Western Michigan week

9/26/2007

There are some banged-up UT players after Saturday s game, but for the first game this year it appears there were no injuries suffered in the contest that will keep anyone out this week. The Rockets also get a little bit of depth back in the secondary as CB Greg Harris is back practicing.

Another week, another top-notch receiver to worry about. Kansas it was Aqib Talib. Last week, Todd Blythe. This week it s Jamarko Simmons, who is leading the MAC in receptions and is second in receiving yards.

CB Myshan Veasley-Pettis (this is his full name and the back of his jersey was altered to reflect that) was on Blythe last week and Blythe did get the better of him. Unlike last week's opponent, the Broncos have more than one receiver who can consistently catch the ball, and that adds to the challenge.

I caught some of the game replay on BCSN Tuesday night, and one thing that went undermentioned in the aftermath of the win was how well Walter Atkins played. Atkins, like all cornerbacks, is going to get burned, but he was a true asset in getting pressure on the QB. Which of course, is going to be a huge factor this weekend in determining the winner who can mess with whose sophomore quarterback more. While talented, Tim Hiller and Aaron Opelt have both thrown some picks already this season and both are not immune to making bad decisions.

I ve seen definite progress from the UT front seven the past two games, despite the fact that the Rockets are quite short on healthy defensive ends. Continuing the progression or even staying at the same level will be key Saturday.