Last year the Washington game was over before we settled in our seats to watch. The threads the day after were all doom and gloom. BUT TODAY!!! We have threads all over the board criticizing decisions and play calling that could have cost us a chance to actually have won the game. Need we say any more about how different this team is. We all new there was a big difference in personnel but, let's be honest, they hadn't played yet so any enthusiasm had to be tempered with reality. New personnel can be just as bad as old personnel. Last night we saw the beginning of the future for this program. Complain all you want about the decision to punt, or the spike, or the time management at the end of the half, or the conservative game plan. I love it, it means we have a football team again.
The proof is in the threads!!!
- Thread starter Dpgru
- Start date
I'm not a big fan of moral victories, and I didn't consider last night one although most in my circle did. I will say this, walking back to the yellow lot past the new practice facility I now have realistic hope for 5+ this year. Go RU!
You do realize they had the best run defense in the PAC 12 last year giving up only 133 yds. a game. We rushed for 143 yds.. Their front 7 and rush defense is one of the best we'll face this year.
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The criticism threads of play-calling are hogwash.
Every game by every genius OC and HC shows plays that could have been called differently. Heck.. I thought we should take the safety rather than punt on that second set of downs near our goal line.. or at least pass the ball once.. but I know it is a reasonable argument to go either way. Its not proof of bad playcalling.
Last year we saw sustained futility on offense whose only explanation was bad play design, coaching and play-calling. No Big Ten team can possibly be that bad based on talent alone. In this game just as many calls worked and kept us in the game than those that seemed "wrong".
There is no reason to think we're gonna see bad playcalling like last year. Too conservative.. akin to Schiano's preferences.. perhaps.
But in the next two games we should have a talent advantage and if I see quick play-calling (to get more reps where we have an advantage physically) .. no milking of the clock.. coupled with plays that look suited to the RBs in the game... some vertical in the passing game to stretch the field.. better timing and accuracy on the RB swing and wheel and screens... that will all be proof that we are doing the right things on O and we can expect improvements while the season progresses.. very hopeful.
Every game by every genius OC and HC shows plays that could have been called differently. Heck.. I thought we should take the safety rather than punt on that second set of downs near our goal line.. or at least pass the ball once.. but I know it is a reasonable argument to go either way. Its not proof of bad playcalling.
Last year we saw sustained futility on offense whose only explanation was bad play design, coaching and play-calling. No Big Ten team can possibly be that bad based on talent alone. In this game just as many calls worked and kept us in the game than those that seemed "wrong".
There is no reason to think we're gonna see bad playcalling like last year. Too conservative.. akin to Schiano's preferences.. perhaps.
But in the next two games we should have a talent advantage and if I see quick play-calling (to get more reps where we have an advantage physically) .. no milking of the clock.. coupled with plays that look suited to the RBs in the game... some vertical in the passing game to stretch the field.. better timing and accuracy on the RB swing and wheel and screens... that will all be proof that we are doing the right things on O and we can expect improvements while the season progresses.. very hopeful.
well there is some well there is some Merit to what you say, the head coach still sucks but the Improvement was because the offense of coordinator is gone but the upgrade Intel really is not there. We are at the same level talent-wise we just need better coaching
I will go as far as saying the jury is still out on the head coach as an in game manager. To say he sucks is a bit over the top. Thus far he seems to be an excellent manager of the program and recruiter. Also, he seems to be learning and adjusting as he goes. Certainly he appears to have the respect of his assistants, including coach Kill. I think saying he sucks is as wrong as saying he is the next Rockne. From where I sit, as of now he is a very good coach.
How can you say we're at the same level talent wise? We have three transfers who are starting over last year's starters on offense. We have a healthy Turay and an infusion of freshmen in the two deep. The rest of the team is a year older, bigger and stronger.
All I got to add based on recent posts in this thread is that Flood brought worse results year by year and there is no doubt that this team did better than last year vs the same opponent.
That is called progress and I just wonder what Ash would have done given the program after Schiano left.. rather than Flood getting those guys.
That is called progress and I just wonder what Ash would have done given the program after Schiano left.. rather than Flood getting those guys.