Week 4 - What do we think we know

[StevensTechU]

Good discourse two weeks ago, so how about one more time.

1- The guard has changed in the defensive secondary, with veterans in supporting roles. The secondary is probably the most improved unit compared to a year ago (despite losing a 1st round corner), and we see true sophomore Jahlil Florence and Khyree Jackson displacing veterans Dontae Manning and Trikweze Bridges. The latter two still play meaningful snaps, as do Steve Stephens and Bryan Addison. Newcomers Tysheem Johnson, Evan Williams, and Nikko Reed are also playing big roles.

2- Pass blocking is great, run blocking is so-so. Run blocking was the best all season against a weak Colorado front, but it was still almost jarring to watch the Oregon State front against WSU later on Saturday. A major part is how weak our tight ends are in their blocking. Despite this, our backs still have the highest average rush yards per attempt in the conference.

3- The offense is putting up points, but the eye test says it's still a little shaky. At times, it looks like great individual efforts are resulting in moving the ball downfield, as opposed to systematic marches toward the endzone. Keeps you on your toes.

4- Penalties are a problem, and it's all over the field, offense and defense.

5- Camden Lewis for president. If he played for Clemson, Florida State would have a loss under their belt.

[duckfan96]

Running back room is pretty good. Still think Dowdell will be a beast in Oregons offense.
Freshmen edge players …getting snaps and looking pretty good
Sadiq(sp) looks really quick for a te

[bellsduck]

Good discourse two weeks ago, so how about one more time.

1- The guard has changed in the defensive secondary, with veterans in supporting roles. The secondary is probably the most improved unit compared to a year ago (despite losing a 1st round corner), and we see true sophomore Jahlil Florence and Khyree Jackson displacing veterans Dontae Manning and Trikweze Bridges. The latter two still play meaningful snaps, as do Steve Stephens and Bryan Addison. Newcomers Tysheem Johnson, Evan Williams, and Nikko Reed are also playing big roles.

2- Pass blocking is great, run blocking is so-so. Run blocking was the best all season against a weak Colorado front, but it was still almost jarring to watch the Oregon State front against WSU later on Saturday. A major part is how weak our tight ends are in their blocking. Despite this, our backs still have the highest average rush yards per attempt in the conference.

3- The offense is putting up points, but the eye test says it's still a little shaky. At times, it looks like great individual efforts are resulting in moving the ball downfield, as opposed to systematic marches toward the endzone. Keeps you on your toes.

4- Penalties are a problem, and it's all over the field, offense and defense.

5- Camden Lewis for president. If he played for Clemson, Florida State would have a loss under their belt.

I agree with all of this. I think 2 and 3 are related for sure. I was concerned we didn't score in the 3rd against Colorado when we were deep in their territory. We hadn't taken our foot off the gas at that point. I think our run blocking needs to improve, for our redzone efficiency to be at it's highest.

Penalties are making our offense have to go an extra 10-20 yards on some drives to put points on the board. It really can't continue. It will come back to bite us very soon.

[ducks5ever]

1a. Is Tysheem Johnson playing a ton because he's a super star, or is it because there's no one dependable behind him?

2. Good to see that newcomer coach Terry is doing an adequate job so far

4. Definitely, but I have faith in DL and co. to clean them up

6. Thoughts on Ty Thompson? Can we count on him to win us games this year in an emergency? Does he look like our next QB? Not enough film?