Offensive - Offensively, we had our way with the Bulldogs as was expected. The numbers speak for themselves with over 450 yards in total offense split 50/50 between the run and pass. We converted 6 of 7 on third down and scored on 7 of our 9 true possessions. Technically, we had 11 possessions, but 2 of them came at the end of both halves. The only two times that we didn't score were the result of our two lost fumbles.
The ball security issue is becoming a concern for me with Bell having fumbled in both games, Cheese and Luke Harris both fumbling as well. My other concern is the health of our offensive line. You had Patrick's injury and then Mike Smith was out with a "non-football injury" this week and we were already thin with our defections and losses.
Defense - I'd like to say something good about the defense, but they were awful today. While they showed what they could do in the third quarter, one quarter does a football game not make. Had this been a MVFC school, we'd likely have been on the losing end of a severe ass kicking today. Butler racked up over 400 yards of total offense including over 300 yards in the air on what was a highly rated pass efficiency defense from last year.
We lost Ryan Roberts early in the game and I don't think he returned and we were already without big ole #93, so mounting injuries is a concern here, too. I really thought it would have been our defense that led us to the top of the Valley this year, but after today, I'm cautiously optimistic at best. The Youngstown State game will be a very telling indicator how the season will shake out.
Special Teams - Riston the Rocket. As soon as he hit the sideline, he just pulled like a Ferrari on everyone. It was really impressive to watch. We've absolutely got to find a way to get him more touches in the offensive gameplan. Fritschle has an absolute cannon for a leg. Had 2 touchbacks and once he gets a couple years into the weight program and consistency, he is going to be an All-American at his position.
General Observations
Penalties - We have got to stop shooting ourselves in the foot with stupid personal foul penalties. There were a couple today that just killed momentum and allowed Butler to have new life including the penalty on Obaseki when we had just stopped from on 3rd and long. I should note that I didn't see what they called the personal foul on, but the Butler OL was pissed. 6 penalties for 67 yards and 2 of them resulted in a first down for Butler.
The Crowd - The crowd today was great. It was reported just under 7200. The student section spanned three/four sections today about half way up all the way across. Only complaint is they didn't get very loud unless the band was prompting them. On third downs when our defense is on the field, get up and yell! Getting them here though is step one and they certainly showed up. Hopefully they keep it up as the weather gets colder.
I should note that the crowd was so good large I couldn't even get my normal tailgating spot and I was there right at noon. Even if you showed up last year two hours before kick you could get your choice of spots. Looks like I'll have the be on the road even earlier on Saturday mornings for the remaining home games.
Sycamore Pride - I saw quite a few people wearing Sycamore Pride shirts today! I wanted to stop each and every one of you but I felt a bit ackward doing it a couple times. Anyhow, thanks for those of you showing support at Memorial and also those of you that told others about the site.
Game Ball: Brock Lough. He run. Run like Bull. Butler didn't want any part of Lough today and he was punishing people out there. Had like a buck thirty on like 17 carries and 3 scores. Glad to see him get touches when the other backs had ball security issues. He definitely made the most of them today.
I'm sure I'll remember more stuff after I sleep and collect my thoughts, but overall, it was another glorious day to be a Sycamore! Great seeing everyone today and sorry for those who I missed!
The ball security issue is becoming a concern for me with Bell having fumbled in both games, Cheese and Luke Harris both fumbling as well. My other concern is the health of our offensive line. You had Patrick's injury and then Mike Smith was out with a "non-football injury" this week and we were already thin with our defections and losses.
Defense - I'd like to say something good about the defense, but they were awful today. While they showed what they could do in the third quarter, one quarter does a football game not make. Had this been a MVFC school, we'd likely have been on the losing end of a severe ass kicking today. Butler racked up over 400 yards of total offense including over 300 yards in the air on what was a highly rated pass efficiency defense from last year.
We lost Ryan Roberts early in the game and I don't think he returned and we were already without big ole #93, so mounting injuries is a concern here, too. I really thought it would have been our defense that led us to the top of the Valley this year, but after today, I'm cautiously optimistic at best. The Youngstown State game will be a very telling indicator how the season will shake out.
Special Teams - Riston the Rocket. As soon as he hit the sideline, he just pulled like a Ferrari on everyone. It was really impressive to watch. We've absolutely got to find a way to get him more touches in the offensive gameplan. Fritschle has an absolute cannon for a leg. Had 2 touchbacks and once he gets a couple years into the weight program and consistency, he is going to be an All-American at his position.
General Observations
Penalties - We have got to stop shooting ourselves in the foot with stupid personal foul penalties. There were a couple today that just killed momentum and allowed Butler to have new life including the penalty on Obaseki when we had just stopped from on 3rd and long. I should note that I didn't see what they called the personal foul on, but the Butler OL was pissed. 6 penalties for 67 yards and 2 of them resulted in a first down for Butler.
The Crowd - The crowd today was great. It was reported just under 7200. The student section spanned three/four sections today about half way up all the way across. Only complaint is they didn't get very loud unless the band was prompting them. On third downs when our defense is on the field, get up and yell! Getting them here though is step one and they certainly showed up. Hopefully they keep it up as the weather gets colder.
I should note that the crowd was so good large I couldn't even get my normal tailgating spot and I was there right at noon. Even if you showed up last year two hours before kick you could get your choice of spots. Looks like I'll have the be on the road even earlier on Saturday mornings for the remaining home games.
Sycamore Pride - I saw quite a few people wearing Sycamore Pride shirts today! I wanted to stop each and every one of you but I felt a bit ackward doing it a couple times. Anyhow, thanks for those of you showing support at Memorial and also those of you that told others about the site.
Game Ball: Brock Lough. He run. Run like Bull. Butler didn't want any part of Lough today and he was punishing people out there. Had like a buck thirty on like 17 carries and 3 scores. Glad to see him get touches when the other backs had ball security issues. He definitely made the most of them today.
I'm sure I'll remember more stuff after I sleep and collect my thoughts, but overall, it was another glorious day to be a Sycamore! Great seeing everyone today and sorry for those who I missed!
