Defensively, this game was ugly. Butt ugly. 28-0 becomes 28-21. Northern Illinois marched up and down the field during the third quarter at an alarming rate of ease and efficiency to the tune of 14 points. The Huskies converted 3 of 5 fourth down attempts. Shame on us. Never, ever, should NIU convert 60% of anything against the Aztec defense. Thankfully, Damontae Kazee and Trey Lomax blessed their defensive teammates with well timed interceptions. NIU drives were stopped and points prevented.
The officiating crew was in love with their yellow flags, but this game makes for consecutive games featuring 100+ yards (107 if you were counting) administered via the flying yellow flag. Ridiculous. Rocky and staff need to have a come-to-Jesus meeting with the boys about keeping emotions checked. Imagine if we simply cut in half the free yardage we handed NIU and Cal. Fewer points offered to opponents would be the not so surprising result.
A “thank you”to the NIU punter who averaged a whopping 29.4 yards per punt.
A “thank you” to Tanner Blain for placing three punts inside the five and one inside the ten. Well done, Tanner. Your best game as an Aztec.
Speaking of best game as an Aztec, Kahale Warring makes his first catch and touchdown simultaneously.
Christian Chapman had a serviceable game (11/19/126), though the three touchdown passes were nice. I want to see Mikah Holder and Eric Judge DIVE to catch a pass! Mikah had two catchable balls and Eric one that required leaving their feet and becoming parallel to the ground. C’mon! Get dirty! DIVE!
Donnel was Donnel. The first half is a yawn, the second half is extreme lobbying on behalf of a Heisman trophy. He averaged 9.6 yards per carry. Unreal. Rashaad Penny was 14/65. A good day to run.
Next week is rest and get well week. Then South Alabama at their place. This game will be a toughie. The Aztec defense must realize its substantial potential the entire game or else the Jaguars beat us.
The Associated Press blesses us with a ranking of 22.
3-0.
tipmypitch 