August 31, 2008
Not a bad start
Written by: David
This was obviously not a game for the ages, but there was definitely a lot to be excited about. First of all how about Dennis Pitta? How do you stop someone like that? Gaining 200 yards all by yourself is a good couple of weeks in college.
Max Hall had a great start. A quarterback rating near 200 and almost 500 passing yards is not a bad way to start the season.
The scary thing about the offense is all of the fumbles again. It is starting to remind me of last year a little bit. What is reassuring to me is that fumbles can be fixed with a little bit of hard work. At least they weren’t interceptions.
All in all I think the defense did a good job, but just like the fumbles, it was a little bit like last year: play stellar defense, but give up a huge play or two that really ruin the stat line. I realize that stats are not everything, but when people start looking at your unit rankings it is important that they be solid.
This was the perfect start to the season from a long term perspective. First, and foremost, you get the win. Second, no major injuries. Finally, you did a lot of good things, but you still have some obvious and definite things you need to work on. It is really frustrating as a coach when your team is not playing to their potential, but you can’t figure out exactly what is wrong, or what to do about it.
Pitta is a monster. I’ve liked him since I saw him playing on fall camp a year ago. I remember him going up in the a few feet above the tall offensive lineman to get a ball. His 200 yards seemed almost effortless too. Granted this was UNI. Although, I’m pretty sure he’ll do just as well against the other competition. If the defense does key off on him, then that just leave Collie and/or Reed open. Not to mention Chambers is a nice little X factor.
I really don’t think Pitta can be stopped. You can always slow someone down, but short of triple teaming him, which would just free up Unga and Collie, you aren’t going to stop him. I realize UNI is not a major D-I program, but it’s not like they are a high school team or anything. You have to give them at least a little respect.
Chambers is quite the interesting aspect of this team. He is young, and will still make plenty of mistakes, but I think he has a very promising career in front of him. He reminds me a bit of Jonathan Tavernari on the basketball team, a little cocky, but never afraid to go back in there and do his job. Confidence with some hard work leads to success. I’m just waiting to see him live up to his return for a touchdown promise that he made.