[TH Spangler]

RPO seems a little shaky. Maybe miscommunication between QB and running backs? This season defenses seem to be pressureing us better, disrupting Salters decision-making time. Maybe an OL issue? Last night it caused poor ball security. Need to do better against ECU and App. Sure hope Cooley will be back 100% for next two.

[Purple Haize]

Any word on Cooley? He was doing some strength and mobility tests by the tent before they took him back. He didn’t look like he was in pain or inhibited too much. But they shut him down obviously the 2nd half. The running game didn’t look too bad in his absence but he’s such a huge piece it would be nice to have him.

[Sly Fox]

Some cool visuals from an old friend ...

[Humble_Opinion]

After sitting on the game, I have to admit I feel better overall about this team than I did last week after the win at NMSU.

On defense, this unit seems primed to be as good as they were back in 2022, especially up front. TJ Bush is a menace. There were SEVERAL blatant holds on him by the UTEP RT that went uncalled, but they were very blatant. He seemed upset by some of the non-calls as well. Regardless, he and the others put the heat on all night and helped create those INTs in the secondary. I think once we get Mo Williams and D Hill back they could be even slightly better.

Offense is where I think I'm still worried. The loss of QC and JP Flores up front aside, this unit has been inconsistent every week. Statistically speaking, we're still running the ball well, but this unit seems to be struggling some in pass protection. I'm not sure if they're just not as athletic/strong as they were last year, or if it's an issue with chemistry and missed assignments. This is not helping the passing game for obvious reasons if KSalt can't even work through his progressions. I think that's why we've not seen as many downfield attempts through the first few weeks. Like others, I think the playcalling has been odd/predictable at times this year. I don't think we've used the triple option and read option as near as effectively as we did last year... the offense seems more vanilla. Hopefully that changes.