Last night was a little better. But as Rath put it in another thread, Temple is horrid with the exception of their new QB. It was a good scrimmage against a FCS caliber team.

I've attended each game with the exception of USF which I suffered through on TV, but as I watch something is just missing with this team. The team looks listless, not focused, and at times simply tired. Linemen whiff on blocks, receivers run the wrong routes, and way too many penalties.

So what's wrong? A friend and I were discussing this a couple of days ago and we believe that we may have an answer.

This core group of 50+ players that see most of the playing time were raised in college football for the last 3 years within the ultra-hyped, ultra rah-rah environment of Butch Jones. Not just on the playing field, but at practice, in their meetings, even their team meals. 24 hours of "Represent the C", "Hold the Rope", "Fist Up", chest bumping, singing "We Got the Dub." Each week the team had a "Theme of the Week" which to rally around. All hype, all the time. And that's all these kids knew.

We as fans thought most of CBJ's trite sayings and orchestrated enthusiasm were a little silly, but the players had no choice to buy in, especially if they wanted playing time.

This team as a group has gone from 3 years of hyper Pep Rallies to an environment that would make MBA students happy - all business, all the time.

Currently there is zero hype and rah-rah from this coaching staff. Most staffs have one rah-rah coach, but not the 2013 Bearcats. Dantonio had Narduzzi, BK had Coombs, and CBJ was his own hype machine.

At Nippert I sit right in front of the offensive line huddles. Many times last night it looked like Hiller had the boys gather around for a little bed-time story. They sat in a circle and he just had a nice chat. No fire, certainly no histrionics, just some encouragement.

I'm not saying that this style is wrong, it is just entirely different from what this 2013 team grew up with for 3 years. And I think it shows. The kids lack enthusiasm coming out of the locker room. Even when the PA plays "their kind of music" they just stand around emulating their head coach. It's a nice evening for a nice stroll.

Maybe as CTT gets his own recruits in over a couple of years, those players will be more accustomed to the business-like environment and will perform better. But it certainly appears to me that this team just lacks much enthusiasm. I believe that it was something that they got spoon fed each day by the last coaching staff, but are severely malnourished in today's environment.

I can buy that. At the end of the day, the coaching staff needs to make sure the guys are ready to play. Maybe they need a new strategy for motivation.

You might have something here. Every player will react differently to coaching styles. Some need a rah rah type of coach, like a Butch Jones, others need a business-like disciplinarian like Nick Saban. I think that's the biggest thing moving forward, just get through this year with no more embarrassing losses like USF or getting beat down 70-7 by Louisville and I think the program will be fine going into next year at PBS and for the Nippert relaunch in 2 seasons. Give Tuberville some time to get players into the system that will work best under his management style and things should be a lot better.

Yeah, I've thought the same thing. Butch was obviously way into the motivation thing. He was always talking up all these motivational books he would read. He felt that even if you just make people act enthusiastic it will eventually bleed through subconsciously and make them become enthusiastic.
Whether or not they are truly flat, they LOOK flat on the field, on the sidelines, during warmups, in the locker room, etc...
For example, I've got to admit I really liked the way we sprinted to the other end of the field at the end of a quarter. There were a few times when I swear I saw the other team's players slump when we did that to start a 4th quarter. Of course, it did look a little lame when we were getting our butts kicked in 2010.

It feels like Dusty Baker is coaching this team.

Motivation should be made of sterner stuff than peppy cheerleading. They need to find a way to motivate the players beyond an adreniline rush.

(10-12-2013 08:51 AM)Ragpicker Wrote:  Last night was a little better. But as Rath put it in another thread, Temple is horrid with the exception of their new QB. It was a good scrimmage against a FCS caliber team.

I've attended each game with the exception of USF which I suffered through on TV, but as I watch something is just missing with this team. The team looks listless, not focused, and at times simply tired. Linemen whiff on blocks, receivers run the wrong routes, and way too many penalties.

So what's wrong? A friend and I were discussing this a couple of days ago and we believe that we may have an answer.

This core group of 50+ players that see most of the playing time were raised in college football for the last 3 years within the ultra-hyped, ultra rah-rah environment of Butch Jones. Not just on the playing field, but at practice, in their meetings, even their team meals. 24 hours of "Represent the C", "Hold the Rope", "Fist Up", chest bumping, singing "We Got the Dub." Each week the team had a "Theme of the Week" which to rally around. All hype, all the time. And that's all these kids knew.

We as fans thought most of CBJ's trite sayings and orchestrated enthusiasm were a little silly, but the players had no choice to buy in, especially if they wanted playing time.

This team as a group has gone from 3 years of hyper Pep Rallies to an environment that would make MBA students happy - all business, all the time.

Currently there is zero hype and rah-rah from this coaching staff. Most staffs have one rah-rah coach, but not the 2013 Bearcats. Dantonio had Narduzzi, BK had Coombs, and CBJ was his own hype machine.

At Nippert I sit right in front of the offensive line huddles. Many times last night it looked like Hiller had the boys gather around for a little bed-time story. They sat in a circle and he just had a nice chat. No fire, certainly no histrionics, just some encouragement.

I'm not saying that this style is wrong, it is just entirely different from what this 2013 team grew up with for 3 years. And I think it shows. The kids lack enthusiasm coming out of the locker room. Even when the PA plays "their kind of music" they just stand around emulating their head coach. It's a nice evening for a nice stroll.

Maybe as CTT gets his own recruits in over a couple of years, those players will be more accustomed to the business-like environment and will perform better. But it certainly appears to me that this team just lacks much enthusiasm. I believe that it was something that they got spoon fed each day by the last coaching staff, but are severely malnourished in today's environment.

It's funny...I sit very near there as well and have noticed the same thing. TT and the staff are very even keeled. There never seems to be any hype or any motivation, in your face, rah-rah...just nothing. The players almost look un-engaged almost disinterested at times. and I think it is funny as every staff we have had seems to have that 1 coach that exudes that hype style. I can't see nor do I know what the staff in the box is like, but TT, Gran and co. pacing the sidelines seem to be as lifeless as I can remember seeing in a staff. Even after last nights performance I still believe that Gran is not a good OC, right now. Has Eddie ever thought about going up and trying to run the offense up in the press box, so he can see what is happening? I know he was a RB coach and has spent most of his time on the sidelines with the players, but maybe he should just try it and see if it changes his perspective?

This team has a lot of weaknesses and TT was right about our defense, as they were gouged on a number of plays last night. The O-line play has been pretty bad and they do look uninspired and somewhat weak, as they were pushed around at times last night by a weak Temple front. Tion is obviously our best RB thus far, when it comes to running inside between the tackles. I agree that RDA4 needs to be placed in the slot or used to best get him outside or in space where he can be most effective. Btw...someone else mentioned this, but watching Coney on the sidelines and walking in and out of the sideline huddles...that kid looks like he is trying to be a leader and a cheerleader. I was so impressed just watching his demeanor and enthusiasm last night, it made me very optimistic for things to come for him.

All in all this team needs a lot of work and the staff has to make a lot of corrections and needs to start getting these guys fired up and ready to go to battle. Even last night, when they were coming out of the inflatable tunnel. When the team goes in there before they run onto the field, that thing is rocking, it literally looks like it it coming down. Last night, it was pretty lame by comparison. Just that alone show that something isn't happening and that the fire and hype look to be out of the sails? I hope this team can keep getting better from here on out, but the way we are playing and looking, I am very worried about UConn, Rutgers, Houston and think we could be in a for bad beating at the hands of Louisville. I want to be wrong so badly, as I can't stand Louisville and their fans, but we look to be on par with the rest of the abysmal AAC where as UCF and Louisville look to be the creme-de-la-creme of this conference. IF we lose those 4 games, this teams finishes a very disappointing 6-6 and we as fans and a community are looking for answers...next season. But one game at a time and hopefully we show more life and more improvement next game and can finish this season strong.

Go Cats.

I am watching UConn hosting South Florida right now, and if we don't beat UConn the entire staff should be fired on the spot. That is as bad a team as South Florida.

(10-12-2013 01:11 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  I am watching UConn hosting South Florida right now, and if we don't beat UConn the entire staff should be fired on the spot. That is as bad a team as South Florida.

I would've said the same thing about USF a couple of weeks ago. The reality is as bad as some of the teams are in our conference, we just aren't that good either. Every game from here on out is going to be a battle.

(10-12-2013 01:11 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  I am watching UConn hosting South Florida right now, and if we don't beat UConn the entire staff should be fired on the spot. That is as bad a team as South Florida.

Watching the Uconn/USF game reminds me of the remorse I would have when I was a single guy and would bang a slump buster-- the next time you saw her you'd face palm and say "I can't believe I hit that." I feel the same about usf.

Rag, as usual you and i are on the same page

I would like a new job, and I can be very rah rah. I also know a thing or two about coaching o-line, and linebackers. Where do I apply?

(10-12-2013 02:06 PM)Racinejake Wrote:  

(10-12-2013 01:11 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  I am watching UConn hosting South Florida right now, and if we don't beat UConn the entire staff should be fired on the spot. That is as bad a team as South Florida.

I would've said the same thing about USF a couple of weeks ago. The reality is as bad as some of the teams are in our conference, we just aren't that good either. Every game from here on out is going to be a battle.

Jake, that whole statement makes me shudder... First because it's not like Butch left (like Brian Kelly did) when all the main players were seniors and all graduated between seasons. So there *should* be talent to work with. Second, because I watched that same excuse at Louisville while Kragthorpe ran that program into the dirt. But maybe most importantly, third, because it's the staff's job to get the team ready to play...including developing and improving player performance.

I'm just not satisfied with it, though it looks to be accurate.

OK, I'll say it...

Last year it was "Hold the rope." This year, more times than I prefer, it's been "Hold my nose!"

Sorry, couldn't resist

(10-12-2013 01:11 PM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  I am watching UConn hosting South Florida right now, and if we don't beat UConn the entire staff should be fired on the spot. That is as bad a team as South Florida.

In six of the first seven games that UC will play this year, the opponent was winless when we played them. That gives you a pretty good idea of how strong our schedule is.

Probably no other team can say that this year. Or any year for that matter.

Well for relief I've been reading the posts on a Pitt board. But, I really like Tion Green's emergence and Kay looked much sharper- Temple's defense mind you, but still.

And I know that many are claiming how we will get owned by Teddy and co. but look at Texas today...just count me as VERY CAUTIOUSLY hopeful. Now if I had to place a bet.....whole 'nother bag o beans.

With the Michigans and Northwesterns losing, would have been a good weekend to jump the rankings had we played to our talent level (under the spread system) this year so far. Just saying...BUT, the pre-season criticisms of us not being ranked that I vented were off-base, because it has been u g l y so far. Being so used to regime changes, it's easy to forget how truly difficult they are.

I think the O-line is also having a problem with the new style that Tubs wants them to play at. The two coach's before wanted players that were quick and trained them that way. Now Tubs wants big road graters that are big and just get in peoples way. Look at some of these guys now and you can see that the weight they put on may not be the best for them. They all looked so tired on the side line after coming off. Just a thought.

On the D last night I saw a lot of the players doing this and there where a lot of times where they were looking to make a big play instead of making the good tackle. Going for the football instead of tackling the guy with the ball. They need to be told to just make the right tackle instead of trying to make the highlight play.

UConn may be the worst team UC plays this season. Seriously, lose to them at home and you might as well disband the program.

It was truly tough watching UConn play today. You can give a team a mulligan for one horrendous road game. But a team that is that much worse than Temple should not be in the game with us by halftime at home.