I was at the game. It was strange, compelling, maddening, and thrilling all rolled into one. From the tv maybe you could add boring given the offensive (double entendre intended) ineptitude, but it wasn't from the stands, believe it or not. That's partly a credit to the crowd, which was pretty enthusiastic throughout and great at the end.
To the latter point, when it appeared Mac was content to run out the final dozen or so seconds and to go into OT, he was booed mercilessly and eventually called the timeout that precipitated Franks' fateful heave.
A couple of observations, likely all of which have already been made, but who knows right?
The young corners are going to be really good. Yeah there were some mistake and missed tackles, but Wilson and Henderson look like they could be lockdown bookend corners for us for the next few years. They were almost always in a good position despite being left on an island.
Toney was electric and the only guy who had a pulse for most of the game on offense. He's another freshman who could be a major contributor in the next few years.
Hammond is serviceable, but Callaway and Cleveland on the field together would really put a lot of pressure on opposing secondaries. Beyond Toney and Cleveland, none of the other receivers really stand out.
We've all but abandoned the TE position.
Malik Davis and Lemons flashed serious potential.
Franks looked to be really accurate most of the night. Toney somehow dropped a perfect deep pass to his chest in the endzone; other times throws were on the mark it coverage was right (that goes to the inability of most of the receivers to get separation against a poor secondary). I expect his decision making to improve each and every game. He could be really good if Nuss gives him some rope or, preferably, gets put out to pasture.
O line was disappointing, again. Franks didn't have much time. Running lanes were few and far between. It's no wonder Michigan with a top notch front 4 savaged us.
Nearly all of the key moments occurred in the endzone where the recruits were sitting, including the Cleveland catch, Davis run/fumble and Franks' first TD to Powell (yes that's probably all of them). I imagine the atmosphere in the locker room after the game had an impact on a few of them.
Lastly, kudos to the young defense. Under pressure all game and met the challenge almost every time. The goatbangers had great field position all night and while there was plenty of bend in the defense, they held on and gave Franks the chance to do what he did.
Despite the anguish we get from this team more often than is acceptable, it's ALWAYS great to send those toothless inbreds home to their trailers with their creamsicle rags stained by the tears of despair and failure.
Go Gators.