My Thoughts - Louisiana-Monroe

Did we really learn anything? That's the problem with playing a team like ULM. There's three possible scenarios: 1) lose the game and start assembling the search committee; 2) win the game by a small margin and give the "dark side" more material; or 3) win the game by a large margin and really not know for sure if you're an improved team. Of course, the last option is the most acceptable. But it'll be another week before we really know if this team has gotten better since the Alabama game.

The good? The consistency of McFadden and Jones at tailback is a credit to them and this team's ability to execute the running game. Saturday night, of course, they both outclassed ULM. But after five games of solid production against both ranked and unranked teams, I would challenge anyone to name a better freshman tailback tandem in the country.

Positive special teams play continues to be one of the biggest surprises of the season. Getting an extra point blocked and giving up a fake field goal touchdown weren't good. But our coaches actually allowed our kicker to attempt a career long field goal...and it was made with distance to spare. Our kickoff return team has to be as good as any in the SEC. And after Peyton Hillis decided in the second half that he could catch a punt instead of watching it bounce in front of him, we even showed a sign that we could improve in that area as well.

The bad? Any opportunity to improve the passing game last night was squandered. Echoing HogBlogger's thoughts, we had 50 runs and 19 passes. Our SEC-worst average of 130.5 passing yards per game actually went down. And the Robert Johnson pass to Cedric Logan on a deep post pattern was badly overthrown. But the mock cheer after the play for just an attempt at a deep pass was priceless. Even the radio guys had to acknowledge the crowd and laugh about it. And really that's where we are in our passing game...you just have to laugh at it.

So did we see any improvement out of the off week? I thought the quantity and execution of screen plays was much better. After the two pathetic attempts at a deep ball this season (yes I said two...after five games), it's probably where we need to focus in the passing game anyway. But once again, we'll find out in the next few weeks if we can execute them as well against an SEC defense.

The ugly? How many plays does ARSN have to miss before they finally realize their commercial breaks are too long? Now granted, even if they get back on time, it's a challenge at times with Paul Eells to determine what's happening on the field. And it was bad enough that they missed most of the 80 yard touchdown run by Felix Jones against Missouri State (see here). But last night, in the fifth broadcast of the year, they continued to come out of commercial late and once missed two complete plays of a drive. The reason always given on the air is that it's the referee's fault. But when it happens every game, that excuse doesn't cut it anymore.