The good, the bad, and the ugly: Michigan State game
I'm not sure if I really believed that we had a good chance to win this game or if I was just saying that to sound like a badass. Well, it probably isn't the latter because I don't need to sound like a badass, I just am one. But I'm not really sure if I honestly thought we were going to win that football game. Michigan State was probably the worst of the first four teams that we played but you have to keep in mind how truly awful we looked in our first three football games. Maybe I was just kidding myself, I don't know. Anyways, in lieu of CW's extensive post, here's an abbreviated "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly":
The Good:
The running game - It took awhile, but our offense finally proved that it can (somewhat) block when they want to. I'm not really sure why it was this week that the offensive line decided to engage and block an opposing player, but I imagine it was a mixture of the physical practices this week (what a novel idea!) and MSU sucking at run defense. No matter what, the offensive line took some strides, or baby steps if you really want to be honest, and I guess that is the most we can ask for. The running backs, on the other hand, really impressed. I think Weis has found a good mixture of James Aldridge as the starting running back and bringing in Armando Allen and Robert Hughes (God, I love him) to switch things up. I question bringing Travis Thomas in at all, but he did have a nice run for the touchdown. Further, I'm pretty sure opposing coaches have figured out that when Junior Jabbie comes in, it's probably going to be a pass play.
Our midgets that pose as wide receivers - Before any of you get in a hissy fit, realize that I'm just kidding. Regardless, they did have a good game this weekend. Jimmy Clausen threw some terrible balls and David Grimes and George West both had some nice grabs to bail the freshman quarterback out. There's a lot of room for improvement but I think they should be complimented on their nice play on Saturday.
Corwin Brown - I think I can fairly say that Corwin Brown is going to be a very good coach someday. The truth is that the talent on defense is lacking right now, but thanks to his recruiting machine personality, that should (fingers crossed!) be changing very soon. The view of Corwin from the stands is great: he's constantly coaching and prepping his players, much more than some of the other coaches who will go unnamed. The defense has been put in a tough situation this season and while improvement can be made, I can't blame the defense for any of our woes. That feels good to say for once.
The Bad:
Jimmy Clausen - `Bad' is probably a harsh word in this circumstance, but he definitely did not have his best game. Our offensive line (once again) didn't give him much time to get rid of the ball, but he had a few instances where guys were open and he waited too long to throw it. He also made a few throws that shouldn't have been caught, but for once someone stepped up and helped him out. I hope Weis allows him to open up the playbook a little bit and maybe, just maybe, let him throw it to John Carlson every once and awhile. I'll even take a single pass a game. It will be an improvement on where we've been.
The Ugly:
Special teams - This might be the one part of our team that I can honestly say that Charlie Weis' team is worse at than Bob Davie and Tyrone Willingham. Our players used to say that special teams meetings under Tyrone were a joke; nothing was accomplished. I can only imagine under awful it is under Charlie Weis, with a guy who's about 10 years older and 100 pounds lighter than them (Brian Polian) trying to act like he knows what the hell to do. Maybe the front office under your father is a better alternative at this point. Not everyone was meant to be a football coach.
Trying to win a football game - We tried winning a football game again this weekend and once again, failed. It's tough as a fan and a student but I have a feeling that the coaches and players are doing everything they can to turn it around. Keep working hard and we might get lucky and win a game before November. That would be nice.
I know Weis has started to worry less about the opponent and more about improving the team and I'm fully behind that. But I think people are vastly overrating this Purdue team. This is the same team whose quarterback had 22 touchdowns and 19 interceptions last year. Yes, they move the ball and spread it around. But I think their quarterback can get rattled and their defense has not been very impressive (439 yards given up to a Minnesota team coached by a former NFL tight end coach?). In no way am I predicting a win, but let's not think this is another version of the Trojans. They're not that good and if we struggle against them like we have struggled against others this year, it will just go to show you how much we suck this year. Go Irish!
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