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It's interesting to see the comments on the board after a big opener win against Idaho. The emotions range from elation to uncomfortable to even paranoia. You can tell we're not used to winning games like this. It's like this great suit that we never wore before that everyone loves but we aren't used to wearing. It was interesting on Mac's radio show, Jub asked him about the improvement at defensive end hoping for players to be named and he wouldn't or couldn't give a specific player response. He sort of made some general statements and reiterated that John Skladany was doing a great job and there had been stability etc... Mentioned that Sarge was still out and might play against Ohio. I thought our defensive ends looked super at times in the game especially Aaron Bellazin, Jarrian Roberts (2 sacks) and Chad Polk. Is it just me or does it sometimes seem like Sarge misses more games than he plays in? He made a clear point to say that kickoffs were still Zach Olen but did not say that about PAT's and short field goals. It appears they may platoon Olen with Paul and that worries me a bit.. On another special teams note, really didn't get to see Macek much at punter and again his performance could be HUGE against Ohio... Ohio has a short week and probably will be pretty banged up after locking horns with a very physical Lousiville team. Mean Rob pointed out the line was -8 but I could see that get below 5 by gametime...the Ohio game was one most of us penciled in as a loss so I see this as more a big game for Mac AND the program. Mac's teams just don't usually win on the road and it's a trend he/we really needs to change. Gotta give my due to UTSA on winning a road game against a Mountain West team. think of the exuberance we might have had beating a team like New Mexico on the road in say 1995 or 1996... That game against them @Apogee is building momentum. Anytime you can beat a team on the road it's big. Hat's off to our good fans who weathered some major heat all day. Tony's tailgate was terrific as usual and we did the best we could given the heat. A good time was had by all. Thanks to everyone who came by and said hello. Zach Orr -- the only difference that I see from last year is that he is bigger and stronger and instead of just making tackles he is truly punishing an opponent every single time. He is a joy to watch and his family will be so missed at our tailgate next season...what a joy they are to be with..just like part of our family. I congratulate Derek for an outstanding game. He really threaded the needle all day long and seemed to be a step quicker. He deserves a lot of kudos for giving us a MUCH needed win to start a season. However, I still remain amazed at how comfortable and good Dajon Williams looked. I mean like REALLY good. I don't think any of us realized what a tremendous catch he was for this program. How much fun it will be to watch him for the next four years. The wide receivers played like gamers and look like a completely different unit. If I were to give a coaching game ball it would go to Mike Grant. He has those guys fighting and scrapping like we haven't seen in a long long time. Mac praised guard Cyril Lemon for an outstanding and dominating game. I would agree 100% but also feel the RS Freshman center Kaydon Kirby really played well for it being just his first game. James Jones elevates the entire secondary. This kid is electric and has great speed. They won't be able to keep him off the field for long. I saw some nice things from Austin Orr at defensive tackle for him being a sophomore. He's gotten a lot bigger (thanks Coach Wentrich). I also wanted to single out linebacker Will Wright. He sort of gets overshadowed by Orr and some of the others at his position but let me just say this kid played magnificently against Idaho. His speed really caused problems for them both in the run and the pass. There were still some tell tale signs of that team that disappointed us last season. Not being able to grind out a short 4th down against a weary Idaho defense sort of stuck with me driving home and still today. I hated the slow start, I mean that game started out like Houston last year...had we let that happen against Ohio we would perhaps never recover. Not trying to rain on the parade but I think these are valid concerns. How can you come out as fired up as we were and let a team like Idaho march it down your throat for a touchdown? Note to Brock Berglund - don't get too down about how things have played out thus far. We all know that crazy things can happen in a season. McNulty didn't do himself any favors with that INT and it is absolutely possible that you will see the field this season so you can prove yourself. Keep your chin up and keep working hard. I see you working hard with your teammates on the sidelines and sending in signals for the coaches. Keep it up. Last hot sports opinion... to echo a sentiment that Gray Eagle pointed out so accurately -- we need to hope and pray that Brelan can stay healthy. If he does we could be a very dangerous team in C-USA. The problem is there is no dimmer on his light switch. He plays 150 percent every single time he steps on the field. He is just one of those amazing athletes whose determination matched with his athleticism is so exceptional. Finally how about some kudos to RV and the administration for coughing up the bucks to get us this game. Many of us spent all summer worrying about the ramifications of laying an egg in this game and the first five minutes were a nightmare. Still, it turned out great and turned out to be money that was very well spent. No Idaho may not be that good but I thought their QB was pretty good and they had some pretty big physical players. It was a great win, a much needed win for this program at this particular time. Let's breathe in the air of victory and optimism even if only for a couple days. It is deserved. GMG