Let's see how far we can get before this thread gets derailed. First let me start off by saying that I am in no way excusing that horrible play and coaching we saw in the second half, but there definitely were (believe it or not) some positives to be seen throughout the game. Now that we already have about 50 threads on what went wrong tonight, what did you see that went well? Here is some things that I noticed: Patrick Peterson may be more exciting in the return game than Trindon Holliday was. Aside from a few little slips by Jasper in the 1st quarter (missed FG and kickoff went out of bounds) our Special Teams did not look like they were playing in the first game of the season like UNC's did. Jasper was great punting from inside the 50. Helton was solid. Drake Nevis was a monster in the first half. The offense had some explosiveness in the first half. We actually were able to put pressure on the QB using our front four. We are throwing balls deep. We recovered fumbles! Again, lets try to keep one positive thread amongst the numerous negative threads.
Our special teams were great. Peterson is not "maybe" better than Holliday--he is better than Holliday. He was a beast. I was thrilled to actually sack the QB. I wish we'd blitzed more often. We got to him pretty much every time we did.
Patrick Peterson Drake Nevis Russel Shepard Reuben Randle Actually had a bit of a running game. Allowed 0 sacks. Defense got 4 sacks. Did I mention Patrick Peterson?
Good points. Actually, very good points. Drake Nevis looks like he wants to be a first team All-American if you ask me. Patrick Peterson is the best player in college football right now. And I do believe they hand out Heisman's for that distinction. If his name isn't mentioned soon for Heisman, then I give up and the award should be trashed and never handed out again to anyone.
Anyone think Peterson was less effective in the secondary due to his over 250 total return yards? Gassed maybe, he was cramping again.
As exciting as it was watching Peterson shagging punts, i'd much rather have him playing defense in the 4th quarter with the game on the line instead of on the sidelines wore out/cramped up. But if he's going to be blitzing instead of in coverage I guess that's a moot point.
