The classical definition for Slobberknocker is a literal hard hit. I'm going to play off that somewhat in a more figurative manner. While in contrast, and maybe more obviously, the Naw's are things that shouldn't have happened and/or need to change.
Passing the Test
After winning seven of the last eight championships, one could think that there's nothing left to be proven. That would be a surface level opinion and would not take into account all the turnover. For most teams losing the starting quarterback and head coach would be enough for at least a one-year regression. The Bison lost that and much more yet proved today in the most convincing way yet that they are and will remain atop the sub-division. It wasn't the most cleanly played game by the offense or the defense but it was every bit a championship-caliber showdown which the Green & Gold did not allow to be successful for the foe.
Manimal
Jabril Cox.
Need I say more?
The Phenom
Proof that NDSU has a special talent at quarterback seems more abundant after today's "average" game than it did after the first three. Because even though his performance was less eye-popping, he still managed to be like a V8, powering the team to victory.
Speed
Not that anyone who pays attention forgot who the chief of the running back pack is but back in the Dome, Ty Brooks did a great job reminding everyone anyway. In only 11 carries he totaled 110 yards. The dude was averaging 10 yards a carry against a good defense!! Are you kidding me?! Ridiculous! There are other good backs on the roster but TB28 has special capability. At one point it looked like he may have gotten shaken up but he didn't out & out miss time, though his total could have been even better.
Sweet Roll
Four games, four interceptions. Michael Tutsie been as productive of a replacement to Rob Grimsley as possible and that's with a still limited James Hendricks not scaring offense's away.
Minor Concern
At times the overall defense seemed to have some trouble with the speed that the Aggies offense operated at and the ability of Ulonzo Gilliam. Going forward, the trouble with the running back is more concerning because of the talent in the conference but it's unlikely that anyone on the schedule will try to play that fast against them the rest of the year. And for perspective sake, they held Gilliam to 121 total yards which isn't a gawdy number, but it seemed like more during the game. And for clarification sake, I'm giving it a positive because it wasn't a firmly negative day by the defense yet will allow them more evidence from which to learn & improve.
Six more to the good. What say you?
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