Analysis: Ball State @ Clemson (long read)

Sep 8, 2012, 6:18 PM

Overall:

Hard to say that we saw a good showing today. I realize that we don't want to be the OKST/Fsuck that beats Sav St 84-0 but, I would have liked to see us play better defense and run the ball with more authority.

A-

First String Offense

Overall, the 1st string looked near perfect. Only two dropped passes today. Hopkins drop was played very well by Ball State's Defense. Boyd made several great decisions and but also made a couple bad ones. The throw (completed or not) into triple coverage disturbs me for one of two possible reasons. Boyd threw it either beacuse he thinks Nuke and him have that good of chemistry or he just wanted to make Ball State look bad. Either way, both reasons don't sit well with me. However, I can live with both as long as the TRUST doesn't bite him later on. Boyd finished 19-23 but should have been 20 of 23. I can't put the incomplete/dropped pass by Nuke on the receiver, it was just solid coverage. I know we are still holding back and waiting for Fsuck to reveal our hand but I would have liked to see a little bit more aggressive play calling and more read option. Boyd finished close to what I predicted he would in my Ball St Preview.

A+

The running game looked decent. The offensive line opened some holes and it looked as if the play calling was a ssmash mouth style or running instead of an aggressive "let's score" running game. Ellington still made some great plays. He had great second effort runs, broke tackles in the backfield, and made one hell of a play on the bad snap in the wildcat. I really like his patience this year. Hot Rod impressed me today. On his TD run, I thought he was going to be dropped for a loss or minimal gain. He has really come on strong. If he can learn the patience this year as Andre has, I believe he can be a playmaker. Brooks worries me though. I realize this is his first game so I won't be to critical. He just seems to stand up at contact. Also, he seemed to be slowed by the way he protects the ball (although it is good he protects it). He looked like he was trying to carry it with 2 hands and cradle it.

A-

The offensive line continues to work well together. I know this Ball St. front 7 isn't great. Dalton has really jumped out as an on the field leader for them. I don't recall giving up a sack (network coverage went out and in). I think giving Dalton and the boys some time off today was the best thing that could have happened. I think we had 4 backups get 25+ offensive snaps. They didn't look great but again, they didn't give up a sack.

A+

Our depth at WR is quite comical. I know we were rated the number 2 WR corp in the NCAA but I would challenge that. With the emergence of Peake, Brown, Bryant and Humphries, coupled with Nuke and Watkins.... It will be hard for anyone to cover everyone once we really dive into the playbook. Ford looked a lot better today, he had some key blocks, played solid in the short passing game, and will eventually become a great checkdown/decoy. When you have 7 WR/TE that could start for almost any FBS school, you know you have depth.

A

Defense

I am going to get drilled for saying this BUT.... Our defense played very well! Before you go out and criticize me for it, think about it. Until we called off the dogs offensively, the Defense gave up 2 plays that we shouldn't have. They held Edwards to 54 yards (he had 200 against their opponent last week). Granted Horatcio Banks had 120 yards but most of that was against backups and after we stopped trying to move the ball. I do believe the Defensive play calling got too laid back and that allowed for some big plays in the second half. They did force two turnovers. Oh and Travis Banks....You are the man!

(A) Starters ( B-)

Second and third string

Special Teams

Congrats to Spencer Benton. 61 yards? Really...You are a beast! Catman, I don't know if it was a bad snap, hold, or what but....YOU CANT MISS AN EXTRA POINT!

_________________________________________________________

I pointed out that Wenning had just 2 Touchdowns and 6 interceptions against AQ Schools. Before today's game he also completed just 53% of his passes against AQ schools. I know the final score and total yards are concerning but our LB and DBs only gave up 128 passing yards and held Wenning to 55.1% Completions.

Edwards and Banks are very patient running backs. They waited until the holes opened up and then hit them without hesitation. I know they aren't big time backs at a big time school but in this style of offense...It is going to happen.

Furman Preview shortly.

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Analysis: Ball State @ Clemson (long read)

second and third string D: B-***

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