Just a few observations
Both Leidner and Streveler looked better in their passing skills. Most of the passes were on target, and the ones that weren't were generally caught by the WRs. There were a few clunkers by each QB and a few where it was obvious the WR and QB were running different plays but overall - better. Croft is a very, very good passer. Won't play this year and probably not next but the QB of the future. We will a average B10 passing team this year - no longer at the bottom of the B10.
Seems to be lots of receivers with good hands. Gibson, Carter, Holland, Jones, Anyanwu, Still, Wolitarsky, Wozniak, Scarver and Lingen are some of the receivers I saw make good catches. In my mind, (but not necessarily Coach Kill's) Carter, Holland, Jones and Wolitarsky are locks to be in the first string rotation. Now that I think about it I didn't see KJ Maye but I could have missed him.
Running backs look good. Nugget will be the big horse this year with Smith and Edwards right behind. Edwards is noticeably bigger this fall but still looks very fast. He is big enough that they can run him into the line instead of just on jet-sweeps. I thought Brooks and Johannesson showed good potential but guessing both will red shirt this year.
Pass coverage was good with the 1s but the receivers are fighting for the ball - something we didn't always see in the past. Even when the receivers were well covered, if the ball was delivered to the receiver/cover guy combination, the receiver would fight for the ball and perhaps come down with it 1/3 to 1/2 of the time - much better than 1/100 in the past.
Overall my impression was of a very good team. Good, tough running attack, good enough passing to keep the defense honest and a very good, tough, fast defense.
Both Leidner and Streveler looked better in their passing skills. Most of the passes were on target, and the ones that weren't were generally caught by the WRs. There were a few clunkers by each QB and a few where it was obvious the WR and QB were running different plays but overall - better. Croft is a very, very good passer. Won't play this year and probably not next but the QB of the future. We will a average B10 passing team this year - no longer at the bottom of the B10.
Seems to be lots of receivers with good hands. Gibson, Carter, Holland, Jones, Anyanwu, Still, Wolitarsky, Wozniak, Scarver and Lingen are some of the receivers I saw make good catches. In my mind, (but not necessarily Coach Kill's) Carter, Holland, Jones and Wolitarsky are locks to be in the first string rotation. Now that I think about it I didn't see KJ Maye but I could have missed him.
Running backs look good. Nugget will be the big horse this year with Smith and Edwards right behind. Edwards is noticeably bigger this fall but still looks very fast. He is big enough that they can run him into the line instead of just on jet-sweeps. I thought Brooks and Johannesson showed good potential but guessing both will red shirt this year.
Pass coverage was good with the 1s but the receivers are fighting for the ball - something we didn't always see in the past. Even when the receivers were well covered, if the ball was delivered to the receiver/cover guy combination, the receiver would fight for the ball and perhaps come down with it 1/3 to 1/2 of the time - much better than 1/100 in the past.
Overall my impression was of a very good team. Good, tough running attack, good enough passing to keep the defense honest and a very good, tough, fast defense.