The hangover is real this morning. Tough, tough loss to swallow.
OFFENSE
** DEFENSE ON NEXT POST **
OFFENSE
- Alright, let's just get right to it: Play calling. Clearly it's a hot topic, not just this week but last week as well. For me, it's a lot of "damned if you do - damned if you don't" when you start disputing certain things. Personally, I didn't have a problem kicking the field goal to tie the game. Not arguing it was the right decision or the wrong decision, but I didn't have a problem with it. If you go for it on 4th & 1 and fail, you're an idiot for not tying the game with a field goal (and anyone who debates this is kidding themselves). Kick it and you're an idiot for not going for it. That's just the way things are. Like I said, I'm not standing up for everything last night but I'm also not going to rip it apart either. This offense scored 45 points on TCU. Is TCU as good a defense as they were last year? Hell no. But they're still very stout and K-State's offense is, well, average at best. So that in itself should be an accomplishment, yet it's going completely overlooked which is a shame.
- 4th down drama aside, I did find it surprising that K-State went away from the ground attack in the 3rd quarter that had worked so well during the first half. However, I share the same thoughts as Fitz on potentially why that occurred. As Fitz said in the postgame video, which I encourage you to watch if you haven't, many of the pass play calls in the second half may not have actually been designed passes when originally called. Joe Hubener made a lot of adjustments at the line of scrimmage - some likely made on his own, others called down from the coaches booth - based on what TCU's defense set up in. They gave a look that K-State thought they could exploit through the air and so the Wildcats called an audible. Sometimes it worked, most times it did not. K-State simply got fooled into that, which I think you can put on the offensive staff to some degree.
- As far as grades go, I think you have to applaud the oft-criticized Charlie Dickey and the play of his line last night. They were phenomenal. Got worn down a bit towards the end, but that's understandable given how hard they pushed early on. The left side with Cody Whitehair and Boston Stiverson was terrific and the right side truly stepped up this week against some experience up front for TCU.
- Meanwhile, the tight ends continue to astound me - in a negative way. Heard all offseason how good Cody Small and Dayton Valentine were, but their blocking and pass catching have been woeful. I can remember one play in particular where Small didn't even block the man in front of him. Originally I thought, "Oh, that must be a design so he can move ahead to block a linebacker". He didn't. I assume it's just the case of being young with little experience, but this offense needs them to mature faster because they do have a lot of potential.
- Receiver wise, the Wildcats were alright. On one hand, Kyle Klein made some huge plays and it was great seeing Dominique Heath able to go. On the other hand, despite all the heart and effort they're putting in, we're still seeing the inability for them to separate and get open consistently. Just not enough playmakers to keep a defense honest. Zach Reuter is a nice possession guy, a third look 'bail-out' option for a QB's progression, but when you're expecting him to get open because he's maybe the first or second look on your tree - it's not going to happen. Sad reality is, this won't change this year. It will help getting Heath and Kody Cook back to 100%, but it's not a cure all I'm afraid.
- Lastly, the backfield play. Charles Jones came in and played with some needed fire and, amazingly, gave up the MC Hammer routine. Isn't it crazy what happens when you actually just run hard and move forward? Not sure what's up with Justin Silmon, but when he had the blocks in place, he made some things happen as well. The biggest reason the run game was so effective though was the game plan. Much like K-State, TCU opts to play a scheme with only two true linebackers. Therefore it's crucial for them to keep the run in front of them. Problem is, Wilson and Howard have basically no experience and it showed on K-State's designed reads. They kept guessing wrong over and over on where the ball was. So fault the coaches all you want for not running the ball more, but also understand that the reason the run game was so effective - the coaches.
- Oh, I guess I should mention Joe Hubener. He made some great throws and some poor throws. I continue to laugh at the folks who praise his deep field abilities considering every long toss he made last night was either 10 yards in front of the target or 10 feet above him. I also don't understand how he lost the ball on that finishing fumble, but hey - stuff happens. Joe is Joe. You have to know you're going to take the good with the bad when he's got the ball in his hands every play. I did admire his calm demeanor in the pocket though considering the stage - that's certainly come a long way.
** DEFENSE ON NEXT POST **
