Seasonal Report Card

One couldn't have scripted a better finish for the Cougs with a 52-24 throttling of the UTEP miners in the New Mexico Bowl. The jerseys in blue encountered plenty of obstacles throughout the season but came out victorious. A quick look back includes announcing their independence, suspending a player, releasing an assistant midseason, dealing with a replaygate and finding a new attitude. Tis the season as well to post the grades and thoughts from each of the position categories.

Quarterbacks: B+
Mishandling of a two quarterback system earlier in the season for a number of games was definately a mistake. Once someone behind center was given the green light coug fans saw the progress and development of Saint Jake who threw for over 2300 yards as a true freshman. Heaps wasn't perfect but is gonna be something special.

Offensive Line: B
Weber has done a wonderful job with the BMOC (big men on campus). Although it seemed like there were too many false starts and breakdowns too often early. However, down the stretch the trenchwork was solid dominating opening holes and protecting Heaps which showed from start to finish in the New Mexico Bowl.

Backfield: A-
This season may have not included Harvey Unga on the roster. And yes this season the backfield may have been one by committee. The cougs still were able to rush for an average of 168 yards a game. Di Luigi in 2010 rushed for 917 yards. Consider, one of those backs was a true freshman in Joshua "Juice" Quezada. The trio of JJ, north and south Kariya, and Juice should be dominant in 2011.

Receivers: C+
Not sure what it was in the first half of the season but it seemed like noone was able to consistently catch a ball even when thrown accurately. McKay also seemed to have a rather disappointing down year never seperating himself as a downfield threat. It also appears that the TEs were never fully utilized as consistently viable options. Down the stretch receivers were finally let loose and replied often stretching the field and moving the chains. The cougs found a hidden gem in another true freshman in Cody Hoffman.

Defensive Line: B
Considering the lack of proven depth (losing Fuga didn't help) the DL played this season wonderfully as it showed in the bowlgame making the miner rush offense basically nonexistent. Next years addition of Hebron Fangupo will be welcomed with open arms.

Linebackers: A-
This is perhaps one of the cougs strengths going into next year. Ogletree has a knack for the ball and consistent. Freshman Kyle Van Noy has the potential to be among the best by the time he's done. Add in next year Kaveinga and the return of Pendleton.

Secondary: B
Unfortunately the cougs collectively were beaten too often by the long ball and it showed again in the bowl. Andrew Rich, the clear team leader in the secondary, will certainly be missed who finished a fine career and senior season with 64 unassisted tackles and 111 total tackles.

Special Teams: B
Mitch Payne finishes his career as the all time scoring leader with 336 points overall. Yes, OC may have been suspended but the cougs found Hoffman as more than capable replacement.