I'm sure nobody is picking NIU to win this one, but I have a feeling that you will see an inspired HUSKIE football team this Saturday. There's no place like home. I'm expecting a good game out of Graham and company.

There needs to be a huge improvement from the OL and DL if we want to have any glimmer of hope.

(09-14-2016 07:19 PM)SiegInc Wrote:  There needs to be a huge improvement from the OL and DL if we want to have any glimmer of hope.

The O-line hasn't been terrible. From what Ive seen, they're more of a finesse line than a power line. They're pass blocking has been decent. Especially the tackles. The issue has been they're push in the run game. especially Ruka and Shively up the middle. Im hoping they pass heavily early to set up the run this week.

D-line is the opposite. The middle has been solid, the ends are a weakness. Part of the blame is the conservative game plan. Im not sure why they think they can rush 4, and sometimes 3 and not get burnt give the Q all day to throw or room to run. Having to bring help and rush 5 or 6 isn't ideal, but it's no secret to compensating for a lack of rush ends.

(09-14-2016 08:00 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(09-14-2016 07:19 PM)SiegInc Wrote:  There needs to be a huge improvement from the OL and DL if we want to have any glimmer of hope.

The O-line hasn't been terrible. From what Ive seen, they're more of a finesse line than a power line. They're pass blocking has been decent. Especially the tackles. The issue has been they're push in the run game. especially Ruka and Shively up the middle. Im hoping they pass heavily early to set up the run this week.

D-line is the opposite. The middle has been solid, the ends are a weakness. Part of the blame is the conservative game plan. Im not sure why they think they can rush 4, and sometimes 3 and not get burnt give the Q all day to throw or room to run. Having to bring help and rush 5 or 6 isn't ideal, but it's no secret to compensating for a lack of rush ends.

Agreed, and I Think the conservative game plan hurts the offensive line too. Offensive line is not as bad as it was feared I think.

(09-14-2016 07:19 PM)SiegInc Wrote:  There needs to be a huge improvement from the OL and DL if we want to have any glimmer of hope.

There needs to be personnel changes or things will stay the same. Pugh needs to be given the chance to show if he can improve the team. The secondary needs to have a couple guys who can cover and tackle better than the last two games. We need ends who can contain, shed blocks, and put pressure on the QB. 70 needs to be replaced on the OL. Every time I look he's getting beat like a drum. We also need to be more aggressive on play calling and going for it on fourth down. I remember at least three occasions where I thought Cary should have gone for it on fourth down. It's like he doesn't want the momentum to turn to his favor. If we don't convert who cares? We were getting destroyed anyways. It seems to me he'd rather lose playing conservatively rather than gambling and losing 60-17. I was upset he kicked a field goal, Like he's happy he only gave up 48 points.

(09-14-2016 08:25 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  

(09-14-2016 07:19 PM)SiegInc Wrote:  There needs to be a huge improvement from the OL and DL if we want to have any glimmer of hope.

There needs to be personnel changes or things will stay the same. Pugh needs to be given the chance to show if he can improve the team. The secondary needs to have a couple guys who can cover and tackle better than the last two games. We need ends who can contain, shed blocks, and put pressure on the QB. 70 needs to be replaced on the OL. Every time I look he's getting beat like a drum. We also need to be more aggressive on play calling and going for it on fourth down. I remember at least three occasions where I thought Cary should have gone for it on fourth down. It's like he doesn't want the momentum to turn to his favor. If we don't convert who cares? We were getting destroyed anyways. It seems to me he'd rather lose playing conservatively rather than gambling and losing 60-17. I was upset he kicked a field goal, Like he's happy he only gave up 48 points.

70 is Ruka. He's been really bad. I'd like to blame some of it on inexperience, but he played half the season last year. Let's hope he's just a slow learner and can improve. But from what I saw, his feet are too slow. He can't get to spots or in position quick enough.

He needs to be replaced. I can't believe we don't have a guy on the sideline who has the hunger, desire, and the fight to perform better than what 70 has shown.

(09-14-2016 08:25 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  

(09-14-2016 07:19 PM)SiegInc Wrote:  There needs to be a huge improvement from the OL and DL if we want to have any glimmer of hope.

There needs to be personnel changes or things will stay the same. Pugh needs to be given the chance to show if he can improve the team. The secondary needs to have a couple guys who can cover and tackle better than the last two games. We need ends who can contain, shed blocks, and put pressure on the QB. 70 needs to be replaced on the OL. Every time I look he's getting beat like a drum. We also need to be more aggressive on play calling and going for it on fourth down. I remember at least three occasions where I thought Cary should have gone for it on fourth down. It's like he doesn't want the momentum to turn to his favor. If we don't convert who cares? We were getting destroyed anyways. It seems to me he'd rather lose playing conservatively rather than gambling and losing 60-17. I was upset he kicked a field goal, Like he's happy he only gave up 48 points.

Personnel changes ?? Do you think we have big time talent on our bench and the staff just does not want to put them in ?? How well do you know the players please make some suggestions as to who we are going to put in at DB and our lines as you suggest ??

Every roster has guys sitting that should not be sitting. Wolfe sat the bench for two years while tearing up practice and spring games before finally getting a chance after Harris got hurt. Michael Turner sat the bench for two years behind Hammock before getting a chance after Hammock's heart condition. Nabal Jefferson didn't start until the fourth game of his senior year when he should have been playing all along. Spann was behind Meco for more than a year. Ward was a special teams demon for a year before getting a shot the following year. I'm sure there are situations like that right now at some positions. Pugh should be given a chance at LB from what I read on this board. I wish I were at a lot of practices and I could give you names. It was obvious from game situations that Spann was special but it took four more games before he won the job. Our coaches need to stop being stubborn and give guys a fresh look and opportunities to beat some of these guys out. We needs guys who are more aggressive and competitive. Johnson looked like a fighter. I'd like to see more of him.

(09-14-2016 09:39 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  Every roster has guys sitting that should not be sitting. Wolfe sat the bench for two years while tearing up practice and spring games before finally getting a chance after Harris got hurt. Michael Turner sat the bench for two years behind Hammock before getting a chance after Hammock's heart condition. Nabal Jefferson didn't start until the fourth game of his senior year when he should have been playing all along. Spann was behind Meco for more than a year. Ward was a special teams demon for a year before getting a shot the following year. I'm sure there are situations like that right now at some positions. Pugh should be given a chance at LB from what I read on this board. I wish I were at a lot of practices and I could give you names. It was obvious from game situations that Spann was special but it took four more games before he won the job. Our coaches need to stop being stubborn and give guys a fresh look and opportunities to beat some of these guys out. We needs guys who are more aggressive and competitive. Johnson looked like a fighter. I'd like to see more of him.

Juwan Johnson.

His "unsportsmanlike penalty" was the lone defensive highlight last week.

That was such a horse sh*t call. All he did was tackle the guy and they made that BS call.

(09-14-2016 09:49 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  That was such a horse sh*t call. All he did was tackle the guy and they made that BS call.

True dat.

The defense needs guys like this ON THE FIELD in the worst way.....

(09-14-2016 08:25 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  

(09-14-2016 07:19 PM)SiegInc Wrote:  There needs to be a huge improvement from the OL and DL if we want to have any glimmer of hope.

There needs to be personnel changes or things will stay the same. Pugh needs to be given the chance to show if he can improve the team. The secondary needs to have a couple guys who can cover and tackle better than the last two games. We need ends who can contain, shed blocks, and put pressure on the QB. 70 needs to be replaced on the OL. Every time I look he's getting beat like a drum. We also need to be more aggressive on play calling and going for it on fourth down. I remember at least three occasions where I thought Cary should have gone for it on fourth down. It's like he doesn't want the momentum to turn to his favor. If we don't convert who cares? We were getting destroyed anyways. It seems to me he'd rather lose playing conservatively rather than gambling and losing 60-17. I was upset he kicked a field goal, Like he's happy he only gave up 48 points.

Personnel changes at some positions might help. I don't pretend to know who could/should replace who. Remember the personnel changes to the defense Doeren (I would think with input from the defensive coaches) made in 2011 when our defense was getting burned big time? That worked in 2011. I don't know if it would work this season. I suppose one thought would be it couldn't get worse; yes it could. I like what I see from Johnson (# 7). Other than that I would have to leave it in the hands of of the coordinators and position coaches. One could look at the roster and what the players looked like coming in; however we all know that means very little. The issue is who has lived up to/exceeded expectations, out the effort in, etc. Has Pugh? Someone mentioned he was terrorizing the backfield in spring ball. Didn't Carey say all positions are open after the Wyoming game? It might be a good idea for the coaches to make some changes/try different combinations and see if it works. Yes it could get worse, but probably not too much and what do we have to loose?

If he plays like that during a blowout, I'd like to see what kind of effort he shows in a competitive game. I'd also like to see more of the soph. RBs. They have a lot more speed than Bouagnon and Huff. Let's see what they can do. Of course we need changes on the OL, too. No push, no aggressiveness, no desire, or fire the first two games.

(09-14-2016 10:02 PM)NILAW Wrote:  

(09-14-2016 08:25 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  

(09-14-2016 07:19 PM)SiegInc Wrote:  There needs to be a huge improvement from the OL and DL if we want to have any glimmer of hope.

There needs to be personnel changes or things will stay the same. Pugh needs to be given the chance to show if he can improve the team. The secondary needs to have a couple guys who can cover and tackle better than the last two games. We need ends who can contain, shed blocks, and put pressure on the QB. 70 needs to be replaced on the OL. Every time I look he's getting beat like a drum. We also need to be more aggressive on play calling and going for it on fourth down. I remember at least three occasions where I thought Cary should have gone for it on fourth down. It's like he doesn't want the momentum to turn to his favor. If we don't convert who cares? We were getting destroyed anyways. It seems to me he'd rather lose playing conservatively rather than gambling and losing 60-17. I was upset he kicked a field goal, Like he's happy he only gave up 48 points.

Personnel changes at some positions might help. I don't pretend to know who could/should replace who. Remember the personnel changes to the defense Doeren (I would think with input from the defensive coaches) made in 2011 when our defense was getting burned big time? That worked in 2011. I don't know if it would work this season. I suppose one thought would be it couldn't get worse; yes it could. I like what I see from Johnson (# 7). Other than that I would have to leave it in the hands of of the coordinators and position coaches. One could look at the roster and what the players looked like coming in; however we all know that means very little. The issue is who has lived up to/exceeded expectations, out the effort in, etc. Has Pugh? Someone mentioned he was terrorizing the backfield in spring ball. Didn't Carey say all positions are open after the Wyoming game? It might be a good idea for the coaches to make some changes/try different combinations and see if it works. Yes it could get worse, but probably not too much and what do we have to loose?

I was appalled when Meco was starting ahead of Spann and it took 4 games after I complained on this board before Spann won the job. Coaches are stubborn and see it as a failure when their guy doesn't perform. They don't like to change unless they absolutely have to. They should see it as all the guys on the roster are their guys and play the guys that make them look good. Our defense has looked horrible and changes need to be made. Our OL has looked lifeless and changes need to be made. Not later but now or we'll get smoked by SDSU. If the moves backfire, so what? Try other combinations. If things stay the same, we'll see the same results from the first two games.

(09-14-2016 08:25 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  

(09-14-2016 07:19 PM)SiegInc Wrote:  There needs to be a huge improvement from the OL and DL if we want to have any glimmer of hope.

There needs to be personnel changes or things will stay the same. Pugh needs to be given the chance to show if he can improve the team. The secondary needs to have a couple guys who can cover and tackle better than the last two games. We need ends who can contain, shed blocks, and put pressure on the QB. 70 needs to be replaced on the OL. Every time I look he's getting beat like a drum. We also need to be more aggressive on play calling and going for it on fourth down. I remember at least three occasions where I thought Cary should have gone for it on fourth down. It's like he doesn't want the momentum to turn to his favor. If we don't convert who cares? We were getting destroyed anyways. It seems to me he'd rather lose playing conservatively rather than gambling and losing 60-17. I was upset he kicked a field goal, Like he's happy he only gave up 48 points.

I think it's more the system. Payton has been awesome imo. Folliard is the one I'm seeing struggle a bit. Jones and Johnston show some high level talent. Try Pugh. If the Dl isn't getting penetration we need a heavier load at Lb. Pugh, Payton and Jones/Johnson. Ya, you lose some speed in coverage but at this point doesn't seem to be an issue.

All this is subject to criticism EXCEPT...

Get rid of this horse**** huskie position crap. You're taking kids barely big enough to be safetys and putting them against 310 lb tackles on run downs. Sutton Smith is an athlete to be sure, but he's being manhandled. The huskie position was great for Ford. But you're talking about a kid who was 245lbs of explosive power and speed. There is nobody on the roster that fits that bill...correction (let's see who disagrees) PUT BEN LEROY AT DE. Kid easily has the best step of everyone on the line. Impressive straight line speed. Most impressive freshman physical attributes I've ever seen. What happened to the CC transfer originally from iowa state? Wasn't he running with the ones during spring?

Both Allen and Mays looked better last season. If not a coaching issue, continue to give these other kids a shot.

Seems in years past we've utalized true freshman a ton more (even when we didn't need to). Is it lack of talent from this past class or just no need? Really a shame we've only seem two hbs tote the rock. Gotta find a way to get these offensive players the ball. Brown, Jones, Minster and Safford (kid needs to be given more of a chance). Lastly, still think every snap JB takes is a wasted snap.

Sent from my SM-G900T using CSNbbs mobile app

(09-15-2016 04:24 AM)Suptroop Wrote:  I think it's more the system. Payton has been awesome imo. Folliard is the one I'm seeing struggle a bit. Jones and Johnston show some high level talent. Try Pugh. If the Dl isn't getting penetration we need a heavier load at Lb. Pugh, Payton and Jones/Johnson. Ya, you lose some speed in coverage but at this point doesn't seem to be an issue.

All this is subject to criticism EXCEPT...

Get rid of this horse**** huskie position crap. You're taking kids barely big enough to be safetys and putting them against 310 lb tackles on run downs. Sutton Smith is an athlete to be sure, but he's being manhandled. The huskie position was great for Ford. But you're talking about a kid who was 245lbs of explosive power and speed. There is nobody on the roster that fits that bill...correction (let's see who disagrees) PUT BEN LEROY AT DE. Kid easily has the best step of everyone on the line. Impressive straight line speed. Most impressive freshman physical attributes I've ever seen. What happened to the CC transfer originally from iowa state? Wasn't he running with the ones during spring?

Both Allen and Mays looked better last season. If not a coaching issue, continue to give these other kids a shot.

Seems in years past we've utalized true freshman a ton more (even when we didn't need to). Is it lack of talent from this past class or just no need? Really a shame we've only seem two hbs tote the rock. Gotta find a way to get these offensive players the ball. Brown, Jones, Minster and Safford (kid needs to be given more of a chance). Lastly, still think every snap JB takes is a wasted snap.

Sent from my SM-G900T using CSNbbs mobile app

I know it's hard to tell guys to "just change position". Not an easy thing to do. But I always thought Sutton to safety was a good move. He has the speed and athleticism. And he'd be a nice sized safety for blitzing/run support.

For me #20 needs to take better angles on the ball. He left 2 interceptions on the field last week and didn't get a hand on the ball of either. This is instinct and you can see it with Lurry who, although undersized can compete with larger athletes due to his superior instincts. If 20 doesn't improve quickly we would need a change.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

(09-15-2016 04:24 AM)Suptroop Wrote:  

(09-14-2016 08:25 PM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  

(09-14-2016 07:19 PM)SiegInc Wrote:  There needs to be a huge improvement from the OL and DL if we want to have any glimmer of hope.

There needs to be personnel changes or things will stay the same. Pugh needs to be given the chance to show if he can improve the team. The secondary needs to have a couple guys who can cover and tackle better than the last two games. We need ends who can contain, shed blocks, and put pressure on the QB. 70 needs to be replaced on the OL. Every time I look he's getting beat like a drum. We also need to be more aggressive on play calling and going for it on fourth down. I remember at least three occasions where I thought Cary should have gone for it on fourth down. It's like he doesn't want the momentum to turn to his favor. If we don't convert who cares? We were getting destroyed anyways. It seems to me he'd rather lose playing conservatively rather than gambling and losing 60-17. I was upset he kicked a field goal, Like he's happy he only gave up 48 points.

I think it's more the system. Payton has been awesome imo. Folliard is the one I'm seeing struggle a bit. Jones and Johnston show some high level talent. Try Pugh. If the Dl isn't getting penetration we need a heavier load at Lb. Pugh, Payton and Jones/Johnson. Ya, you lose some speed in coverage but at this point doesn't seem to be an issue.

All this is subject to criticism EXCEPT...

Get rid of this horse**** huskie position crap. You're taking kids barely big enough to be safetys and putting them against 310 lb tackles on run downs. Sutton Smith is an athlete to be sure, but he's being manhandled. The huskie position was great for Ford. But you're talking about a kid who was 245lbs of explosive power and speed. There is nobody on the roster that fits that bill...correction (let's see who disagrees) PUT BEN LEROY AT DE. Kid easily has the best step of everyone on the line. Impressive straight line speed. Most impressive freshman physical attributes I've ever seen. What happened to the CC transfer originally from iowa state? Wasn't he running with the ones during spring?


Both Allen and Mays looked better last season. If not a coaching issue, continue to give these other kids a shot.

Seems in years past we've utalized true freshman a ton more (even when we didn't need to). Is it lack of talent from this past class or just no need? Really a shame we've only seem two hbs tote the rock. Gotta find a way to get these offensive players the ball. Brown, Jones, Minster and Safford (kid needs to be given more of a chance). Lastly, still think every snap JB takes is a wasted snap.

Sent from my SM-G900T using CSNbbs mobile app

I was thinking the same thing. Perez Ford was able to hold up against the run but the guys we're putting there now are getting killed. And Leroy, while currently small for a tackle, could be a monster at end.

I understand the apprenticeship philosophy, where the underclassmen have to do their time on the bench and graduate to a starting role, but benching a few upperclassmen might light a fire under their behinds, so they do not get so complacent.

It also seems that Carey pushes his players to play hurt more than previous coaches did. Playing with pain may be valiant and heroic, but is an injured starter still better than his healthy backup?