We had the ball with a chance to take the lead over Iowa at the end of the game. Yes, we threw an interception on the first play of the drive, but we were definitely in that game at the end.
It's likely going to take some big moves that give recruits and players confidence this team is on the upswing. Without those, I don't see anything other than a very slow slog.
2019 going into 2020 we still had Hank and then we got a proven highly productive B1G QB transfer. We now have no sign of a proven productive QB for next year, we don’t have Hank and our lines on both sides seem really weak.
Until this year, and for years now, the offense has been buoyed up by the defense, except 2019, when the offense was so bad (see 2019 QB performance), no amount of Hank could keep it afloat. So why the surprise when the bottom drops out of the defense, that the offense tanks also--it had been tanking for years, except for CT and a couple of previous QBs and JJTBC. Repair the defensive gash below the waterline (only one way to do that as far as I can see) and we will see the beginnings of a turn around, for the offense as well. For a coach with Fitz's reputation, clout and experience this should be a no-brainer and QED. even by next year. Why wait yet another year to see if what has not been working will suddenly work? I would give Jake the benefit of the doubt for the time being, since he has one big offensive CF to repair.
The only optimism that I see is putting chips on Porter. Not sure we can be optimistic on Hilniski. He doesnt have it. Period.
I'd be all over the portal. Don't have a lot of confidence in the returning guys, and there is no guarantee we will retain our best returnees anyway. I get that it's a bit of a rummage sale, but, to me anyway, it's easier than guessing on recruits.
I forgot about the portal. Good point. I hope we hang on to our left tackle. Portal swings both ways and players are like the fans, ie., they arent dumb. Aint nobody wants to put in the hard work then Fitz backs suck coaches.
I'm concerned about losing any talent, but particularly Brandon Joseph. If he and the team had a year like last year, he'd be a first day pick, possibly the first safety chosen. And - despite some rough patches this year, he is a brilliantly talented athlete. He could still declare for the draft, but he probably needs a year to rehabilitate his reputation. I believe that makes him a flight risk.
I agree - my point was that if he/NU had a follow-up like last year, he would be a very high draft pick, and now he needs to rebuild his reputation next year
Its reasonable to conclude that Joseph is gone. Makes zero sense for him to stay when top programs will pursue him.
I don't think he's 3rd in salary anymore with MSU and PSU extensions, but I get it. I think we'll know by the end of the year if any changes. Hold the recruit commits and fire JON. Replace with one of the HC's that don't get snagged - Mullen, Patterson, etc.
What actually has Fitz done? Nothing he did was original. Only thing he has done is exploited Hankwitz for personal gain and taken credit for some convenient wins. Off the field, his recruiting is awful but he blamed facilities and low coaching salaries.
The first paragraph is in a class by itself. I love my current tagline, but I'd be tempted to change it to this. Or, better, Figrating should do it.
I am getting the impression that Fitz doesn't want to be possibly be upstaged by some hot commodity OC or even DC, thus he hires guys he knows somehow from NU, or average assistants from elsewhere. Ayeni and Macpherson are the only decent ones he has on his staff. Bajakian isn't that bad, but he has no line or real TEs to work with, so he will never pan out with his system. We are still woefully inadequate at WR and that is on the system for the most part. Fitz needs to have a future plan for the program. Was he serious about contending for the BIG every year and reaching the playoff even? If he was, things need to drastically change. EMU can beat the Cats now.
That seems to be the consensus, yes. And even beyond. What actions could possibly change that?
Competent Coordinator(s) and in general cleaning out assistant coaches where needed
Sacrilege! Watch out or the board bullies will get you for questioning our leaders.
Most likely, joseph transfers. Hopefully, our stud OT decides to stay. Our recruiting has been awful so there isnt any way out. Since Ned confirmed that JON is staying, I wonder how many more years until we get our next 4 star recruit on defense?
game will be great