One half down, one half to go. It's starting to get darker and the lights are starting to get lighter here. It's been a pretty up-and-down first half, despite what the score says... here are some thoughts heading into the 2nd half of our season opener at Kelly/Shorts:
- The entire defense, aside from Eastern Illinois' 80-yard field goal drive, has been spectacular. It's stopping the run very effectively, holding EIU runners to 31 yards, and 20 of them came on one play. The pass rush didn't really come until the 2nd quarter, topped off with Frank Zombo's forced fumble on quarterback Bodie Reeder. That set up a one-play 18-yard catch by Jean Pitts to make the score 17-3.
- Ontario Sneed is back (6 rushes, 64 yards). To be fair, he has a tendency to do well in home openers (168 yards last year against Toledo), but he's got his aggressiveness back. He's breaking tackles and getting into the open field. Carl Volny, on the other hand, is struggling, with 7 carries for 17 yards.
- Antonio Brown is picking up where he left off. Three returns for 64 yards - he's definitely giving CMU a huge advantage in field position. On the other hand, special team is doing well, too- EIU's been pinned inside their 10-yard line on multiple occasions.
- Jean Pitts is looking good, particularly on one amazing 18-yard diving catch in the end zone. Dan LeFevour's throw was spot-on, staying away from the defender. I hope we got that catch on photo.
- Quarterback comparison: LeFevour, 13-for-19 for 155 yards and a touchdown. EIU's Reeder: 10-for-15 for 93 yards.
Check back here at the end of the game for more notes and thoughts on the season-opener!
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