chpfn Wrote:Wow, what planet are you from. We were outmanned upfront by BC, it was great coaching that kept in the game.

I followed the BC board the summer before that game, and there was no love for their coach. Apparently he coached not to lose. The previous game was the MPC Computers bowl game, where they went up big, started coasting, and almost lost the game at the end because the other team didn't stop playing hard. When BC went up by 3 scores I knew that they would stop playing and allow us back in the game. If it wasn't for that (&#*!@)#& swinging gate play...

I trust everyone feels a bit better since this thread was done? Not a pretty win in Akron, but a needed one, and the defense did make some stops.

Guys, I think we need to look at the big picture here. A coaching change is a disruption, pure-and-simple. We didn't just go from a HC to an assistant; we brought in someone basically new and retained very little of Kelly's staff. There was bound to be -- and was -- an adjustment period. We also have a tiny senior class and a boatload of injuries, especially on defense.

While not giving Butch the keys to the city just yet -- I said I wouldn't stone or saint him after just one season, and I meant it -- winning the division despite these obstacles puts him slightly ahead of Flynn at the same stage, in my mind. Flynn had a talented and large senior class, and we won despite him, IMHO. The next measure will be how CMU does in the big games coming up. Flynn's team looked like a deer caught in headlights in the rematch against UNLV, and Pruitt's injury wasn't enough to explain all of it. If we come out focused and play well, that's another positive mark in Butch's favor.

As for the defensive talent, Frank Zombo has quietly accumulated 7.5 sacks among 10.5 tackles for loss and is our sixth-leading tackler. Larry Knight has 5 sacks and 7.5 tackles/loss in 11 games, and I understand he was playing hurt much of the season. Those aren't Bazuin/Ogle numbers, but not too bad for a pair of sophomores. They should only get better. Losing Friend will hurt, but Droscha (8 tackles/loss) and Ekdahl return, as do Telfer and most of the other reserves. I think this unit will look better next season. Especially if we scrap or at least largely forget the "leo" look . At LB, Bellore and Berning have played above freshman level and should be fine. We also seem to have some fine candidates waiting to step up in Lawrence, Khoury, and Connelly. Emphasizing better technique when tackling in the offseason should cure a host of problems. In the secondary, if Gordy (4 picks in 8 games) and Hissong (only played in five games) can stay healthy, that would help a lot. West isn't great but hasn't been that bad. I'd consider moving Brazzel to SS, because the kid is undersized at LB but can HIT. I really believe we'll see a better defense on the field next fall. Maybe even in the bowl game, with some time to heal.

Well, from what I've seen, I'm not optimistic about this defense now, or in the future. This is the worst we've been since Flynn's debacle in Florida. I don't see any "attack" in this defense, it's just "go where your man goes and hope he doesn't get the ball." Miami "sees" and "feels" this as well. So, Dan and the O had better be on their game this Saturday, or we're in deep sh!t! If I'm wrong, I'll happily admit same. Saturday's game slogan/plan should be: "GET THE PHUCK IN HIS GRILL!!!!"

Quote:Saturday's game slogan/plan should be: "GET THE PHUCK IN HIS GRILL!!!!"

Oh yeah, forgot to mention: our CBs can start choking up on opposing receivers any time now. Miami has 12 passing TDs versus 17 interceptions, and the Redhawks don't appear to have any one scary receiver.

Miami QBs have been sacked 28 times, or twice as many times as CMU QBs. Get in their grill, indeed!