I hate the mantra...it is what it is

[tototootsi]

But it is what it is. We suffered some key injuries that moved us from potential contender to second tier status. We haven't had a running game for some time but managed to run up five wins which at the time looked impressive.... thanks mainly to our defense. The Illinois score makes it appear that the game was close, but in reality we were manhandled on both sides of the ball. We could not run to pick up three yards all day. The defense deserves credit in that although being battered on almost every running play, they did not in my eyes quit...they were simply overwhelmed. The defense's stand during the overtimes was impressive and unexpected. Why Illinois chose not to run up the gut during the OT's which worked all day for them, who knows. But it did not matter, they won anyway. The challenge for CJF in my opinion is to hold Ohio State to under 40 points, and to somehow grind out enough first downs to give the defense a shot at suppressing the scoring. The offensive line has been able to pass block effectively at times. If they can step up their game to allow enough dink and dunk completions (thrown by whomever) to grind out first downs the team could leave the OSU game with the confidence that they can be competitive closing out the season. Three wins out of the next five games would be a herculean achievement. The situation does give the coaching staff the opportunity to instill the confidence, desire, motivation, and game planning to salvage a respectable season. Coming back from being humiliated by a 3 touchdown underdog is a heavy lift for any coaching staff let alone the players. These next weeks will reveal what we are made of.

 

[91Joe95]

I still think this team isn't far off with a healthy Clifford - the defense really is outstanding. Losing Mustipher hurts, a lot, but there is still a lot of talent on that side. That said, I still don't see the changes needed being made. If the RPO can't run the ball it needs to go. I think it can, but you need the QB under center a whole lot more, and much more of a commitment to running the ball.

 

[MacNit07]

But it is what it is. We suffered some key injuries that moved us from potential contender to second tier status. We haven't had a running game for some time but managed to run up five wins which at the time looked impressive.... thanks mainly to our defense. The Illinois score makes it appear that the game was close, but in reality we were manhandled on both sides of the ball. We could not run to pick up three yards all day. The defense deserves credit in that although being battered on almost every running play, they did not in my eyes quit...they were simply overwhelmed. The defense's stand during the overtimes was impressive and unexpected. Why Illinois chose not to run up the gut during the OT's which worked all day for them, who knows. But it did not matter, they won anyway. The challenge for CJF in my opinion is to hold Ohio State to under 40 points, and to somehow grind out enough first downs to give the defense a shot at suppressing the scoring. The offensive line has been able to pass block effectively at times. If they can step up their game to allow enough dink and dunk completions (thrown by whomever) to grind out first downs the team could leave the OSU game with the confidence that they can be competitive closing out the season. Three wins out of the next five games would be a herculean achievement. The situation does give the coaching staff the opportunity to instill the confidence, desire, motivation, and game planning to salvage a respectable season. Coming back from being humiliated by a 3 touchdown underdog is a heavy lift for any coaching staff let alone the players. These next weeks will reveal what we are made of.

If I am Clifford’s family, I make sure he does not see the field next week as he will be hospitalized.

 

[NittPicker]

Que sera sera.

 

[BobPSU92]

Imagine how difficult this would be if it wasn’t what it is, but was something else. Fortunately, because it is what it is, we can accurately diagnose the problems, forward our solutions to Franklin, and get this fixed by next Saturday.

😛