But they are a lot of fun to watch. Arbuckle has made a difference with Ward, and frankly the offense itself is just a better offense. I would like to see a more effective running game but I suspect that's at least partly a personnel issue. Likewise, I'd love to see a bit more out of the run defense up front, but every time the Beavs had to pass protect, for the first three quarters anyway, it was no bueno for big DJ.
I think the 4th down and goal to try and end the game was risky and I'm pretty sure Dickert was regretting it pretty much immediately, but otherwise the play calling was pretty good, frankly better than Smith's, who did not make the most of the advantage he had on offense at the point of attack. Every time the Beavs tried to pass, the Cougs ate 'em up. Secondary played great in this game.
Finally, big shout out to Josh Kelly, who was doing his best Cris Carter impersonation and came pretty close to ending things before they could get dicey.
I don't think there's a team in the Pac that this squad absolutely cannot beat. This team is not very big, and they can be pushed around, but man they're fast, and in the right situations that compensates. Looks like the last year of the Pac is gonna be a banger.