Some observations:
We start start slowly even on defense and it almost came back to bite us in this one. If we make it to CFP or NY6, we're going to have to start better against a quality opponent. If you take away the punt return fumble and rash of offsides penalties in the 1st quarter, this would have been a lopsided game.
I thought at the time we should have gone for it on 4th and pinned UCF deeep on the 1 yard line instead of having Cole Smith make a chip shot. I'm surprised Fickell was that conservative in that situation. Turned out that he made the right call in kicking as that was the margin of victory.
I understand why Doaks went down in the field of play to run out the clock but that almost came back to bite us as well. Good strategy as long as you don't snap the ball into no man's land and get it returned for a TD. I about had a heart attack until I realized the clock was at zeros. I would really prefer that UC takes the points next time.
Ridder had a great game with 338 yds passing and 4 TDs. He probably should have had a 5th on a missed read option.
The TE corps had themselves a day. Whyle and Taylor dismantled UCF's pass defense. They couldn't cover either of them which is a good thing since the WRs were having some trouble getting open downfield.
Darrian Beavers had a great game with 12 total, 8 solo tackles and 4 TFLs. Love the fact that he wants to return next year.
Box score:
https://www.espn.com/college-footbal...meId=401212540
We start start slowly even on defense and it almost came back to bite us in this one. If we make it to CFP or NY6, we're going to have to start better against a quality opponent. If you take away the punt return fumble and rash of offsides penalties in the 1st quarter, this would have been a lopsided game.
I thought at the time we should have gone for it on 4th and pinned UCF deeep on the 1 yard line instead of having Cole Smith make a chip shot. I'm surprised Fickell was that conservative in that situation. Turned out that he made the right call in kicking as that was the margin of victory.
I understand why Doaks went down in the field of play to run out the clock but that almost came back to bite us as well. Good strategy as long as you don't snap the ball into no man's land and get it returned for a TD. I about had a heart attack until I realized the clock was at zeros. I would really prefer that UC takes the points next time.
Ridder had a great game with 338 yds passing and 4 TDs. He probably should have had a 5th on a missed read option.
The TE corps had themselves a day. Whyle and Taylor dismantled UCF's pass defense. They couldn't cover either of them which is a good thing since the WRs were having some trouble getting open downfield.
Darrian Beavers had a great game with 12 total, 8 solo tackles and 4 TFLs. Love the fact that he wants to return next year.
Box score:
https://www.espn.com/college-footbal...meId=401212540
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