After the 44-14 loss to Idaho on Saturday, most Sioux fans were left scratching their heads as to how two halves could be so different. Here are our thoughts on what went down on Saturday:
- The Sioux offense was poor on Saturday. They only managed 11 first downs and had 197 total yards. QB Joey Bradley was 15-31 for 166 yards (1 TD and 1 Int). Once again, there were many drops that contributed to that low percentage but there were also some errant passes.
- The offensive line played better in pass protection than Week 1 but could not open any holes for the running game. The Sioux only had 29 yards rushing on 20 carries.
- UND offense was 3 of 13 on 3rd down.
- Time of possession: Idaho – 35:35 UND – 24:25.
- The Sioux keep trying to get the ball to Jer Garman but it never works out. Either its thrown too high or gets batted down at the line. The one pass he did have put on him was dropped on 3rd down. Kid is snakebit right now.
- The Sioux had a -2 turnover ratio after being +2 in week 1 vs. Drake.
- Idaho QB Brian Reader ended up with 299 yards and 4 TD’s and 0 Int’s. After a very shaky start in which the Sioux got to him a couple times he really settled down. The last drive before the half he led them down the field without in incompletion and changed the momentum of the game.
- The Idaho offensive game plan changed in that drive. They max protected and simply ran 2-3 man routes and the Sioux could not get to Reader anymore with the blitz.
- There were way too many holes in the secondary’s coverage that last drive of the first half and the entire second half. Idaho kept beating what appeared to be some version of Cover 2 by hitting the receiver along the sideline in the pocket between the corner and safety. The corners were not carrying the route long enough to let the safety get over there. However, there were times that the safety did not get over there either. Credit to Idaho for finding that gap.
- A couple times Reader recognized the blitz and checked to man routes for his receivers and beat our secondary.
- The run defense was pretty good throughout (117 yards on 38 carries). Idaho got some yards late but didn’t do much in the first 3 quarters.
- The defense had way too many missed tackles.
- The defense lost contain on the QB again too many times on the edge.
- Special Teams was outstanding again on Saturday. They had a 79 yard punt return for TD, blocked FG, excellent kickoff coverage all day, decent kickoff return average (25 yards). Brett Cameron had a 41 yard punting average but only put 1 inside the 20. We would love to see that get better.
- The Sioux were outscored 34-0 in the 2nd half after having a 14-10 lead at halftime. The Vandals went to a full time passing game and the Sioux had no answer. With the offense stagnant, the defense had a combination of wearing down and apparent busted coverages throughout the second half.
- This was a game where the fans were wanting to gauge how far the program has come with respect to winning an FBS game. The first half showed them there has been some progress and that we have the players to compete. The 2nd half was 180 degree’s opposite.
