Hats off to Carroll College. They played a hell of a game tonight. They also had a great showing of fan support on the west side. How many plays did that kid in the yellow shoes play tonight for them? I think it was Norbeck. Both ways. Tough kid. Carroll has great heart and some great linebackers.
Some observations:
*Penalties:
Not an issue tonight, I repeat, not an issue.
Offense:
*Great tempo.
*The McDonagh era has begun. There appears to be no juke in this kid, as he'll just lower his head on whoever comes up to him. While I like that, it may not bode well later. He lowered the boom on a couple guys tonight, but then again, it was an NAIA team. Big Sky linebackers pack a bit more punch.
*Adams runs very hard.
*Damn you Carroll College for the late hit on our All American kicker. I hear that it's a sprain, but it wasn't good to see Brown down for that long.
Defense:
* Jackson on the D line. Beast. This guy is going to be good.
* I've been critical of Michael Williams in the past at corner, but I think he's found a home at safety. I thought he played well tonight.
*We should never, ever give up 100+ yards to a NAIA team on the ground. I don't care what offense they run.
*I have a feeling that the pick-6 will be a game standard this season.
All in all I was disappointed. This was basically fall scrimmage #3. We shall see what the UND game yields.