Coach V: Sending WVU back home on the country roads

By Coach Venable — I’ve been told that good things often happen when you play the game with all out kinetic energy. Last night was an excellent example because the Horns were determined to put on their best effort and they largely succeeded. The ball finally bounced our way. I honestly believe the majority of plays found maximum effort on both sides of the ball. It’s hard to find negative results when all eleven are on the want-to and we stayed ready to keep from getting ready.

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We still missed some tackles but we cut the numbers in half or better. We reduced our bad angles tremendously—I saw two that cost us and that’s a huge improvement. We still had a couple of positions that offered very little production. We missed a couple of stunts on offense. We had a few wounded ducks but even most of those found waiting arms for the good guys. We definitely have plenty of mistakes to correct this week. I hope we start with identifying crossing routes on defense and creative stunts on offense. We better.

QB1 (Card-1) made some terrific throws. He also made some questionable throws that turned out good. The best news is his really bad throws found grass instead of their defenders. I’ve seen days where the bad throws went for six/possession the other way. There is little doubt who our best WR (Worthy-8) is but maybe only a few knew he was also more accurate on deep passes than our featured QB1 but we now have documented proof. If 8 was hurt I hope he play’s damaged every week.

Maybe the most under appreciated offensive star is Whittington (4). He’s a dependable playmaker period. We finally unleashed Sanders (0) in the passing game and he dazzled. Karic (92) and Helm (85) both had difference making blocks—Karic on the GL and Helm on a screen where he got two for the price of one. Bijan (5) and Roschon (2) continue to amaze with their playmaking ability. I honestly believe our two back set package is our most dangerous weapon but understand the need to be diverse and unpredictable.

The Oline had a decent night but still lack road-grading ability to change the LOS. We had a couple of penalty’s but served well protecting Card. We lost a twist stunt early but bounced back on the next stunt. Hutson (54) had a very good night pulling. Connor (76) has trouble locating on pulls but serves well on run blocks. Banks (78) missed the first twist stunt but has for real talent that’s maturing as we speak. Jones (70) has been the rock we weren’t counting on but has come to play. Majors (65) had his first really bad snap (inside the five) and had all he could handle with the huge NT. We are getting better.

We now have had two outstanding effort defensive games. We make up for so many deficiencies with all out attitude it’s not even in the same ballpark. Whatever or whoever got this bunch ready to play should be retained for next week because it’s the difference in whether we are contenders or pretenders for the championship. We have some limitations that must find more success if we are to hunt the big game.

Jaylan Ford (41) played the best game I seen him play at Texas. He stuffed blockers. He found creases. He took terrific angles in pursuit. He tackled well. There a direct correlation between those examples and the final result. Thank you Mr. Ford for giving us a taste of solid LB’ing. However., found some poor technique on the GL where you lost contain on a scoring run. It may be picky but it must be improved.

Anthony Cook (11) made a ton of plays (atta-boys) but also had a few aw crap’s but I love his attitude. Jerrin Thompson (28) was in position all night. Crawford (21) and Taaffe (36) had some nice snaps and did themselves proud. Barron (23) and Guilbeau (13) do many good things but still need more experience until reactions become natural.

Jamison (5) and Watts (6) are playing very well. Sometimes we yell when opponents complete a curl or slant. That’s the fans privilege. However, maintaining deep coverage must be honored and that makes “jumping” the pattern a little more dicey. When you watch other CB’s (take WV’s for example) give up several hundred yards one might come to appreciate our guys a little stronger. I understand interference—probably better than those damn zebras but that’s just part of the new and maybe improved football we have now. Johnson (31) had some good snaps but lost a td on a slant.

Ojomo (98) makes a huge difference. He creates pressure. He sets the edge. He has quickness pursuit ability for his size. Sorrell (88) makes some plays while maintaining the edge. He has a few problems with his responsibilities at times (sticking his head inside and change of direction). Dorbah (32) made a couple of plays chasing from backside but has big time trouble holding the LOS on flow toward. Oghoufo (18) spent most of the game entertained with his blocker—lack of production and serious pursuit was puzzling. Finkley (1) showed good promise and made a sack erased with a bad call penalty against Sweat (93). Bush (43) had a good tackle.

Overshown (0) is a difficult watch except when he sees the ball. He’s all world on a few plays, all state on a few more, all district on even more, and can’t make all backyard on few every week. If the game didn’t have keys and responsibilities DMO would be first captain-first choose every time. DTD (3) made two good tackles but was missing in action (MIA) on way too many of his snaps.

It’s a wounded OU we catch this week. Generally, that means trouble and OU doesn’t need added incentive. Get taped early. Stay ready to keep from getting ready. It’s Marvin Gaye time—-Let’s Get It On.