My liver can not take any more of these close games.
Negatives:
Secondary can not cover anyone. Walls has been awful all year. I'm ready for Gary Gray to get a start. Blanton, who a lot of people have been praising this year, has taken a step back in my opinion. On Washington's last drive in regulation on the long 3rd down play, he was in perfect position to swat that ball away and he never jumped nor made any attempt at the ball. It was almost as if he lost track of the receiver, who cut right in front of him and made the catch. He needs to go up and SWAT the ball away!
Who and where was our 3rd linebacker today? It seemed like Te'o and Brian Smith were all over the field, but I didn't see our 3rd LB do anything throughout the entire game (with the exception of Toryan's great tackle on Locker during the miracle goal line stand).
Game would have been a blowout had we been able to score some TD's instead of getting FG's. Washington would not have been able to come from behind. Seemed like each play was stalled by 1 dumb play...Berger's false start on 3rd and 1, Parris drop in the end zone on a perfectly thrown ball, Jimmy throwing into triple coverage to Rudolph when Tate was wide open at the 1st down stick, etc. If we limit those mistakes, this game would not have even been close.
Positives:
How has nobody recognized Kerry Neal's play in the second half / overtime? He made some big plays and needs to get recognized for it.
Ethan Johnson and KLM had a coming out party. Ethan got constant pressure on the QB and made some big hits. Got flagged for one late hit, but I'm sure that Locker was looking out for #9 after that play.
Offensive Line played in my opinion the best all around game of any of their careers. Great to see no holding penalties on Sam Young. There were a few occasions where they got beat, but the difference today was that they did not make a dumb hold and the result was that Jimmy was able to sidestep the defender and make the play. You have to trust the QB sometimes.
Hughes stepped up again when Allen went down. I'd like to see more of him even if Allen is healthy. I think CW could have used Hughes more in the first half when everyone could tell that AA was huffing and puffing. Hughes would not have allowed that pass to go through his hands that AA did that ended up getting picked off. Hopefully AA is back for USC, but if he isn't, I have confidence in Hughes.
Thought Shaq Evans played a good game, showing the ability to get open and make a play even when he was initially covered. Also made some nice blocks. I say he starts against USC.
Tausch was awesome. Not only did he nail each kick, but they were perfect. Each kick seemed to go straight through. There was no doubt.
If I remember correctly, Turk only had 1 punt, but it looked like a nice one. Haven't seen the stats, but looked like 45 yards or so.
Three other guys I want to recognize are Sam Cowart, Braxton Cave and whomever s our FG holder. Playing in awful conditions, their special team snaps were good and the holds were perfect. It's great to have confidence in our kicking game.
Bring on USC. I, for one, am ready.
Edit: I forgot to mention Clausen and Tate's monster games. Those kids are special and I am proud to have them on my team!
