FAU reax

So FAU rolled into JHS with the worst offense in the nation and one of the worst defenses in the nation and AU only won by 16. All week, Chizik talked about working on us and working on defense and tackling. You would think that AU wouldn't really have to study too much film on FAU in order to stop them, right? I mean, they only had one first down last week against Michigan ST. ONE!!!! Oh, by the way, they had 19 against AU. They were 3-23 on third down all year and they were 5-14 last night (which isn't too terrible on defense).

It all started badly when on the first play, Trotter threw a pick and FAU, with a short field, kicked a field goal to go up 3-0. The offense did respond scoring a TD but were only up 10-6 at half. The second half was a bit better, intercepting FAU three times returing one of those for a TD.

The defense played sloppy most of the time: running past the play, giving up too much yardage on pass plays, not getting ANY pressure on the QB except for a few times and more missed tackles (though not as many as last week).

The offense looked completely out of rhythm with a lack of tenacity. It really looked like the players didn't want to be out there and were just going through the motions. The O-line got no push and Dyer only had around 60 yards rushing. Did I mention this was against one of the worst defenses in the nation.

The only bright spot was the play of a few freshmen, Therezie and Frazier. Therezie tackled really well and was in position to make plays while he was in the game. Frazier played well and ran the ball really hard and made nice cuts to avoid tacklers.

Now for the couch QB's 2 cents. It looked as if Malzahn is either running vanilla plays or is running only half the offense. Everytime AU runs the read-option we hand the ball off to Dyer or McCalebb (except a couple times). And everytime, the DE crashes down and takes the RB and leaves the QB wide open. Why, oh why is Trotter not running more? Is it because he can't, he's not fast enough or the coaches have no faith in him to run? I don't know, but he HAS to be a threat to run in order for this offense to work. Otherwise, you get the offense that was on display during the Clemson game and last night. That ain't gonna cut it the next 4 weeks. I think that if the coaches don't think Trotter can run, then put in Frazier and let him run the offense. Don't get me wrong, I think Barrett is a fine QB and does alot of things well, but if AU is only running half the offense because of him, then he can't run it! I would rather Frazier get in, get some reps and experience and you might get more production. Trotter may know the offense but executing it is something completely different. All I'm saying is I think AU has reached a ceiling with Trotter and may not get much more than they already have.

This will probably not happen because it reeks of desperation. But, I think this may be where AU is in terms of having a productive offense. Have you seen Trotter throw it between 7 and 15 yards much? Me either. Why? Why does he hold the ball and take sacks after the O-line gives him a good 5 seconds to throw? Is it because the receivers aren't open or because Trotter is unsure? I think the latter.

AU is about to go head first into the brutal part of their schedule playing four ranked SEC teams with three on the road and all looking for revenge. AU better figure this out and get it together, otherwise, Samford may be the next and only victory AU gets to enjoy this year.