The number of college game telecasts has so watered down the announcer pool that we get total clowns that do not have a clue what is really going on in the game. Not only did they never make the point that Emmanuel Hall was not on the field most of the game and the sideline reporter never went to check it out, they also were amazed at "how quiet" Hall had been since early in the game. The Purdue defense really smothered him I guess (maybe they had their mascot guarding Hall after he went out).
Here is my real point: Drew Lock has become a very good quarterback. Yes, probably goes without saying, but with all the angst over the defense, I think it is overlooked. I have enjoyed watching his maturation from "deer in a headlights" expression his first season (when he should have been red-shirting) to clear, confident leader. Even last week, he realized his lack of carrying out effective ball fakes after handing it to the backs was a weakness, and you could see a difference this week.
Drew Lock did not get flustered even after Hall went out. While the offense was certainly not quite the same, he still threw some great balls and his presence on the field did not change. He seems to be scanning the field and quickly moving off his first and second receiver. I would argue even the pick he threw was a very good improvisation - just a touch under-thrown.
Speaking of that possession - I believe it was second and four, and it was pretty obvious we were going to run the ball again. Those are the times that Lock has got to fake it to the back and keep it - just like he had earlier in the game. Until Lock becomes a "believable" threat, those obvious running situations are unlikely to produce results with one back in the game and a quarterback in the shotgun.
I was really hoping to see an offense that ran some plays under center this year too. Maybe an occasional "I" formation that could create some more effective play action. It does not appear to be in the game plan or part of Dooley's scheme, but next week we will see how effective it is when Georgia play actions us to death.
Anyway, back to my original point - Drew's progression as a player has been spectacular. I wish he had some defense to back him up as this season could be special - but that appears unlikely. Even without Hall - the biggest threat we have gone - he was very good. (I would argue an "A" not an A-). Here's hoping Hall gets healthy quickly. With all the offensive pieces staying healthy and in place, it is likely Lock puts up the single greatest season statistically in MU history.
Here is my real point: Drew Lock has become a very good quarterback. Yes, probably goes without saying, but with all the angst over the defense, I think it is overlooked. I have enjoyed watching his maturation from "deer in a headlights" expression his first season (when he should have been red-shirting) to clear, confident leader. Even last week, he realized his lack of carrying out effective ball fakes after handing it to the backs was a weakness, and you could see a difference this week.
Drew Lock did not get flustered even after Hall went out. While the offense was certainly not quite the same, he still threw some great balls and his presence on the field did not change. He seems to be scanning the field and quickly moving off his first and second receiver. I would argue even the pick he threw was a very good improvisation - just a touch under-thrown.
Speaking of that possession - I believe it was second and four, and it was pretty obvious we were going to run the ball again. Those are the times that Lock has got to fake it to the back and keep it - just like he had earlier in the game. Until Lock becomes a "believable" threat, those obvious running situations are unlikely to produce results with one back in the game and a quarterback in the shotgun.
I was really hoping to see an offense that ran some plays under center this year too. Maybe an occasional "I" formation that could create some more effective play action. It does not appear to be in the game plan or part of Dooley's scheme, but next week we will see how effective it is when Georgia play actions us to death.
Anyway, back to my original point - Drew's progression as a player has been spectacular. I wish he had some defense to back him up as this season could be special - but that appears unlikely. Even without Hall - the biggest threat we have gone - he was very good. (I would argue an "A" not an A-). Here's hoping Hall gets healthy quickly. With all the offensive pieces staying healthy and in place, it is likely Lock puts up the single greatest season statistically in MU history.
