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A win is a win is a win is a win.
And we tried to do everything we could to NOT win this game, and still pulled out a win. Huge credit and kudos to ACU. They came in ready. They found our weaknesses and exploited them over and over and over. Combine that with us just looking sloppy and it looked like we were going to be upset. I had actually resigned myself to the L, thinking with the way we were playing, that it was inevitable.
Yet, somehow we pulled off a win. I don't think we've said this enough: There is no quit in this team. None. These young men fight hard. They may not execute great, or consistently good, but they refuse to quit no matter what. I think that says a lot about the coaching, the character of the players, and their determination to do great things.
That being said, here are my notes from the game:
Offense
It was nice to see a slightly improved running attack. Slightly. Crossly looked more like himself. Carlos found some holes. I still think the best us of our backs are these short passes. However, that play was called a few too many times.
There were a few too many times where Breylin and the WR's were not on the same page. Wrong routes either being thrown to or being run. I could not tell what was what. O-line needs to block better too. We have got to figure out how to stop the corner blitz or else #3 is going to get hurt. I thought there were a few times where Breylin was trying too hard to make something happen. I felt he should have just rolled out and thrown it away instead of dumping behind the LOS to one of the RB's, or taking the sack (and fumbling).
And then there were the dropped passes. I'll just leave that one alone.
There were some really good moments tonight, though. If the team can build on those things, I think they'll finally find the rhythm. It is just not there yet.
I did not think I would say this, but even winning, our offense is our weakness.
Defense
How many times were we going to let #21 from ACU roll out of the backfield to the flats and be wide open for a 15-20 yard gain?
Our defensive backs are just getting beat too often, and it almost always seems like to be on a big play. There was one play where our corner just watched their receiver be wide open and was just shuffling in that direction instead of active pursuing him.
I found myself scratching my head. And then there were the drop balls that would have been interceptions. And missed tackles.
But, then the defense does what the defense does: They show up. They make the stops they need to make.
Special Teams
Our kickoff return was on fire, minus the one fumble.
Overall, not a great performance. Good enough to win, but not great. ACU played good, not great, and it just happened to swing our way at the end.
Some other thoughts from our first home game:
1. How in the heck do we not have the scoreboard and clock figured out before the first game? Yes, it is a new system. But, you spend weeks leading into game #1 learning it, playing with it, and have it down to a science. I laughed that the ref had to keep telling them to turn off the clock, remove it, set it to zero, etc. But seriously, figure it out.
2. The new speakers were nice. Too bad the ref's transmitters was jacked up and we could not hear half of what he said.
3. Speaking of new speakers, I think we have a new DJ as well. I think that new DJ forgot that we have a band that plays a decent amount. We don't need music over the speakers between every play.
4. I did not go to the concessions, but my wife, kids, and friends did. They said the lines were long and slow. And there was not any better food options. Some things never change.
5. The bad did a good job. Being a band alum, I enjoy watching them, but can also be a bit critical of how they do. They had a good sound at half. Love the EWF theme of this show.
Looking forward:
I think we're all expecting our first L next week. Can we win it? Sure, but we're going to have to play a LOT better. Here's to safe travels for the team and the fans going to watch. Hopefully all of the men come back healthy and ready to go.
Proud of these men and the coaches. Go Bears!
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