Again, I'm not talking about ZC coming in to get experience I am talking about him coming in to change/shake things up only if needed. CF got enough snaps last year to be able to come in if Ben gets injured. Bottom line this is Ben's team I think we can both agree on that.
Sometimes, I think our fans are just too stupid.
. . . Showing up in droves today . . . not really, it’s the same old characters just a little more aggressive . . .
So, let's put things into perspective here. First Ben Woolridge didn't participate in the spring while recovery from ACL surgery.
Second, he didn't participate in summer workouts either. When you consider the amount of throwing to receivers in repetitions he's missed, that is quite a large number of reps he has missed.
Thirdly, he wasn't supposed to have been cleared to begin practice until September and he began practice once cleared medically a month ahead of schedule. Also wearing a yellow jersey early in fall practice is nothing like playing in a real game once the whistle is blown.
Considering all the above facts, and the play of the OL, TE's and RB's lack of blocking in the game, he was indeed off platform at times. But he did throw 3 really nice deep balls for scores. Do I think he will develop much more as a 5-year senior, no. Do I think he will improve his throws and mechanics, yes assuming his teammates do a better job of blocking and catching the football.
As for your assessment of Zeon and Fields, I do believe that Zeon will eventually play some snaps this season, either because of injury or out of necessity.
As for Fields, love the guy but things weren't better with him last year. While he had some success in the bowl game, they moved him in the pocket the majority of the time because he can't see over the line. And he is not as good of runner as Woolridge and Chriss, we can put that to rest now.
Ben had a decent game Saturday. The rust showed mostly with his shorter throws that required more "touch" than a laser beam. Timing seemed to be an issue on several throws as well. He moved well in the pocket for the most part, though the pocket didn't last very long most of the night. We should see an improved Ben this week.
The play calling is a bit worrisome, so hoping our play callers get into a groove this week as well. They had to be holding back on the playbook at NWstate so that could have negatively impacted the rhythm of the offensive game to some degree.
FYI, ODU almost lost their stud LB (Jason Henderson #42) in the VT game due to a head hit that was reviewed. I agreed with the call to not eject him, but if they had, he wouldn't have been available this weekend. That dude is special and will be instrumental if ODU has plans to stop of running game. I think he was selected as pre-season D player of the year. He had All America honors last year in a couple of polls.
They are going to have to make some changes in their scheme. Jackson is not a true OT, he is a pile driver like Dotson. He doesn't have the feet to block speed DL, or the quickness to pull.
The other problem is they miss Johnny Lumpkin as a blocker on the edge at the H. He was simply like having another OL in the run game. Johnson and Carter are Y's, they are not good blockers and there were to many missed assignments with both. Migl is their best blocker at TE.
The backs need to get better at picking up the stunts as well; Washington, Perry and Kubodi all need to get better. Terrance Williams was the best blocking back in this game by far.
Ben will be fine. I just hope our O-line improves soon enough to protect him.
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