Digging a hole

TO: June Jones, Pete Carroll
FROM: Ian
CC: Bob Toledo, Mike Riley
DATE: Sept. 26
RE: Last night's games

In case you've forgotten, football games are four quarters long. Not one, not two. Four. All four of your teams' performances demonstrate a need for some reminders.

June, I'm worried about you. You've put all your eggs in the hands of a kid who last year was more worried about how big a mum he was going to have to buy than he was about getting embarrassed on national television. Don't worry, though. I'll still keep sipping your Kool Aid. Please, however, find a secondary over the next year. And your lines could use some bulk.

Pete, you know I can't lecture you too much. But now you're down to wishin' and hopin' for nine weeks of upsets. Gonna be watching a little more of the Big 12 and SEC than you had planned, I'm sure.

Here's the problem -- and this applies to Bob and Mike, as well. All four of your teams essentially played a half last night. Tulane and Oregon State each won the first half, while SMU and USC won your second halves. Thankfully for the home crowds, that first half provided a big enough edge.

The work plan: More tape for all of you, especially SMU and USC. You're not going to be able to rely on the halftime adjustments all year. Especially you, SMU -- holding Tulane to just a field goal in the second half? Impressive. Four touchdowns and a field goal in the first? Not so much.

Finally, a special note for you, June: To run an offense based on the pass, your receivers have to catch the balls thrown to them. Especially the ones that hit them in the hands. I'm sure you run plenty of drills, but throw in a few more. You've got an extra couple days this week to get ready for Central Florida, so good luck.