As bad as it looked, the defense actually did its job today
- Thread starter clonedude
- Start date
Not scheduling Utah and Iowa would be a start. Regardless, the point is we shouldn't expect automatic success from a young team. No matter what the schedule looks like, these guys need time to build their program.
If the job was to let KSU score on more possessions than they didn't score on and give up over 250 yards on the ground - then yes, the defense "did its job".
I can't blame one unit over the other for this game. Collectively this group lost as a team.
The D did enough to keep us in the game and give us a chance to win. I believe this is all we can ask for this year. But we also need to see improvement every time out.
I believe our DBs are not playing well. Tackling has been poor, both angles taken and wrapping up. Running into a guy at full speed will not cut it vs NU, KSU, or UNI. In addition, too many WRs have been wide open, but I believe there was a large improvement from the Iowa game to the KSU game. Reeves had a very nice breakup. Some other times, KSU players simply made a good play with good coverage. You have to tip your cap there and make the next play on the next snap.
What hurt was seeing Mponga playing quality time on the DL for TCU and Earls playing quite a bit (starting, I believe) for Arizona @ LB. Those were 2 JC recruits I really wish we would have snagged (well, 1 for sure, but right now I feel greedy). But those guys are not here, so we do what we can. The defensive plan looked better than the Iowa game (obviously), but it was sad to watch the running game of KSU have their way (especially when the QB ran with the RB simply leading the way - that is a play that should not be successful very much). Let's hope for continued improvement here.
Offensively, we have not developed an identity, and it does not look like we have had any 'plan' for our first 3 games. You cannot do the exact same thing versus every opponent. I thought AZ used screens and draws very well, and their WRs ran more crossing patterns, or ran more seam routes in the 10 to 12 yard range. Our WRs run a lot of patterns where they seem to end up stopping & it is kind of difficult to separate from a DB when you run a curl route.
Let's have some faith and wherewithal people. The coaches & players are way more upset & frustrated than any fans. However, they cannot and had better not dwell on that, but apply themselves best they can to improve and to compete each Saturday from here on out. We have shortcomings, and that sucks. Let's see what our players and staff are going to do and support them the best we can. Name calling, suggesting 3rd & 4th stringers be thrown into the lineup, & calling for the OC's head are sounds I would expect from fans of another institution in Iowa. Sure, there may be some changes in personnel, but don't think for a minute it is because someone who called a radio call-in show or who posted here said it should happen.
S.W.
I believe our DBs are not playing well. Tackling has been poor, both angles taken and wrapping up. Running into a guy at full speed will not cut it vs NU, KSU, or UNI. In addition, too many WRs have been wide open, but I believe there was a large improvement from the Iowa game to the KSU game. Reeves had a very nice breakup. Some other times, KSU players simply made a good play with good coverage. You have to tip your cap there and make the next play on the next snap.
What hurt was seeing Mponga playing quality time on the DL for TCU and Earls playing quite a bit (starting, I believe) for Arizona @ LB. Those were 2 JC recruits I really wish we would have snagged (well, 1 for sure, but right now I feel greedy). But those guys are not here, so we do what we can. The defensive plan looked better than the Iowa game (obviously), but it was sad to watch the running game of KSU have their way (especially when the QB ran with the RB simply leading the way - that is a play that should not be successful very much). Let's hope for continued improvement here.
Offensively, we have not developed an identity, and it does not look like we have had any 'plan' for our first 3 games. You cannot do the exact same thing versus every opponent. I thought AZ used screens and draws very well, and their WRs ran more crossing patterns, or ran more seam routes in the 10 to 12 yard range. Our WRs run a lot of patterns where they seem to end up stopping & it is kind of difficult to separate from a DB when you run a curl route.
Let's have some faith and wherewithal people. The coaches & players are way more upset & frustrated than any fans. However, they cannot and had better not dwell on that, but apply themselves best they can to improve and to compete each Saturday from here on out. We have shortcomings, and that sucks. Let's see what our players and staff are going to do and support them the best we can. Name calling, suggesting 3rd & 4th stringers be thrown into the lineup, & calling for the OC's head are sounds I would expect from fans of another institution in Iowa. Sure, there may be some changes in personnel, but don't think for a minute it is because someone who called a radio call-in show or who posted here said it should happen.
S.W.
Now you're rationalizing. They still have up 27 points, and that's too much. Period.