Report from NIU @ KU Game

I’ll address a few things…

Attendance – The stadium was virtually filled for the entire game. Nobody left after halftime and the place definitely was electric at the very end. (Yes, the nature of the game played a factor here, but this is an improvement.)

Jordan Webb – Extremely poised for a majority of the game. He honestly looked like a field general, the way a starting quarterback should. In all but the second quarter, his decisions on zone read plays were great. For a two drive stretch in the second he kept the ball when he should’ve handed it off and vice versa. I’d largely blame this on the defense jumping the snap pretty frequently. Otherwise, he showed nice footwork getting out of the pocket and a sophisticated touch on some balls 10-15 yards deep.

Running Game – James Sims is a consistent 5 yard gain pretty much every play. Won’t break a big one, but that’s what we have Miller, Pierson and Bourbon for. Miller is not blinding fast, but as has been said before, he never gets hit directly… shifts and always falls forward (although he showed a nice ability to get to the outside and turn the corner). Pierson is pretty much the opposite… speedy but will go down when hit. Bourbon… holy crap. If this kid ever gets fully healthy… he DESTROYS defenders when running. Seriously broke five tackles on one of his few runs.

Receivers – Beshears was really one of only two guys that stood out here. Always found a way to get to the ball. Won’t burn guys, but had a decent game. Pick was awesome. Didn’t go his way a lot, but he blocks like a BAMF. I approve of his starting.

Biere – Speaking of a BAMF… guy is the total package. On one of the Miller runs, he literally drove his guy like 25 yards down the field. Great hands on some broken pass plays… he’ll be tough to replace next year.

O-Line – Not much to say other than they did their job. Anytime we can post over 500 yards of offense, I’m not gonna ding the big boys.

Defense – I’m going to group everyone in this and say that they were awful. Save for Opurum, Bakare and Johnson, this unit is FCS material. On pass plays, even when playing zone, they play the man and don’t even pay attention to the ball. I remember several plays where if the cornerback/safety had been keeping an eye on the QB and ball, they could have cut down the track and had a pass deflection. Instead, they just try to chase the receiver. To be successful, you have to do both.

To be fair… Northern Illinois was an offense able to exploit this glaring defensive issue. I think we’ll be solid against the run, but again… you have to do both.

Other notes -
1. All previous reports of the baton twirler’s greatness are now substantiated. Talented and pretty.
2. I hate band day. I’m all for the arts, but trying to fit 300+ kids on the field is just awful. Mainly because they have to dumb down the entire performance.
3. Second straight year I was able to attend the game around September 11. Being from New York, the tributes are emotionally stirring. Makes the game that much better for me.
4. Is it me, or are the streets leading away from the stadium becoming absolutely awesome to walk through in recent years. Maine, Alabama, Illinois, etc. A couple of years ago, before and after a game there were a few houses that had some small parties… Nothing unifying. Last night?!?!? Mobs. Houses blasting anything from Kid Rock to Kid Cudi. Beer and booze all over the place. Footballs being tossed, dancing and Crimson and Blue everywhere. Short skirts and tight shirts. It honestly looked like what I feel Tuscaloosa and Gainesville look like on a Saturday (obviously a smaller scale).