[duncan_idaho]

Well, that was interesting.

A really nervous fourth quarter, and quite the step-up from the defense late (despite having the deck stacked against them there).

I thought Berkstresser was OK, but sure as hell hope Franklin is healthy next week. The lack of respect for Berk's wheels limits the offense quite a bit, though I was impressed by the amount of WR/RB in motion use across the formation. That adds some misdirection, an element that is missing with a cement-footed QB.

Berkstresser's biggest failing was on the INT. Live, it looked bad. Watching the replay of it... man, just a terrible throw on a play where the scheme had worked and the WR was wide, wide open.

I disagree with criticisms of the game plan. With a freshman at QB, I'd expect it to be pretty conservative (and was surprised a bit it wasn't even more conservative). The poor play of the offensive line (which was awful) severely limits the playbook, too. You need 3-4 seconds to throw a deep ball, especially off of a double move like a slant-and-go. The OL certainly wasn't providing that.

They didn't use the middle of the field as much as I would have liked - it seemed like when they did, it was successful (particularly to McGaffie and Moe). ASU has a pretty decent pass defense (And the Magee kid is a great zone defender at LB), but it shouldn't have limited Missouri THAT much.

Part of that, I think, is not trusting Berkstresser's experience in reading the middle of the field and making quick, hot route throws. That's the most dangerous area of the field to throw to, so it makes sense.

I like getting the ball in DGB's hands a bit on sweeps (and hope to see that as part of the offense moving forward). With Franklin at QB, you could run a speed option behind that sweep and probably find good space - and an overreacting defense.

As a receiver, he still has a ways to go in terms of running routes effectively and at full speed, from what I hear. Honestly, he's got a hill to climb behind some experienced, quality guys in Moe and Lucas and Washington (whose big-play potential is proven). But he'll get there. It might not be this season (or not until later this season), but it will happen.

Overall... they escaped a game against a solid-to-good major conference team with the backup QB taking the snaps. Hopefully, Jesus Freak is now healthy and will be able to play on Saturday against USC, because they need him.