Came back from the State spring game today and have a few thoughts I’d share:
- As usual, the defense is well ahead of the offense. Â We’ve been accustomed to seeing that for that last few years and today was no different. With the offense learning an entirely new system and the defense seeing it all spring I had no expectations that this spring game would be any different. There were several plays where the defense was 3-steps ahead of the offense and were waiting for the offensive players, particularly on run plays.Â
- I finally understand Coach Doeren’s “this season is life before Jacoby” comment after practice last week referencing the QB play he’s seen so far this spring. Thomas and Stocker both seemed to struggle throughout the game and while Jacoby Brissett had his own issues, he looked far more comfortable and in command of the offense. Â Thomas threw a bunch of balls off his back foot and seemed to miss quite a few open reads. Stocker on the other hand seemed a little rattled and never really got in a comfortable rhythm with the offense. Of course this is hard to really get a good feel when the defenses were playing touch football on the QBs. A few times there seemed to be a couple quick whistles that negated big plays. I think Thomas will end up being the starter but I would not be at all shocked to see one of the incoming freshman push both of theses guys for snaps.
- Fumbles, fumbles and more fumbles. I don’t know what the numbers were but by my count Shadrach fumbled 4 times. Â That’s is not good and something he’s going to need to get under control. Â Creecy is a dependable runner but Shadrach is more explosive but unless he can get that fumbling issue under control he’s going to get pushed by 1 of the 3 incoming speedy RBs. One thing that I heard was after his 4th fumble he came off the sideline and was trying to make an excuse when Coach Kitchings cut him off and YELLED “Take off your damn helmet, you’re not going back in the game.” Â I loved it.
- DL looked good. They were making a living in the backfield. I’m not sure if that is a bad sign for the offensive line or a good sign for defensive line. I’d love to see some more improvement on the offensive line but I think that will come with more practice time together.
- WRs looked like the WRs we saw last year. Â Underwood and Smith will thrive in this offense and I still think Hegedus is our best pure WR. Â Cherry got a lot of touches and made a nice in-traffic catch for a TD on a badly thrown/poor decision. Again all of the incoming WR will get a shot at playing but i like the Cherry, Smith, Underwood combo in this fast-paced offense.
- Speaking of the fast-paced offense there is a long way to go but I like the concept.
- As always Wolfpack fans showed up well. One day I’d like to see the entire stadium packed for the spring game but I’ll take 20,000+. Good job State fans.
I’m sure there is a lot I left out so I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions about today’s game so drop’em in the comments.
