Step back from the ledge...

[OttoinGrotto]

Scoring Games 0 -10 10 to 19 20 to 29 30+
2000-2004 59 5% 12% 19% 20% 44%
2005-2008 47 4% 15% 62% 17% 15%
2009 12 0% 25% 17% 25% 33%
2010 13 0% 15% 31% 23% 31%
2011 12 0% 0% 42% 25% 33%
2012 13 0% 0% 23% 23% 54%
2013-2014 17 6% 6% 29% 35% 24%


Tough to argue that it isn't regressing.

Here's the counterpoint - our offense now actually has a structure and emerging identity that takes advantage of our home field. For a long time we didn't know what we were, were cobbling offense together around whatever we had on the roster, or were focusing on being a defense first program.

I'm optimistic that our recent scoring pain is coming to a close, because our offense is approximating what is successful in college football now, plus we play in controlled conditions, plus I believe our identity will be unique in the Northeast. Even in 2012 we had more yards than our TDs would have suggested. Scoring is the key, and you got there by moving the ball. We're getting better at moving the ball. The dam will break at some point scoring.

 

[CanadianSU]

6-6 would be a "miracle" though

What a joke!

 

[RF2044]

Here's the counterpoint - our offense now actually has a structure and emerging identity that takes advantage of our home field. For a long time we didn't know what we were, were cobbling offense together around whatever we had on the roster, or were focusing on being a defense first program.

I'm optimistic that our recent scoring pain is coming to a close, because our offense is approximating what is successful in college football now, plus we play in controlled conditions, plus I believe our identity will be unique in the Northeast. Even in 2012 we had more yards than our TDs would have suggested. Scoring is the key, and you got there by moving the ball. We're getting better at moving the ball. The dam will break at some point scoring.

I hope you're right.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I hope you're right.

*** it, I am right.

 

[sufandu]

I don't just judge our team based on current record or even just the score board. I judge them based on how well they seem to be playing. We haven't played well.

I'm sick of hearing how good Villanova is in the FCS as if that justifies anything. Even if they'd be somewhere around 60th in the FBS is that where we're supposed to be right now? They missed two FG's in that game that would've beaten us and it's not as if they were desperation length FG's. They were 34 and 25 yarders. We knew our defense had to contain one guy and he gave us fits all game. Regardless of the absence of Hunt, we played like crap.

We crush CMU. Well duh, we should've. They're 99th in passing yards, 109th in rushing yards, 112th in scoring, and 80th in scoring defense. And they were missing their leading rusher that had run well against Purdue the week before. If we don't crush them I'm not on the ledge because I've already jumped off of it.

Maryland. How do you gain nearly 600 yards and only score 20 points while losing to a team by two touchdowns that gained 200 fewer yards? Anyone that wants to know can just review that game.

Notre Dame. Ok, they've got way more talent than us. That's fair. But when a team gives you the ball 5 times, you have to be able to take better advantage of it. We simply looked too dysfunctional too often for a team that has as many veterans as we have that's in the second year of our systems.

Here's the summary of the first third of our season. We've beaten two teams we were supposed to crush, one of which could've and maybe should've beaten us. The one team we've played so far that we can say is on our level beat us by two touchdowns. A team that's certainly on another level did their best to give us the game and we couldn't take advantage of it because of the same mistakes that we see on a weekly basis.

Does the yardage we've gained give me some hope we're close to breaking out. I guess, but I'm not sure how much because I don't think the mistakes we're making are isolated. Until we play a clean game, I think mistake prone is our identity.

 

[phil77]

I just think we built the team wrong. For years we have tried to build a ground and pound team in the dome. Run heavy short passing and defense game plans. This can be very exciting way to play if you are winning and winning on a regular basis see LSU as an example. Problem is we haven't been able to build a team that can win year in and year out. And those ground and pound defensive teams usually work better in the outdoors. So in my mind it is completely opposite of what type of team should be in the dome.

We should have built a team like Baylor, Texas Tech, Texas A&M and Arizona State. Run and Shoot teams and gambling on defense. At least if we are losing it would be an exciting product for fans to watch and support. I know at the end of the day we need wins but I think we went about it the wrong way. I think an big time offense would keep the fans in the seats if we are winning or losing. Watching games in the 40's is more entertaining that watching us struggle to score 20 points week in and week out.

 

[Chip]

???? are you serious? After the second TD by Notre Dame that game was over. Our offense didn't sustain a drive till the late 3rd quarter and we didn't make ND punt after the first quarter. That game was not competitive on the field. The ND turnovers prevented it from being 40+ to 15.

With the exception of the final drive of the game, each second half drive was at least 50 yards.

What's your definition of sustained? More plays?

EDIT: On the drive after ND's 2nd TD, we had 54 yards and a FG. Which means that every single drive after their 2nd TD was at least 50 yards.

 

[CousCuse]

We have had some bright spots over the 4 games: 5 turnovers created against ND, a million rushing yards against MD, a dominating defense against CMU, and luck of the Irish against Nova. Problem is we haven't really had a game where we put everything together. The only thing we have consistently done is shoot ourselves in the foot with penalties and poor execution on 3rd down.

If we have ONE game where we flat out kick butt against a peer opponent I will be an optimistic realist.

We have played ONE such opponent thus far , so I can see your concerns and negativity are merited.

 

[Crusty]

Scoring Games 0 -10 10 to 19 20 to 29 30+
2000-2004 59 5% 12% 19% 20% 44%
2005-2008 47 4% 15% 62% 17% 15%
2009 12 0% 25% 17% 25% 33%
2010 13 0% 15% 31% 23% 31%
2011 12 0% 0% 42% 25% 33%
2012 13 0% 0% 23% 23% 54%
2013-2014 17 6% 6% 29% 35% 24%


Tough to argue that it isn't regressing.

Those data points are for the BE and only last year is the ACC. Time really started last year as far as I am concerned.

 

[OrangeTarheel]

I appreciate the optimism. Like X Files I WANT to believe but am more Scully than Molder at the moment.

 

[OrangeinBoston]

I don't just judge our team based on current record or even just the score board. I judge them based on how well they seem to be playing. We haven't played well.

I'm sick of hearing how good Villanova is in the FCS as if that justifies anything. Even if they'd be somewhere around 60th in the FBS is that where we're supposed to be right now? They missed two FG's in that game that would've beaten us and it's not as if they were desperation length FG's. They were 34 and 25 yarders. We knew our defense had to contain one guy and he gave us fits all game. Regardless of the absence of Hunt, we played like crap.

We crush CMU. Well duh, we should've. They're 99th in passing yards, 109th in rushing yards, 112th in scoring, and 80th in scoring defense. And they were missing their leading rusher that had run well against Purdue the week before. If we don't crush them I'm not on the ledge because I've already jumped off of it.

Maryland. How do you gain nearly 600 yards and only score 20 points while losing to a team by two touchdowns that gained 200 fewer yards? Anyone that wants to know can just review that game.

Notre Dame. Ok, they've got way more talent than us. That's fair. But when a team gives you the ball 5 times, you have to be able to take better advantage of it. We simply looked too dysfunctional too often for a team that has as many veterans as we have that's in the second year of our systems.

Here's the summary of the first third of our season. We've beaten two teams we were supposed to crush, one of which could've and maybe should've beaten us. The one team we've played so far that we can say is on our level beat us by two touchdowns. A team that's certainly on another level did their best to give us the game and we couldn't take advantage of it because of the same mistakes that we see on a weekly basis.

Does the yardage we've gained give me some hope we're close to breaking out. I guess, but I'm not sure how much because I don't think the mistakes we're making are isolated. Until we play a clean game, I think mistake prone is our identity.

This is an absolutely dead-on correct assessment of the season to date. Hopefully, tomorrow we see a team that does not resemble what you described above in any way, shape or form.

 

[GoSU96]

Those data points are for the BE and only last year is the ACC. Time really started last year as far as I am concerned.

Last year's schedule was easier than they year before.

This year is harder than last year.

 

[TheCusian]

This is an absolutely dead-on correct assessment of the season to date. Hopefully, tomorrow we see a team that does not resemble what you described above in any way, shape or form.

So was mine. Just on was half-full one was half-empty: both sides of the same coin.

 

[Crusty]

Here's the counterpoint - our offense now actually has a structure and emerging identity that takes advantage of our home field. For a long time we didn't know what we were, were cobbling offense together around whatever we had on the roster, or were focusing on being a defense first program.

I'm optimistic that our recent scoring pain is coming to a close, because our offense is approximating what is successful in college football now, plus we play in controlled conditions, plus I believe our identity will be unique in the Northeast. Even in 2012 we had more yards than our TDs would have suggested. Scoring is the key, and you got there by moving the ball. We're getting better at moving the ball. The dam will break at some point scoring.

Exactly! We play in a dome for Pete's sake. The key to CFB is having a great QB. This is the type of offense that can attract good HS QB'S in the future. We just have to stick with it.

 

[GoSU96]

Here's the counterpoint - our offense now actually has a structure and emerging identity that takes advantage of our home field. For a long time we didn't know what we were, were cobbling offense together around whatever we had on the roster, or were focusing on being a defense first program.

I'm optimistic that our recent scoring pain is coming to a close, because our offense is approximating what is successful in college football now, plus we play in controlled conditions, plus I believe our identity will be unique in the Northeast. Even in 2012 we had more yards than our TDs would have suggested. Scoring is the key, and you got there by moving the ball. We're getting better at moving the ball. The dam will break at some point scoring.

Yeah because running the zone read out of the pistol is the height of innovation.

 

[CousCuse]

Exactly! We play in a dome for Pete's sake. The key to CFB is having a great QB. This is the type of offense that can attract good HS QB'S in the future. We just have to stick with it.

We have used this for 17 games , shouldn't we be at an Oregon or Texas A&M clip yet . We need a new offense or fire the entire coaching staff , blah , blah , wah , wah ...

 

[Chip]

Yeah because running the zone read out of the pistol is the height of innovation.

Where did he say it was innovative? He basically said we're doing the same kinds of things that other successful programs are doing offensively.

 

[GoSU96]

Where did he say it was innovative? He basically said we're doing the same kinds of things that other successful programs are doing offensively.

Then it's not particularly unique, there are three P5 teams in the NE, BFD.

 

[Scooch]

Three out of four scored 20 or less in regulation. It's a consistent issue the last two seasons and so far doesn't show any sign of improvement, that's why people are worked up.

Having a sh!tty offense has been a consistent issue for over a decade.

We had one outlier year of offensive success and our staff used it as a means to flee.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Yeah because running the zone read out of the pistol is the height of innovation.

Didn't say it was.

 

[Crusty]

We are on the right track and I for one am glad and hope we stick with it regardless. If the season sucks so what? I can take anything if I think we have a plan. I think we do.

 

[GoSU96]

Having a sh!tty offense has been a consistent issue for over a decade.

We had one outlier year of offensive success and our staff used it as a means to flee.

I guess it was a miracle after all then.

 

[GoSU96]

Here's the counterpoint - our offense now actually has a structure and emerging identity that takes advantage of our home field. For a long time we didn't know what we were, were cobbling offense together around whatever we had on the roster, or were focusing on being a defense first program.

I'm optimistic that our recent scoring pain is coming to a close, because our offense is approximating what is successful in college football now, plus we play in controlled conditions, plus I believe our identity will be unique in the Northeast. Even in 2012 we had more yards than our TDs would have suggested. Scoring is the key, and you got there by moving the ball. We're getting better at moving the ball. The dam will break at some point scoring.

What identity is that, a team that relies on an athletic QB and option based run game to move the ball, has a highly inefficient pass game, and struggles to score?

 

[OttoinGrotto]

What identity is that, a team that relies on an athletic QB and option based run game to move the ball, has a highly inefficient pass game, and struggles to score?

Now you're just making yourself sound ignorant.

 

[phil77]

We are on the right track and I for one am glad and hope we stick with it regardless. If the season sucks so what? I can take anything if I think we have a plan. I think we do.

I think our offense could be exciting one. We need a few more playmakers on the outside and either Hunt to get better throwing the ball or a QB that can really spin it. In saying that I like the way the offense is working it is on the trend that is working now. I also questions the OC who is installing that system if he truly has a feel for the game and can call plays the correct way.