Jax State Thoughts

I have only seen limited highlights of the 37-17 victory over Jax State on Saturday so I'm sort of forced to rely on articles and recaps from those that were there. It's pretty clear that the players simply were going through the motions for most of this game. When it's 31-7 at halftime and you've scored on the game's first play, AND you have a big nationally televised game against Clemson on Thursday Night, I could see some reasons for the let up. After all, these are 18-21 year old kids.

That being said, I agree with CPJ's assessment that his team lacks a killer instinct and isn't nasty enough. Great teams don't take halves off no matter the opponent they're playing. The first play of the game, 4 Jax State players ended up pancaked on their backs while Jon Dwyer ran 74 yards for a TD. After that, most players checked out.

And since there were liberal substitutions of young players starting in the 2nd quarter into the rest of the game, nobody should be surprised with some of the issues that came up. One thing is for sure-I think you'll see a much more intense and focused team on Thursday night.

The Good:
-500 yards of total offense, playing a very vanilla offensive scheme.
-Nearly everyone on the roster played (or so it seemed).
-No significant injuries but backup Preston Lyons did leave the game with a separated shoulder and will miss the Clemson game. Richard Watson played well in relief.
-Julian Burnett. 9 tackles during his first college game. What a player this guy will be.
-Tevin Washington. Great to get him some significant playing time. Seems he moved the offense well.
-Derrick Morgan and Morgan Burnett. Two sacks for Morgan despite triple teams and another INT for Burnett.
-Bebe Thomas. Getting 100 yards receiving means teams MUST focus attention on him. That will only help with the running game.
-Even without Roddy Jones and a scaled down offense, GT moved the ball at will. Roddy is scheduled to start against Clemson on Thursday.
-Punt return for TD. Tarrant's return was the first GT punt return for a TD since 2001.

The Bad:
-Turnovers. Nesbitt has to take better care of the ball. If he coughs it up against Clemson, game over.
-Interior DL. Sure they got some pressure but Jax State was also able to run the ball with success periodically. Expect TJ Barnes to really start making a move towards starting.
-Scott Blair. Would you trust Blair to kick a winning FG if the game was on the line?