Gundy said in pre-season Dom would get 18 carries a game. He had 27 last night. Our HC and OC have a tendency to prefer a workhorse RB, despite what they say. Dom is a physically tough player and might be able to handle that load, but it is doubtful in the modern game. Last year we wore Warren down, we have to get our other RB's involved this coming week against an opponent that should offer less resistance. We need a true RB2 to split the load. We know we have a RB1.
Sanders if you look at him historically, actually plays better once he works up a sweat, gets on the muscle, and takes that first hit. I believe that helps settle him and lowers his adrenalin rush. He has added to his arsenal a good slide to protect to himself and he flashed that a bunch last night, he needs to continue to do that. We don't want him taking too many hits, but we do need his running ability in key situations for this offense to max out. The continued development of the OL and the RB's to take pressure off the Sanders will be key.
The OL? Our current OL coach has demonstrated the ability to coach this OL up, IF he can get the same starting OL on the field for 3 or more games. Go back and check it out. Problem is, injuries and lack of depth have prohibited that. This OL keeps healthy and they will improve every week. The offensive line if it stays healthy by the middle of the season will compliment our RB's very well. Pass protection is good.
The unsung hero of the game last night WAS the defense. We punted like 6 times in a row early in the game. You take 10 points at half and 17 for a game against a P5 offense with a talented QB, 2 RB's, and a good receiver all day long. The defense kept OSU in the game while the offense was sputtering to find a rhythm. Had the defense not controlled the game, ASU could have put the Cowboys in a serious hole. We are seeing some youth lead to a few busted plays that cause chunk yards, but that will not get you beat with the 3rd down defense the Cowboys played last night. I would expect with more reps and experience to get that cleaned up as the season progresses. The improvement from last week to this week given the increase in talent the Cowboys played against was pretty significant from game 1 to game 2. Tackling can get better, but they should be able to get that cleaned up.
3rd down defense was as good as it was under Knowles last night despite all the inexperience. The data points for such a young back 7 is promising:
9: Straight third-down attempts without converting to begin the game for Arizona State. The first conversion came with just more than 1 minute remaining in the third quarter.
7: Third-down attempts without a first down by Arizona State in the opening half. The Sun Devils had six total first downs in the half.
78: Yards for the Sun Devils on their first drive, resulting in a field goal.
80: Yards on Arizona State’s next six drives in the opening half. The Sun Devils did not score.
73: Yards on a reception by Arizona State’s Giovanni Sanders on the second play of the third quarter.
354: Total yards for the Sun Devils, who punted eight times.
3: Sacks by the Cowboys, with one apiece for defensive linemen Tyler Lacy, Brock Martin and Collin Oliver. Lacy also had 2.5 tackles for a loss.
10: Quarterback hurries by the Cowboys’ defense. Linebackers Mason Cobb and Xavier Benson combined for five.
This team appears to be on schedule. We are a developmental program, we have a system that has been around a long time, discipline within the program, as long as injuries do not decimate this team it will improve every week and should be in the race for the Conference Championship at the end of the year.
Sanders if you look at him historically, actually plays better once he works up a sweat, gets on the muscle, and takes that first hit. I believe that helps settle him and lowers his adrenalin rush. He has added to his arsenal a good slide to protect to himself and he flashed that a bunch last night, he needs to continue to do that. We don't want him taking too many hits, but we do need his running ability in key situations for this offense to max out. The continued development of the OL and the RB's to take pressure off the Sanders will be key.
The OL? Our current OL coach has demonstrated the ability to coach this OL up, IF he can get the same starting OL on the field for 3 or more games. Go back and check it out. Problem is, injuries and lack of depth have prohibited that. This OL keeps healthy and they will improve every week. The offensive line if it stays healthy by the middle of the season will compliment our RB's very well. Pass protection is good.
The unsung hero of the game last night WAS the defense. We punted like 6 times in a row early in the game. You take 10 points at half and 17 for a game against a P5 offense with a talented QB, 2 RB's, and a good receiver all day long. The defense kept OSU in the game while the offense was sputtering to find a rhythm. Had the defense not controlled the game, ASU could have put the Cowboys in a serious hole. We are seeing some youth lead to a few busted plays that cause chunk yards, but that will not get you beat with the 3rd down defense the Cowboys played last night. I would expect with more reps and experience to get that cleaned up as the season progresses. The improvement from last week to this week given the increase in talent the Cowboys played against was pretty significant from game 1 to game 2. Tackling can get better, but they should be able to get that cleaned up.
3rd down defense was as good as it was under Knowles last night despite all the inexperience. The data points for such a young back 7 is promising:
9: Straight third-down attempts without converting to begin the game for Arizona State. The first conversion came with just more than 1 minute remaining in the third quarter.
7: Third-down attempts without a first down by Arizona State in the opening half. The Sun Devils had six total first downs in the half.
78: Yards for the Sun Devils on their first drive, resulting in a field goal.
80: Yards on Arizona State’s next six drives in the opening half. The Sun Devils did not score.
73: Yards on a reception by Arizona State’s Giovanni Sanders on the second play of the third quarter.
354: Total yards for the Sun Devils, who punted eight times.
3: Sacks by the Cowboys, with one apiece for defensive linemen Tyler Lacy, Brock Martin and Collin Oliver. Lacy also had 2.5 tackles for a loss.
10: Quarterback hurries by the Cowboys’ defense. Linebackers Mason Cobb and Xavier Benson combined for five.
This team appears to be on schedule. We are a developmental program, we have a system that has been around a long time, discipline within the program, as long as injuries do not decimate this team it will improve every week and should be in the race for the Conference Championship at the end of the year.
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