I admit that it is tough to feel positive about the program when we have lost four frustrating games in a row... I don't make excuses for losing, and there are some things that are inexcusable...
However, I do believe in big picture thinking.
I'm a big stat guy but I believe in what I see on the field more than what mere numbers on a paper read. Bill Parcels once said that "you are what your record is", and that is true, but all 4-4 teams are NOT the same... My SMU Mustangs are 4-4, and despite winning two in a row with one over then #11 Houston, is anybody in their right mind going to think that SMU is better than Miami, or that SMU will be better than Miami down the road...? Of course not- there is strength of schedule, injuries, trends, depth, youth, and other factors that go into all of that.
Generally, I like how this team has FOUGHT in each of these last four games. The players don't quit, and maybe Richt commands that respect; maybe there are certain players who won't allow it to happen. But whatever the reason, that is a positive sign- effort to the end and the will to fight to come back will TRANSLATE into WINS once we have the added depth and impact talent we need. The North Carolina, Florida State, and Notre Dame Losses were a COMBINED 11 POINTS. Despite our consistent struggles, we were a blocked PAT from tying Florida State, and about 10 inches from recovering a fumble against Notre Dame that would have kept the game tied then. We were right there against North Carolina. GOOD teams find a way to close out those types of game, but this isn't a bad team. We are competing for four quarters each and every game, except for Virginia Tech which was a bit of anomaly because we played them on a short week when we were totally out of gas... I see a team that has heart, pride, and conditioning to battle for four quarters, and players who fight for each other and pick each other up. Don't tell me that counts for nothing, because those little things will make the difference down the road in OUR FAVOR once we have the horses to take the next step.
Specifically, I have renewed faith in Brad and the passing game. He had a crappy first half, and the INT on that out route or whatever it was along the sideline was inexcusable. His deer in headlights lack of pocket presence is still an issue, but I think Richt found some stuff in the playbook that will clearly work for Brad. First, the moving pocket was a major adjustment that helped Brad. I saw the line shifting and sliding more as the game progressed, and that gave Brad better throwing lanes. Second, the tight ends were worked more into passing game. Njoku and Herndon (who is a better player and I think most people give credit), were matchup issues for the Notre Dame defense. Third, I saw Coley and Richards run shorter routes to get them in space, but also enjoyed Richt letting them run go routes to keep the defense vertically stretched an honest.
The run game remains a problem, but with the below average offensive line, I can't criticize Yearby and Walton that much. They don't fumble, they run hard, and give it their best. They are SOLID running backs who both deserve their respective carries. Richt can't abandon the running game- he has to run it at least 20 times per game to keep the defense honest, or the defense is going to pin its ears back and fly into the backfield in full pass rush mode mentality. I DO AGREE that the shotgun-draw run play is worthless... Forget the RPO and these slow developing run plays- total garbage.
The special teams game was solid yesterday. Vogel continues to punt well, the onside kick took some major balls, heads up on the Canes punt team getting down field and getting on that fumble for the touchdown, and Berrios is a steady hand returning. There were some coverage issues, but overall I give the special teams game a B.
Overall, I believe that this team can, and will most likely win out the next 4. I think that Richt and Brad are still figuring each other out, but that relationship between coach and QB took a major step forward in the second half yesterday. I expect Richt to use the second half yesterday as a blueprint for what the offensive identity should be the next four games, and possible further into the future depending on how long it takes to vastly improve the talent on the offensive line. I feel a lot better about this team right now than I did 2-3 weeks ago after the UNC loss. There are issues in this team, but I see a team that can and will continue to improve sooner than later.
Just my honest opinion.
Go Canes!
Prost! (Cheers!)
However, I do believe in big picture thinking.
I'm a big stat guy but I believe in what I see on the field more than what mere numbers on a paper read. Bill Parcels once said that "you are what your record is", and that is true, but all 4-4 teams are NOT the same... My SMU Mustangs are 4-4, and despite winning two in a row with one over then #11 Houston, is anybody in their right mind going to think that SMU is better than Miami, or that SMU will be better than Miami down the road...? Of course not- there is strength of schedule, injuries, trends, depth, youth, and other factors that go into all of that.
Generally, I like how this team has FOUGHT in each of these last four games. The players don't quit, and maybe Richt commands that respect; maybe there are certain players who won't allow it to happen. But whatever the reason, that is a positive sign- effort to the end and the will to fight to come back will TRANSLATE into WINS once we have the added depth and impact talent we need. The North Carolina, Florida State, and Notre Dame Losses were a COMBINED 11 POINTS. Despite our consistent struggles, we were a blocked PAT from tying Florida State, and about 10 inches from recovering a fumble against Notre Dame that would have kept the game tied then. We were right there against North Carolina. GOOD teams find a way to close out those types of game, but this isn't a bad team. We are competing for four quarters each and every game, except for Virginia Tech which was a bit of anomaly because we played them on a short week when we were totally out of gas... I see a team that has heart, pride, and conditioning to battle for four quarters, and players who fight for each other and pick each other up. Don't tell me that counts for nothing, because those little things will make the difference down the road in OUR FAVOR once we have the horses to take the next step.
Specifically, I have renewed faith in Brad and the passing game. He had a crappy first half, and the INT on that out route or whatever it was along the sideline was inexcusable. His deer in headlights lack of pocket presence is still an issue, but I think Richt found some stuff in the playbook that will clearly work for Brad. First, the moving pocket was a major adjustment that helped Brad. I saw the line shifting and sliding more as the game progressed, and that gave Brad better throwing lanes. Second, the tight ends were worked more into passing game. Njoku and Herndon (who is a better player and I think most people give credit), were matchup issues for the Notre Dame defense. Third, I saw Coley and Richards run shorter routes to get them in space, but also enjoyed Richt letting them run go routes to keep the defense vertically stretched an honest.
The run game remains a problem, but with the below average offensive line, I can't criticize Yearby and Walton that much. They don't fumble, they run hard, and give it their best. They are SOLID running backs who both deserve their respective carries. Richt can't abandon the running game- he has to run it at least 20 times per game to keep the defense honest, or the defense is going to pin its ears back and fly into the backfield in full pass rush mode mentality. I DO AGREE that the shotgun-draw run play is worthless... Forget the RPO and these slow developing run plays- total garbage.
The special teams game was solid yesterday. Vogel continues to punt well, the onside kick took some major balls, heads up on the Canes punt team getting down field and getting on that fumble for the touchdown, and Berrios is a steady hand returning. There were some coverage issues, but overall I give the special teams game a B.
Overall, I believe that this team can, and will most likely win out the next 4. I think that Richt and Brad are still figuring each other out, but that relationship between coach and QB took a major step forward in the second half yesterday. I expect Richt to use the second half yesterday as a blueprint for what the offensive identity should be the next four games, and possible further into the future depending on how long it takes to vastly improve the talent on the offensive line. I feel a lot better about this team right now than I did 2-3 weeks ago after the UNC loss. There are issues in this team, but I see a team that can and will continue to improve sooner than later.
Just my honest opinion.
Go Canes!
Prost! (Cheers!)
