I dont think Shafer has done a very good job at

[LeMoyneCuse]

Weird comment. We moved the ball well early in the season. What McDonald installed wasn't a problem.

I think you're talking about Maryland and Maryland only. The offense did nothing against 'Nova, wasn't all that good against CMU (I was there. Yes, we put up 40. But it wasn't all that impressive of a game for the O), and then the wheels fell off starting with Notre Dame. I feel like what McDonald installed IS the problem. No rhythm, no guys in space, and the wrong guys to execute it.

 

[Millhouse]

I'm not, that's the point. Time and score feature in that as well. And there is a big difference, in particular for this team, between 4th and 4 at the 45 vs 4th and 1 at the 35. It seems you think there is not a difference.

there is a difference. difference between really stupid and really really really stupid

 

[bothsocksup]

I like Shafer, alot, however a couple of things concern me.
1. Gameplanning. Say what you want about Marrone, but I always felt our team was prepared going into the weekend. Toward the end of his career at syracuse I felt like we were rarely going to get out schemed and coached

2. In game adjustments. I feel like this Syracuse team is more concerned on trying to execute whatever offense its worked on during the week opposed to changing the gameplan up mid game when things arent working. Basically, this team doesnt have a feel for what the defense is giving them.

 

[SUFan44]

I can't defend his decision to let McDonald install what we saw in those first bunch of games. But he did attempt to rectify it.

You and I disagree on the interim label for Lester. I think he deserves an offseason and a game with his starting Oline and QB. But I see your points on it...

I don't give a rip about lack of composure. It was one penalty and a FUDABO.

I don't think he got booed into the Hail Mary attempt. He waited so their would be no time left for Duke. Also - doesn't add up to be "not up to the job"

It was not one penalty. He has received multiple. Also, his lack of composure feeds into the team.

Have you ever been a coach? Do you understand the dynamics of a team? Players reflect coaching. If a coach is out there yelling and screaming obscenities, it gives the player that is 18-22 years old a sense that he can do that too.

It matters.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I think you're talking about Maryland and Maryland only. The offense did nothing against 'Nova, wasn't all that good against CMU (I was there. Yes, we put up 40. But it wasn't all that impressive of a game for the O), and then the wheels fell off starting with Notre Dame. I feel like what McDonald installed IS the problem. No rhythm, no guys in space, and the wrong guys to execute it.

Fair enough. On TV I thought we looked good against CMU, and we moved the ball better than I expected vs ND.

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

Fair enough. On TV I thought we looked good against CMU, and we moved the ball better than I expected vs ND.

Hey, just my opinion. But then again, Riley Dixon was our leading rusher against Notre Dame.

 

[Chip]

Arrrrghhhh.

Having a good defense is precisely WHEN you should be more aggressive on O.

Trust the D to hold the line if the O fails... From the other team's freakin' 37.

And your players (both offense and defense) feed off of that.

Otherwise you have an offense who feels the staff has zero confidence in them. And a defense who thinks, well they're starting at the 15 (because the pointy ball didn't bounce in the end zone), so I guess we have to go out and force a turnover or else this is a failure.

I know that's overstating a bit, but it does start becoming the player mentality to some extent. How great would it be for the defense to think hey he's going to for it because he knows we're going to stop them even if it fails.

I'll let Millhouse keep running the probability side of it.

 

[Crusty]

Call me crazy..but I think we win this week.

You're crazy.

 

[SUFan44]

 

[TheCusian]

there is a difference. difference between really stupid and really really really stupid

Measuring the coach by punting philosophy isn't exactly intelligent.

 

[TheCusian]

It was not one penalty. He has received multiple. Also, his lack of composure feeds into the team. Have you ever been a coach? Do you understand the dynamics of a team? Players reflect coaching. If a coach is out there yelling and screaming obscenities, it gives the player that is 18-22 years old a sense that he can do that too. It matters.

Agreed on that the coach has an affect on his players (mind blowing stuff and hats off to you). They also play their a$$es off, hit hard, have great attitudes, do well in school, serve their community, respect each other, and represent their university very well. So that's on him too.

Honestly. The guy is fiery. If we were winning, people wouldn't be talking about this AT ALL.

 

[Millhouse]

Measuring the coach by punting philosophy isn't exactly intelligent.

as opposed to not measuring the coach at all

and it's not like i judge exclusively on that. not having an idea what he wants to do on offense is just as bad.

 

[OrangePA]

I can't get around Villanova.

That team dominated the Orange on both sides of the ball.

I think the Wildcats had the ball for nearly 40 minutes, and of course, should have won the game.

As most of you know, I believe that 80-90% of success on the college football level is the talent - not the coaching.

I can't make that argument for the Villanova game. We were outcoached, out-prepared and as a result, outplayed.

That game was a warning that this season was going to be a problem. It was very obvious. And, regrettably, responsibility for that game falls to Coach Shafer.

I would love to pin the season on injuries, and injuries of course played a role, but the Nova game told us a lot before injuries became a significant problem.

 

[OrangePA]

Describe them without talking about punts. Go.

I became worried on the basis of the following: (1) Villanova; (2) the ISIS comment; (3) the handling of Coach McDonald; (4) the loss of composure on the sideline during a home game; (5) the bizarre ending to the half against MD(?).

I love the guy, but I think I presumed incorrectly that he was prepared immediately to be a HC.

I think he can be the guy, but he needs some time.

 

[IHeartSUFball]

I think you're talking about Maryland and Maryland only. The offense did nothing against 'Nova, wasn't all that good against CMU (I was there. Yes, we put up 40. But it wasn't all that impressive of a game for the O), and then the wheels fell off starting with Notre Dame. I feel like what McDonald installed IS the problem. No rhythm, no guys in space, and the wrong guys to execute it.

this prob post of football season IMO, couldn't agree more find a system that works to our skill set and he will win more games.

 

[NKR1978]

A question to ask is whether any other P5 team + AAC + C-USA + MWC team would hire Scott Shafer to be their head coach. The answer is "no." No other team outside of the MAC and Sun Belt would hire him and even that would have been a stretch. We got him on the cheap (which is fine because that's all he warranted) and I was ok with the hire at the time and a big supporter until the ISIS comment. That just completely demonstrated that he is not cut out for being a head coach.

There's nothing wrong with that. He was a great DC for us and will be again for another lucky team in two years after he's fired when we fall further into a Gergian abyss and another 3-9/4-8 season next year.

 

[CanadianSU]

A question to ask is whether any other P5 team + AAC + C-USA + MWC team would hire Scott Shafer to be their head coach. The answer is "no." No other team outside of the MAC and Sun Belt would hire him and even that would have been a stretch. We got him on the cheap (which is fine because that's all he warranted) and I was ok with the hire at the time and a big supporter until the ISIS comment. That just completely demonstrated that he is not cut out for being a head coach.

There's nothing wrong with that. He was a great DC for us and will be again for another lucky team in two years after he's fired when we fall further into a Gergian abyss and another 3-9/4-8 season next year.

Can't win in the ACC with your 4th string QB.

 

[CanadianSU]

all this year but given the injuries, can you really expect anything more than 4-6 wins. 6 being a miracle in my opinion. 4-5 being reasonable and obviously 3 being really not very good. NC ST game really the one that got away.

Like I said, I am not apologizing for any of it just looking at the injuries, what a disaster

Yup.

 

[NKR1978]

Can't win in the ACC with your 4th string QB.

I would settle for a comfortable win against an FCS team.

 

[tipphill]

Yes, it has been a disaster. And, he should realize that throwing up another dog like this one, 2015 will be his farewell tour. So, Shafer has alot of rethinking to do once signing date is past:

1. Is Lester really the OC next year? If not, lots to do to find a new one.
2. Totally rethink the offense. Just because Oregon can run the offense they do, means absolutely nothing in the context of SU. You need an offense that works given the contraints of the personnel you have.
3. Rethink strength & conditioning. Maybe, just maybe all the injuries are coincidental, or maybe not. Maybe a different off-season program ensures better health during the season?
4. Rethink practice philosophy. It seems alot of players got hurt in practice. Why? What to do differently?
5. Is it time for a special teams coach? If so, who?
6. Is the OL coach getting it done? If not, find a new one.
7. Is Fort Drum time well spent?

 

[tipphill]

Yes, it has been a disaster. And, he should realize that throwing up another dog like this one, 2015 will be his farewell tour. So, Shafer has alot of rethinking to do once signing date is past:

1. Is Lester really the OC next year? If not, lots to do to find a new one.
2. Totally rethink the offense. Just because Oregon can run the offense they do, means absolutely nothing in the context of SU. You need an offense that works given the contraints of the personnel you have.
3. Rethink strength & conditioning. Maybe, just maybe all the injuries are coincidental, or maybe not. Maybe a different off-season program ensures better health during the season?
4. Rethink practice philosophy. It seems alot of players got hurt in practice. Why? What to do differently?
5. Is it time for a special teams coach? If so, who?
6. Is the OL coach getting it done? If not, find a new one.
7. Is Fort Drum time well spent?

agree with all the above, ft drum should be used for the mental part of the game and basic conditioning and having fun. this is not a team that is no huddle. they need basics and will need it for some time(learn to crawl before you walk). practice really needs to be evaluated in terms of contact. we need basic football 101, shafer needs his defense philosophy to mirror the rest of the team. he needs to mature . marrone started to get back to basics and was beginning to get successful ---shafer needs to do that. stop being a players coach and be the leader..

 

[Chris02M]

I would settle for a comfortable win against an FCS team.

September 5th should be

 

[anomander]

all this year but given the injuries, can you really expect anything more than 4-6 wins. 6 being a miracle in my opinion. 4-5 being reasonable and obviously 3 being really not very good. NC ST game really the one that got away. Like I said, I am not apologizing for any of it just looking at the injuries, what a disaster

I guess I am not as forgiving for the injuries since almost every team we played this season has been injured/missing their best player. Off the top of my head...

CMU - missing their top RB Rawles
Maryland - missing their top 4 LB's
ND - 5 starters suspended before season
Louisville - missing starting quarterback and best WR in CFB Devante Parker
FSU - missing top RB Mario Pender
Wake - I believe their top 2 qb's were injured
Clemson - missions top RB Adam Choice and stud qb Deshaun Watson


Obviously there were more injuries for each team, I just highlighted the important ones. I've said it before and will say it again, injuries are part of football. It's the coaches responsibility to implement a strong S&C program, develop depth, and put the available players in a position to succeed. Every time we the bed we can't blame losses. We still blame 2011 on injuries and last year we were banged up as well.

 

[OrangePA]

A question to ask is whether any other P5 team + AAC + C-USA + MWC team would hire Scott Shafer to be their head coach. The answer is "no." No other team outside of the MAC and Sun Belt would hire him and even that would have been a stretch. We got him on the cheap (which is fine because that's all he warranted) and I was ok with the hire at the time and a big supporter until the ISIS comment. That just completely demonstrated that he is not cut out for being a head coach.

There's nothing wrong with that. He was a great DC for us and will be again for another lucky team in two years after he's fired when we fall further into a Gergian abyss and another 3-9/4-8 season next year.

That's a question that probably should have been asked two years ago.

I'm an IU alum who watched the Hoosier AD hire to assistant coaches following two abrupt HC departures for the FB and BB teams.

Both hires did not work.

And neither hire would have been made had a full national search been made.

It's a dilemma - hire the assistant and maintain some continuity or conduct a full search.

My feeling now is that the full search should be conducted regardless of the short-term implications.

 

[CanadianSU]

I would settle for a comfortable win against an FCS team.

Same.