(10-26-2015 10:23 AM)CrabCake Wrote:  

(10-25-2015 09:48 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  JK is most definitely not drinking the Koolaide. He was at the annual Baseball Banquet tonight, and was clearly not happy with the past two games, despite them ending in victories. What he does about it remains to be seen. The general consensus of folks I spoke with this evening was that we simply do not have the killer instinct under Bailiff. Yesterday's game should have been a route, especially how easily and quickly we jumped out to a 14-point lead. For whatever reason, we took our foot off the pedal, and Army took full advantage. Whether it's play calling, focus level or sense of urgency, something is definitely missing.

I wasn't at the annual baseball banquet, so I cannot comment as to what was or wasn't said at the event. So, I was wondering if you could provide some clarification. In your post you intimate that Karlgaard expressed displeasure with the performance of the football team in their past two games. Is this true? The reason I ask is I find it hard to believe that an Athletic Director would attend an event for sport A in which he publicly criticizes sport B's performance/personnel. If truly the case, then that would be irresponsible on their part.

Now, if you and fellow guests were expressing displeasure in the football team, than that's another story and you are in the right to do so. But, if that were the case, then wouldn't these sentiments be better attributed to fans in attendance rather than the Athletics Department leadership?

Geesh. great job of reading incomprehension...and trying to put words in my mouth that might get me in trouble. Congrats. Where did I ever say JK made public comments about the football program? This was a baseball banquet. Consequently, Joe's comments to the general audience focused on the baseball program exclusively (though he did go into considerable detail about the Reckling Park facilities upgrade plans, which are truly exciting). In a small group side conversation during cocktails, the discussion hit on football, and it was clear that Joe shared displeasure of many in how we performed the past 2 games. Again, I was simply responding to a previous post that questioned whether JK was drinking the Bailiff Koolaid.

My comment about the consensus sentiment referred not to JK, but all the Rice alums and supporters at the banquet. Obviously, since must of those in attendance had attended the game on Saturday, it was a popular topic of discussion during the one hour of cocktail reception.

I'll say something that needs to be said...

The idea that 38 should be enough offense to win games doesn't account for the fact that many teams will focus their talent and recruiting on one side of the ball or the other... and win there... and then hope to improve the other side of the ball by winning. Baylor did this. TCU did it. Oregon did it. LOTS of teams did it. I think La Tech is trying to do it.

With our lack of pass rush and penchant to get beat deep, 38 may not be enough to win most games.... at least not against teams that throw the ball well.

If you have a great defense, you can score 14 and win. If you don't, you may need to score 50. I THINK this is what some people mean by establish an identity. Be great (or at least different) on one side of the ball or the other as opposed to being 'okay' on both.

Friday night's game is a season defining game IMHO. Go out and beat La Tech and I think this team could start rolling like we did in 2013 on their way to a CUSA West Title and a birth in the CUSA Championship game. Play them tough but come away with an L and they can still finish 8-4 (6-2) with a better bowl birth. What scares me is the consequences of that 3rd alternative....