(11-12-2014 12:29 AM)NIU17 Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 09:32 PM)FtLauderdaleRocket Wrote:  Carey is a much better coach at game management thqn Campbell. Very smart decision to eat more clock.

Going through your thread and it sounds like ours. Carey is not good at game management. And our OC is as bad as yours. These posts make me laugh.

None of this is true. Both fanbases are full of idiots (as most are) and neither coaching staff is bad.

(11-11-2014 11:37 PM)7 Wrote:  You guys had 451 yards playing a WR at QB and you're blaming the coaching? LOLWUT?

(11-12-2014 12:29 AM)NIU17 Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 09:32 PM)FtLauderdaleRocket Wrote:  Carey is a much better coach at game management thqn Campbell. Very smart decision to eat more clock.

Going through your thread and it sounds like ours. Carey is not good at game management. And our OC is as bad as yours. These posts make me laugh.

I guess the 4 straight MAC west titles and however many MAC championships means you are clearly right...

(11-11-2014 11:46 PM)inductchuck16 Wrote:  5 straight years....what...the...f**k? They are NOT that superior to us, yet we get treated like the little brother every time.

Just for context, we did beat NIU 12 straight years. Agree that Western may be poised to win the West for the foreseeable future. I feel bad for the players. Unfortunately, I don't see this team beating BG, and they could end up being 7-5.

(11-12-2014 12:12 AM)playmaker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:41 PM)falconplucker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:32 PM)BDV27 Wrote:  That was a very average NIU team we lost to tonight. Our inability to get off the field on 3rd and 4th down and the UT staffs inability to understand who you best player is ( HUNT)and make sure you ride him in the big games is the reason we lost this game. Macon played his ass off and should have been the starter. Kind of amazed that the coaches could not recognize WR or not he was our best chance of winning tonight. Just a pathetic loss

I would usually agree with the angst against the play calling, except that I think Hunt is still hurt. They tried to save him somewhat for the 4th, but you could tell early on from the way he would get up, that he is still not 100%. They might have gotten about the most they could without risking further injury tonight. High ankle sprains take forever to heal.

They did not run Swanson enough. Hunt is not 100

Nobody is 100% at this time of the season. just from my observation from watching him run last night, he looked pretty damn good and it was time to ride your best player. Swanson is excellent but he is not at the level of Hunt.

Downtown Coaches should be interesting on Monday. There is something interesting in this team. The talent is there to have won at least one of the 3 we have lost and certainly to have beaten a less than usually pedestrian NIU. Still say that our players have too strong an opinion of themselves. And as for Russell...be SCHOCKED if he gets drafted. Not tough enough for the NFL IMHO.
Very tough staff decisions again if we don't make it to Detroit. Disappointed for all of us who bleed Midnight Blue and Gold. Go Rockets.

(11-12-2014 08:12 AM)BDV27 Wrote:  

(11-12-2014 12:12 AM)playmaker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:41 PM)falconplucker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:32 PM)BDV27 Wrote:  That was a very average NIU team we lost to tonight. Our inability to get off the field on 3rd and 4th down and the UT staffs inability to understand who you best player is ( HUNT)and make sure you ride him in the big games is the reason we lost this game. Macon played his ass off and should have been the starter. Kind of amazed that the coaches could not recognize WR or not he was our best chance of winning tonight. Just a pathetic loss

I would usually agree with the angst against the play calling, except that I think Hunt is still hurt. They tried to save him somewhat for the 4th, but you could tell early on from the way he would get up, that he is still not 100%. They might have gotten about the most they could without risking further injury tonight. High ankle sprains take forever to heal.

They did not run Swanson enough. Hunt is not 100

Nobody is 100% at this time of the season. just from my observation from watching him run last night, he looked pretty damn good and it was time to ride your best player. Swanson is excellent but he is not at the level of Hunt.

From the other side, I agree with this. Hunt has struggled with injuries, but what's the point of saving and protecting him? Toledo had to win this game. As an opposing fan, I've come out of games against Toledo thankful that I didn't see more Adonis Thomas, David Fluellen, or Kareem Hunt.

The closest Toledo has come to really bringing it physically with NIU was last year in the Glass Bowl. That was the first time in years that I saw NIU players second to get up after plays. NIU was really busted up and very limited physically after that game, a fact that went a long way to explaining how BG kicked the s^*t out of them in Detroit.

I see both NIU and Toledo at a crossroads right now. Both teams obviously aren't what they've been in the past, yet are still quite good. However, physicality is what wins football games. NIU still says they are physical and when they put their mind to it still can pound as well as anyone in the MAC. But, much like Toledo, they try to get cute and lose their identity offensively for long stretches at a time. You guys have been upset about that at your school for years. In my opinion, Toledo has virtually wasted three great MAC backs trying to be high-flying and beat teams by 50 before the first points are scored. I like to see diversity in an offense, but I truly believe it's easy to lose that physical edge unless you are 100% committed to it. Toledo once was, and haven't been for years. NIU has been for quite awhile, but it's slipping. NIU was outhit against BG last year and was ground into dust by CMU this year (an inferior team, but one that has no confusion about their identity).

Let's hope both programs recognize it and grab the reigns, because neither of us is interested in watching the boat get rowed in Detroit.

(11-12-2014 09:07 AM)cawoo22 Wrote:  

(11-12-2014 08:12 AM)BDV27 Wrote:  

(11-12-2014 12:12 AM)playmaker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:41 PM)falconplucker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:32 PM)BDV27 Wrote:  That was a very average NIU team we lost to tonight. Our inability to get off the field on 3rd and 4th down and the UT staffs inability to understand who you best player is ( HUNT)and make sure you ride him in the big games is the reason we lost this game. Macon played his ass off and should have been the starter. Kind of amazed that the coaches could not recognize WR or not he was our best chance of winning tonight. Just a pathetic loss

I would usually agree with the angst against the play calling, except that I think Hunt is still hurt. They tried to save him somewhat for the 4th, but you could tell early on from the way he would get up, that he is still not 100%. They might have gotten about the most they could without risking further injury tonight. High ankle sprains take forever to heal.

They did not run Swanson enough. Hunt is not 100

Nobody is 100% at this time of the season. just from my observation from watching him run last night, he looked pretty damn good and it was time to ride your best player. Swanson is excellent but he is not at the level of Hunt.

From the other side, I agree with this. Hunt has struggled with injuries, but what's the point of saving and protecting him? Toledo had to win this game. As an opposing fan, I've come out of games against Toledo thankful that I didn't see more Adonis Thomas, David Fluellen, or Kareem Hunt.

The closest Toledo has come to really bringing it physically with NIU was last year in the Glass Bowl. That was the first time in years that I saw NIU players second to get up after plays. NIU was really busted up and very limited physically after that game, a fact that went a long way to explaining how BG kicked the s^*t out of them in Detroit.

I see both NIU and Toledo at a crossroads right now. Both teams obviously aren't what they've been in the past, yet are still quite good. However, physicality is what wins football games. NIU still says they are physical and when they put their mind to it still can pound as well as anyone in the MAC. But, much like Toledo, they try to get cute and lose their identity offensively for long stretches at a time. You guys have been upset about that at your school for years. In my opinion, Toledo has virtually wasted three great MAC backs trying to be high-flying and beat teams by 50 before the first points are scored. I like to see diversity in an offense, but I truly believe it's easy to lose that physical edge unless you are 100% committed to it. Toledo once was, and haven't been for years. NIU has been for quite awhile, but it's slipping. NIU was outhit against BG last year and was ground into dust by CMU this year (an inferior team, but one that has no confusion about their identity).

Let's hope both programs recognize it and grab the reigns, because neither of us is interested in watching the boat get rowed in Detroit.

What I respect about NIU, and miss so dearly in Toledo, is the fact that you don't take any games off. Toledo stopped playing OOC games during the Amstutz era and has never re-evaluate the importance of really trying to win those games. To me, they are springboards for the program and do wonders for the overall team attitude. We routinely lose all OOC games accept for the FCS matchup and tell ourselves it's okay, because our goal is the MACC. Blah, blah, blah. That is a defeated attitude and it shows on the field for the rest of the season. I like how NIU takes EVERYONE seriously. Just like Boise has for so many years. That's where building a mid-major program starts. We are so far down in the pack of FBS schools... it's sad to think about right now. It's been a tough season.

(11-12-2014 09:07 AM)cawoo22 Wrote:  

(11-12-2014 08:12 AM)BDV27 Wrote:  

(11-12-2014 12:12 AM)playmaker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:41 PM)falconplucker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:32 PM)BDV27 Wrote:  That was a very average NIU team we lost to tonight. Our inability to get off the field on 3rd and 4th down and the UT staffs inability to understand who you best player is ( HUNT)and make sure you ride him in the big games is the reason we lost this game. Macon played his ass off and should have been the starter. Kind of amazed that the coaches could not recognize WR or not he was our best chance of winning tonight. Just a pathetic loss

I would usually agree with the angst against the play calling, except that I think Hunt is still hurt. They tried to save him somewhat for the 4th, but you could tell early on from the way he would get up, that he is still not 100%. They might have gotten about the most they could without risking further injury tonight. High ankle sprains take forever to heal.

They did not run Swanson enough. Hunt is not 100

Nobody is 100% at this time of the season. just from my observation from watching him run last night, he looked pretty damn good and it was time to ride your best player. Swanson is excellent but he is not at the level of Hunt.

From the other side, I agree with this. Hunt has struggled with injuries, but what's the point of saving and protecting him? Toledo had to win this game. As an opposing fan, I've come out of games against Toledo thankful that I didn't see more Adonis Thomas, David Fluellen, or Kareem Hunt.

The closest Toledo has come to really bringing it physically with NIU was last year in the Glass Bowl. That was the first time in years that I saw NIU players second to get up after plays. NIU was really busted up and very limited physically after that game, a fact that went a long way to explaining how BG kicked the s^*t out of them in Detroit.

I see both NIU and Toledo at a crossroads right now. Both teams obviously aren't what they've been in the past, yet are still quite good. However, physicality is what wins football games. NIU still says they are physical and when they put their mind to it still can pound as well as anyone in the MAC. But, much like Toledo, they try to get cute and lose their identity offensively for long stretches at a time. You guys have been upset about that at your school for years. In my opinion, Toledo has virtually wasted three great MAC backs trying to be high-flying and beat teams by 50 before the first points are scored. I like to see diversity in an offense, but I truly believe it's easy to lose that physical edge unless you are 100% committed to it. Toledo once was, and haven't been for years. NIU has been for quite awhile, but it's slipping. NIU was outhit against BG last year and was ground into dust by CMU this year (an inferior team, but one that has no confusion about their identity).

Let's hope both programs recognize it and grab the reigns, because neither of us is interested in watching the boat get rowed in Detroit.

Excellent observation. Couldn't agree more.

How often do we throw on first down, fail to complete the pass and are behind the sticks with the defense knowing we have to run on 2nd down? If we have the best O line a great rb (Hunt) and a very good one (Swanson). Why not pound them both, Swanson can certainly help with at least double digit carries to complement Kareem's 20 plus. BTW should have started Macon with an emphasis on a real option game.

(11-12-2014 02:12 PM)playmaker Wrote:  How often do we throw on first down, fail to complete the pass and are behind the sticks with the defense knowing we have to run on 2nd down? If we have the best O line a great rb (Hunt) and a very good one (Swanson). Why not pound them both, Swanson can certainly help with at least double digit carries to complement Kareem's 20 plus. BTW should have started Macon with an emphasis on a real option game.

Why do we all see this but the coaching staff doesn't? Very frustrating.

(11-12-2014 03:00 PM)BDV27 Wrote:  Why do we all see this but the coaching staff doesn't? Very frustrating.

I posted this elsewhere, but what exactly did Macon do in practice over the last 4 years when at QB? Did he fumble, throw picks? Honestly, what I saw last night was a revelation. He reminded me of Tajh Boyd from Clemson.

Early in his career I heard he didn't learn the offense very well and threw inconsistently. Last year or so I have no idea.

(11-12-2014 11:29 PM)tolfbfan Wrote:  Early in his career I heard he didn't learn the offense very well and threw inconsistently. Last year or so I have no idea.

Maybe not knowing the offense is a good thing, in retrospect.

(11-13-2014 08:48 AM)FtLauderdaleRocket Wrote:  

(11-12-2014 11:29 PM)tolfbfan Wrote:  Early in his career I heard he didn't learn the offense very well and threw inconsistently. Last year or so I have no idea.

Maybe not knowing the offense is a good thing, in retrospect.

Beat me to it....

(11-12-2014 08:12 AM)BDV27 Wrote:  

(11-12-2014 12:12 AM)playmaker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:41 PM)falconplucker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:32 PM)BDV27 Wrote:  That was a very average NIU team we lost to tonight. Our inability to get off the field on 3rd and 4th down and the UT staffs inability to understand who you best player is ( HUNT)and make sure you ride him in the big games is the reason we lost this game. Macon played his ass off and should have been the starter. Kind of amazed that the coaches could not recognize WR or not he was our best chance of winning tonight. Just a pathetic loss

I would usually agree with the angst against the play calling, except that I think Hunt is still hurt. They tried to save him somewhat for the 4th, but you could tell early on from the way he would get up, that he is still not 100%. They might have gotten about the most they could without risking further injury tonight. High ankle sprains take forever to heal.

They did not run Swanson enough. Hunt is not 100

Nobody is 100% at this time of the season. just from my observation from watching him run last night, he looked pretty damn good and it was time to ride your best player. Swanson is excellent but he is not at the level of Hunt.

(11-13-2014 01:15 PM)playmaker Wrote:  

(11-12-2014 08:12 AM)BDV27 Wrote:  

(11-12-2014 12:12 AM)playmaker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:41 PM)falconplucker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:32 PM)BDV27 Wrote:  That was a very average NIU team we lost to tonight. Our inability to get off the field on 3rd and 4th down and the UT staffs inability to understand who you best player is ( HUNT)and make sure you ride him in the big games is the reason we lost this game. Macon played his ass off and should have been the starter. Kind of amazed that the coaches could not recognize WR or not he was our best chance of winning tonight. Just a pathetic loss

So Swanson isn't Hunt duh... last year as a true freshman Hunt wasn't the player he is now either. My point was run the ball! Not many teams (even the pros) uses one back exclusively anymore. Toledo can run the ball as much as needed with 2 quality backs and even #3 or 4 if required. Desmond Howard consistently mentioned how little drop off there was from Hunt to Swanson but what does he know?
I would usually agree with the angst against the play calling, except that I think Hunt is still hurt. They tried to save him somewhat for the 4th, but you could tell early on from the way he would get up, that he is still not 100%. They might have gotten about the most they could without risking further injury tonight. High ankle sprains take forever to heal.

They did not run Swanson enough. Hunt is not 100

Nobody is 100% at this time of the season. just from my observation from watching him run last night, he looked pretty damn good and it was time to ride your best player. Swanson is excellent but he is not at the level of Hunt.

(11-13-2014 01:15 PM)playmaker Wrote:  

(11-12-2014 08:12 AM)BDV27 Wrote:  

(11-12-2014 12:12 AM)playmaker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:41 PM)falconplucker Wrote:  

(11-11-2014 11:32 PM)BDV27 Wrote:  That was a very average NIU team we lost to tonight. Our inability to get off the field on 3rd and 4th down and the UT staffs inability to understand who you best player is ( HUNT)and make sure you ride him in the big games is the reason we lost this game. Macon played his ass off and should have been the starter. Kind of amazed that the coaches could not recognize WR or not he was our best chance of winning tonight. Just a pathetic loss

So Swanson isn't Hunt duh... last year as a true freshman Hunt wasn't the player he is now either. My point was run the ball! Not many teams (even the pros) uses one back exclusively anymore. Toledo can run the ball as much as needed with 2 quality backs and even #3 or 4 if required. Desmond Howard consistently mentioned how little drop off there was from Hunt to Swanson but what does he know?
I would usually agree with the angst against the play calling, except that I think Hunt is still hurt. They tried to save him somewhat for the 4th, but you could tell early on from the way he would get up, that he is still not 100%. They might have gotten about the most they could without risking further injury tonight. High ankle sprains take forever to heal.

They did not run Swanson enough. Hunt is not 100

Nobody is 100% at this time of the season. just from my observation from watching him run last night, he looked pretty damn good and it was time to ride your best player. Swanson is excellent but he is not at the level of Hunt.