Special Teams Play

[EWURanger]

Is the biggest area that we need to improve this Saturday, IMO. Particularly, Punt returns. Two TO's from punt returns, along with the punt fair-caught inside the 10 yard line prior to our final drive. I am also wondering why Matt is returning punts this season. It seems like we have plenty of skill players that would suffice. Thoughts?

 

[LDopaPDX]

I don't think Matt Johnson is going to be a full-time punt returner. This is one area where FBS/BCS teams tend to have a big edge over FCS teams because we have to use first year kids and non-schollie kids on special teams while they can utilize schollie kids. I think putting MJ back there was Baldwin's response to UW, not necessarily a year-long move.

I also think Alante Wright (who returned a good number of punts last year) leaving the team left us in a bit of a bind.

 

[wineguy]

Put in someone with no fear and 4.4 speed. Cory Mitchell

 

[HannahO]

I believe that Tyler Hart, who was hurt, is going to be the regular punt returner. Don't know what the timetable for his return is, however.

 

[clawman1]

I like wineguy's comment, let Cory take on returns. With that said I have full confidence in the coaching staff that they know best.
As far as turnovers, right it may have cost us the game last week because we lost 4, but we didn't get any takeaways either. My guess is that we will see a LOT of attempts at stripping the ball this week and hope it results in turnover ratio in our favor.
Go Eags

 

[TRochon]

I actually sat next to Matt and Zach's parents at the game. They informed me that Matt was literally a late option to start returning punts, so he didn't get as much practice in. Not only was this the season opener and his first punt return opportunity, but also a very loud Husky Stadium probably added some nerves on his part. In my opinion our special teams will work it self out by this weekend, but we will see. Obviously it was our weakest part of the game as it cost us in the end, but I would like to see what Matt can do against an FCS team and if he doesn't play well against South Dakota, then I could for sure see Cory playing there.