(09-23-2019 12:50 PM)FrankAnderson Wrote:  I've taken some time to mentally reset and collect my thoughts after this game. I more or less share the thoughts most of you have said here. I wrote down some of the reasons why I thought the game ended up the way it did. These aren't excuses, as it really doesn't matter (results matter). But just my guesses as to why Saturday unfolded that way.

1. Injuries: I think we're really underestimating how banged up some of our key players are. Kevin McGill - DNP. Clay Holford - DNP. Shaq Vann - DNP. Ty Eddington - DNP (Hasn't played all season). I'm sure other guys were banged up that may have played hurt or left during the game.

That really adds up. Especially on defense. We all saw a lack of pass rush and poor coverage from the DBs. Well, we were missing two starters at those units. Hopefully they can get healthy again soon. McGill and Holford were keys to our defense in the first 3 games (2 games for McGill). McGill is especially important and we were already thin behind Holford.

2. Poor game plan: I think the entire offensive coaching staff thought we could roll into this game with a vanilla, "show nothing" game plan and walk away with an easy win. Obviously that wasn't the case. It's hard to find a way mid-game to throw in all the wrinkles, especially when you haven't practiced them or charted them out prior to the game. We were stuck with a ****** offensive game plan and our backs against the wall.

3. Hangover from Illinois: As much as I thought Creighton and co. would have the guys ready to play at 100%, that was clearly not the case. I think we have to remember that these are college-aged men out there who are hearing all the hype/media attention. It's not impossible for the Illinois win and the hype to seep into their heads and mess with their preparation. They also hear/see all the media attention and expectations that we do.

4. Weather delay: We've all heard it said - "Weather delays help the less talented team. We had all the momentum going into the weather delay. Scoring to go up 2 TDs immediately before the break. Their defense was tired. The weather delay allowed CCSU to get a second chance at adjustment and to rest their defense.

It also sucked all the energy out of the stadium on our side. Players just did not look the same after the break, and the crowd was just not as into it.

5. Distractions from new SAPC facility/Road travel caught up to us: Maybe this is a stretch, but the 3 straight weeks of long travel could have played a factor. Those weren't short trips. Plus, a new routine and all the related distractions connected to the SAPC.

6. CCSU played and coached the best game of their lives: Plain and simple. Their QB is an FBS transfer from Georgia State, and looked like it on Saturday. We weren't prepared for that kind of challenge. The CCSU QB was primarily a run-heavy QB coming into the week, but he probably had his best passing performance ever against us. I know I didn't see that coming.

This bye week is desperately needed. Creighton and the team KNOW that they have to have serious improvement to have the kind of MAC season that they want. In the press conference, Creighton explicitly said the offensive and defensive lines are where we "need to improve the most over the course of the year." He is well aware of the issues. Can he, Keen, and Neathery fix them? I'm sure getting back the injured players is a start.

EDIT: By the way, new FCS Top 25 polls came out. CCSU is now receiving votes. I'm willing to bet they win their conference and finish the season ranked.

Excellent post, Frank. I did see some of the backup DEs on the field that I had not seen play previously. Not sure if it was planned that way or if it was because of the Holford injury.

This team needs to get healthy. The central game promises to be a battle. I see the start time has been posted for 3 pm. Might have to make a road trip to that one.