I thought the Flyers looked great at times and at times looked just horrible. The score was 40 to 21, but it was close the entire game.
SEMO was a far better team than Robert Morris, but this was a winnable game for the Flyers. I don't think we made very good adjustments on Defense after the half. We were winning early in the fourth quarter, but it was close and we allowed them to move out in front with like 12 minutes left.
We had just stopped them on a 2 point conversion when we give them the ball back and in a serious defensive lapse we were loaded to one side and a short swing pass (which killed us all day) the opposite way led to a 73 yard touchdown and he was untouched. This broke the back for both the offense and defense in my opinion. We go and give the ball right back and their running back just moves outside and hits a huge hole and untouched goes for 95 yards. Trying to do too much we fumbled it away while driving and that pretty much ended it.
Had SEMO run that RB the entire game, I believe he could have had close to 400 yards rushing. He had 202 as it was and we had no real answer for him.
SEMO had big, strong and quick linebackers that filled the holes pretty well. Their D Line was fairly quick too and big. Yet, we moved the ball really well at times. I like the Receiver Reverse (a lot), but to run it three times in the span of six plays was too much and we were at times very limited in the play calling. If we are going with a red-shirt freshman at QB, let's open the playbook more and develop him like we did with Alex Jeske. He struggled at times his first year and look how he developed. Cook has some of the same abilities and drive.
Any team will struggle once the starter goes down, but I think our offensive play calling is too limited and doesn't utilize his strengths.
I am glad I went to the game. It is a place I have never been and it was a great bonding time with my 13 year old daughter who loves the program as much as I do. I didn't like the 4 hours of driving in the pouring down rain (8 hours total drive time) on the way back Saturday night, but I wouldn't trade the experience with my daughter for anything. Just wish the Flyers had pulled out a victory, but hopefully, we learned some things and play better at
Duquesne who really has our number at their place.
The good thing is this doesn't impact our conference standings. It is now over and let's Go Flyers!