Well, I had to miss the game because I'm in China on a business trip. I followed the play-by-play online, so I didn't get to see how hard our guys played or whether they kept their heads up in the face of adversity. However, reviewing the plays, the stats, and the discussions in these forums, I came away with these impressions:
1) The D evidently played pretty poorly. They gave up almost 500 yards if I add all the numbers up right. From your comments, it sounds as if poor tackling was an issue for the nth year in a row.
2) Special teams were a letdown--again. Even following the game online by reading textual descriptions of the plays, you could tell the punt return for a touchdown was an obstacle that would be difficult to overcome. (Is it true that we don't have a special teams coach? If so, when are we going to wise up and get one?)
3) The offense apparently played pretty well. Ainge's throwing and Foster's running seemed to be highlights. Sounds like we didn't attempt to throw more than a few yards past the line of scrimmage, though.
I admire Fulmer's willingness to take on tough teams in the season openers (no Appalachian States for us; oops!), but I'm beginning to wonder. Seems like it's the same old thing year after year: poor tackling, poor special teams, and killer turnovers (especially fumbles) returned for touchdowns in the big games.
Suppose last year had been Fulmer's first year at Florida. Do you think they would have won a national championship?
1) The D evidently played pretty poorly. They gave up almost 500 yards if I add all the numbers up right. From your comments, it sounds as if poor tackling was an issue for the nth year in a row.
2) Special teams were a letdown--again. Even following the game online by reading textual descriptions of the plays, you could tell the punt return for a touchdown was an obstacle that would be difficult to overcome. (Is it true that we don't have a special teams coach? If so, when are we going to wise up and get one?)
3) The offense apparently played pretty well. Ainge's throwing and Foster's running seemed to be highlights. Sounds like we didn't attempt to throw more than a few yards past the line of scrimmage, though.
I admire Fulmer's willingness to take on tough teams in the season openers (no Appalachian States for us; oops!), but I'm beginning to wonder. Seems like it's the same old thing year after year: poor tackling, poor special teams, and killer turnovers (especially fumbles) returned for touchdowns in the big games.
Suppose last year had been Fulmer's first year at Florida. Do you think they would have won a national championship?
