Like that they're calling some vertical passing plays and actually executing. Cardale has played better, but still missed a couple throws he's got to make; most notably the post to Thomas in the end zone. Decision making has been a lot better than against NIU, but that's not exactly saying a whole lot.
Still not running Zeke between the tackles, which is fairly annoying. The only way I can make sense of that is they're trying to save him for bigger games later in the season.
It was a questionable intentional grounding call, but coaching staff kinda blew the drive at the end of the half by calling the last timeout with 17 seconds left and the clock already stopped for the first down. Gotta either get up and run a play or spike the ball and save the TO.
The defense is the defense; although, I have no idea why a backup safety was in press coverage vs their slot WR on that long TD. Nice play by Washington to get the pick six.
My thoughts about this game and going forward. Cardale is going to get better imo as the season progresses. He doesn't look all that confident now and still struggles when to release the ball. He tends to either underthrow or overthrow the receivers, which led to the int. Elliott has to get more touches. The OL needs to cut down on the false starts. I was nervous the way the offense continued to struggle and seeing JT not doing any better, is a concern. Urbs doesn't seem to worried at this point. It's now to turn it up a few notches as the B1G games begin.
Ok, well I saw some improvment but a long way to go IMO
They need to run Zeke more inside the numbers, everything was to the outside. They need to mix it up.
Cardale looked good on every intermediate throw, but his deep ball is not there yet. He underthrow a ton of throws and 3 for easy TD's where the WR had at least a step on the defender. He needs to just throw it, he is trying to place the ball. It will come in time.
Receivers look fine, not too many drops so that is a good sign.
The defense is already looking great. Imagine when the offense starts to pick it up and sustain drives and actually score haha.
So Zeke inside runs and Cardale on his deep ball. I still think they can block better but that will come with time.
And one more thing. I would rather them struggle early with these lesser teams then them struggle late. They struggled early last season, but seemed to pick it up. I would rather them be red hot around the Michigan St game and stay hot for the B1G championship and playoff.