That was certainly an exciting game to watch for the 'average' fan, but lets break the game down the way it should be, and not the way the Reflector writers think the public wants to read it. For the 'fanatic', it was troublesome.
Good things first: it was a WIN, and a conference win at that. The first tip-o'-the hat goes to the O-line for protecting the game plan all day. Over the past 10-12 years, it has been a rare occassion that we can be proud of the O-line. For whatever reasons (inexperience, injuries, ineptness, etc.), the O-line has been sub-par, so it is refreshing that as of recently, ECU has an O-line that can get the job done with both talent and execution. Next, D. Davis. Granted, he threw a couple of errand passes (don't throw across your body) and got lucky that the game didn't end with an INT late, but overall he displayed cool collectiveness and poise in the pocket and threw mostly right-on target. Stay healthy and good things will continue. RB Williams-If he can keep from getting injured, and keep his off-field troubles from interfering with playing footbal, he'll have a great season. He's strong, quick and doesn't shy away from the big hits (and threw a couple of impressive blocks as well). D. Harris-Wow! get him the ball 20-25 times each game!. Excellent hands and feet! Coaching-outstanding first game Coach. Can't truly put the blame on you for poor clock management (time-out usage).
The Bad: Though the D-line made some big plays, they were basically dominated off the snap most of the day by a team that went through 8 line-up changes last year and allowed the QB to get sacked 46 times! Adjust your intensity level and get off the ball quicker or VT, UNC, USM, UCF and Navy (yes, even Navy!) will light it up for 60 each! And the DBs and LBs played well, but had several mistackles! Concentrate more on preparing for the next play instead of celebrating a mediocre tackle that your expected to make! On the other side of the ball, OL, QB, RB and two WRs had outstanding games. But the rest of them, geez. How many very catchable balls were dropped? And is Dwayne Harris the only one who is aware of where the first down marker is? Time clock management was also poor. A defensive time-out in the third quarter on a first-and-10? Come on! Though poor clock management didn't hurt yesterday, it will when the opponent has the ability to stop you! Last bad-punt and kick coverage pure-T sucked!!
Why did ECU win the Game? Tulsa blew a FG attempt and three 2-pt conversions, otherwise, it would have been a Loss.
Most impressive play of the game?? Davis not fumbling when he was sacked at the 2!!
I've never been an advocate of 'looking past' the next opponent, but Memphis is weak, and in two weeks you'll be in Blacksburg!
Purple!!...Gold!!