THE GOOD
I won't call it a moral victory because it doesn't even remotely feel like one to me. We should have won that game. Hardy or no Hardy, Peria or no Peria we should have won that game. We were one play away. One real legit play from anywhere in the second half. Don't throw either interception, don't get the holding call, don't get the weak pass interference call, Kendrick lewis holds on for the sack, they miss the field goal, make them work for their last touchdown anything. One freaking play and we could put the Oregron behind us. Instead we are still playing the Orgeron moral victory, "we well look better at least" crap.
All things considered the defense was great and played well enough to win. Riley Skinner said it was one of the best he'd faced. Really stepped up and improved from week one to week two especially considering how much better Wake is than Memphis. If they continue to play that way we will win some ball games.
The defensive front especially had a great day and backed up why I thought they would be a major strength this season. They controlled the line of scrimmage most of the day and only gave Wake 81 total yards rushing with a 2.6 yards per carry. That's what they had to do. With Skinner forced to pass most downs they were actually able to hold him in check at times. They also managed to get five sacks. Marcus Tillman had a great game and the Fox continues to rave about his play. Lawon "The Manatee" Scott played well and came up with a big sack. Kentrell Locket had a bit of a break out game with 1.5 sacks and a couple more pressures on Skinner.
Brandon Bolden continues to impress after combining for 43 yards rushing with a 5.4 average and another 43 yards receiving. Devin Thomas also looked good on his one carry getting 19 yards and showing some good speed. Its obvious the Fox loves running backs and is going to give them all a lot of carries. Cordera also came up huge with the final touchdown catch.
THE DUDE
Jevan Snead had a coming out party against Wake and looks to be one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. If he keeps playing like he did Saturday you have to feel like the Rebels will at least be in a lot of games this year. He show a super quick release and great accuracy. Showed amazing elusiveness in the pocket to avoid sacks and buy time and hit the open man. Rushed for big first downs. 
His numbers were sick. 20 of 31, 65% completions, 253 passing yards, 18 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.
The only thing I'd still like him to do is to spread the ball out more. They only receivers to catch a pass were Burnell Mike Wallace, Dexter (1TD), and Shay Hodge(1 TD). Tightend Gerald Harris also joined in to catch a touchdown.
THE BAD
While the defense played good at times that was mainly attributable to the secondary and front four. They linebackers had another rough day. The top three tacklers were again members of the secondary. You have to have linebackers step up and make big plays especially when the defensive line is requiring double teams. Even if Wake was throwing a lot because of the line pressure most of the passes were short routes and the linebackers were getting beat to the outside. Wake's final touchdown drive was the only terrible drive for the defense where they looked exhausted and gave away a score. It was way too easy and cost them the game more than the final drive where they actually made Wake have to make some big plays.
What didn't help the defense stay fresh was two interceptions in two consecutive offensive plays. Can't do that to your defense. Snead didn't see a safety but after the day he had you can excuse one pick. Dexter's was terrible. He should never throw the ball unless the play is unfolding as it was drawn up. He admitted later he should have held on and tried to run for a couple yards. I think its one of those mistakes that was bound to happen and he's learned from it.
Running game disappearing for the second half until the last drive. The Fox praised the line on Monday for their performance but I didn't see it. Really felt we should have been able to get the ground game established more. Especially after last weeks performance. They managed to barely crack a hundred yards rushing. Enrique Davis compiled a .2 yards per carry average on five carries. That's abysmal and we know he's better than that.
We were truly one play away though. All they had to do was get the sack on the final series or not giving up the 20 completion down the middle. When its that close you have to execute and seal the deal.
What didn't help the defense stay fresh was two interceptions in two consecutive offensive plays. Can't do that to your defense. Snead didn't see a safety but after the day he had you can excuse one pick. Dexter's was terrible. He should never throw the ball unless the play is unfolding as it was drawn up. He admitted later he should have held on and tried to run for a couple yards. I think its one of those mistakes that was bound to happen and he's learned from it.
Running game disappearing for the second half until the last drive. The Fox praised the line on Monday for their performance but I didn't see it. Really felt we should have been able to get the ground game established more. Especially after last weeks performance. They managed to barely crack a hundred yards rushing. Enrique Davis compiled a .2 yards per carry average on five carries. That's abysmal and we know he's better than that.
We were truly one play away though. All they had to do was get the sack on the final series or not giving up the 20 completion down the middle. When its that close you have to execute and seal the deal.
THE UGLY
The referees were terrible in this game. Absolutely terrible. I counted numerous terrible calls. My cousin who is a Wake fan noticed numerous terrible calls. We even agreed on how terrible the calls were and that they were bad for both teams. Of course we bring our own officials but they are so used to screwing us for Bama or LSU that they couldn't remember this was one of the times they are supposed to help us. The pass interference call on Marshay Green gave the game to Wake and was very suspect according to both of us. But we also got the benefit of a previous interference call that really looked uncatchable. (He was clearly held so a defensive holding call for five yards would be correct not interference.)But the real issue, since they were equally bad for both teams, was why were the refs calling stupid ticky tack fouls at the end of the game anyway? Let the players make the plays to win. The refs shouldn't have that much control over the outcome. Since the two kind of cancel each other out its really not a big issue though. I'm not blaming the refs at all. You have to make the plays to win. Its just like in a basketball game you don't want the game decided on a ticky tack foul with 2 seconds to go. You don't make a call unless its egregious.
But the real ugly is that we have to find a way to win one of these games. Under the gar fisherman you knew we would find a way to lose. The Fox has won so many of these games but unfortunately with Oregron's players they are so used to loosing. He can't have to many of these or the mental block gets in place again. We can't keep loosing every close game we are in.
I was so excited that we were going to get rid of the bad karma in the second game and had the rug pulled out from under us. Finally some luck from the football gods would shine on us. No we're still Ole Miss and still find ways to lose.
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