[EKUAlum05]

As for the game:

- Bourbon is built for the big play and gaining yards in big chunks, they are not built for 12 or more play drives with numerous 3rd Down conversions. Garrard by and large does a very good job of forcing teams to drive on them. There are yards to be gained every down on Garrard, but they are fundamentally sound and well coached enough to keep everything in front of them. Even still, Bourbon did pop a couple of those big plays in the first game.

- Conversely, Garrard is the polar opposite. They simply don't have the home run threats to break big gains. They are better equipped to grind long drives on the ground, mixing in some short passes, and eating up the clock. By doing so they limit posessions,,, help ensure they have a chance late in the game,,, and rely on their defense to hold serve and eventually frustrate you into a turnover.

- The overwhelming sense I got watching the first game was Bourbon was CLEARLY the more dangerous and "better" team. They had more sustained success on offense, and I never really viewed Garrard as a threat to consistently threaten them with their offense. With that said, it seemed Garrard "irritated" Bourbon all night. Bourbon's offense couldn't get free for the long gains they are known for, plays that typically resulted in a missed tackle and a big chunk were being stopped for no gain, and Bourbon was constantly facing 3rd and 4th and 3 or 4 to go. With the clock rolling, and Bourbon's offense seeing probably half the posessions they are used to, the Golden Lions were firmly hanging around until late.

- For Garrard to win...they have to copy the earlier performance and do what they do best and keep it close so they have a chance. With all due respect to the Williams kid, Caudill has to be used more in the offense to attack the Bourbon front as he is the only back that consistently shows ability to get yards after contact. Garrard needs to find enough success passing to keep the Colonels LB's and DB's honest. I'd like to see some roll outs where they drag a receiver with him for like a 4 or 5 yard gain, this will help account for the pass blocking issues and Abney is more than athletic enough to make the throw off the run. With all this said, GC will need turnovers and tackles for loss to really have a chance of shutting Bourbon down.

- For Bourbon to win, they have simply got to play within themselves and execute offensively. Take what GC gives them and force GC to focus inside the tackle box, then pick their spots to attack the edges or let Hopkins bounce it outside. Use their short passing game to move the sticks. I think you may see BC operate at a quicker pace to counter shortening the game. Defensively, BC simply needs to avoid beating themselves; Good fundamental tackling, keeping contain, and playing smart penalty free football. Garrard may move the ball some and eat the clock, but as long as Bourbon keeps it simple the Golden Lions will struggle to put up more than a couple scores at most.