[Treebound]

I do believe we will see 1-2 (ideally no more) clutch Hogan drives this year.  I was very critical of Hogan last year (not knowing what he was facing personally).  The Hogan that emerged in the final three games (especially UCLA) and that has shown up in our 4 wins this year is a much more mature leader.  I think he is ready to step up when necessary and that second quarter drive against sc was a prime example.  He's now checking down and playing comfortably in the pocket.  He knows our complex offense and is making adjustments at the line.  I also think the Occulus program is helping with his decision making times (see the clip from last week's college game day if you can take your eyes off Sam Ponder doing the interview). 

Aside from NW (and I put that L more on coaches not preparing the team for the early, sluggish start), this is looking like the special year many of us circled when we signed all those wonderful offensive linemen.    UCLA will be prepared and likely will send the stunts, but I think between the talent and the schedule line-up (no Utah or ASU), we get to the P12 Championship.  After that, it's going to be about creating our own luck.  The one thing that continues to concern me is our inability to create more turnovers.    Takeaways can really make the difference in those tight games.

[Treebound]

I do believe we will see 1-2 (ideally no more) clutch Hogan drives this year.  I was very critical of Hogan last year (not knowing what he was facing personally).  The Hogan that emerged in the final three games (especially UCLA) and that has shown up in our 4 wins this year is a much more mature leader.  I think he is ready to step up when necessary and that second quarter drive against sc was a prime example.  He's now checking down and playing comfortably in the pocket.  He knows our complex offense and is making adjustments at the line.  I also think the Occulus program is helping with his decision making times (see the clip from last week's college game day if you can take your eyes off Sam Ponder doing the interview). 

Aside from NW (and I put that L more on coaches not preparing the team for the early, sluggish start), this is looking like the special year many of us circled when we signed all those wonderful offensive linemen.    UCLA will be prepared and likely will send the stunts, but I think between the talent and the schedule line-up (no Utah or ASU), we get to the P12 Championship.  After that, it's going to be about creating our own luck.  The one thing that continues to concern me is our inability to create more turnovers.    Takeaways can really make the difference in those tight games.