conspectus
\ kən-ˈspek-təs \
noun
1: a usually brief survey or summary (as of an extensive subject) often providing an overall view
Each week, Greg Brandt and/or Brad McDaniel will write a review from the week of football that was.
Kyren Williams’ Breakout Game
The redshirt freshman broke onto the screen in a big way this past weekend. He showed out in such a way that people who never heard of him prior to the Duke game claim he’s now a top back in the class of 2022. While I’m an O.G. Williams supporter, that’s extremely excessive for my liking. I want to see more games like we saw this past weekend before I overreact. Williams accounted for 46% of the Irish’s yards on Saturday and scored two out of their three TDs. On the ground, he tallied 19-112-2 and added another 2-93 as a receiver. He was narrowly caught from behind on a 75-yard reception. He looked much more explosive and agile than he did in a limited role in 2019. As a true freshman, Williams gained a bit too much weight and looked like a bowling ball. He’s slimmed down for the 2020 season and looks to be the athlete that was on his high school film. After this performance, I don’t have much doubt that the Irish offense will run through him. Notre Dame is lacking playmakers outside at the moment with Kevin Austin and Braden Lenzey sidelined with injuries. Williams will be heavily relied upon until both are back and fully healthy.
Florida State and Mike Norvell
Florida State just lost their fourth straight season opener. Even worse, the quality of opponent has decreased each year (Alabama, Virginia Tech, Boise State, Georgia Tech). That’s the first glimpse of how bad Jimbo Fisher left things in Tallahassee, and how much worse Willie Taggart made them. Before the game, someone asked me what he had to worry about with Mike Norvell as coach. I said nothing that you have to worry about today, but he gets in his own way and tends to blow double-digit leads in the second half of big games. This wasn’t a big game, but his team blew a double-digit second half lead to Georgia Tech. Twitter, always relentless, started comparing Norvell to Taggart before the game was over. I’m on record saying I don’t think Norvell will succeed at Florida State to the level Florida State hopes. After Saturday, it’s clear the OL still stinks, and Mike Norvell’s clock shouldn’t start until he moves on from QB James Blackman.
Jeff Sims’ Debut
The Yellow Jackets trotted out a true freshman QB on Saturday afternoon. Sims had a really good showing for a true freshman in an offense that struggled mightily in 2019. He attempted 35 passes and completed 70% of his passes on his way to a come-from-behind victory. He tossed one touchdown on the day but added two interceptions as well. He even led the team in rushing with 64 yards on the afternoon. He’s listed at 6’3” and 215lbs (that appears to be a bit generous), Sims does look bulked up from high school but still has a ways to go in the weight room. His debut honestly couldn’t have gone much better. He didn’t appear to be swimming in the deep end and carried his team to a big comeback victory on the road. I was intrigued by his high school film, he now has my full attention.
Sun Belt
The Sun Belt went 3-0 in games against the Big 12 Saturday. Louisiana beat Iowa State 31-14. Arkansas State bounced back from their loss to Memphis to top Kansas State 35-31. Coastal Carolina’s 38-23 win over Kansas was their second win over Les Miles’ squad in as many years.
Jordan Whittington
Devy Watch favorite Jordan Whittington showed his versatility out of the slot for Texas Saturday. He carried the ball once for 15 yards and caught two passes for 45 yards. Sadly, he only had three touches because he left the game early with a knee injury. X-rays were normal, and we are waiting on Tom Herman’s press conference to get the results of an MRI yesterday.
D’Eriq King
Even though it’s been about 11 months since we’ve seen King on a football field, he’s still got it. He extended his NCAA record streak for consecutive games with both a passing and rushing TD to 16.
Catch of the Year Candidate
Kansas State WR Malik Knowles submitted his entry for catch of the year Saturday vs Arkansas State.
Feature image from UHND.com
