Offense may be better; SOS doesn’t really provide the needed evidence.

Defense is fierce, and the lack of sacks doesn’t concern me. For the last month, opposing QBs have avoided sacks by forcing passes — helping make Earl Thomas an AA, among other things. Our special teams success — notably the kick returns and punt blocks — have come largely at the expense of non-threating opponents.

I have no answers as to the offense. The backs and scheme don’t seem to mesh so running the ball is not something we can count on. The line is OK but is not good enough to dictate a game, so (against top level opponents) we have to rely on the sporadic success of the short passing game, winning the turnover battle and not missing any FGs. One thing I like immensely.

8-0.

Our offense leaves a lot to be desired, and we can’t win the national title unless they step it up. All of the top teams have defense. Not all of them have a consistently good offense, and that is going to be the key to the crystal football.

Sure, Greg Davis is at least partially to blame for our offensive failures, but Colt has to play better, our offensive line has to block better, and another receiver has to step up consistently and become a go-to receiver when Shipley is double covered. Of course we miss Brandon Collins in that respect, but there is no reason why someone from the group of Williams, Kirkendoll, Goodwin, and Buckner can’t become a solid #2.

We’re gradually starting to see Malcolm Williams coming out of his shell, but it has to happen every game. Otherwise, it doesn’t take any pressure off Shipley in terms of how defenses choose to account for our receivers.