As effective as the offense was, the defense was just as good. It was very encouraging. I think the d-line got a bunch of push, I thought we tackled much more effectively than in the past, mixed blitzes up to get pressure (succeeding, I might add) and kept Idaho off balance most of the game. Idaho also turned the ball over 3 times.
The run defense was very solid, though not as great as the stats looked. Idaho had 75 sack adjusted yards on 17 (adjusted) carries, which is 4.4 yards per carry, which is probably higher than we would like. Their stud transfer averaged only 3.7, however, and the rest was made up by some scrambles by Reader. Bass' long was only 11 yards. Idaho never dominated the run game, and that was a big part of BG's ability to hold Idaho to 15 points. And, the defense got the safety that eventually put the game away, as BG's line completely manhandled Idaho as they tried to drive out of the end zone.
The pass defense was also solid. BG had 4 sacks and was credited with only 2 hurries, which seems pretty low. Brian Reader was certainly expected to be able to step in and had performed well in spot duty, but Thursday night he looked every bit the first time starter. He was never in rhythm, missed a bunch of open receivers, completed only 44% of his passes and took a bunch of hits. Now, as we will discuss below, he did not have all his options at WR, but I thought we got good pressure and by and large the coverage was pretty good (3 pass break ups).. We had a blown coverage on the double pass that led to the first TD and the second TD was an even bigger blown coverage, but, in the end, the defense kept Idaho off the field. They ran 65 plays at 4.5 yards per play overall and were 2 of 12 on 3rd down.
Finally, special teams.
Brian Schmeidebusch. Welcome dude. The transfer from Findlay had a really good game. He hit an 81 yard punt (indoors) and nailed two punts inside the 5 in the second half, helping to keep Idaho on their heals. The one that was down at the 2 lead directly to a safety and making the game a 3-score game and closing the door.
Finally, placekicking. Kyle Burkhardt did nail a 39 yard FG, his only attempt. He also missed an extra point.
So, some perspective. What does it all mean?
First, the disclaimers.
- Idaho was missing 3 WRs and 2 CBs.
- Idaho is picked to finish outside of the top 90 teams in FBS.
- Idaho had a new QB coming into the game.
- BG had a good game against Marshall last year, too.
All that's true. At the same time.
- Idaho was expecting to be pretty good this year.
- Reader in a senior and was as prepared as any new QB in the country.
- Idaho was at home.
So, the perspective is that this was just one game, and some things might have aligned for us out there to make it easier. Idaho isn't a great team.
At the same time, this team showed more out there today than they had since the Marshall game. It showed (to me) that significant improvement has been made since last season and that if we remain healthy, we're going to be able to be competitive. And, as our young players become more mature, I think we have a chance to be really good. I am significantly more optimistic about this year than I was on Wednesday.
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