September 30th, 2009 kNuke
Before the game recap, prayers go out to all those affected by the Tsunami in Samoa.
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs beat the Hawaii Warriors into submission 27-6. Running back Daniel Porter amounted for 160 yards and 2 TDs; the Bulldogs had 352 yards rushing in the game. The loss also snapped a 62-game TD streak for the Warriors.
Offense: Coming off of two pretty good games, just when things were starting to click, the Warrior offense did a complete 180. Greg Alexander looked off-target and extremely hesitant, unwilling to throw the football. It’s hard to tell if the WRs weren’t creating separation and/or if Alexander just held the ball too long; I’m leaning towards the latter. The WRs dropped too many passes. The offensive line play was sub par, but better than what the 7 sacks indicate.
Of course the biggest loss was the injury to Alexander. The way his leg bent, it’s possible he’s done for the season; best case scenario, 2-3 weeks. I know Mike Trapasso is a busy guy, but can’t he take a couple days out of his schedule to teach these QBs how to slide? Bryant Moniz looked okay, but I’m sure the playbook will be simplified for him so that probably means less explosiveness… So Mack, maybe a good time to bust out the Noke?
Defense: Looks like the Louisiana Tech coaching staff did their homework. Runs up the middle and screens to the outside are poison to the young Warrior defense; the Bulldogs delivered both in heavy doses. Pile on top of that, all the missed tackles and absence of turnovers and you’ve got the game in a nutshell. Mama said there would be days like these… The defense is young and can’t be counted on to win games; too many people forgot this after the Central Arkansas and Washington State games. This is the real Warrior defense; sorry Warrior nation.
Special Teams: Pollard almost took one to the house on a kick return, but looked choppy and hesitant on his other 5 returns. Scott Enos made both of his FGs, Ryan Henry’s one punt return was okay, and the punting was actually adequate. Minus the first big kickoff return, the Warriors kept the Bulldogs in the stable; a job well done.
Coaching: The players just weren’t ready to play… Period. It’s hard to second-guess either the offensive or defensive play calling. Minus those odd consecutive goal line runs or not making the Bulldogs QB beat them with something other than a screen? I actually thought Mack’s time management at the end of the First Half was well done. Once again though, no second half adjustments to speak of.
Final Word: When the dust settled and the Warrior defenders regained consciousness, it was actually the offense that loss the game.
Helmet Stickers:
Team Bus driver – He got the team to the game on time.
On a side note, I’m not sure people understand how hard it is to play on the road. This is no way an excuse for the performance, but it’s not easy to travel through different time zones and play at the highest level. It’s not about desire as much as that’s the way nature is sometimes. Some days you have it, some days you don’t. It’s not an excuse, it’s the way it is. I’d challenge whoever says playing on the road “ain’t no thang,” to take a trip to the mainland, run around for 3 days, and see if you don’t feel like crap. While you’re sucking wind with a massive headache, you can take a water break and go look up empathy on Wikipedia.
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