This has been the first that I have been able to speak of last Wednesday's performance. What a disgusting debacle. It's like they intentionally beat themselves. However, I did notice a difference. Despite the efforts of familiar faces and the coaching staff finding ways of losing a game in the second half, newer faces attempted in vain to counter their efforts. Newton, Winstead, Kelly, and Turner were stepping in and making plays! Players were filling in for those going down with injuries and stepping up. However, what could have been a great story about Toledo's underclassmen and upperclassmen coming together, winning a big game on the road, and getting ready to take on the rest of the West is now a repeat of the need to win out and hope others falter. What could have been a fourth quarter tale of Toledo grinding down a Western Michigan defense, whose defensive line was depleted was instead a tale of piss poor clock management and passive defense. It's another classic in the vault of Toledo being on the wrong end of an ESPN highlight. Madness

The more I see Candle "interviewed" the more I dislike him. We can do better.

I mean, I actually went into the half thinking " Wow, that was a well played and well coached first half! It was almost perfect!" I can't remember the last time I felt that way. Then the second half happened. Maybe I just need some therapy.

[quote='RangerRocket' pid='17097187' dateline='1605450571']
The more I see Candle "interviewed" the more I dislike him. We can do better.
[/quote

I look at the upcoming game against EMU & find myself thinking that while this is a game they should win on talent alone, it’s just as likely that they could lose it. That’s where Candle has positioned this program, IMO. Almost every game is a 50/50 “jump ball”. And while that would be seen as progress at some schools, I’m sure, it’s a distinct disappointment here.

(11-15-2020 10:49 AM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  [quote='RangerRocket' pid='17097187' dateline='1605450571']
The more I see Candle "interviewed" the more I dislike him. We can do better.
[/quote

I look at the upcoming game against EMU & find myself thinking that while this is a game they should win on talent alone, it’s just as likely that they could lose it. That’s where Candle has positioned this program, IMO. Almost every game is a 50/50 “jump ball”. And while that would be seen as progress at some schools, I’m sure, it’s a distinct disappointment here.

Agreed. I will give Candle this, he recruits well and he made some choices last year, that were sorely needed. The hiring of the Kent State defensive coordinator never worked out and the new defensive coordinators are very promising and the defense has played better. Toledo did need a quarterbacks coach. He did bite the bullet and make those needed changes. I didn't think he'd admit those hires weren't working. If only we could see changes late in games. Maybe with the new coaches, it will be possible. But man, those losses are disheartening. He often talks about out how Toledo is essentially recruiting the same players as everyone else in the MAC, but Toledo always seems to end up with the top recruiting class. That only means one thing. It comes down to coaching. Central Michigan is an example of how quickly you can get back to the top, when you have a sound head coach. Toledo is an example of how you can be near the top with great recruiting and just okay coaching..

(11-15-2020 09:48 AM)falconplucker Wrote:  I mean, I actually went into the half thinking " Wow, that was a well played and well coached first half! It was almost perfect!" I can't remember the last time I felt that way. Then the second half happened. Maybe I just need some therapy.

LOL! We may all need a little therapy after that heartbreak. I am trying not to think about it. Honestly, being ahead by 10 on the road against a solid Western team with some serious play makers is a world different than the end of last year. The MitchG Team might have been in the game. Otherwise, there is no comparison. Many less tackles were broken, the linebackers did well against the run from good backs and a veteran o-line. Peters is much more mature and doing well. Turner at TE is making nice grabs and providing depth. Micah Kelly is a very nice surprise. He really sparked the team at Western. Seeing that sparked Koback into running with purpose. Newton, Winstead, and Blackmon are really chipping in at WR. Harris has come back with a vengeance, and the o-line despite some holes looks pretty good.

I think there is noticeable difference. Consider this; when a young talented KR guy drops the ball at the 1, the team picks him up and responds with a 99 yard touchdown drive, that is different. Very different. Lot’s of reasons to continue playing hard.

Want to see the OL dominate MAC teams.If you can't do that, you're losing to 2/3rds of FBS. Not enough pressure on the QB. Need better special teams play.

(11-15-2020 11:52 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  Want to see the OL dominate MAC teams.If you can't do that, you're losing to 2/3rds of FBS. Not enough pressure on the QB. Need better special teams play.

I would also like to see a dominant O-Line, but I think you will have to agree that wasn’t the problem Wednesday. Special teams - missed FG, muffed kick on a onside kick attempt, dropped kick-off ball, constantly kicking to their burner, not recovering an onside kick. Yep, totally agree. It’s too late for last week, but those will be addressed. Another important point you make is who can get to the QB?? There may be guys buried on the depth chart that can do it. Time to find them.

(11-15-2020 09:24 AM)falconplucker Wrote:  This has been the first that I have been able to speak of last Wednesday's performance. What a disgusting debacle. It's like they intentionally beat themselves. However, I did notice a difference. Despite the efforts of familiar faces and the coaching staff finding ways of losing a game in the second half, newer faces attempted in vain to counter their efforts. Newton, Winstead, Kelly, and Turner were stepping in and making plays! Players were filling in for those going down with injuries and stepping up. However, what could have been a great story about Toledo's underclassmen and upperclassmen coming together, winning a big game on the road, and getting ready to take on the rest of the West is now a repeat of the need to win out and hope others falter. What could have been a fourth quarter tale of Toledo grinding down a Western Michigan defense, whose defensive line was depleted was instead a tale of piss poor clock management and passive defense. It's another classic in the vault of Toledo being on the wrong end of an ESPN highlight. Madness

Pretty much agree. The only thing I'd add is that I felt that the offense got a little too conservative at times and they should have kept trying to move to ball as opposed to preserving the win. No doubt they learned a new phrase, "Watch out for the fake spike!"

(11-15-2020 01:41 PM)Toledo Football 1st Wrote:  

(11-15-2020 09:24 AM)falconplucker Wrote:  This has been the first that I have been able to speak of last Wednesday's performance. What a disgusting debacle. It's like they intentionally beat themselves. However, I did notice a difference. Despite the efforts of familiar faces and the coaching staff finding ways of losing a game in the second half, newer faces attempted in vain to counter their efforts. Newton, Winstead, Kelly, and Turner were stepping in and making plays! Players were filling in for those going down with injuries and stepping up. However, what could have been a great story about Toledo's underclassmen and upperclassmen coming together, winning a big game on the road, and getting ready to take on the rest of the West is now a repeat of the need to win out and hope others falter. What could have been a fourth quarter tale of Toledo grinding down a Western Michigan defense, whose defensive line was depleted was instead a tale of piss poor clock management and passive defense. It's another classic in the vault of Toledo being on the wrong end of an ESPN highlight. Madness

Pretty much agree. The only thing I'd add is that I felt that the offense got a little too conservative at times and they should have kept trying to move to ball as opposed to preserving the win. No doubt they learned a new phrase, "Watch out for the fake spike!"

WMU didn't even need to fake the spike. Receiver had no coverage.

(11-15-2020 11:05 AM)PTLROCK Wrote:  

(11-15-2020 09:48 AM)falconplucker Wrote:  I mean, I actually went into the half thinking " Wow, that was a well played and well coached first half! It was almost perfect!" I can't remember the last time I felt that way. Then the second half happened. Maybe I just need some therapy.

LOL! We may all need a little therapy after that heartbreak. I am trying not to think about it. Honestly, being ahead by 10 on the road against a solid Western team with some serious play makers is a world different than the end of last year. The MitchG Team might have been in the game. Otherwise, there is no comparison. Many less tackles were broken, the linebackers did well against the run from good backs and a veteran o-line. Peters is much more mature and doing well. Turner at TE is making nice grabs and providing depth. Micah Kelly is a very nice surprise. He really sparked the team at Western. Seeing that sparked Koback into running with purpose. Newton, Winstead, and Blackmon are really chipping in at WR. Harris has come back with a vengeance, and the o-line despite some holes looks pretty good.

I think there is noticeable difference. Consider this; when a young talented KR guy drops the ball at the 1, the team picks him up and responds with a 99 yard touchdown drive, that is different. Very different. Lot’s of reasons to continue playing hard.

pretty much how i feel

didn't want to drain energy posting on the painful loss. frickn prevent defense.

otherwise, i think we're pretty good. hope the energy is up for emu.

There might not be a difference between last season and this season if there is not a positive turnaround on Wed.
We could end up with a 3-3 record or worse...
I think this team has the talent, an obvious upgrade in effort and execution, with the exception of the 2 minute meltdown at WMU...
This all still rests at the feet of the coaching staff...

(11-15-2020 09:29 AM)RangerRocket Wrote:  The more I see Candle "interviewed" the more I dislike him. We can do better.

Agreed. How does he not look into the camera and tell everyone this was on him?? Take the blame for your stupidity. I almost have zero respect for him

With the late start to the season, only 6 games, overarching threat of COVID (including possibility of cancelled games yet this season), seems really hard to know right now where this team stands compared to last year and what opportunities may be missed this season with lost games. Seems like such an assessment will have to wait until season ends and would be much different if they go 5-1 vs 3-3.

(11-15-2020 10:49 AM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  [quote='RangerRocket' pid='17097187' dateline='1605450571']
The more I see Candle "interviewed" the more I dislike him. We can do better.
[/quote

I look at the upcoming game against EMU & find myself thinking that while this is a game they should win on talent alone, it’s just as likely that they could lose it. That’s where Candle has positioned this program, IMO. Almost every game is a 50/50 “jump ball”. And while that would be seen as progress at some schools, I’m sure, it’s a distinct disappointment here.

(11-15-2020 11:52 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  Want to see the OL dominate MAC teams.If you can't do that, you're losing to 2/3rds of FBS. Not enough pressure on the QB. Need better special teams play.

Yes. it's unfortunate a game like tonight could be considered a toss up. Also agree that aside from coaching, championships are won and lost on offensive and defensive line play.