Southpaw Jesus Indeed!

Without dissecting every play (the game just ended afterall), Ben Olson is the freaking man. He stood up to pressure in the pocket, stepped up and threw strikes when the Bruins needed him to, made his reads to find the open receiver, and despite the lack of an effective running game, marched the Bruins down the field for three touchdowns. He looked every bit as impressive as Drew Olson did last year. Of course, not all of Drew's production came in the fourth quarter (it just seemed like it), but what a nice sight it was to see the Bruins march down the field on their first drive of the game, culminating in a scoring strike from the chose one. 26 for 35, 316 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. That's not too bad for a debut, even against Utah. Aside from a couple of shaky QB/Center exchanges, I can't remember one play that even ALMOST went for an interception. Excellent decision making and execution.

Logan Paulsen also made a name for himself tonight, hauling in five catches for 90 yards. Brandon Breazell also stepped up with some big grabs, including a very athletic leaping grab for a big first down in the third quarter. The only disappointments were Junior Taylor, with two really awful drops, and the run blocking of the offensive line, which control the line of scrimmage all night. But with the numbers Big Ben put up tonight, teams won't be able to sell out against the run.

On the defensive end, true freshman Alterraun Verner had a huge game, with an interception return for a touchdown, and a fumble forced and recovered that salted the game away. The interception was especially important as it came when the game was tied and the offense was struggling. Dennis Keyes also stood out, and the defensive line was pretty impressive. They held Utah to 112 yards on the ground.

The most important part of the game for the defense, in my opinion, was their fundamental play. They actually tackled, something the Bruins haven't done for the last five years or so. Say what you will about Dewayne Walker. Criticize his lack of experience, his schemes, what have you, but if does one thing, if he teaches these guys to tackle, this will be the best defense the Bruins have put on the field in the Dorrell era.

Well, one down, ten to go. The way they looked tonight, and the way Notre Dame looks right now, that game in October should be a heck of a lot of fun to watch.