RE: Official Game Thread: Furman
Furman is much better than people think. I was the first to caution people about VMI. Ever since they changed coaches, that team has been getting better. They are putting players on the field with athleticism and demeanor. I have to be honest, I’ve watched the Bucs over the past weeks and I’ve come to the realization that you can’t make the mistake of tossing out the Mocs and WC games. Yes they played senior teams, but they are measuring components of the players and the coaching staff. What I’ve seen over the past 3 games is the commitment to doing what’s not working. Sticking with the same players executing the same plays that are not working. Everyone experiences a bad game or a game plan that doesn’t work with or against a particular personnel group; hence, you have to be willing to do what is necessary to catch a spark. The last 2 times the QB was replaced resulted in TDs. I’m NOT saying the backup QB is better than the starting QB, I’m just saying you can’t stick with someone who is having a bad game or not producing on that particular day. Games are only 60 minutes long, so you better adjust before it gets out of control. The Bucs fail to make changes until the games are too far out of control – that is a HS mentality. Note: #4 was having a good game against VMI, but he kept getting pulled out for # 11 (who did absolutely nothing). In fact, it looked like they were forcibly trying to get #11 involved in the passing game when it was clear that he was not contributing at all that day (repeatedly dropping balls including a 4th quarter pass in the EZ that was placed right in his hands) #89 was wide open on the other side and could have opened a lemonade stand, but we called #11’s number. Thankfully the next play went to #18 and surprise – TD. The coaches should have noticed what everyone in the stadium saw – stick with #4, #18, #2, etc. Case in point: #18 and #3 came into the game after the Bucs were down 30. RB #3 turned in 50+ yards on 8 or so carries, whereas the coaches kept feeding RB #6 and #15 the ball. #6 ended up with -8 yards on the day and #15 could not have had more than 30. Coaches - when does the light come? You don’t keep feeding #6 and #15 the ball in the second half. Again, I’m NOT saying you replace the starters (they have proved their worth), but if they are having a bad day, you sit them down and go a different route – this includes the linemen. You may think VMI substituted defensive players late in the game, which would account for the production of the replacements, but with the exception of a 2 players who left due to injury, VMI finished the game with the same players on D (they wanted the shutout). The coaches have to be accountable when players are not producing or who just don’t match up well. You can’t stick with guys who worked 3 weeks ago, or play favorites. I understand consistency, but I also understand matchups. I saw speed and effort in #2, #3, #4, #18, and #89. With the exception of #4, and #16 who continue to produce, the coaches appear to be committed to players who produced in week 1 and 2, but fell off the last 3 weeks. AGAIN, not saying you replace players, but the coaches have to recognize the when the engine is stuck in neutral…
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