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Mike Leach started Connor Halliday to the delight/chagrin of most of the fanbase. He promptly threw two interceptions, and was subsequently benched, looking like someone told him he's not allowed to eat cookies for dinner. Enter Jeff Tuel, who ran the offense the way many had predicted he would. If it were not for a myriad of drops by the WRs, Tuel's numbers, and perhaps the outcome of the game itself, may have been more favorable for the Cougs.
Alex Brink Offensive POTW:
Jeff Tuel -- 29/53, 320 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, L36, 3 sacks
Tuel's completion percentage wasn't stellar (55%), but his receivers dropped so many balls, it's tough to put that solely on him. He looked like a much different QB than we've seen in the past, getting rid of the ball in under 30 seconds, and generally looking more decisive. He was sacked 3 times, though. Had Leon Brooks or Gino Simone not dropped sure touchdowns, Tuel's numbers, and the final score, look much better.
Eric Frampton Defensive POTW:
Deone Bucannon -- 13 tackles, 8 solo
At this point in the season, Bucannon is the team's leading tackler by a whopping 14 tackles. Bucannon's 60 tackles in seven games means he's averaging about 8 1/2 tackles per game. That's not ideal for a safety. Regardless, he's been playing well, as he also leads the team in interceptions (4), and is second in pass breakups (3).
Darryl Monroe had a nice game, too, but I went with Bucannon and his 13 tackles.
Graham Siderius Special Teams POTW:
Michael Bowlin -- 4 kickoffs, 253 yards, 63.2 average, 1 touchback; 4 punts, 155 yards, 38.8 average, L50, 1 inside the 20
Oh man, not a great week for Special Teams. Andrew Furney went 1 for 2 on FG attempts, missing one from 43 yards. Teondray Caldwell was hurt, so Brett Bartolone took over kick return duties. He totaled 48 yards on two returns. No one really stunk up the joint, but man, no one stood out, either. So I'm giving it to Bowlin for his kickoffs. At the very least, Hollyweirdcoug should be pleased. He loves touchbacks as much as Nusser loves mayo on hot dogs.
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Last week's prediction:
Connor Halliday, Travis Long, Michael Bowlin
1/3, but I went with the starting QB, and had that been Tuel, I would have picked him. So, 1 1/2 out of 3? Woo! Everything's made up and the points don't matter!
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Next week's prediction:
Starting QB, Deone Bucannon, Andrew Furney
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