Tommy!!

[tetoncat]

Timing was off with his WR at times in the 1st half and start of 3rd quarter. Route goes 7 yards, but WR has to come back 2 yards to get the ball. WR goes in, and Mellott thought he was going out. Combine that with WR falling on short out routes twice (that I saw). These are all things that you see every single year in the 1st game. The positive thing is, those are all VERY correctable. This was their 1st game, on the road, against an FBS team (sure, not a good one, but still FBS). I have no actual concerns about Tommy or our offense.

Some good points. Downer fell on one that would have been first down. Couple times I noticed Mellott recognize blitz, but all routes went outside and he had no lane to throw. Shouldn't a hot route go inside to fill that blitz hole?

[SACCAT]

Timing was off with his WR at times in the 1st half and start of 3rd quarter. Route goes 7 yards, but WR has to come back 2 yards to get the ball. WR goes in, and Mellott thought he was going out. Combine that with WR falling on short out routes twice (that I saw). These are all things that you see every single year in the 1st game. The positive thing is, those are all VERY correctable. This was their 1st game, on the road, against an FBS team (sure, not a good one, but still FBS). I have no actual concerns about Tommy or our offense.

Some good points. Downer fell on one that would have been first down. Couple times I noticed Mellott recognize blitz, but all routes went outside and he had no lane to throw. Shouldn't a hot route go inside to fill that blitz hole?

Normally yes. At one point (I think it was in the 4th quarter) Mellott threw to the outside, while the WR was cutting in. They seemed to heatedly "Talk it out" as they were going back into the huddle. That is where timing comes in (You can relate this to the color guy Davis in his 1st game). It takes real game reps to get into that, and in the past the WR's knew that Tommy was going to run. This year it seems the offense is trying REALLY HARD to stop that, and go to quick throws. Film will help with this, and it is always different doing those things in practice VS getting real live game reps. I actually came away after the game feeling better about the passing game than I thought I would.

[technoCat]

Timing was off with his WR at times in the 1st half and start of 3rd quarter. Route goes 7 yards, but WR has to come back 2 yards to get the ball. WR goes in, and Mellott thought he was going out. Combine that with WR falling on short out routes twice (that I saw). These are all things that you see every single year in the 1st game. The positive thing is, those are all VERY correctable. This was their 1st game, on the road, against an FBS team (sure, not a good one, but still FBS). I have no actual concerns about Tommy or our offense.

Some good points. Downer fell on one that would have been first down. Couple times I noticed Mellott recognize blitz, but all routes went outside and he had no lane to throw. Shouldn't a hot route go inside to fill that blitz hole?

Normally yes. At one point (I think it was in the 4th quarter) Mellott threw to the outside, while the WR was cutting in. They seemed to heatedly "Talk it out" as they were going back into the huddle. That is where timing comes in (You can relate this to the color guy Davis in his 1st game). It takes real game reps to get into that, and in the past the WR's knew that Tommy was going to run. This year it seems the offense is trying REALLY HARD to stop that, and go to quick throws. Film will help with this, and it is always different doing those things in practice VS getting real live game reps. I actually came away after the game feeling better about the passing game than I thought I would.

I was watching highlights and wondering how different the game is if Dowler doesn't fall on that first 4th down. Looked like a good throw and we were driving.

Absolutely need a hot route over the middle of the field on that last 4th down. Teams are going to see that play and send pressure off the edge over and over if we don't learn.

[Cataholic]

The way he came back from his mistakes and the slow start made what he did more remarkable.

Jones also had a huge fourth quarter. 5 carries for 109 yards (4 for 16, excluding the long run) and 1 catch for six yards. Plus, a huge block on Mellott's td run.

I blame the mistakes on bad playcalling in the first three quarters. I think Tommy is way better player than the playcalling and how he played indicated.

The first fumble 6 is completely on Tommy. He never saw or felt the pressure at all. And he was inaccurate to start. So I guess I disagree it was the play calling. All that said, he was impressive when he got it going and he was nails on the final drive.

Maybe the line could do a better job in pass protection?

[PapaG]

The way he came back from his mistakes and the slow start made what he did more remarkable.

Jones also had a huge fourth quarter. 5 carries for 109 yards (4 for 16, excluding the long run) and 1 catch for six yards. Plus, a huge block on Mellott's td run.

I blame the mistakes on bad playcalling in the first three quarters. I think Tommy is way better player than the playcalling and how he played indicated.

The first fumble 6 is completely on Tommy. He never saw or felt the pressure at all. And he was inaccurate to start. So I guess I disagree it was the play calling. All that said, he was impressive when he got it going and he was nails on the final drive.

I agree with most of what you said. There were still some offensive and defensive play calls that were questionable.

I didn't see glaring issues with the play-calling. The execution wasn't there early with some missed throws but I liked the balance as the running game gave more passing opportunities. Really good first game for both Walker and Daly IMO.

[gris_h8er]

The way he came back from his mistakes and the slow start made what he did more remarkable.

Jones also had a huge fourth quarter. 5 carries for 109 yards (4 for 16, excluding the long run) and 1 catch for six yards. Plus, a huge block on Mellott's td run.

I blame the mistakes on bad playcalling in the first three quarters. I think Tommy is way better player than the playcalling and how he played indicated.

The first fumble 6 is completely on Tommy. He never saw or felt the pressure at all. And he was inaccurate to start. So I guess I disagree it was the play calling. All that said, he was impressive when he got it going and he was nails on the final drive.

I agree with most of what you said. There were still some offensive and defensive play calls that were questionable.

It was Walker’s first game calling plays and Daly’s 2nd or 3rd. We’re going to see more questionable calls too. Everybody is learning.

On face value you’re right. However I saw the same schemes and questionable play calls that are identical to complaints I had last season. Hence the skepticism and whining during the first three quarters.

[luckyirishguy25]

The way he came back from his mistakes and the slow start made what he did more remarkable.

Jones also had a huge fourth quarter. 5 carries for 109 yards (4 for 16, excluding the long run) and 1 catch for six yards. Plus, a huge block on Mellott's td run.

I blame the mistakes on bad playcalling in the first three quarters. I think Tommy is way better player than the playcalling and how he played indicated.

The first fumble 6 is completely on Tommy. He never saw or felt the pressure at all. And he was inaccurate to start. So I guess I disagree it was the play calling. All that said, he was impressive when he got it going and he was nails on the final drive.

I agree with most of what you said. There were still some offensive and defensive play calls that were questionable.

It was Walker’s first game calling plays and Daly’s 2nd or 3rd. We’re going to see more questionable calls too. Everybody is learning.

On face value you’re right. However I saw the same schemes and questionable play calls that are identical to complaints I had last season. Hence the skepticism and whining during the first three quarters.

Continuity of the offense was way better Saturday than it was for good chuck of last season, at least when we played a tough opponent. we ran at will against some really athletic players, Tommy looked great on the last drive and the timing was almost perfect. TD with 10 secs left... that's a huge improvement on clock management.

[BelligerentBobcat]

The way he came back from his mistakes and the slow start made what he did more remarkable.

Jones also had a huge fourth quarter. 5 carries for 109 yards (4 for 16, excluding the long run) and 1 catch for six yards. Plus, a huge block on Mellott's td run.

I blame the mistakes on bad playcalling in the first three quarters. I think Tommy is way better player than the playcalling and how he played indicated.

The first fumble 6 is completely on Tommy. He never saw or felt the pressure at all. And he was inaccurate to start. So I guess I disagree it was the play calling. All that said, he was impressive when he got it going and he was nails on the final drive.

I agree with most of what you said. There were still some offensive and defensive play calls that were questionable.

It was Walker’s first game calling plays and Daly’s 2nd or 3rd. We’re going to see more questionable calls too. Everybody is learning.

On face value you’re right. However I saw the same schemes and questionable play calls that are identical to complaints I had last season. Hence the skepticism and whining during the first three quarters.

I’d argue it was better than prior years.

We didn’t see any really “cute” play calls or series. They kept on running the ball even while down by multiple touchdowns. They kept with their game plan, which clearly was solid. I’m still a little concerned about the route concepts, and the lack of urgency in late game situations. Worked out this time, but it won’t always.

[grizzh8r]

The way he came back from his mistakes and the slow start made what he did more remarkable.

Jones also had a huge fourth quarter. 5 carries for 109 yards (4 for 16, excluding the long run) and 1 catch for six yards. Plus, a huge block on Mellott's td run.

I blame the mistakes on bad playcalling in the first three quarters. I think Tommy is way better player than the playcalling and how he played indicated.

The first fumble 6 is completely on Tommy. He never saw or felt the pressure at all. And he was inaccurate to start. So I guess I disagree it was the play calling. All that said, he was impressive when he got it going and he was nails on the final drive.

I agree with most of what you said. There were still some offensive and defensive play calls that were questionable.

It was Walker’s first game calling plays and Daly’s 2nd or 3rd. We’re going to see more questionable calls too. Everybody is learning.

On face value you’re right. However I saw the same schemes and questionable play calls that are identical to complaints I had last season. Hence the skepticism and whining during the first three quarters.

I’d argue it was better than prior years.

We didn’t see any really “cute” play calls or series. They kept on running the ball even while down by multiple touchdowns. They kept with their game plan, which clearly was solid. I’m still a little concerned about the route concepts, and the lack of urgency in late game situations. Worked out this time, but it won’t always.

Yeah, rewatching that 4th quarter, ANY team would be hard pressed to repeat that comeback in the manner it happened. That's a once in a decade type of comeback, similar to 2019 Cat/gris...

[gris_h8er]

The way he came back from his mistakes and the slow start made what he did more remarkable.

Jones also had a huge fourth quarter. 5 carries for 109 yards (4 for 16, excluding the long run) and 1 catch for six yards. Plus, a huge block on Mellott's td run.

I blame the mistakes on bad playcalling in the first three quarters. I think Tommy is way better player than the playcalling and how he played indicated.

The first fumble 6 is completely on Tommy. He never saw or felt the pressure at all. And he was inaccurate to start. So I guess I disagree it was the play calling. All that said, he was impressive when he got it going and he was nails on the final drive.

I agree with most of what you said. There were still some offensive and defensive play calls that were questionable.

It was Walker’s first game calling plays and Daly’s 2nd or 3rd. We’re going to see more questionable calls too. Everybody is learning.

On face value you’re right. However I saw the same schemes and questionable play calls that are identical to complaints I had last season. Hence the skepticism and whining during the first three quarters.

Continuity of the offense was way better Saturday than it was for good chuck of last season, at least when we played a tough opponent. we ran at will against some really athletic players, Tommy looked great on the last drive and the timing was almost perfect. TD with 10 secs left... that's a huge improvement on clock management.

That is true. The last drive was very good. No complaints with it

[gris_h8er]

The way he came back from his mistakes and the slow start made what he did more remarkable.

Jones also had a huge fourth quarter. 5 carries for 109 yards (4 for 16, excluding the long run) and 1 catch for six yards. Plus, a huge block on Mellott's td run.

I blame the mistakes on bad playcalling in the first three quarters. I think Tommy is way better player than the playcalling and how he played indicated.

The first fumble 6 is completely on Tommy. He never saw or felt the pressure at all. And he was inaccurate to start. So I guess I disagree it was the play calling. All that said, he was impressive when he got it going and he was nails on the final drive.

I agree with most of what you said. There were still some offensive and defensive play calls that were questionable.

It was Walker’s first game calling plays and Daly’s 2nd or 3rd. We’re going to see more questionable calls too. Everybody is learning.

On face value you’re right. However I saw the same schemes and questionable play calls that are identical to complaints I had last season. Hence the skepticism and whining during the first three quarters.

I’d argue it was better than prior years.

We didn’t see any really “cute” play calls or series. They kept on running the ball even while down by multiple touchdowns. They kept with their game plan, which clearly was solid. I’m still a little concerned about the route concepts, and the lack of urgency in late game situations. Worked out this time, but it won’t always.

That is true with cute plays and series. I still don’t like seeing Tommy in the pocket very often. Those are the calls that I am frustrated with. He just is not successful from the pocket, if they feel the need to be successful from the pocket play Reed. Blame it on pass blocking, blame it on playcalling, whatever it is he struggles from the pocket. Tommy is an instinctual player when they put him in the pocket like a statue, they rob him of his greatest asset, which is making positive things happen by just playing football. He’s not a statue and never will be.

[hokeyfine]

i saw a lot of timing routes. different than in years past when we would loft the ball and have our receivers go get it. The final drive had great short timing routes and the two touchdowns were spot on throws. this is the best i've see the passing game in a long time. a win against 20 more scholarships is awesome. being at the game it just seemed like they were playing pretty good and off just a little. i was there with my son and we were commenting throughout the whole game that we were leading in yardage and TOP, so we must have been doing something right.

[MSU01]

i saw a lot of timing routes. different than in years past when we would loft the ball and have our receivers go get it. The final drive had great short timing routes and the two touchdowns were spot on throws. this is the best i've see the passing game in a long time. a win against 20 more scholarships is awesome. being at the game it just seemed like they were playing pretty good and off just a little. i was there with my son and we were commenting throughout the whole game that we were leading in yardage and TOP, so we must have been doing something right.

I wouldn't read much into the TOP stat in this game since UNM had two touchdown "drives" that contributed 0 minutes and 0 seconds to their time of possession! Agreed on the passing game thoughts, even when the plays didn't work you could tell that they could be successful with a bit more precision and accuracy. I was very happy not to see the passing game consist of a bunch of 50/50 balls thrown up the sideline, especially after it got windy.

[GoldstoneCat]

The way he came back from his mistakes and the slow start made what he did more remarkable.

Jones also had a huge fourth quarter. 5 carries for 109 yards (4 for 16, excluding the long run) and 1 catch for six yards. Plus, a huge block on Mellott's td run.

I blame the mistakes on bad playcalling in the first three quarters. I think Tommy is way better player than the playcalling and how he played indicated.

The first fumble 6 is completely on Tommy. He never saw or felt the pressure at all. And he was inaccurate to start. So I guess I disagree it was the play calling. All that said, he was impressive when he got it going and he was nails on the final drive.

Maybe the line could do a better job in pass protection?

Of course. True on any pressure or sack. But you still have to feel and see that pressure, and protect the ball, inside the pocket. That was off his front side too. He got much more comfortable climbing and moving around later in the game.

[catsrback76]

The way he came back from his mistakes and the slow start made what he did more remarkable.

Jones also had a huge fourth quarter. 5 carries for 109 yards (4 for 16, excluding the long run) and 1 catch for six yards. Plus, a huge block on Mellott's td run.

I blame the mistakes on bad playcalling in the first three quarters. I think Tommy is way better player than the playcalling and how he played indicated.

The first fumble 6 is completely on Tommy. He never saw or felt the pressure at all. And he was inaccurate to start. So I guess I disagree it was the play calling. All that said, he was impressive when he got it going and he was nails on the final drive.

I agree with most of what you said. There were still some offensive and defensive play calls that were questionable.

Having watched Tommy from his first game through his last game, it’s pretty clear that he’s always come into games pretty “juiced”. That affects his capacity to settle down and play within the flow. Coach has alluded to it as well, and made the point that on the last drive he was “calm”and everyone fed off of him. He played an excellent series and won the game because of it.

I always expect him to have to get a series or two in before he’s really dialed in and not forcing things. Not a criticism just a reality. When he’s dialed, he’s almost unstoppable!

[TomCat88]

I’m trying to find the stat for the percentage of games won if you score two defensive touchdowns. From 2000 to 2010 there 799 defensive touchdowns and the team scoring them won 74.7% of the time. That’s in the NFL but considering the sample size I think it’s pretty fair to say the college percentage is about the same. Based on that, the percentage for games with two defensive scores has to be around 95%.

Two years ago MSU was able to beat Weber despite two special teams scores. However, that game featured the four snaps for safeties. This game had no return favors. UNM dropped a couple passes and gave up the long touchdown but those don’t make up for the strip6s.

I really believe that if both teams and the officials have clean games, the Bobcats win it going away and probably cover the spread.

The game was similar to the Idaho and ndsu games last year in that outplayed all three teams for the majority of the game. It just proves that just a few plays can negate all the positives. That’s just how sports are sometimes. MSU really dodged a bullet this time.

[BelligerentBobcat]

I’m trying to find the stat for the percentage of games won if you score two defensive touchdowns. From 2000 to 2010 there 799 defensive touchdowns and the team scoring them won 74.7% of the time. That’s in the NFL but considering the sample size I think it’s pretty fair to say the college percentage is about the same. Based on that, the percentage for games with two defensive scores has to be around 95%.

Two years ago MSU was able to beat Weber despite two special teams scores. However, that game featured the four snaps for safeties. This game had no return favors. UNM dropped a couple passes and gave up the long touchdown but those don’t make up for the strip6s.

I really believe that if both teams and the officials have clean games, the Bobcats win it going away and probably cover the spread.

The game was similar to the Idaho and ndsu games last year in that outplayed all three teams for the majority of the game. It just proves that just a few plays can negate all the positives. That’s just how sports are sometimes. MSU really dodged a bullet this time.

I’m not sure the Idaho game should be in there. We played half a game.

[TomCat88]

I’m trying to find the stat for the percentage of games won if you score two defensive touchdowns. From 2000 to 2010 there 799 defensive touchdowns and the team scoring them won 74.7% of the time. That’s in the NFL but considering the sample size I think it’s pretty fair to say the college percentage is about the same. Based on that, the percentage for games with two defensive scores has to be around 95%.

Two years ago MSU was able to beat Weber despite two special teams scores. However, that game featured the four snaps for safeties. This game had no return favors. UNM dropped a couple passes and gave up the long touchdown but those don’t make up for the strip6s.

I really believe that if both teams and the officials have clean games, the Bobcats win it going away and probably cover the spread.

The game was similar to the Idaho and ndsu games last year in that outplayed all three teams for the majority of the game. It just proves that just a few plays can negate all the positives. That’s just how sports are sometimes. MSU really dodged a bullet this time.

I’m not sure the Idaho game should be in there. We played half a game.

Pretty much. MSU Started to play well on last drive before half, which started at 2:28. Mellott had the option to pass for a TD or run for 15-20 yards and made the right choice but the pass was dropped. Held a 316-183 edge in yards from that point. Catch the pass it’s possibly a 347-183 edge and a 28-14 run. Of course we never know what kind of a tangent that TD would’ve made but it’s fun to speculate.