Norfolk State Observations

[MolivaManiac]

-Winston Craig continues to be difficult for people to block.
-UAB transfer David Norris is becoming very valuable in sub packages on D. Nice pick.
-We need to block a lot better than we did last night. Kyle took way too many hits.
-Tyler Wilkins is so incredibly smooth.
-Get well soon, #6. Time for the others to step up. The guy that's best with the protections will probably see the most reps.
-Nice PR TD for Jones, but, man, does he have to be back there? One play was very reminiscent of the NDSU injury.
-The Norfolk State band was great.
-The crowd was very solid, despite the oppressive heat.
-Fireworks were well done and a very nice touch.

What did i miss?

 

[97spiderfan]

Agree 100% on Jones returning punts. He is just way too valuable of a player in my opinion. Find someone else, particularly in games like this

 

[PawleysSpider]

MM - Well covered - I would only add that the O-Line needs to clean up the penalties - I know that's like saying we should be able to make our free-throws, but our penalty yardage stands out as an area needing improvement.

 

[mojo-spider]

thought Trau and Helkowski were solid...what happened to Seegers?

Go Spiders!
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[32counter]

thought Trau and Helkowski were solid...what happened to Seegers?

Go Spiders!
The Spider Gang Group Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/127760237246257/?ref=bookmarks

44 can kick.Great coaching tactics on kickoffs and his FG's leave little doubt about accuracy.
42 was dressed and appeared ready to go for a 'long'one.He did have a 50 yarder vs Cavs which cleared the crossbar easily with at least 5-8 yards to spare.Not having 42 attempt kickoffs is smart given his leg is likely not 100%.

 

[I-M-UR]

One concern is the younger backs did not block very well, if the defenses are going to blitz the backs need to be able to recognize and react to the situation. With the run game uncertain we'll see a lot more blitzing defenses.

 

[DTSpider]

Think Mo nailed it. I'd add that Waller is really playing well in addition to Craig. The pair up front is making a difference.

Also noticed #53 playing d-line. Appreciate a senior that is doing whatever he can to help the team.

 

[URSpider95]

What's the prognosis on Gordon Collins?

 

[SpiderFan26]

Pass protection, run blocking and penalties. Basically the Oline. They were a concern coming in, played great against UVA and just a down game yesterday. If there were a game to have a down game, that was it.

I would have liked to see Clise play some.

 

[32counter]

What's the prognosis on Gordon Collins?

http://www.richmond.com/sports/article_07600507-2779-5c65-81d4-26b48a335e15.html

 

[MolivaManiac]

I'd add that Waller is really playing well in addition to Craig. The pair up front is making a difference.

Also noticed #53 playing d-line. Appreciate a senior that is doing whatever he can to help the team.

You're right about Waller. If we can keep him with modest # of reps this year, he might do some real damage for us. The problem with Brandon is that he's never been able to stay healthy.

And yes, Nick Velardo is a valuable player, no matter which side of the ball he's playing for us.

 

[Spider B]

One concern is the younger backs did not block very well, if the defenses are going to blitz the backs need to be able to recognize and react to the situation. With the run game uncertain we'll see a lot more blitzing defenses.

This is a concern, however I think 26 is right. The issues with protection on Saturday were on the O Line simply not playing as well as the did the week before. I think they will come out ready to go on Saturday at Stoney Brooke.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

I thought it was funny that the NSU band kept playing over the fireworks music coming through the loudspeakers.

Offense was much better in the second half. Nice adjustments by Mr. Garrett - he might be better than his brother at that!

Love the new look defense. In general, our DBs are covering much tighter (an improved pass rush doesn't hurt).

Didn't mean for my posts from the stands to be so gloomy, but they were quite sloppy in the first half.

 

[CarolinaSpider]

I thought it was funny that the NSU band kept playing over the fireworks music coming through the loudspeakers.

Offense was much better in the second half. Nice adjustments by Mr. Garrett - he might be better than his brother at that!

Love the new look defense. In general, our DBs are covering much tighter (an improved pass rush doesn't hurt).

Didn't mean for my posts from the stands to be so gloomy, but they were quite sloppy in the first half.

No problem, Rocco and Lauletta felt the same way about the first half. We just were not crisp at all in the first half.

 

[Captain Anderson]

Pass protection is one of the toughest things for young running backs to learn. Most high schools don't throw the ball a ton or ask their stud tailbacks to do a lot of pass pro. This should improve as the season goes on but we are going to have to live with some growing pains based on the youth there.

O-line was having a tough time with Norfolk's State's quickness up front. The Spartans were very active and did a great job of shooting gaps and getting into the backfield. You see this frequently in the beginning of the season with the o-line still gaining continuity. Both Clemson and Georgia experienced this against smaller, quick defenses on Saturday as well.

 

[SpiderRick]

Agree 100% on Jones returning punts. He is just way too valuable of a player in my opinion. Find someone else, particularly in games like this

Respectfully disagree. He's a great athlete and this is his last year. I say we get him on the field more, maybe even on offense ala Justin Rogers. We finally have someone who can take kicks back to the house. Not utilizing his skills because you're afraid of injury is not the nature of the game.

 

[3genspider]

Respectfully disagree. He's a great athlete and this is his last year. I say we get him on the field more, maybe even on offense ala Justin Rogers. We finally have someone who can take kicks back to the house. Not utilizing his skills because you're afraid of injury is not the nature of the game.

Agree, let him return punts. But we have enough weapons on offense without asking him to play both ways.

 

[spiderjpo]

I agree with letting your best athletes get as many snaps and touches as possible. How quickly we forget about Hightower and Vaughn playing on multiple special teams in Clawson era.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

Respectfully disagree. He's a great athlete and this is his last year. I say we get him on the field more, maybe even on offense ala Justin Rogers. We finally have someone who can take kicks back to the house. Not utilizing his skills because you're afraid of injury is not the nature of the game.

OK, how about not having him return punts when up 34-0 in the 4th quarter?