Aztecs be concerned. 37-3 should be a time to expand the chest and walk about in pride. But, not this game. While not calling for fear, do find substantial pause for thought.
Granted, the defense was tremendous. But, they should be tremendous against USD. Holding the Toreros to less than 200 yards total offense deserves praise. As does five picks. As does two defensive touchdowns. A great first game against a team that did not have a chance (no offense, USD).
And now for the concern. Maxwell Smith was awful. I mean Nick Bawden awful. 9/21 with an interception. 100 yards. Sailing the ball past wide open receivers (and tight ends and running backs) all night. Mr. Smith was appallingly ineffective. Further proof (do you need any?) includes the 6/14 on third down conversions. Against USD. Please. The offensive line must improve quickly. As in the next few practices prior to Cal or we score no more than 10 points against the Bears. The Aztec offense generated a measly 305 total yards. Boo. One offensive touchdown. One. Our defense outscored our offense. Say those words again. How about the 15 first downs? Put up 15 first downs against any other opponent, even South Alabama, and we lose. Badly.
Speaking of offense, thank you, Donny Hageman. 3/3 from 33, 36 and 37. Confidence. Perhaps the rest of the offense will consult with you. Charge a fee.
To those of us sporting those ugly rose-colored glasses, lose them. Stomp on those distorters (new word). Smash. Grind into the asphalt. Say, “grrr” while doing so. Very little to cheer about this effort.
On behalf of the 48,785 (a third of whom wandered in during the fourth quarter to discover a football game in progress), thank you.
tipmypitch 