Odd title, I know. Ill explain. Later.
Last week UB, a non-BCS team rolls in to play Georgia, a BCS team not only #6 in the rankings but hails from probably the best conference in all of college football. Going in, we pretty much knew what the outcome would be, even though UB showed remarkably well and showed some signs for encouragement, the bigger team just ended up putting the smaller away. This week, the shoe was on the other foot. UB being in the spot of the giant, welcomed FCS Morgan State to the friendly confines of UB Stadium, and marched to a 56-34 victory.
Its tough to get excited for these games, I have to admit. Its hard to when you know how there pretty much going to end up in the end. I wasn't around when a Division I-AA team would have been capable of beating UB, and so help me, I hope to never see that. Last week, it was the first game of the season and the excitement that comes with this. This week, the excitement stemmed, not from the game, but the first outing to UB Stadium of the new season. Had a great tailgate with some old friends, wind tested my car flag (For those not from WNY, we had rain all morning and into the early afternoon while a front passed over head. Once the front passed, the skies cleared significantly except for a few stray showers and the winds picked up) After having to take down UB_dropout's pop up shelter because of the wind, we had one giant gust of wind roll through and immediately just as fast disappear. I thought for sure my flag pole was a goner, but it held. The rest of the night, the winds died, and the weather was beautiful.
I have to say there was a pretty good crowd for an opener versus a not so exciting team and iffy weather. It was nice to see so many students show up for the game. My challenge to UB Students, lets see if we can keep that up all year long. Sure 80% walked out at halftime, but if games are closer, especially versus UB's brethren MAC teams, will they stay? Im heartened that the students are making progress. Last year, as a freshman, Buffalofan4255, he was 1. This year, as a soph, he comes to the tailgate with three freshman in tow. 4. Hopefully next year, those three freshman as sophomores, bring along three of their own, 13. See where Im going with this.
What can you say about the 56-34 score. The only thing I can really say with all honesty, well two things, 1. the game was never in doubt, and 2. 34 points allowed? Im not to sure how Im feeling about that. If anything, a lot of depth chart guys saw valuable game time last night.
OFFENSE
What am I going to possibly say about Zordich. Efficient sounds about right. Some really nice frozen ropes thrown hitting guys in stride. A few nice "jump balls" 4 touchdowns, 1 pick let in the game forcing a play. Just efficient and in total command of the offense. The "jump ball" Licata threw was nice as well.
Take a moment. Just sit there and watch. Watch BO in traffic. Its a thing of beauty. A sidestep, a shuffle, a burst, a shoulder to the defenders chest. It remarkable seeing him go into a mass of humanity, watch how he navigates it, and comes out the other side. Just watch sometime, go ahead, treat yourself. Somebody please tell me that actually happened to Potts. Just, huh?
I know UB needs another receiver to step up. But when you have Neutz out there, is there anything he can't catch? The concentration he possesses is amazing.
The Oline kept Zordich clean, and sprung the running backs for 306 yards.
DEFENSE
34 points? Really. Yes, players got some nice individual stats. Just the missed tackles and the blown plays (maybe Morgan State's #11 is hard to see out there, I don't know). The defense wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. It was just,....there. Will need a significantly better performance in 11 days.
SPECIAL TEAMS
I know Grassman is a freshman, and his leg is developing. I hope the special teams coaching staff realize that there coverage teams are charging downfield and the ball is landing behind half of them.
COVER THE DAMN KICK, its all I gotta say.
So another cupcake game behind them. Now they are faced with something. Kent State. First MAC game. This one matters. This game can set the tone for the rest of the season. Get a win here, and it will put the team in a good mind frame going into the tough stretch of the season.
The title.... Morgan State brought along with them their very entertaining Marching Band (Team + Marching Band = SEVEN Buses). It was a real joy to watch them through out the game and at halftime. I have to admit, there were times I was missing what was going on out on the field, because I was frankly watching them. Playing, Dancing, their dancers (tons of attitude, in a good way), even their cheerleaders. And when I started to think about it, I remember AC/DC's Sin City, "bring on the dancing girls (their performance), and put the champagne on ice (UB winning)"
Onto Kent.....
WHO ARE WE?......
&
GO BULLS!!!!!
Sunday Morning Thoughts: Seven Buses and AC/DC
