Here are my thoughts on last night’s game:

• Positive – O-Line Play

• I think there’s a consensus agreement that the biggest positive from last night’s game was the play of the O-Line.  They were in sync the entire night and opened up giant holes.  I, like many, am wowed by Kristofer O’Dowd’s play. 

• Negative – Special Teams

• As I mentioned back in my Fall Scrimmage report, I don’t feel comfortable with Vincent Joseph returning kicks.  I’m not basing this entirely on his fumble, I personally think he makes bad decisions and always tries to break it instead of going with his blockers. 

Also, not having enough players on the extra point was flat out embarrassing and Joe McKnight nearly had the ball bounce off his leg after misjudging a punt.  Also, how in the world do you kick-off to start both halves?

• Player of the Game – Stafon Johnson

• For two games in a row, I’m giving the POG to Stafon.  Again, he showed great vision in picking the right holes and ran hard – plain and simple running.  The spin move off the broken play was outstanding.  If there’s any knock against Stafon it’s his lack of breakaway speed, but you really can’t complain about his performance at this point. 

• Play of the Game – Sedrick Ellis Knocking Brett Byford on His Butt

• Watching Big Sed explode off the snap and knock Byford on his rear-end was easily the play of the game for me.  Sedrick was absolutely unstoppable and was held blatantly on a couple plays.  He’s easily been the star of the defense IMO. 

• Game-ball – Steve Sarkisian

• The offensive calls last night were beautiful.  All the misdirection plays and decoys had Nebraska confused the entire night.  I think I remember letting out a nice sigh at the relief of knowing that Lane Kiffin is all but a distant memory. 

• Final Thoughts… – Gaining Momentum/Patrick Turner’s Lackluster Game

• You can feel the momentum building.  With the first big test out of the way, I think the team will hit their stride this coming Saturday against Washington State at the Coliseum.  I fully expect a big win this week. 

• Don’t give up on PT just yet; let’s remember that this is his 1st game of the season.  With that said, my expectations for him this season aren’t as high as some.  He’s talented, but I don’t think he’ll ever live up to the hype he received as the #1 HS receiver in the nation.  You might say it’s ludicrous to say such a thing based on scant proof, but there’s just something missing in his game… 

So a very impressive game overall.  I’m looking forward to reading humorous pre-game/post-game quotes from Bill Doba this week…