Let me start out by giving MSU a lot of credit. As I said last week, this would be a close game (it was too close) and turnovers would decide the game (tied 2-2 there). The bulldogs came to play and the fans in Starkville came ready to help their team. Those at the game have said it was loud and hostile and I give MSU all the credit for making it a great SEC opener. This MSU team WILL beat someone they are not supposed this year and Mullen has them on the right track. They were a play or two from easily winning this game and Mullen will help them learn from mistakes. Watch out for MSU!
5 observations from this week:
1. Cam Newton is a FREAK! WOW! This guy can play ball. He is still making mistakes (turnovers), however I can tell you that the interception did not look to be his fault. Not only is he making plays with his feet, but he is making them at crucial times (3rd and long situations). That is a huge advantage for this team. Also watch him as he approaches defenders. He usually jukes the first one out of his shoes and then lowers his shoulder and runs over 2-3 more defensive backs that he may outweigh by 50 lbs. Expect teams each week to try to diminish his rushing abilities. This is going to force him to throw and if he can complete those intermediate passes we will be fine.
2. Nick Fairley. Dude came to play and absolutely tore up the MSU offensive line. He brought the nasty that his position coach was known for back in the 80s. SEC Defense Player of the Week this week and if he keeps playing like that and can really stuff the run our D line will be a true strength heading through the SEC schedule.
3. Did I speak to quickly last week on the punt returner? OOPS! Look for him to learn from that and hopefully we see no future fumbles on kick returns.
4. Running back remains a question mark at Running back U. Fannin is talented and no one is denying that. However, would his services be more utilized at the H back position catching passes out of the backfield? Some say yes and I agree. Get this guy in open space and you have a good chance at a touchdown or at least significant yards. Dyer looks to be special and it may be time to unleash his talent and let him and OMac split carries at RB. I remember 9 years ago when a certain Cadillac started slow in the first few games then lit up UGA with something like 45 carries and 200 yards.
5. Clock management. Can someone explain to me the thinking by AU coaches at halftime the last 2 weeks? Both times it looks as though we pulled a Les Miles and ended up with no points.
The good from this game included a defense that stepped up when the game was on the line. Sure MSU receivers dropped their fair share of passes and made the D look good, but a stand like that can really help build confidence. Also on defense the D line really showed some good pass rush. On offense there were some great plays during the first half and as I already said, Cam made some great plays with his feet. OMac continues to look good and I swear he is one shoelace from breaking a long one - would like to see him cut back to the inside a little more often. Wide receivers made some awesome blocks and I heard TZac made Emory Blake buy him a pizza for the block he threw that got Blake into the end zone.
The not so good - secondary, we have to man up this week and get off our blocks - killing us on defense. On offense, someone has to take the load off of Cam. He is special but I just don’t know that we want to test the theory that he can stand up to the bruising hits like a Tebow. I love the shoulder down getting extra yards, but I just don’t know if he will survive the SEC doing that.
Overall, a good performance by the Tigers on the road. We could have played and looked better and sure we left some points on the field, but at the end of the day a win on the road in the SEC is a BIG W.
**Note from LeeAnn: These pictures are from older MSU games, the final score was NOT 3-2 this year. I wanted some semi-relevant pictures included.
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