Sporting Fools
Sporting Fools
Sporting Fools
Sporting Fools
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Report Card: DefenseDefensive Ends: The rushers were credited with three of seven sacks with Kam Wimbley getting two of them. Unfortunately Darrell Burston went down with an injury, but I expect Alex Boston will be fine as his replacement. The ends were assisted by more of the 3-4 this week as well. Grade: B+
Defensive Tackles: In the past our tackles have struggled against mobile option attacks but on Saturday they were rock solid. Both Andre Fluellen and Brodrick Bunkley got to the quarterback. Bunkley has really surprised me as he is among the best interior guys in the nation. With the backups at tackle being a little thin, the second teamers played most of the second half. Grade: B+
Linebackers: Buster Davis was pretty much everywhere. Lawrence Timmons remains a beast with the second team and on special teams. Ernie Sims and A.J. Nicholson were very active, but they didn't make any huge plays. Marcello Church is really excelling as a 'buck' linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. He's very quick on the blitz. Grade: A-
Cornerbacks: Tony Carter might be the best freshmen cornerback FSU has started since Deion. Not that Carter is the same type of player Deion is (he isn't), but he's so mature, such a great tackler, so quick to the ball it's hard to believe he's an undersized freshmen. The eventually phasing out of Gerard Ross has begun as Trevor Ford and J.R. Bryant got extended time. Grade: B+
Safeties: Kyler Hall made an amazing interception, highlight reel quality stuff and he's making everyone forget his issues in 2002 and 2003. Pat Watkins was banged up and Roger Williams had to play a little more than normal. He struggled a bit, especially on Syracuse's second touchdown but it's important for him to get the playing time. Grade: B