Some Thoughts...

[CIL]

Tough loss today. MD is a team that is a peer program right now. We play them 10 times, we probably win 5. Today wasn't one of them.

• First, give them some credit. Brown is a pretty good college QB and he made some nice plays today. His first TD pass to Veil was a great toss. They also schemed us really really well. I know some posters got all geeked up to play man press coverage with a single high safety. Guess what, they killed it. Sometimes a softer zone isn't a bad thing. Credit Bullough for making the adjustment at halftime to playing thirds an quarters but keeping the pressure. Nice adjustment.
• I know the popular board consensus is to dog Hunt right now. IMO, it is a pretty stupid and silly exercise. I don't understand why half the board thought he'd suddenly morph into Peyton Manning in the last week or so. Remember, he probably has less experience than a senior playing HS football in Texas right now. I'm not kidding with that statement. He has his warts. His accuracy is spotty and he struggles to make a read past his second receiver. However, the kid played his balls off today. He ran for 160 with 2 TD's and was a questionable call away from a third. His feet make up for some of those bad tosses. That TD run in the second quarter was great to watch -- he literally ran off a safety. He'll get better with time.
• I'm hot and cold with the cool kid. It's tough to get made at 600 yards of offense and 7.5 yards per play. I don't know who posted about lack of explosive plays -- we had plenty. He has the OL working really well right now and the kids seem to get it. Problem is, he tends to get away from stuff that works. He even admitted so last year. We were gutting them with Gulley and AAM up the gut with the read and trap. Then we get to MD's 30 and decide to rip off 3 straight passes. I'd say he's outsmarting himself but I don't know if there's a lot of smarts to begin with.
• That being said, the skill players rolling out there aren't his guys and weren't recruited for this system. Receivers like West, Lewis, and Flemming are Marrone guys. Guys that can run some rub routes any get schemed open. They certainly aren't going to run by anyone. This offense is predicated on making guys miss, running by them, and making plays. We need more of those guys. Custis, Ish et al are still really young.
• Broyld catches that first pass and it's a TD. He really is the Paul Harris of football. Great athlete and tough competitor -- just has no position. Maybe he can make a living playing ball in the Philipines like PH.
• Biggest problem no one talks about is our DL. This line was built for the old BE. Big physical guys that can clog some holes. Outside of Thompson, no one can get to the QB or penetrate the backfield. If they could create some organic pressure we wouldn't have to send as much heat -- good QB's are going to be able to make plays against us. We need an upgrade here more than other other grouping IMO.
• This team can compete. I know some of us are still scarred from GRob, but those days are gone. We are in a better conference and are good enough to hold our own with anyone outside of FSU and Clemson. We aren't good enough to roll over anyone either. We are going to have to battle for a bowl.

 

[SmilinBob]

Very good points. Maryland made plays...blocked punt, didn't drop interception, took it to the house once they got the edge. SU did nothing special to win this game. 30 to 30 yard line they were fantastic...inside the 30 Larry, Curly and Moe.

 

[upperdeck]

the 20% of bad stuff made the 80% good stuff turn into a loss.

 

[RF2044]

Great post / perspective.

 

[orangenauburn]

This team (and program) need to stop running their mouths

Show it on the field

Edsall used our words to his advantage

 

[richard levy]

I forget who said it, but a head coach once said he could tell from watching film of the opposing teams DL, how the game was going to turn out. There is a reason why they are at a premium in recruiting and in the NFL draft

 

[TheCusian]

This team (and program) need to stop running their mouths Show it on the field Edsall used our words to his advantage

No - re-read what they thought was bulletin material. Was Clemson like in its overreaction to nothing.

If anything CJ Browns words after the game were garbage. They thought the dominated or something (3 points in the 2nd half, 600 yards allowed). They will be lucky to make a bowl game with that defense.

 

[MadNY3]

This team (and program) need to stop running their mouths

Show it on the field

Edsall used our words to his advantage

Don't be seduced my misleading headlines. Don't thing this team did anything like the headline states.

 

[Alsacs]

Good post, but until recruiting brings in better players we will always continue to have zero margin for error with equal or superior talent.

We aren't GROB era for sure because our team 22-85 is solid for a power 5
conference team we just need some horses to compete with the better teams and until we have a couple of 8 or 9'win seasons in a row we will be stuck in this rut of 5-7 to 7-5 which is a hell of a lot better than the GROB era but sucks for us hardcore fans.

t

 

[CousCuse]

Ashton Broyld needs some tough love. The ball he dropped on the first possession was a sure TD and would have ignited the crowd and changed the flow and outcome of the game. It really has the effect of setting a tone when negative events happen at the beginning of an endeavor. I can't imagine that he drops that many in practice as I at least have enough confidence in the coaches that he wouldn't see much PT if that were the case. So I have to imagine that there is something in his mind that is inhibiting his ability to achieve the highest outcome he is capable of. Does he harbor resentment that he wasn't given a fair chance at the QB position? If that's the case he needs to lose his starting WR/ position to someone who doesn't have this problem and can see that a starting receiver position at Syracuse gives a player a chance at the riches in the NFL.

 

[O-pulse]

Very good post.one type of play is illustrative of well executed vs pooly executed; the bubble screen.
We send a Wr out in space who is the obvious target and then Hunt further telegrphs what we are doing and takes way to long to get the ball out to the WR allowing the D to adjust to stuff the play. Maryland ran a similar play with a good ball fake by the QB that frose our D for a minute and then gets the ball quickly out to their WR for a good gain
This game was a combination of poor execution at times and poor play calling at other times.
The final stats were illustrative of what we can do; the final score is ilustrative of what we are doing very poorly now.

 

[JeremyCuse]

Tough loss today. MD is a team that is a peer program right now. We play them 10 times, we probably win 5. Today wasn't one of them.

• First, give them some credit. Brown is a pretty good college QB and he made some nice plays today. His first TD pass to Veil was a great toss. They also schemed us really really well. I know some posters got all geeked up to play man press coverage with a single high safety. Guess what, they killed it. Sometimes a softer zone isn't a bad thing. Credit Bullough for making the adjustment at halftime to playing thirds an quarters but keeping the pressure. Nice adjustment.
• I know the popular board consensus is to dog Hunt right now. IMO, it is a pretty stupid and silly exercise. I don't understand why half the board thought he'd suddenly morph into Peyton Manning in the last week or so. Remember, he probably has less experience than a senior playing HS football in Texas right now. I'm not kidding with that statement. He has his warts. His accuracy is spotty and he struggles to make a read past his second receiver. However, the kid played his balls off today. He ran for 160 with 2 TD's and was a questionable call away from a third. His feet make up for some of those bad tosses. That TD run in the second quarter was great to watch -- he literally ran off a safety. He'll get better with time.
• I'm hot and cold with the cool kid. It's tough to get made at 600 yards of offense and 7.5 yards per play. I don't know who posted about lack of explosive plays -- we had plenty. He has the OL working really well right now and the kids seem to get it. Problem is, he tends to get away from stuff that works. He even admitted so last year. We were gutting them with Gulley and AAM up the gut with the read and trap. Then we get to MD's 30 and decide to rip off 3 straight passes. I'd say he's outsmarting himself but I don't know if there's a lot of smarts to begin with.
• That being said, the skill players rolling out there aren't his guys and weren't recruited for this system. Receivers like West, Lewis, and Flemming are Marrone guys. Guys that can run some rub routes any get schemed open. They certainly aren't going to run by anyone. This offense is predicated on making guys miss, running by them, and making plays. We need more of those guys. Custis, Ish et al are still really young.
• Broyld catches that first pass and it's a TD. He really is the Paul Harris of football. Great athlete and tough competitor -- just has no position. Maybe he can make a living playing ball in the Philipines like PH.
• Biggest problem no one talks about is our DL. This line was built for the old BE. Big physical guys that can clog some holes. Outside of Thompson, no one can get to the QB or penetrate the backfield. If they could create some organic pressure we wouldn't have to send as much heat -- good QB's are going to be able to make plays against us. We need an upgrade here more than other other grouping IMO.
• This team can compete. I know some of us are still scarred from GRob, but those days are gone. We are in a better conference and are good enough to hold our own with anyone outside of FSU and Clemson. We aren't good enough to roll over anyone either. We are going to have to battle for a bowl.

Your comment about Mcdonald is spot on and has been true in many games over his short tenure. In Marron'e s final year when they found something that worked they kept hammering it home until the opposition could stop it. Against Lville they ran that pull play about a dozen times and absolutely gashed them. Mcdonald finds something that works then suddenly decides its time open up the playbook for reasons beyond me.

 

[SWC75]

The final stats were illustrative of what we can do; the final score is ilustrative of what we are doing very poorly now.

Very well said.

 

[orangenauburn]

Very well said.

48th in YPG
102nd PPG

we just are not finishing and executing

 

[retro44]

with 589 yards of total offense and yet we were 4 for 14 on 3rd. down attempts. What does that tell you. Maryland at this point might be the worst defensive team in the country.

How in the world does a Q.B. get a facemask penalty when carrying the ball. Lack of brains to let go,he hanged on for the full ride. He throws with no touch and tries to drill it in there at top speed which is leading to inaccurate throws

How does Hickey commit a chop block on the first offensive play after a devastating knee injury on the Maryland player (after the punt}. He's had some very timely and costly penalties this year.

punt protection was due for a major failure as our wedge that was to protect have been leaving early this year on a few punts. It was like watching the red sea part once again. One guys steps to the right,the other flies down field.

Our kick off returner runs twice right into the back of one of our blockers in open field.

Lack of fundamentals and team discipline are major issues.

 

[SWC75]

Clint Trickett of West Virginia vs. Maryland's defense: 37 of 49 for 511 yards 4TDs 1 INT. Third down conversions: 11 for 24

Terrel Hunt vs. Maryland: 14 for 28 for 219 yards, 0TDs, 1int. Third Down: 4 for 14

"But we aren't West Virginia". No, we aren't. That's the point.

 

[omniorange]

Despite getting nearly 600 yards on offense, we simply don't score. It's who we are, take it or leave it.

Maryland is a big play team. Going in I said we can only afford to give up one big play, not three like WVU gave up.

Unfortunately, we gave up three - the 90 yard TD, the interception for a TD, and the blocked punt that led to a quick TD.

Give up only one and we likely win that game. But to give up three, we just don't have enough offensive explosiveness to recover from that.

6-6 is the best we can hope for.

Cheers,
Neil

 

[CIL]

Clint Trickett of West Virginia vs. Maryland's defense: 37 of 49 for 511 yards 4TDs 1 INT. Third down conversions: 11 for 24

Terrel Hunt vs. Maryland: 14 for 28 for 219 yards, 0TDs, 1int. Third Down: 4 for 14

"But we aren't West Virginia". No, we aren't. That's the point.

How many rushing yards and running td's did he have?

 

[SWC75]

How many rushing yards and running td's did he have?

How much did he need?

The answer to your question is -4 and zero. His team scored 40 points and won. Our inability to exploit a vulnerable secondary and get third downs and big plays is the biggest reason we scored only 20 points.

 

[TheCusian]

How much did he need? The answer to your question is -4 and zero. His team scored 40 points and won. Our inability to exploit a vulnerable secondary and get third downs and big plays is the biggest reason we scored only 20 points.

Huh? Last I checked a yard is a yard wheather it's gained through the air or on the ground. No doubt a better passing game would be very very helpful. But you can't leave off our QB's ground game - it's a major component in what we do. It's a plus not a negative.

 

[upperdeck]

Clint Trickett of West Virginia vs. Maryland's defense: 37 of 49 for 511 yards 4TDs 1 INT. Third down conversions: 11 for 24

Terrel Hunt vs. Maryland: 14 for 28 for 219 yards, 0TDs, 1int. Third Down: 4 for 14

"But we aren't West Virginia". No, we aren't. That's the point.

wv gashed alabama and OK too..

 

[Crusty]

Tough loss today. MD is a team that is a peer program right now. We play them 10 times, we probably win 5. Today wasn't one of them.

• First, give them some credit. Brown is a pretty good college QB and he made some nice plays today. His first TD pass to Veil was a great toss. They also schemed us really really well. I know some posters got all geeked up to play man press coverage with a single high safety. Guess what, they killed it. Sometimes a softer zone isn't a bad thing. Credit Bullough for making the adjustment at halftime to playing thirds an quarters but keeping the pressure. Nice adjustment.
• I know the popular board consensus is to dog Hunt right now. IMO, it is a pretty stupid and silly exercise. I don't understand why half the board thought he'd suddenly morph into Peyton Manning in the last week or so. Remember, he probably has less experience than a senior playing HS football in Texas right now. I'm not kidding with that statement. He has his warts. His accuracy is spotty and he struggles to make a read past his second receiver. However, the kid played his balls off today. He ran for 160 with 2 TD's and was a questionable call away from a third. His feet make up for some of those bad tosses. That TD run in the second quarter was great to watch -- he literally ran off a safety. He'll get better with time.
• I'm hot and cold with the cool kid. It's tough to get made at 600 yards of offense and 7.5 yards per play. I don't know who posted about lack of explosive plays -- we had plenty. He has the OL working really well right now and the kids seem to get it. Problem is, he tends to get away from stuff that works. He even admitted so last year. We were gutting them with Gulley and AAM up the gut with the read and trap. Then we get to MD's 30 and decide to rip off 3 straight passes. I'd say he's outsmarting himself but I don't know if there's a lot of smarts to begin with.
• That being said, the skill players rolling out there aren't his guys and weren't recruited for this system. Receivers like West, Lewis, and Flemming are Marrone guys. Guys that can run some rub routes any get schemed open. They certainly aren't going to run by anyone. This offense is predicated on making guys miss, running by them, and making plays. We need more of those guys. Custis, Ish et al are still really young.
• Broyld catches that first pass and it's a TD. He really is the Paul Harris of football. Great athlete and tough competitor -- just has no position. Maybe he can make a living playing ball in the Philipines like PH.
• Biggest problem no one talks about is our DL. This line was built for the old BE. Big physical guys that can clog some holes. Outside of Thompson, no one can get to the QB or penetrate the backfield. If they could create some organic pressure we wouldn't have to send as much heat -- good QB's are going to be able to make plays against us. We need an upgrade here more than other other grouping IMO.
• This team can compete. I know some of us are still scarred from GRob, but those days are gone. We are in a better conference and are good enough to hold our own with anyone outside of FSU and Clemson. We aren't good enough to roll over anyone either. We are going to have to battle for a bowl.

I am a big Hunt fan but I must say your points about Hunt explain why he is what he is but offer no real reason to think he will get better as a passer. He is simply too inconsistent. His mechanics seem to revert under pressure. He threw off-target to several receivers yesterday - not so much a problem with reads as accuracy. As a passer, I am starting to think he is what he is - hope that is not the case.

McDonald called a very good game yesterday but the team did not execute. We killed drive after drive with penalties, bad passes to open receivers, missed blocks and dropped passes. He did

We ran 51 times for 370 yards. I think he very much ran what worked. As a matter of fact, we ran 59% of the time in the first half and 79% of the time in the second half. When we were behind by 18 we kept running the ball - why? Hunt was 5-14 during a stretch in the 2nd and 3rd quarters despite having plenty of time so, McD ran the ball becasue Hunt could not hit anything.

This game was on Hunt more than anyone.

I agree with the other points in your post. Broyld is our best receiver by the numbers and has ZERO receiving TD's and only one rushing in his career!

 

[SWC75]

Huh? Last I checked a yard is a yard wheather it's gained through the air or on the ground. No doubt a better passing game would be very very helpful. But you can't leave off our QB's ground game - it's a major component in what we do. It's a plus not a negative.

I'm not leaving it off. I'm saying that we should have been able to pass more effectively against Maryland's secondary than we did and if we had, we'd likely have won the game. It's not like running well and passing well are mutually exclusive.

 

[TheCusian]

I'm not leaving it off. I'm saying that we should have been able to pass more effectively against Maryland's secondary than we did and if we had, we'd likely have won the game. It's not like running well and passing well are mutually exclusive.

I get that. But that's not our game. That's what WVU does well. I maintain that we were having enough success running the ball that we should have won, despite the difference in passing numbers.

You're a numbers guy - how many games do teams outrun their opponents by such a wide margin and still lose? It's usually an omen for success. Lots of teams have good passing numbers and lose. I'd also posit that our 2nd half defense was better than any Q WVU has played all year.

 

[SWC75]

I get that. But that's not our game. That's what WVU does well. I maintain that we were having enough success running the ball that we should have won, despite the difference in passing numbers.

You're a numbers guy - how many games do teams outrun their opponents by such a wide margin and still lose? It's usually an omen for success. Lots of teams have good passing numbers and lose. I'd also posit that our 2nd half defense was better than any Q WVU has played all year.

We did get those rushing yards but scored only 20 points and lost. The reason? Two turnovers, penalties and we couldn't complete 3rd down passes against a team that had given up 551 yards passing the week before.