Not trying to be a dick, but why do you think we are on the verge "exercising our demons?" We've been dealing with them for 4 years now and nothing that I have seen makes me think it will be different. I would love nothing more than to be wrong, I just don't see it...
AM seems more confident. Defense seems steady and confident. The special teams screw ups are obvious as the #1 reason for our losses, momentum to improve there is possible. It's mostly our kicker at this point, he's got the yips, possible he breaks out of that. We are kicking the ball in/through the endzone most of the time, that has improved. Punting improved the last few games. No return game snafus the last game.
We had Manning and Betts become weapons that were used properly last game, and AM seemed confident to put the ball where they could go get it. We saw increased aggression from Jurgens (first penalty was dumb/bad, 2nd one was iffy), maybe the O Line is ready to stop being tentative. Also, coaching staff is showing they are ready to play other O Line guys in the search for improving the O LIne. They know the O Line play has been our biggest offensive issue.
TE's are healthy and I think they made a big difference in both blocking and receiving.
RB's is still a question mark. Ervin probably done for the season. It's a roll of the dice who they play a given week. There is some talent there, but a guy or two really needs to take the reigns and take the job.
Coaching staff is on the clock, and they know it. Plays and offensive scheme were better since Illinois. Is Lubick calling the plays now? Whatever it is, play calling seems better than it was, keeping the opposing defense more off balance. We actually had several sustained drives (despite penalties) and stretched the field in ways we previously hadn't.
Everyone knows we can't lose at the clip they have been losing - it's a total failure. I think it is possible they are just fed up with losing, and have possibly taken a turn where enough things improve to where they win more than they lose and get at least a 6 and 6 record.
But I could be wrong. Just feels like we are on the verge of pushing past the mental block and issues preventing wins. We will see.
