1. Malik Zaire......... no need to explain this one, but: 19/22, 313 yards, 3 TDs. But more important than the numbers, Zaire looked as poised as a 5th year senior out there. I was VERY impressed with his presence.
This kid had had everything but runes pointing to his ascendancy since before he set foot on campus, Marine reaction at Semper Fi Bowl, Dilfer and Elite Eleven (2X), gamer attitude, pensive about not playing last year (you see it in every great one), adaptation to an entirely different offense his senior year, and the depth chart clearing ahead of him. Last ND quarterback I remember with close to that kind of rise was Joe Montana.
2. The Defensive Line.... Sheldon Day, in particular, played incredibly well. He was in the backfield on almost every play, disrupting the offense. The pressure they put on the QB helped a somewhat young secondary to really look like a solid veteran unit.
I certainly agree! Nice to see Day do what everyone has been saying he could. My heart would have been in my mouth when that left tackle chopped him, except his reaction was so quick as was mine, I was already shouting, "Kill that Longhorn motherfvcker!" But nobody kid themselves : Cage was brutal, simply brutal, just as he needed to be, and Tillery had some off the chart plays. If these three keep it up and keep healthy, no one will be able to control our middle, and that sinks a whole bunch of running games there.
Also at this point I am surprised that no one is giving Romeo and Isaac more props. Those guys were both really strong at the point of attack, played incredibly fast for their power, rushed like or defensive end dreams go, and solidly filled on stunts. I cannot say how impressed I was with their play. They were nothing less than awesome!
3. CJ Prosise had a great game (20 carries for 98 yards), but he looked like less than a polished tailback. He got better as the game went along, but the first half he looked pretty awkward on the runs out of the backfield. Hopefully he continues to settle in and be productive. He looks like he could grow into a very good running back.
I am a bit confused by the middle of your point. But I absolutely agree with the ends When is the last time we have had a back start so fast? Remember, he came into the game as a number two back, with a completely different mission. And he still ended the game with nearly 100 yards! Plus, the guy was playing "man ball," he was a total animal. When did he go down without help from a couple of defenders?
4. The Offensive Line was outstanding. All night long. A couple of dumb false start penalties, but I would take that performance every week, and be very happy.
Exactly, except I wonder how much was a noise problem, and was exacerbated by Malik's voice, which doesn't naturally carry well. I was told that the stadium was as loud as anyone remembers it.
5. As good as the team looked tonight, there were still things to improve on. The penalties need to get cleaned up. Malik had a few throws that were behind the receiver, and he could work on cleaning that up a little bit. Punt Return still needs work, obviously. Also, this is a Texas team that went 6-7 last year, so I am not going to get too over the top crazy about what was a great performance tonight. But it sure does feel good.
Indubitably!
My game ball goes to Zaire........ He REALLY impressed tonight!
