The Aztec offensive line needs to re-engage, recommit, re-organize. Pound and ground is missing. We rush for a grand total of 89 yards against an awful defensive team. Juwan Washington was doing all the work to no avail. The big boys need to return to a grand scale of pushing, shoving and being generally unpleasant for an entire football game, not a half or a quarter.
The Rebels wanted the game more than we did. They arrived ready to play. We meandered and wandered, especially during the first half. To surrender a 24-13 lead and allow UNLV to score twice in the fourth quarter is testament to lackadaisical play and misplaced confidence. Thomas Lexington breaking away for a 75 yard touchdown run carried the twin of ruining the Aztecs winning the West Division. His line of 21/133 is to be applauded. Sadly.
I disagree with Jeff and Rocky pulling Christian Chapman with 10:30 remaining in the second quarter. Mr. Chapman was sporting a 8/10 for 92 yards effort when yanked. I don’t buy the “more mobility” reason. Projecting his 20 minutes of play throughout the rest of the game equates to 24 completed passes. Ryan Agnew registered 14/26/187 accented by 3 sacks. So much for “more mobility”.
Returning to UNLV’s effort, the Aztec’s first play of the game from scrimmage summed the game: UNLV linebackers mugging Mr. Washington deep in his own backfield. Again and again. The aforementioned 3 sacks destroyed sustained Aztec offensive momentum. The Rebels wanted the win and provided a game’s worth of effort. Us, not so much.
Congrats to Ethan Dedeaux (7/63) and Tim Wilson (5/123 and 2 touchdowns). Brandon Heicklen had another quality game featuring 4 punts for an average of 43 yards. 3 of the 4 landed inside the twenty-yard line. Well done and great improvement compared to last year.
John Barron missing from 34 . . . if he makes the kick, we play from a 27-27 tie. Indicative of the Aztecs evening.
Onward to Fresno. May pound and ground make a timely return. Otherwise could be a long night.
7-3/4-2.
tipmypitch 