ULM enjoys a .500 record at 2-2. We are also 1-0 in conference. Offensively, our receivers are coming along well and are making plays down field. We have also found our number 1 running back who has performed very well over 4 games. Our offensive line is living up to its billing. However, what looks like a season ending loss of TJ, coupled with the loss of Jackson before the season started, will bring our depth into question.
On defense, we have had flashes of greatness. However, overall our defense has been pretty bad. Straughter is the bright spot. He has 3 INTs through 4 games. We appear to play the pass pretty well (even in an OT game, FSU still had less than 300 yards passing against us). When it comes to run defense, though, we are pretty damn bad. We have given up 243 rushing yards to Grambling and 263 rushing yards to USA on the ground. With our DLine being built to rush the passer, if we do not find a way to stop the run without committing 8 people to the box, we will soon start to see games getting out of hand.
As for special teams, so far our kick teams have been decent. We have gotten decent coverage down field and had some decent returns. When it comes to place kicking, seems like it is the same old thing we have always seen, with field goals being an adventure and extra points being missed.
Coaching has been up and down as well. The biggest issues with coaching has been a poor call to not go for 2 at FSU, a terrible game plan at Iowa State, a failure to make adjustments at Iowa State, and a few calls that were head scratchers in every game we have played.
All in all, we are where many figured we would be record wise. That is a positive. Our offense has shown flashes of having big play potential at receiver, tight end, running back and quarterback. That is a huge plus. Our defense is being heavily gouged with the run, that is a huge negative. However, those guys are also working to force turnovers, which is a positive. We still have a lot of games left to play. We control our destiny, as with the talent we have on both sides we have the ability to be in every game we will play. In order to be successful, our coaches must work to make better in-game adjustments. Also, our players must learn to play with focused emotion. We are too chaotic with the personal foul penalties. Get that in check and we could actually contend for the conference title. So far, I like our prospects moving forward.
On defense, we have had flashes of greatness. However, overall our defense has been pretty bad. Straughter is the bright spot. He has 3 INTs through 4 games. We appear to play the pass pretty well (even in an OT game, FSU still had less than 300 yards passing against us). When it comes to run defense, though, we are pretty damn bad. We have given up 243 rushing yards to Grambling and 263 rushing yards to USA on the ground. With our DLine being built to rush the passer, if we do not find a way to stop the run without committing 8 people to the box, we will soon start to see games getting out of hand.
As for special teams, so far our kick teams have been decent. We have gotten decent coverage down field and had some decent returns. When it comes to place kicking, seems like it is the same old thing we have always seen, with field goals being an adventure and extra points being missed.
Coaching has been up and down as well. The biggest issues with coaching has been a poor call to not go for 2 at FSU, a terrible game plan at Iowa State, a failure to make adjustments at Iowa State, and a few calls that were head scratchers in every game we have played.
All in all, we are where many figured we would be record wise. That is a positive. Our offense has shown flashes of having big play potential at receiver, tight end, running back and quarterback. That is a huge plus. Our defense is being heavily gouged with the run, that is a huge negative. However, those guys are also working to force turnovers, which is a positive. We still have a lot of games left to play. We control our destiny, as with the talent we have on both sides we have the ability to be in every game we will play. In order to be successful, our coaches must work to make better in-game adjustments. Also, our players must learn to play with focused emotion. We are too chaotic with the personal foul penalties. Get that in check and we could actually contend for the conference title. So far, I like our prospects moving forward.
