(09-18-2015 07:06 AM)Mecklund Wrote:  As an aside, a physical 18 play drive is the wrong thing to criticize this team for. That drive will reinforce a mindset and build confidence for the remainder of the season. If I were on this team, that would be one of the most positive take aways from the game.

Amen to that

(09-18-2015 07:06 AM)Mecklund Wrote:  Gents, I think it is time to put this thread to bed. I think the players and coaches have received adequate criticism/feedback for their performance last Saturday. One thing I would like to remind some of yall is that this is not a video game. You cannot change a complete offense with a few buttons, turn a running QB into an efficient passer, and successfully run any play you want regardless of what the defense is showing or the personnel you have. Trust me, these kids and their coaches wanted this win 10X more than anyone on this board. We had too many turnovers and busts on special teams to beat anyone and our players and coaches know that. They are not dogs that need their nosed rubbed in the pee puddle on the floor. As an aside, a physical 18 play drive is the wrong thing to criticize this team for. That drive will reinforce a mindset and build confidence for the remainder of the season. If I were on this team, that would be one of the most positive take aways from the game.

As I have said before this is a fast and physical game that will ultimately result in plays kids wish they could have back. Ask Auburn, Arkansas, Louisville, and just about every other team in the country. One final point and I am off the soap box. I am tired or reading about 7-8 win season being failures /disappointments. I do not care what conference you are in, that is NOT easy. It takes hard work, discipline, quality coaching, and player performance. About every team we play has fewer hurdles than we do to win, yet we beat a lot more of them than we lose to. Our program is trending the right way and our players are doing it in a way we can be proud of. I promise you this team wants to win, prepares to win, and expects to win.

Well said, and I quite agree!

(09-18-2015 07:06 AM)Mecklund Wrote:  You cannot change a complete offense with a few buttons, turn a running QB into an efficient passer, and successfully run any play you want regardless of what the defense is showing or the personnel you have.

Yes I can.

I don't question the coaches or players desire and preparation to win. I'm positive they give their best. I don't question their skill or knowledge of the game. They are the one's who represent us quite well.

We all want the best for Rice football. What I don't like is others telling me what I can and can't do or how I should feel about something. I can tell you that my take away in some cases is not the same as all of you.

There are a plethora of ways to do things in football. The beauty of the sport is that there is no absolute right or wrong way to do things. I understand everyone is unique and responds to a given situation from within their own framework. However, I really hate it when I'm told how I should view something. I guess it is time to let the true vision of Rice football move forward.

Here is a positive I hadn't considered yet. We've all mentioned how Rice's RB's and O-line did a great job. But I hadn't bothered comparing Rice's running game against the UT defense against Notre Dame's running game against the UT defense. I am going to ignore performance of both offenses's QB's in the run game, just because it is hard to tell from a box score how many yards were lost on sacks vs. designed runs. Rice had 216 yards on 44 carries, for 4.9 ypc. ND had 188 yards on 41 carries, for 4.6 ypc. Rice beating ND in ypc against the same UT defense is impressive for a few reasons:
(1) ND had home-field advantage while Rice was on the road.
(2) Rice's passing game was poor while ND's passing game was excellent, meaning UT likely had fewer defenders in the box (on average) against ND and were defending the running game more aggressively against Rice.
(3) Over the past few seasons Rice has had a run-heavy offense, while ND has been more balanced. Again, this should have allowed UT to over-play the run against Rice, at least moreso than they might have done against ND.

If Rice's o-line and RB's can play like this every game for the rest of the season, we should be able to run over anyone on the schedule. UT knew what was coming, and they did a worse job of stopping it than they did against ND.

(09-18-2015 11:29 AM)ruowls Wrote:  

(09-18-2015 07:06 AM)Mecklund Wrote:  You cannot change a complete offense with a few buttons, turn a running QB into an efficient passer, and successfully run any play you want regardless of what the defense is showing or the personnel you have.

Yes I can.

I don't question the coaches or players desire and preparation to win. I'm positive they give their best. I don't question their skill or knowledge of the game. They are the one's who represent us quite well.

We all want the best for Rice football. What I don't like is others telling me what I can and can't do or how I should feel about something. I can tell you that my take away in some cases is not the same as all of you.

There are a plethora of ways to do things in football. The beauty of the sport is that there is no absolute right or wrong way to do things. I understand everyone is unique and responds to a given situation from within their own framework. However, I really hate it when I'm told how I should view something. I guess it is time to let the true vision of Rice football move forward.

Great point. What makes these boards fun and interesting is all the different point of views. I will continue to compliment when earned and critique when necessary.