IMO, the Herd's D has played much better so far this year. Ditto for the Special Teams. O still sputters at times. One worry is that our opponents thus far, except for NC State, have been BAD to HORRENDOUS!! Sorry, but that's a fact. ODU is now 2-4, with wins over FCS Albany and perennial whipping boy UMASS.
So as happy as we SHOULD be at 5-1, how do we correctly gage such a record? One concern I have is that we still have more formidable conference foes ahead of us. Believe offense has to start quicker and become more consistent as we proceed through next six games. Do think Litton's overall play, despite too many errant passes at times, is head and shoulders above his 2016 performance. We have a stable of 3 dependable running backs; just hope offensive coaches utilize them to the best extent. Litton and receiving corps seem to be developing more cohesion and familiarity. No one should be displeased with our O line, especially we all the youth we are utilizing. Props belong to Coach Mirabol primarily for that fact, IMO.
Now as for next 6 games, appears that MTSU is having problems. We've given away 2 games down at Murfreesboro and are due for a W there. Seems this team has played well on the road thus far, even down in Raleigh. Win at MTSU can be obtained, if we play like we did against ODU in the second half.
After that, both FIU and FAU are arguably better under their new "Name" coaches. One of the Panthers 2 losses was against unbeaten UCF and they beat a decent AAC team, Tulane, Saturday. 2 of FAU's 3 losses have been against top 25 teams: Wisconsin and Navy. Road games in Texas are NEVER EASY for the Herd and UTSA presents a formidable challenge down in the Alamo Dome; win against winless Baylor not as shinny now, but still a win over a Big 12 program. Good news about last 2 opponents, WKU and Southern Miss, is that the games are at the Joan. Both have been some of our most heated rivalries since joining CUSA. Recent problems with the Toppers need no rehash here. And the Eagles always seem to have very athletic teams. IMO, if we are to duplicate, or better, our first half W-L record, we will need in some of these games more productive and efficient offense with continued high level play from our D and special teams.
That is all- - -Go Herd!!