I'm sorry but McDonald blows...

[GoSU96]

It's tough to be awesome when your QB is limited, you are missing your #1 receiver, fastest game breaker, best offensive lineman, and a solid running back to boot. How awesome is it you ask? So awesome you are lining up a your starting phucking free safety with a soft cast on his hand hoping he can real in a touchdown pass. That's how awesome it is. You think Marrone and Hackett could overcome that? I don't. Your buddies at UCONN have similar offensive talent and look where it got them.

At some point we have to acknowledge that we are sorely lacking in talent on the offensive side of the ball.

Who asked or expected awesome? How about not incomprehensible and bizarre. The level of talent has nothing to do with some of the decisions made today.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

My primary concern is that I have no concept of what it is that McDonald wants to run. There is absolutely no offensive identity.

I also completely agree with the point about using too many players. 11 games in, you know who your gamers are. They should be on the field for the vast majority of plays. I am sorry, but if it means MacFarlane (or even Gulley) lose carries so Jerome gets more touches, so be it.

 

[Doctor44]

we need some sec pedigree in our coaches

 

[JeremyCuse]

Everyone knows the offensive talent is bad and in some cases (WR) close to awful. But the people simply bashing GO are missing the point. The play calling was awful today and its not the first time Mcdonalds bizarre playing call has hurt us. Once again our only pass route on 1st or second down is a bubble or jail break screen, haven't seen a slant in nearly two months and a crossing pattern is more elusive then the holy grail. As CIL pointed out above SU nearly had two touchdowns going deep on Pitt, why not go back to that? Secondly the play calling for the entire fourth quearter was inept to say the least. Wildcat with Broyld with under 6 minutes to go? Continually trying to run Smith outside against 8-9 man fronts? We call our first RB screen since September and you wait until the 4th quarter with minutes to go in the game? All this without even mentioning running the ball twice in the 2 minute drill. Eskridge on a deep ball when you have Quinta Funderburk on the bench?

The people bashing GO for his unending loyalty to Marrone are the same ones defending Mcdonald to no end today and throughout the year. The passing game play calling was again abysmal at what point can we start holding Mcdonald accountable? 2016? When Ottointhegrotto gives his blessing?

 

[orangepassion]

I don't think the play calling was terrible, but my 2 major complaints:

1. Running on 1st down seemingly every single time in the 1st 3 quarters
2. Broyld in the wildcat-This has been tried many times and has never worked

 

[ForCuseSake]

2. Broyld in the wildcat-This has been tried many times and has never worked

This. I've seen enough of this to no longer want to be a witness.

 

[RF2044]

"The people bashing GO..."

Everyone knows the offensive talent is bad and in some cases (WR) close to awful. But the people simply bashing GO are missing the point. The play calling was awful today and its not the first time Mcdonalds bizarre playing call has hurt us. Once again our only pass route on 1st or second down is a bubble or jail break screen, haven't seen a slant in nearly two months and a crossing pattern is more elusive then the holy grail. As CIL pointed out above SU nearly had two touchdowns going deep on Pitt, why not go back to that? Secondly the play calling for the entire fourth quearter was inept to say the least. Wildcat with Broyld with under 6 minutes to go? Continually trying to run Smith outside against 8-9 man fronts? We call our first RB screen since September and you wait until the 4th quarter with minutes to go in the game? All this without even mentioning running the ball twice in the 2 minute drill. Eskridge on a deep ball when you have Quinta Funderburk on the bench?

The people bashing GO for his unending loyalty to Marrone are the same ones defending Mcdonald to no end today and throughout the year. The passing game play calling was again abysmal at what point can we start holding Mcdonald accountable? 2016? When Ottointhegrotto gives his blessing?

#1, there is very little in your post that I agree with.

#2, your characterization of me as someone who's "defending Mcdonald to no end today and throughout the year" is unadulterated bunk. I just don't happen to agree with your characterization of what the primary issues facing this offense are. Mcdonald's play calling is one--ONE--of several things handcuffing performance. I know it is easier to hope that there is one magic bullet root cause, but myopically looking for a single explanation is akin to worrying about symptoms instead of actual problems.

 

[JeremyCuse]

"The people bashing GO..."



#1, there is very little in your post that I agree with.

#2, your characterization of me as obviously "defending Mcdonald to no end today and throughout the year" is bunk.

Agree or not the plays he called were fact so what are you disagreeing with? The fact he called two run plays in the 2 minute drill? The fact we seem to have 3 pass plays? The fact we ran Smith outside a half dozen times in the 4th quarter for maybe 5 yards? Second I didn't call you out by name but this isn't the first time there was a post someone criticized Mcdonald and the excuse train came on in full force from several posters including Grotto who I guarantee you would be killing Hackett if he called this game.

 

[RF2044]

Agree or not the plays he called were fact so what are you disagreeing with? The fact he called two run plays in the 2 minute drill? The fact we seem to have 3 pass plays? The fact we ran Smith outside a half dozen times in the 4th quarter for maybe 5 yards? Second I didn't call you out by name but this isn't the first time there was a post someone criticized Mcdonald and the excuse train came on in full force from several posters including Grotto who I guarantee you would be killing Hackett if he called this game.

Jeremy, I firmly believe that there is a fine line between plays being cheered of jeered--and the line of distinction is execution. We lack playmakers. We aren't dynamic. We don't have a world beating QB. Therefore, our offense is pedestrian. And for our OC ostensibly being inept [or whatever you state above] for the entire fourth quarter, it's pretty amazing that given that we not only almost won, but SHOULD have won if any of about a half dozen things had gone our way--such as making that FG or a play or two throughout the game.

There were some play calls today that I didn't like. I'm not defending Mcdonald unconditionally. But I am way more upset about things like not going for 2 on our last touchdown than I am about running away from #97, who terrorized our inside running all game long.

With a better QB, I'd expect the performance to be better, even with the exact same play calls. Let me restate for emphasis: with a better QB, I'd expect better performance. Ditto having a stable of more dynamic wide receivers.

 

[RF2044]

Agree or not the plays he called were fact so what are you disagreeing with? The fact he called two run plays in the 2 minute drill? The fact we seem to have 3 pass plays? The fact we ran Smith outside a half dozen times in the 4th quarter for maybe 5 yards? Second I didn't call you out by name but this isn't the first time there was a post someone criticized Mcdonald and the excuse train came on in full force from several posters including Grotto who I guarantee you would be killing Hackett if he called this game.

One more thing--I thought that many of the complaints about Hackett were equally as off-base and short sighted as some of the ones currently being made about Macdonald. And prior to last year, it wasn't as though Hackett was setting the world ablaze vis a vis team offensive productivity. Even as recently as several games into last season, some posters were grabbing their pitchforks when it came to Hackett--but many of those same posters were singing a different tune by season's end [funny how quickly opinion can change].

Year 1 of Macdonald, sans playmakers, has been decidedly lackluster. Now--who will he bring in on the recruiting trail? And will the offense collectively improve next season? Will the coach himself improve as a function of this year's experience?

 

[Millhouse]

It's tough to be awesome when your QB is limited, you are missing your #1 receiver, fastest game breaker, best offensive lineman, and a solid running back to boot. How awesome is it you ask? So awesome you are lining up a your starting phucking free safety with a soft cast on his hand hoping he can real in a touchdown pass. That's how awesome it is. You think Marrone and Hackett could overcome that? I don't. Your buddies at UCONN have similar offensive talent and look where it got them.

At some point we have to acknowledge that we are sorely lacking in talent on the offensive side of the ball.

All that is true but McDonald also stinks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JeremyCuse]

Jeremy, I firmly believe that there is a fine line between plays being cheered of jeered--and the line of distinction is execution. We lack playmakers. We aren't dynamic. We don't have a world beating QB. Therefore, our offense is pedestrian. And for our OC ostensibly being inept [or whatever you state above] for the entire fourth quarter, it's pretty amazing that given that we not only almost won, but SHOULD have won if any of about a half dozen things had gone our way--such as making that FG or a play or two throughout the game.

There were some play calls today that I didn't like. I'm not defending Mcdonald unconditionally. But I am way more upset about things like not going for 2 on our last touchdown than I am about running away from #97, who terrorized our inside running all game long.

With a better QB, I'd expect the performance to be better, even with the exact same play calls. Let me restate for emphasis: with a better QB, I'd expect better performance. Ditto having a stable of more dynamic wide receivers.

Look I think were pretty much on the same page I agree with 95% of the things you said. Its clear the offense isnt dynamic and needs an infusion of talent at WR, QB, OL, etc. Its also clear our offense is pedestrian and that were going to need to run the ball more then we pass and with success to win. All that being said we still had a chance to win this game and I simply feel that our play calling especially in the fourth quarter wasn't up to snuff. Your point above about us almost winning in the fourth quarter despite our "OC" (my words) pretty much proves my point. Re-watch the play calling for that quarter, its mystifying. The flea flicker call was a good one no doubt but the play selection and running two inside handoffs to Jerome in the 2 minute drill makes zero sense.

Its clear Mcdonald is not working with the level of talent he would like to have, but you still have to call the plays to give your team a chance to win. You cant expect a bad close to awful passing game to get any better if you never pass on first down and when you do finally pass 75% of those plays are bubble screens to Broyld who has pretty much zero chance of breaking for a huge gain on that play due to his lack of speed. Why not utilize misdirection? Counters, screen passes to the running backs, delayed draws, double moves, hard play action where Hunt literally stands there watching the play holding the ball behind his back. With subpar talent you have to utilize creative play calling and balance that with down and distance, just felt like what I saw today was far from that.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Everyone knows the offensive talent is bad and in some cases (WR) close to awful. But the people simply bashing GO are missing the point. The play calling was awful today and its not the first time Mcdonalds bizarre playing call has hurt us. Once again our only pass route on 1st or second down is a bubble or jail break screen, haven't seen a slant in nearly two months and a crossing pattern is more elusive then the holy grail. As CIL pointed out above SU nearly had two touchdowns going deep on Pitt, why not go back to that? Secondly the play calling for the entire fourth quearter was inept to say the least. Wildcat with Broyld with under 6 minutes to go? Continually trying to run Smith outside against 8-9 man fronts? We call our first RB screen since September and you wait until the 4th quarter with minutes to go in the game? All this without even mentioning running the ball twice in the 2 minute drill. Eskridge on a deep ball when you have Quinta Funderburk on the bench?

The people bashing GO for his unending loyalty to Marrone are the same ones defending Mcdonald to no end today and throughout the year. The passing game play calling was again abysmal at what point can we start holding Mcdonald accountable? 2016? When Ottointhegrotto gives his blessing?

I'm actually not the arbiter of that.

Anyway, at another time I'll post about why I've been far less critical of MacDonald than Hackett. There are reasons.

 

[CIL]

Everyone knows the offensive talent is bad and in some cases (WR) close to awful. But the people simply bashing GO are missing the point. The play calling was awful today and its not the first time Mcdonalds bizarre playing call has hurt us. Once again our only pass route on 1st or second down is a bubble or jail break screen, haven't seen a slant in nearly two months and a crossing pattern is more elusive then the holy grail. As CIL pointed out above SU nearly had two touchdowns going deep on Pitt, why not go back to that? Secondly the play calling for the entire fourth quearter was inept to say the least. Wildcat with Broyld with under 6 minutes to go? Continually trying to run Smith outside against 8-9 man fronts? We call our first RB screen since September and you wait until the 4th quarter with minutes to go in the game? All this without even mentioning running the ball twice in the 2 minute drill. Eskridge on a deep ball when you have Quinta Funderburk on the bench?

The people bashing GO for his unending loyalty to Marrone are the same ones defending Mcdonald to no end today and throughout the year. The passing game play calling was again abysmal at what point can we start holding Mcdonald accountable? 2016? When Ottointhegrotto gives his blessing?

This is by no means a knock Jeremy, as I respect your opinions. However, this assumes that Pitt didn't change anything they were doing defensively. From what I could see on my TV, Pitt made some subtle adjustments after getting beat a few times. They moved their high safety another 7 yards off the ball, they also got thwir 8th man out of the box when it was apparent we couldn't block 97. Pitt also decided to overload the strong side of our formations -- hence our decision to try and run some traps and counters to the weak side.

GMac certainly has some faults. I am not thrilled with the amount of plays he calls at times. He almost out smarts himself at times out there. We execute those scripted plays pretty damn well. Stick to it. However, Sean Payton couldn't help this offense that much. Nick Robinson was turned into a human turnstile this week -- not a lot if going to work when that happened. If I recall correctly, this board was screaming for Hackett's head prior to last year's offensive explosion as well.

My guess is we have another year of GMac, for better or worse. He is a ridiculously good recruiter who has proven he can get kids anywhere. His offense is predicated on getting playmakers the ball and letting them do their thing. Hopefully he gets those playmakers sooner than later. Sometimes success requires patience, which we as fans sorely lack. Remember, it took Cutcliffe 6 years to get Duke up and running.

 

[CusefanATL]

What kind of playing is that in the last 3 series, better yet most of the day. Leave him as a recruiter but give me someone that can call a game better.

This is on him today!!!

he wouldn't be at syracuse if not for being the OC.

There is a reason that no one else made him 1 before.

 

[swish7]

hero worship will make you do things like that. This staff has made their mistakes but Marrone probably wouldn't be any better than 5-6. Unless someone was able to recruit a qb for Doug.

If Doug hadn't lef

Might have been Shafers decision, but McDonald has to answer questions.


Tapatalk

If this was Shafer's decision, it runs counter to a recent statement of his I read after a loss. Paraphrasing: "We won't dwell on losses. That's soft. We don't do soft around here." It's soft to not open McDonald for questioning.

 

[alphaorange]

Agree with both sides on this. Play calling wasn't great and we have a dearth of play makers. That being said, I think we win these kinds of games if the O-line is much better. Better line play means more successful runs and less thirds and a mile. Everything else the same, I think we win this game easily with last years line.

 

[TheCusian]

he wouldn't be at syracuse if not for being the OC.

There is a reason that no one else made him 1 before.

1. He was an OC before.
2. There will be growing pains, just like with previous, young OC. We are not the SEC. There are always trade offs.

 

[CuseOnly]

Everything you said is fine as long as the plays work. If they don't, then there would be a thread for each of your suggestions declaring that the OC should be fired for doing it.

And which plays worked so well that they should keep using them over and over?

You are making my point for me...they don't run anything well and other than a WR screen or a tunnel screen they don't consistently run anything that I would say they execute well.

The difference between a play working and a play not working is simply execution. Precisely why KIDS shouldn't have an NFL sized playbook.

Less is more as proven by last years offense, even with Nassib they called the same 10-15 plays last year. I don't think they couldn't expand the playbook with him, I think they picked 10 plays they could execute well and stuck to it.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Quick slants, which we almost never do and more throws to our TEs. Wales has been under-utilized all year. if we are going to run WR screens ( and IMO we run them too much), why not fake off of that and hitch and go? There is no ingenuity.

They did that on the touchdown pass.

 

[Scooch]

These arguments are kind of funny to me. I've come to realize who we are...a mid-level BCS program with mediocre facilities and a small fan base.

We're not attracting established, great coaches.

We're not attracting 5 star talent.

So we're going to have days where the play calling blows, and we're going to have days when the execution blows. Yesterday was a perfect storm of both.

I just can't get passionate about this stuff anymore.

 

[orangecuse]

These arguments are kind of funny to me. I've come to realize who we are...a mid-level BCS program with mediocre facilities and a small fan base.

We're not attracting established, great coaches.

We're not attracting 5 star talent.

So we're going to have days where the play calling blows, and we're going to have days when the execution blows. Yesterday was a perfect storm of both.

I just can't get passionate about this stuff anymore.

I hear ya...holding out eternal hope though...if Duke can do what they're doing...we certainly should be able to.

 

[Scooch]

I hear ya...holding out eternal hope though...if Duke can do what they're doing...we certainly should be able to.

Well, Duke's OOC schedule was NC Central, Memphis, Navy and Troy. We'd be 7-4 right now if that was our slate. We won't ever schedule that way so getting to more than 8 wins consistently is probably a long shot.

 

[alphaorange]

These arguments are kind of funny to me. I've come to realize who we are...a mid-level BCS program with mediocre facilities and a small fan base.

We're not attracting established, great coaches.

We're not attracting 5 star talent.

So we're going to have days where the play calling blows, and we're going to have days when the execution blows. Yesterday was a perfect storm of both.

I just can't get passionate about this stuff anymore.

OK..I get you're upset. The fact remains if we win next week, we are going bowling for the third year in a row. Considering the staff turnover and the loss of upper classmen (especially at key spots), I'm ok with that. MY biggest concern is the lack of linemen. The grunts make the world go round in football. We are lacking, so far. Our offense will be dynamic next year. I'd bet on that.

 

[anomander]

Whenever we drop back to pass I find myself surprised when it's completed. For that reason alone I still am holding out hope for McDonald. I think we all understood going into this season that there were going to be a few bumps along the way. And while we have definitely experienced those bumps I still feel what we brings us on the recruiting trail far out values his performance THIS SEASON as an OC. I know we all want to win now, but I am hoping he is using this season as a learning experience as he brings in kids that are better suited for his system. Don't forget a lot of these recruits are kids we most likely wouldn't get if it weren't for McDonald. Let's give it another year or 2 and see how he improves while the recruits grow into their roles.

The one thing I am pretty critical about is that he doesn't seem to be maximizing our current rosters strengths. Very rarely are guys schemed open. Everything either seems to be a deep pass, or a bubble screen. Both types of plays are designed for play makers, something we severely lack. We have a lot of possession receivers who have solid hands and run good routes, the problem is they aren't utilized. Beckett Wales is a proven weapon, and showed yesterday when he is targeted he will make plays. Same can be said for West.

Still even with a severely depleted, and for the most part out manned offense we should have had close to 30 points yesterday. Our kids have played hard for this staff all season. We just need more players, and a more refined coordinator. Both should come