Positive takes from that game..
1. Our defensive backfield is really good!
2. The trio of Rocco, Higgins, and Noel is deadly.
3. Jackson? Where did that come from? He needs more carries. That was next level stuff.
4. Heacock is the best DC in the nation.
5. Oline looks improved from last year.
6. We have a kicker!
7. CMC. This team reflects everything he teaches. "Team" is key. They play for one another. Every player comments how they work hard to be the best player they can for the "Team". Fun stuff to watch.
Very good list, I would like to know what the coaches said and adjustments they made at half, because both the offense and defense looked like two completely different teams the 2nd half compared to the first.
If the EIU staff could have sat down and wrote out how they were going to win the game, it would look like that first quarter. Play field position, ISU started a drive at the 1 yard line and the 5 yard line. We kept trying to run into a stacked defense with 8 guys at or near the LOS, and their DB's were just sitting on that quick out. Something changed in the 2nd quarter, maybe it was just we were not starting in the shadow of our own endzone, but both sides of the ball started playing better, we moved the ball down to get into field goal range and he just missed the kick and the defense stepped up twice and kept EIU out of the endzone from the 1 and 2 yard line.
Both coaches and players deserve a lot of praise for mentally staying in the game and not letting it get out of hand in the first half.
