. We started to really drag when we couldn't convert two 4th downs in the redzone, and when EW's defense started to pressure Harrell in the 2nd and 3rd quarter.

I will say this. From what you're saying, the DMN news suggested that the defense struggled, which isn't true. In my opinion, Ruffin's defense out played the special teams by a long run and our offense as well. We got into trouble because of the 18 penalties we had. I will say it again, 18 penalties (169 yds). We played poorly on special teams, so in the long run, we basically gave ourselves really bad field position, or gave their offense really good field position. I was really proud of our defense. Harrell would not have 536 passing yards if we didn't end up starting on the 10 yard line every time (and I'm not exagerrating).

So really, we beat ourselves more than anything. As I said on the other thread, EWU is a very respectable team in their division, and if I were their coach, I would feel really good about their performance on both sides of the ball.

Thankfully, we play Nevada, SMU, and Mass before we play any conference games. This team is going to be outstanding when we don't beat ourselves. Our WR's are making some huge plays, and our defense really is starting to make a name for themselves. An 11-2 season is not out of the question for this team. Mark it down.Yes, penalties kept Tech starting on the 10, it kept EWU drives going and sometimes let them start in Tech territory and both Tech turnovers gave them the ball deep.

[wesaxman34]

Yes, penalties kept Tech starting on the 10, it kept EWU drives going and sometimes let them start in Tech territory and both Tech turnovers gave them the ball deep.

I was still typing when you posted yours, but mine basically complemented your analysis :cool:

This was a frusterating game to watch, but there were just a lot of mental mistakes that can easily be fixed. I wouldn't be surprised if we still have some mental mistakes next week at Nevada, but we will be better prepared.

[slorch]

In the long run, I think this game that had certain challenges to executing the game plan Tech had in mind( Opponent's talented QB, rush ends, ect) kept the game from being that 82-6 blowout that makes the team think they're ready.

Ultimately, the Raiders won the game they should have, but there is plenty o' material to focus on for improvement. For that I am thankful.

[wesaxman34]

In the long run, I think this game that had certain challenges to executing the game plan Tech had in mind( Opponent's talented QB, rush ends, ect) kept the game from being that 82-6 blowout that makes the team think they're ready.

Ultimately, the Raiders won the game they should have, but there is plenty o' material to focus on for improvement. For that I am thankful.

Yeah, I guess it is good in the sense that it wasn't a complete blowout, and everyone in that locker room knows they need to improve individually and avoid mental mistakes.