Positional Grades Through 2 Games

[Censored by Laurie]

Quarterback - D - Thompson made some really good throws against LSU and was a bit unfortunate to have a couple of drops and an unlucky bounce for an interception. Against TSU however, Thompson made absolutely zero quality throws...his interception was a back-footed wounded duck and the rest of the night he was over-shooting his targets by 4 or 5 feet. Apparently it was windy(?), but he has to be able to adjust. Sub 50% completion against an FCS school is unacceptable.

Running Backs - B+ - Running game expectantly struggled against LSU, but Byrd and Jimmerson really got things going against TSU. I'd like to see a little less Jeremy Brown and a little more Jimmerson

Wide Receivers - C - Tough to tell exactly how well this group has performed due to less than stellar QB play. Brelan has been fantastic, he just desperately needs more touches. Bynes and Delgado had some drops against LSU...the balls they could get to they both made plays on against TSU.

Tight Ends - B - Mainly been used as blockers and have been great in creating holes for the running game...if Thompson's performance against TSU is more the norm and the training wheels need to go back on, I really want to see the TEs, especially Marcus Smith, used more in the passing attack.

Offensive Line - A - An average of 214 rushing yards and zero sacks allowed through two games. The TSU defense was in the back-field a bit more than expected, but they were able to bring 7 or 8 on most plays due to Thompson's ineffectiveness.

Defensive Line - B- - The front four has been generating some decent pressure...Aaron Bellezin has been fantastic thus far...really taking advantage of his opportunity with McCoy injured. Abbe and Lincoln have been disruptive in the middle. Hopefully Boutwell, Cantly and McCoy are all back and 100% against K. State.

Linebackers - A - Akkune and Orr have been fantastic...Phillips solid, and Wright and Polk have made plays when called upon. Akkune, to me, looks the part of an OLB and and may push Wright and Polk for playing time, especially in run downs.

Secondary - B- - The starters have shown a physicality we haven't seen here for some time. TSU hit a big play off a blitz and a blown coverage, but save for that we haven't seen much in the way of open receivers down the field. Depth is a huge concern, though as DQ Johnson has failed to impress and a group of true freshmen round out the 2-deep.

Special Teams - C - Atterberry is a stud...Olen hasn't really had a test yet. Brelan was clearly anxious to get his hands on the ball and make a play since his QB sure wasn't getting it to him and probably made some decisions in fielding punts that he likely wouldn't later in the season. Coverage team has improved since giving up the PR TD, but is still a work in progress.

[GrandGreen]

Having played two very hard to analyze games; one against one of the best teams in the nation and one against a team that NT should have had no problem with. However, based on what little we have seen:

QB - C Thompson was very good against LSU and not so good against TSU. I believe LSU was the far more meaningful for all evaluations.

RB - B Jimmerson will probably end up being number 1 but Byrd is right now should be the starter; he is the best blocker by far and doesn't make mistakes

WR -D Other than Chancellor against LSU, the WRS have not shown me much

OL - B Did well against a stacked formation by TSU to prevent the run, Did about as well as expected against a super talented LSU

TE - C Have not made the catches in the few throws to them, heavily used against TSU to offset 8 and 9 man in the box defenses with some success

DL - B Trouble as expected against LSU, but overall a better group than anticipated Bellizan and Lincoln have been pleasant surprises

LB - B Akunne, Phillips, and Orr very solid starters; Polk and Wright give descent depth

DB - C Much better than feared, very young and should get better Already as good as last year starters Lee and Trice are hitters

ST - C Lots of mistakes, Atterberry has been good but was challenged by the TSU kicker KO return and punt coverage need lots of work