I have to say I am pleasantly surprised by this team and with the right matches ups could have a nice run in the post season. Since it doesn't look as of Monday that there will be a week 5 opponent now might be a good time to reset where things stand:
Positives:
- This team looks to be the most balanced since Coach Goode has taken over. No real weakness along both sides of the balls and some early season concerns on special teams, while not fully fixed, look to be in a better place.
- Coaching this year seem to have taken a step up. Game day prep seems to be much stronger with little wrinkles thrown in pending opponent as well as personnel changes that seem to be working. On gameday the management of the game has also been much better and the sideline looks to be a lot tighter than in 2020.
- While the Freshmen teams don't seem to be getting positive results it looks like there is some young talent in the pipeline. This is key to building a program and getting out of the boom or bust pattern Benny has been in since the 2000s.
Challenges>
- Depth! As I have been saying this is a Div II team in talent but a Div III team in depth. A key injury or two and all of the good building up during the regular season can be washed away with a short run in the post season. Some non starters need to take a step up during practice and earn some playing time to give guys a rest and get a feel for live game situations so if needed can answer the bell. As an example the young Freshmen QB made an appearance in the game against Hartley, I know they were trying to win the game and chew up clock but let him have a chance at throwing a ball or two to get a feel for varsity field in case he is needed down the line.
- I hope this team doesn't get complacent. The way the schedule is breaking there are a couple key games that can catch the Bengals looking forward. It is imperative that this team take no games off.
Also it is time for the coaches and players to start working on time management and dealing with the media. As this run continues there will be more folks wanting their time and they will need to stay focused, also the media will start to show up more frequently because this a brand name with much past success.
Players and coaches should watch the below clip and also take notes>