has just extended DeBord's contract through 2006. Unless changes
in recruiting and assistant coaches are made, this is not good for CMU.

CE: DeBord is starting with changes at the player level. On this week's two-deep, the QB is listed as Vickers or Kent Smith. Also, moving Ron Bartell to CB has helped the secondary somewhat.

I'm not sure whether or not the staff is the problem. Playing the corners soft makes me grit my teeth, but with a young secondary, it may be necessary, to a point. The DL and LBs have played better this season, and I feel that experience is the main reason.

The OL is performing well, and ditto the RBs, so no trouble there. If I had to question an assistant coach or two, it would be: 1) QB coach and 2) receivers coach. Those areas have made the least progress since last season. Again, though, I don't know if it's more the players or the coaches.


DeBord's extension: the team has shown progress, is less quickly than we'd like, so I agree with the move. It helps reassure recruits, which have looked good the last season or two.