More excuses from the whiner in chief. Poor recruiting and roster management were the primary culprits in the loss to Illinois. Nothing more, nothing less. We have huge holes in the roster. We lack a true #1 receiver. At least we have three solid to good #2s. Our so-called #1 frequently is erased by very average corners in tight coverage (see Villanova). Our line was recruited to primarily block using a man scheme but we use a a gap approach after three seasons with three very different offenses. Our backup QB is a poor fit being a run first dual threat that can't drive the ball more than 15 yards downfield (think Trace). Our backs are OK but over-rated. That is just on offense.
Defensively, we start two wide 9 ends when we need a 5 and 7 techniques. Before PJ got hurt, we started a pair of 1s, not the 1 and 3 the scheme calls for. With PJ hurt, we start a 1 and a D3 0 tech tackle to go with a pair of wide 9 ends. The linebacking corps is as disciplined as you would expect given that we lack a linebackers coach. At least the secondary is good.
Coaching wise, we have a care taker for a DC in Pry. He runs the exact defense Shoop ran but lacks the ability to adjust to the talent on hand despite the fact that we have 3-4 talent which any football person sees clear as day. Offensively, we have a solid coordinator implementing a very different offense than the previous two seasons with a collection of talent that only partially fits the system. And said coordinator doesn't care about the concept of complimentary football as evidenced by his performance at the D1 level. Here is a hint for those not familiar with the Pokes box score every time they played a good defense then look at the Iowa game. A few big plays in the first quarter. A solid second then a dog fight after that usually resulting in a loss. MY's history says that games was going to get ugly regardless of Clifford's injury.
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