ShowMeBear2
September 7th, 2007, 05:27 PM
Grading the Bears
Passing game - B
Dropped passes were again a concern. Normally sure-handed Jeremy Nicholson let one slip through his hands on a third-down play in the third quarter. Quarterbacks Matt Krapfl and Cody Kirby managed the offense and didn't make mistakes. The duo combined for 8-for-15 for 179 yards. More importantly, no turnovers.
Running game - A
Everything opens up when the running game is grinding out chunks of yardage. With senior Gerald Davis pounding away and freshman Kingjack Washington as a change of pace, the Bears ran up 146 yards on 34 carries against a defense that ranked No. 6 in the country last year in total defense.
Run defense - C+
No, it wasn't a dominating performance by any means, but it wasn't expected. Big plays — a big problem last year — were minimized. Don Chapman, UT-Martin's all-time leading rusher, ran for 111 yards on 23 carries, but didn't dominate. Linebacker Jeron Poole was all over the field.
Pass defense - B-
UT-Martin quarterback Dexter Anoka hurt the Bears with short passes in the second quarter. Chris Farrar was burned trying to make a big play in the fourth quarter when he should have made the tackle for a short gain. Cornerback Marcus Colbert nearly made his first interception and was in on several breakups.
Special teams - A
Much, much improved over last week's abomination against Missouri-Rolla. Eric Davis was his elusive self on kickoff returns and Washington set the tone for the game with a 50-yard runback on the opening kick. Nathan Stokes drilled his only three field-goal attempts from 44, 34 and 30 yards.
Coaching - A
As shown by its 14-0 start, this team was well-prepared. Even more impressive was making it hold up. The fake punt late in the third quarter caught everyone by surprise and helped regain momentum when it could have easily swung the other way.
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-- Kyle Neddenriep
Passing game - B
Dropped passes were again a concern. Normally sure-handed Jeremy Nicholson let one slip through his hands on a third-down play in the third quarter. Quarterbacks Matt Krapfl and Cody Kirby managed the offense and didn't make mistakes. The duo combined for 8-for-15 for 179 yards. More importantly, no turnovers.
Running game - A
Everything opens up when the running game is grinding out chunks of yardage. With senior Gerald Davis pounding away and freshman Kingjack Washington as a change of pace, the Bears ran up 146 yards on 34 carries against a defense that ranked No. 6 in the country last year in total defense.
Run defense - C+
No, it wasn't a dominating performance by any means, but it wasn't expected. Big plays — a big problem last year — were minimized. Don Chapman, UT-Martin's all-time leading rusher, ran for 111 yards on 23 carries, but didn't dominate. Linebacker Jeron Poole was all over the field.
Pass defense - B-
UT-Martin quarterback Dexter Anoka hurt the Bears with short passes in the second quarter. Chris Farrar was burned trying to make a big play in the fourth quarter when he should have made the tackle for a short gain. Cornerback Marcus Colbert nearly made his first interception and was in on several breakups.
Special teams - A
Much, much improved over last week's abomination against Missouri-Rolla. Eric Davis was his elusive self on kickoff returns and Washington set the tone for the game with a 50-yard runback on the opening kick. Nathan Stokes drilled his only three field-goal attempts from 44, 34 and 30 yards.
Coaching - A
As shown by its 14-0 start, this team was well-prepared. Even more impressive was making it hold up. The fake punt late in the third quarter caught everyone by surprise and helped regain momentum when it could have easily swung the other way.
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-- Kyle Neddenriep