Topic: GOOD WIN!

[11-14-70]

     First of all, thanks HERD for the win.  Great start for the season.  It brings continuity to all of the hard work that was put in during the off season.  We came out focused with something to prove.  Doc winning the toss and taking the ball was huge.  (That in itself showed that Doc is willing to change things up).  The opening kickoff return and the way our "D" flew around early, showed that our HERD is out to turn things around.

On The Upside:

     Our "D" came out with an attitude and played nothing short of nasty!  We have much more speed on that side of the ball than we have had in years.  Many freshmen and sophomores were playing there first D-1 football.  What I saw out of them was very promising.  While Miami completed many passes throughout the game, credit has to be given to a very good talent in Ragland.  Our defense gave up some catches to some good receivers.  (They were making catches while most often be blanketed by our guys).  Chris Jackson is much improved and has made great strides from last year).   

     Our "O" didn't have the stats that we all would have liked for them to have.  However, if you consider the way the game played out, there are several contributing factors to that, which have been overlooked.  Such as:
1).  The opening kickoff return for a touchdown.  (This took a possession away from our offense).
2).  The interception return for a touchdown.  (This took a possession away from us).
3).  The second kickoff return for a touchdown.  (Another possession).
4).  The unjustified targeting call, which kept Miami on the field.  (Possession number 4).
Our production would have most certainly been more, if these things would not have played out, but then we would be unsatisfied with our production in other areas. 

     Our special teams were good, and we are blessed to have Karee Vedvik.  (Great young man and very deserving).  So happy for him!

On The Downside:  (Hate to even go there, but there's always a downside to everything).  Just to state the facts:

The "D" had a costly turnover, leading to a score on the fumble.  And, without naming names, the player replacing Reavis was exposed badly (as Miami had done their homework). 

The "O" still has trouble running the ball.  Chase is obviously still a work in progress.  His completion ratio was acceptable.  He is certainly playing under a microscope from everyone in the stadium, even his coaches.  He has to be feeling the pressure of trying to be the true leader that he is going to have to be, to be carrying the torch he is carrying.  If he can maintain his composure and get his troops to continue to rally around him, I think we could be okay at that position.

     We need to take the "W" and be happy with it.  Or maybe, we should quit returning kickoffs and interceptions for touchdowns, so we can get more chances for our offense to pad their stats.  We need to count our blessings on this one.

     In conclusion, we need to remember that this was our first game (and no it wasn't against Morgan State or WV. Tech).  It was against a quality opponent that will fair well in a comparable conference as our own.  It was in fact a "GOOD WIN."

GO HERD!
And I Mean It!