Furman Wrap-Up Links!
-
Dave Matter: Emptying the Notebook
It's going to be interesting to see how the coaches divvy up the carries once De'Vion Moore comes back from his ankle sprain, which Pinkel said should happen Friday at Nevada. Kendial Lawrence has demonstrated that he's capable of blasting through holes and picking up yards beyond the first level of the defense. In the last two weeks, he's averaged 7.4 yards per carry, compared to 4.3 for starter Derrick Washington.Washington grinded out 120 valuable yards against Bowling Green but struggled finding running room against Furman. Last Monday, Washington told me his footwork was out of whack in the opener against Illinois and that he cleaned it up and hit the hole harder against Bowling Green. But Saturday looked much like the opener.
Also be sure to take a look at the Smith vs Daniel vs Gabbert stat-check at the end.There are times when some of MU's running plays develop slowly and get bottled up near the line, but that doesn't seem to happen when Lawrence is carrying the ball. And, yes, some of his runs came against Furman's defense in the second half, but he was also running behind MU's backup offensive linemen. However the staff decides to split the playing time, they've got a nice situation with a versatile veteran like Washington and two young speedsters like Moore and Lawrence. Even Gilbert Moye showed some promise with his first career carries on Saturday, averaging almost 6 yards on his six carries.
- KOMU.com: Ironman Alexander
- Post-Dispatch: Blaine Gabbert makes progress while he continues to learn
- The Missourian: Playing time for young defenders improves depth for season
Nevada Links!
-
Reno Gazette-Journal: Biggest issue so far in 2009 is Kaepernick's inconsistencies
The player who was a world beater -- remember when as a redshirt freshman he combined for 627 passing yards, 233 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in his first two games in 2007? -- is just not himself right now.
Part of it is his protection. The timing of the passing game has been off because of breakdowns in pass protection and a lot of blitzing in the Pack's first two games. Nevada did a much better job in pass protection last year than it has so far in 2009.
But he also is, as coach Chris Ault put it, out of sync, as was evident by his two poorly thrown interceptions. He has four interceptions and one TD passs this season (one pick came on a Hail Mary on the final first-half play at Notre Dame).
"He was just inconsistent all day," Ault said. "... There's no question about it. I'm real concerned about Kaepernick's play today." - Reno Gazette-Journal: Colorado St. beats Nevada, 35-20
-
Reno Gazette-Journal: Nevada's Monday Review
Offense -- F
Not only was it ineffectual, it contributed to spoiling a solid effort by the defense.
Defense -- C
It was actually pretty good given where it's been, but three big TD plays through three quarters were costly.
Special teams -- B-
A missed extra point (bad hold/snap) hurt, but kickoff return showed very good signs; two of three punts were inside the 20.
Big 12 Links!
- Big12Sports.com: A Look Back at Week Three
-
Crimson and Cream Machine: The Obligatory "We're Still In It" Article
Tulsa World: It's too early for Sooner title talk -
Bring On the Cats: Postgame Reaction: K-State vs UCLA
[I]t doesn't appear we're going to get the help we'd hoped for. Missouri is much better than expected, while KU has looked solid in wins over cupcakes. Nebraska was one boneheaded play from winning in Blacksburg yesterday. Texas A&M is probably better than last season, and Texas Tech hasn't fallen off much. Even with the loss of Sam Bradford, nobody can score enough points to take advantage of OU. Even Iowa State appears to be a more game opponent than last season, and Colorado picked up its first win of the season yesterday.
-
Daily Oklahoman: OSU run game must improve
Daily Oklahoman: O-line holding Oklahoma State back - Burnt Orange Nation: Bevo's Daily Roundup - September 21
Other Mizzou Links!
- Mizzou Volleyball
The Trib: Missouri volleyball falls to OU - Mizzou Soccer
Mutigers.com: Tigers fall on road at No. 4 UCLA - Mizzou Baseball
SimmonsField.com: Mizzou Baseball Quotes & Notes