daap_bearcat97
2nd String
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I Root For: THE UC Bearcats
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RE: What may be missing with this team
(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.
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