...having a good family is that when you are going through tough times, someone is there...and vice-versa. I've missed the last three games, live, for those reasons (though I am sure none of you missed me in the game threads, lol). You'd probably have to go back to the early 90s to find a time that I didnt watch or listen to three consecutive live K-State FB or BB games...or even two. This week, on our second 12-hour drive to Minnesota in three weeks, I had a health detour. We were on our way to be there for my wife's parents, who were auctioning their homestead, and most of their belongings (they've moved into an assisted living facility). As it will be for any of us at that stage in life, it was hard for them...and unfortunately, our last trip had a complication on top of it. But we did make it there, and back. And I watched a replay of the game last night after we got back.
Anyway, a few observations from the last several weeks, many of which others have already shared:
Anyway, a few observations from the last several weeks, many of which others have already shared:
- I think @Derek Young 's post-game comments on the game Mess called were spot-on. Not perfect (who is?), definitely room for some questions (always will be, no matter the calls/game plan)...but IMO we got a LOT out of what we had available against a pretty good TCU defense. No one could reasonably argue that (a) there is more talent on our roster than on TCU's, or (b) that Patterson can't coach (which isn't the same as saying there is nothing about his decisions to critique). So....CK--with Haze and Mess--just beat a good coach, with arguably more talent, though obviously a YOUNG and inexperienced QB. That, alone, gives me some hope.
- I love our defensive schemes, and I am only MILDLY concerned about tackling. Look, Duggan is a REALLY good athlete, and I was REALLY impressed with every one of his runs. I couldn't believe his ankle flexibility--he really cuts and changes direction well for a QB.
- People have been all over Parker. I think it's laughable. He is NOT a physical tackler. But he is a pretty good cover corner. Yes, the Duggan stiff-arm made him look bad. But it was also a great stiff-arm. Duggan wrong-footed or flat-footed several would-be tacklers on that play, including Hubert, who simply let him get outside to begin with. Anyway, I think those are fixable problems, and they are probably a tad exaggerated here anyway.
- Gilbert looked pretty good early...but was increasingly less effective; seemed our OL wore down, and TCU made some scheme adjustments and really bottled him up. We have to be more balanced to keep him effective, and that means we need a better passing game...
- Sky had his moments, and was obviously HUGE in the game-winning drive. He has shown over and over that he is a gamer, and never quits. Kid has a huge heart. He made some really nice throws Saturday, and Knowles, Taylor, Gill and Schoen all had some really nice catches. The TD to Lenners was perfectly called and executed, by everyone. But he is still holding the ball too long, and IMO, not seeing the field. He seemed to be just late/reluctant to throw the quick routes, and several were available. Still, encouraged by the big plays, and 7.5 ypa and 15.5 ypc is actually pretty good....if a bit weird, in this offense. IF it all starts clicking, and he combines the knack for playmaking with consistency and efficiency, he can be really good. But I still think he is the player with the greatest potential to make us better (a nice way of saying we need him to be better).
- The game winning drive was beautiful. Beautifully called, executed. Those guys, starting with Sky, were warriors out there on that drive, and on a mission. Sky looked like he was shot out of a cannon on that long run....fast and decisive. I'm sure the staff's been trying to keep him healthy, and for good reason, but I think we may need to unleash Sky's legs a bit more to get to 6+ wins.
- It was just great to stop the bleeding, and perhaps delay or at least slow some of the ship-jumping in this board. Some of those who seemed to have jumped ship are those most critical of HCBS recruiting and the current roster....given that, to have coached this team to 4-2, it would seem, would merit some praise. It certainly has, for me. We are one or two games better than I thought we'd be at this point. It doesn't mean we have an answer....but the evidence is (quite a bit) more positive than negative, IMO.
