Random Lamar vs OPSU Game Thoughts

[Mike]

- I said on our Red Zone pregame show and I'll say it again, this team needed an opener like this. The comfort/confidence level of the team in practice was high and it needed to translate into a dominant opening night win vs an inferior opponent. IMO a 32-13ish type offense struggling to get into rhythm, turnover filled sloppy game would've been almost as bad as a loss to the teams mental state. Besides a slow stretch around the beginning of the 2nd qtr they went out and did exactly was should be expected of them versus a team like OPSU.

 

 

- Caleb Berry looked sharp and spread the ball around very well. I think he completed passes to 9 different receivers and had 6 TD's and 0 INT's all in just a half of football. I know it was just OPSU but it was good to see him making good quick decisions. It's a welcome sign going into the season this year with an established starting QB which hasn't always been the case in years past.

 

 

- the WR corps looks to be one of the more improved units on the field. I'll be interested to see how they compete vs La Tech this week.

 

 

- I love the quick paced offense. The ball is getting out of the QB's hand much quicker than in years past and it should help and already improving offensive line.

 

 

- It was nice seeing the turnovers forced by the LU defense. Here's to hoping this team can win the turnover battle this year. It would go a long way towards having a successful season.

 

 

-Speaking of the defense, it looked like they were fired up about getting to hit someone other than their teammates. There were come jarring hits going down Saturday.

 

 

- Mark Murrill and Jesse Dickson combined for 7 tackles for loss. I know Coach Bailey is smiling at that stat from his defensive linemen.

 

 

- One more on the defense, congrats on the shutout. Even when the game was out of hand the focus was never lost and the backups kept the shutout in tact. I really don't remember OPSU ever threatening, so great job!

 

 

- Kade Harrington had a solid college football debut netting 2 TD's but I remember starter Payton Ploch griding out 59 yards on only 9 carries. Also, as a fellow PNG graduate it was also nice to see Caleb Harmon get some touches and a TD. He's put in good years for the program so it was nice to see him get some extended playing time.

 

 

- My biggest surprise of the night was Michael Handy getting shutout with no catches. IMO he had one of the best camps (from the times I attended) and with the ball being spread around so well it surprised me he didn't get one. I still look for Mike to get plenty this season.

 

 

Saturday was an overall great game and I'm looking forward to Louisiana Tech game.