There is plenty that could be said about the state of our beloved Bulldogs after the Maroon & White Game.
However, here is what I feel are the most important takeaways from Saturday’s scrimmage.
1. The defense is in good hands.
When Bernardrick Mckinney and Preston Smith bolted for the NFL Draft, fans were left to wonder who could assume the roles of these almost irreplaceable superstars. Look no further than Gerri Green, Nelson Adams and A.J. Jefferson. The trio proved they were more than capable Saturday making several key plays which included an interception by Green and a sack by Adams
2. There are serious horses in the backfield.
Ashton Shumpert wears the defense down with his agresssive style of running. Then comes the scrappy freshman Dontavian Lee, who seems to tote the ball with a chip on his shoulder each and every carry. Simply put, Lee runs with fearless, reckless abandon. Once the D is on its heels the speedster Brandon Holloway breaks through the first level and is off to the races. If those options should not succeed Malik Dear, Aeris Williams await. Add in Dak Prescott and this backfield should strike fear into opposing defenses.
3. If Dak goes down, don’t panic.
Let us all knock on wood and pray for the health of our Heisman hopeful quarterback in the upcoming season. Superstitions aside though the wear and tear that Dak is certain to take this season per his style of play is inevitable. Rest assured that should such a scenario take place, Nick Fitzgerald will be more than ready. Prescott’s backup showed flashes of brilliance Saturday. The Georgia native completed 20 of 32 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns. Fitzgerald also displayed a decent set of legs accounting for yet another score on the ground. The freshman was responsible for two turnovers as well, but after a perfomance like the one he put on Saturday, those mistakes are sure to disappear as the young quarterback continues to grow in Dan Mullen’s system.
4. Dak is back!
It is always nice to know there is backup when it is most needed. It is even nicer ,however, to have a seasoned Heisman hopeful as your signal caller. Prescott showed signs of improvement and growth throughout the scrimmage. Many questioned his accuarcy and decision making at the close of the season. Both seemed in check as he passed 231 yards, completing 20 of 29 on the way to three touchdowns with no interceptions. The senior seemed to show much more poise in the pocket as well, electing to run or take sacks only when all other options ran out. Of course, Prescott is far from perfect but less than perfection has hoisted the Heisman. Perhaps this new hunger and improvement can be credited to all the dejectors of the star quarterback, who already have stated disbelief in the teams abilities to mimic last season’s success.
