A "One Play Away" Team

[kgilbert78]

This, I think, it what has most fans frustrated. Many times, the last couple of seasons, we were "one play away". Many, many close games. Mind you, there were times we got that "one play"--vs tOSU in 2016 and vs Wisconsin, vs Iowa last year, and vs App State this year, among other examples. But when it is that close, it's understandable that people get upset.

The McSorley years were fun. Wish he'd had another 30-40 seconds yesterday. We'll see going forward.

 

[Nitt1300]

Too many fans don't understand that the gap between winning and losing is almost always a couple of plays, and that there is always an element of luck involved. If those plays go the other way- and they easily could have- you have an entirely different result.

If you have to win everything, pick a superhero to follow- because in sports you don't win them all.

 

[PSURoar]

This is where quality depth is so important and we have just not had it. I know people think sports turns in an instance but the reality is our depth is just getting back from the reduced scholarship numbers. You can see this on teams like Ohio State where a new special teams player comes in that looks like a mold of the hurt player and they are at the same level. Many of the close losses in recent past had key players exit (Bell, Bates) and the replacements were a drop off for experience or skills.
The players said they spent two of 15 bowl practices dedicated to special teams but yesterday it killed us. Special teams is where quality depth hits hardest and it is such a factor in today's games.
Also Having Windsor out had a big impact especially on the last drive when the D front couldn't move the line. We had all those unfortunate instances with players medically needing to leave football this year. Just too bad.
Next year will be better but I hope some of these key draft guys stay.

 

[berklion]

Funny, I remember JVP saying "A play here, a play there" during the dark years. He was probably right, too.

 

[TheGLOV]

This, I think, it what has most fans frustrated. Many times, the last couple of seasons, we were "one play away". Many, many close games. Mind you, there were times we got that "one play"--vs tOSU in 2016 and vs Wisconsin, vs Iowa last year, and vs App State this year, among other examples. But when it is that close, it's understandable that people get upset.

The McSorley years were fun. Wish he'd had another 30-40 seconds yesterday. We'll see going forward.

Excellent post sir.

A tip of the cap to you!!