Book managed the game well, and operates the passing offense "cleaner" than Wimbush, but it wasn't by a wide enough margin to spark a QB controversy at all. Wimbush brings more to the table in terms of aiding the running game and pushing the ball down field on 50/50 balls, which is where this offense will be at its best. It's nice to have a dude like Book ready to go, though.
Play calling was anywhere from "average" to "bad." I know they wanted to show their faith in Book and open it up to see what he could do, but if they commit to the power run in the redzone a bit more, that's probably a 47-10 game.
It's okay though, because THAT DEFENSE. They look so well prepared that it's unbelievable. And it's fun to watch! That hasn't really been the case since '12. These guys are obviously well-trained in fundamentals, and it's awesome that all the talk about practicing turnovers isn't just coach speak... it's legit. These dudes hunt with the "that's MY ball" mentality, especially Crawford and Tranquill.
Okwara and Hayes are a problem. Excited to see that progression continue (and Kareem, too).
Corners struggle to turn their heads in coverage at times, which is frustrating. But it's better than years past, because at least now they still stay in decent position. In years past, they'd fail to turn their heads AND be out of position. A team like USC could cause big problems throwing down field, though. Elko probably started looking at USC film in the lockerroom before Kelly gave out a game ball.
McIntosh looked wayyyyy improved as a pure RB this week. He looked good against MSU and Miami (OH), but didn't run like a RB if that makes sense... this week, he looked like a RB, running through contact, protecting the ball, and setting up blocks. I wonder how many reps he got at HB1 in practice the past week.
God help us if Tranquill were to miss time. Bilal looks like a physical freak, but he looks lost if the offense uses any type of misdirection or play action.
Playcalling needs to improve big time if you want to run the table on the back half of the schedule, but it's possible with how this team takes care of business on defense and takes advantage on offense, even with how banged up they are.