Post Game Reflections

Now that the Wyoming win is almost 24 hours old, There are a couple of things that stand out in my mind.

We Should Have Expected a Slow Start

After last weeks big, unexpected, blow-out win over UCLA, how could they not have had a let down.  I mean, all the press, accolades, interviews, and expectations, how could they not have felt that all they would have to do is walk into the stadium and show up against Wyoming.  Even with Bronco, trying his best to keep the weekly routine consistent, and prepare the Pokes, the same as every other game. These guys are still human.  I have always maintained that you can’t get up for every game.  Actually, not a bad week to come out a bit unfocused…. cause you could obviously do that and still get a big shut-out.

The D Looks Good, But have they been Truly Tested?

Let me say that I am impressed with the Defense pitching Back to Back Shut-outs.  I think they have a lot of talent on the squad.  I am especially impressed with the quality of the young players on the squad and think we have as much depth as we have ever had there. But I have to wonder if they have really been tested yet?  After last weeks shutdown of UCLA , I thought I had the answer to that question.  But after this week, I am not sure if the bruins were as tough as I thought they might have been. therefore, we might not have a true assessment of the d until New Mexico or TCU 

 We Missed Reed More Than I Thought We Would.

I always knew Reed was talented.  But I guess I missed the point that there is also an element of timing and trust with Hall, that does not yet exist with the combo plate of Hafoka/Ashworth/Chambers .  It just seemed in the game, that Hall was locking in on Collie/Unga/Pitta and not looking for anyone else.  Now, It’s not bad to focus on some of the best receivers that the Cougs have ever had, but it looked like he was throwing into coverage on several occasions and I have to think that someone else had to be open. Hopefully, another two weeks will help chemistry develop so that by the late part of the season, we have more weapons available, and trust enough to use those weapons.

Was that a good win?

Any win is a good win.  Being 11th in both polls shows some improvement, but the cougs will have to prove their dominance against some better talent. They were able to come out flat, after a week of hype and distractions, and still dominate.  Judging from post game comments, they know they need to be better prepared and better focused.  I imagine that Bronco/Anae/Hill et. al, won’t let them soon forget that fact.  So now they have some time to heal up, fix some things, a game against the Aggies to get back into the flow of things, and then, hopefully, hit the ground running toward a BCS Bowl Bid.