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1/ Some observations looking back on yesterday's @ArizonaFBall game.
1. It was awesome to see the Cats back in action! Incredibly happy for the young men to play again.
2. Disappointing result, but overall very encouraging performance given many unknowns and much uncertainty.
1. It was awesome to see the Cats back in action! Incredibly happy for the young men to play again.
2. Disappointing result, but overall very encouraging performance given many unknowns and much uncertainty.
2/ I applaud the effort of the coaching staff and the players to have the team ready to play. All three phases played soundly, though certainly not perfectly. There's A LOT of room for improvement, which should excite this team going forward.
3/ There are really 3 things that were too much for the Wildcats to overcome and unfortunately carry over from last season:
1. Did not create a turnover (only 4 in last 9 games!)
2. No sacks (lastly in P12 in '19)
3. Field position (USC +14 yd avg.)
1. Did not create a turnover (only 4 in last 9 games!)
2. No sacks (lastly in P12 in '19)
3. Field position (USC +14 yd avg.)
4/ With that said, the defense was structurally sound and communication was mostly very good. The Wildcats just couldn't come up with a winning play despite having a chance a couple times.
5/ Late in the 4Q, it seemed the defense ran out of bullets. Both in terms of what was left on the call sheet and in personnel. The Cats were a bit gassed (first game!) and had some players banged up.
6/ Offensively, Gunnell bounced back impressively from early interception. Was still a bit hesitant in trusting what he was seeing. OL was solid in both run and pass blocking. Receivers will need to be more physical blocking and can help Gunnell out by working back to him.
7/ USC adjusted in 2H to take away Gunnell's running threat. Played more single high safety and used a spy. This also brought more man coverage. Washington will present much more of this look, too.
8/ I thought the offense also adjusted quite well to this, but unfortunately two drives in late 3Q/early 4Q went nowhere due to bad field position and penalties that put the team behind the chains (Cats were inside own 10 each drive)
9/9 Looking closely at personnel, remarkable how many FR and (current or former) walk-on players were on field. Special teams were littered with fresh faces. Testament to the coaches' messages having attentive receivers for those messages. Let's hope that continues #BearDown
