Treating the Regular Season Like Spring Ball Scrimmages

[kingtidge]

Took 24 hours off to marinate on this.

Not an earth shattering take by any means, but if Fran wants to keep his job, the way this season has been handled can never be repeated again IMHO.

The worst part about it is the utter capitulation and lack of effort on display (by both players and coaches, frankly.)

Is this team woefully inadequate at positions on both sides of the ball.

Yes.

Fatally so.

But none of what was on display yesterday was DART, and talk is just talk, if actions don't back it up.

I am certainly not expecting blood from a stone, and ND is one of the best teams in the country. We were going to lose, so it's all about how you lose and how we lost was literally a national embarrassment.

Making an effort to compete is the bare minimum we should expect from a team and its coaches, and we've fallen woefully below this mark, sadly. And it's seemingly by design.

On the plus side, we have a good recruiting class coming in (if it holds together) and we clearly need key pieces from the portal to get an immediate impact on deficiencies. Here's hoping we have the NIL we need to secure those pieces as well.

That said, I never want to see a mailed-in season again. There are plenty of teams doing more with less or that at least TRY to be competitive with a lower spread of talent. Waving the white flag and treating the regular season as a set of write-off scrimmages is not acceptable. Either big boy pants on or we need to go in another direction.

What we're witnessing is GERG-level of ineptitude and I honestly thought I'd never say that again. The good news is there's nowhere to go but up... But there should be no more mulligans.

 

[Scooch]

The funny thing is that in the offseason some folks suggested this season was a “punt” and that we should make all decisions with a focus on 2026.

Others pushed back, hard, and said Fran would *never* take that approach. That he’s too competitive to not play for today.

Seems like everyone was wrong. We tried this season, and kept on trying (and failing) even after Angeli went down. Then we stopped trying (I think post-UNC) and made it about next season. It’s whiplash and a very poor way to run the program, IMHO.

 

[orangepassion]

At least we get a good draft pick...right??

 

[HRE Otto IV]

I think we stopped trying after SMU, at least in O for sure. Last 8 weeks he has treated this like Spring ball. Unacceptable to the fan base.

In this era of CFB every season and every game is must try. There is no tomorrow.

 

[OttosShoes]

Random thought from the game last night. The helmets were sparkling clean.

Equipment manager is already not a great job. I’d be really bummed if I were watching that game having been paid student wages to polish the helmets.

 

[kingtidge]

The funny thing is that in the offseason some folks suggested this season was a “punt” and that we should make all decisions with a focus on 2026.

Others pushed back, hard, and said Fran would *never* take that approach. That he’s too competitive to not play for today.

Seems like everyone was wrong. We tried this season, and kept on trying (and failing) even after Angeli went down. Then we stopped trying (I think post-UNC) and made it about next season. It’s whiplash and a very poor way to run the program, IMHO.

My biggest core issue is we're not DART.

And if we're not really doing DART anymore (when times are tough and it REALLY matters), then DART was all smoke-and-mirrors BS to begin with.

We now have a team culture problem at the heart of it that Fran has to fix as well.

 

[dollarbill44]

The funny thing is that in the offseason some folks suggested this season was a “punt” and that we should make all decisions with a focus on 2026.

Others pushed back, hard, and said Fran would *never* take that approach. That he’s too competitive to not play for today.

Seems like everyone was wrong. We tried this season, and kept on trying (and failing) even after Angeli went down. Then we stopped trying (I think post-UNC) and made it about next season. It’s whiplash and a very poor way to run the program, IMHO.

I think guys have selectively quit at points this season. At least it sure has looked like it. I'm not going to put names out there, but if you go back and re-watch the Duke, Pitt and UNC games, you will see guys who didn't make any extra effort to make blocks, catch passes, finish routes, etc.

 

[Archimedes]

Others pushed back, hard, and said Fran would *never* take that approach. That he’s too competitive to not play for today.

I think this season eats at Fran in ways we can't imagine.

He's as competitive ever. He just couldn't figure it out.

My guess is he will never forget. This is an important moment in his career.

Anyway, next season starts in one week. That's good news.

 

[IHeartSUFball]

Great post

 

[SUDadx2]

I think guys have selectively quit at points this season. At least it sure has looked like it. I'm not going to put names out there, but if you go back and re-watch the Duke, Pitt and UNC games, you will see guys who didn't make any extra effort to make blocks, catch passes, finish routes, etc.

Yes some people have clearly quit on this season. Unfortunately, IMO, the number one quitter is Mr Francis Brown.

He quit on Ricky Collins who according to HCFB was in a 51/49 battle with Angeli in fall camp. We were lied to.

For the record, R Collins isn’t very good but against ND Filardi was 14/26 for 83 yards and 3 ints, including 2 pick 6’s. I don’t believe Collins is worse than that, but I believe HCFB has quit on Collins. So much for Commitment, Care and Trust. That’s a one-way street. So Collins went from being our QB1 after spring (Pena knew better) to an athletic QB with superior arm talent who can make all the throws involved in a 51/49 battle with Angeli to a guy who can’t get off the bench in a historical blowout at ND. I don’t buy it. I don’t believe Filardi or Carney are having better practices than Collins (HCFB’s public justification for starting Filardi originally).

In an interview last week HCFB said he gave veteran players time off during the bye week and he spent time during the bye week working with younger players. The reality he wouldn’t let the older players participate in practice. I heard an assistant coach put an upperclassman in to practice spell a younger player who was gassed and Fran told him to get that player out of there cause he won’t be here next year. What? He’s here now and any issue related to him not being here next year (pushed into the portal) should be addressed after the season not during the bye week with two games remaining in the schedule.

I’m tired of hearing about the younger players and “the future”. I have season tickets for THIS year and want a coach who is going to be relentless in trying to get the most out of players THIS year.

What I saw yesterday was a HC who has given up on this team and players who are no longer engaged. Where were are rested veteran players? I sat here and watched every play yesterday. And, I will be in the Dome on Saturday hoping the team can put together a competitive effort and go out on a positive note.

So many posters like to talk about the “what if” or blame the downfall on the loss of a QB, but I remember 2023 when Dino led a team to a bowl game with a QB who could throw a pass. That team found a way to be competitive. This team, hmmm…. Nothing but excuses.

On an added note. I don’t think Yasin Willis was out due to a concussion. How do you get a concussion during a bye week? I think there’s more to the story that our transparent HC isn’t telling us. If I’m wrong then we should really be concerned about the young man’s health cause I think this would be his second concussion this season.

 

[sufan59]

Yes some people have clearly quit on this season. Unfortunately, IMO, the number one quitter is Mr Francis Brown.

He quit on Ricky Collins who according to HCFB was in a 51/49 battle with Angeli in fall camp. We were lied to.

For the record, R Collins isn’t very good but against ND Filardi was 14/26 for 83 yards and 3 ints, including 2 pick 6’s. I don’t believe Collins is worse than that, but I believe HCFB has quit on Collins. So much for Commitment, Care and Trust. That’s a one-way street. So Collins went from being our QB1 after spring (Pena knew better) to an athletic QB with superior arm talent who can make all the throws involved in a 51/49 battle with Angeli to a guy who can’t get off the bench in a historical blowout at ND. I don’t buy it. I don’t believe Filardi or Carney are having better practices than Collins (HCFB’s public justification for starting Filardi originally).

In an interview last week HCFB said he gave veteran players time off during the bye week and he spent time during the bye week working with younger players. The reality he wouldn’t let the older players participate in practice. I heard an assistant coach put an upperclassman in to practice spell a younger player who was gassed and Fran told him to get that player out of there cause he won’t be here next year. What? He’s here now and any issue related to him not being here next year (pushed into the portal) should be addressed after the season not during the bye week with two games remaining in the schedule.

I’m tired of hearing about the younger players and “the future”. I have season tickets for THIS year and want a coach who is going to be relentless in trying to get the most out of players THIS year.

What I saw yesterday was a HC who has given up on this team and players who are no longer engaged. Where were are rested veteran players? I sat here and watched every play yesterday. And, I will be in the Dome on Saturday hoping the team can put together a competitive effort and go out on a positive note.

So many posters like to talk about the “what if” or blame the downfall on the loss of a QB, but I remember 2023 when Dino led a team to a bowl game with a QB who could throw a pass. That team found a way to be competitive. This team, hmmm…. Nothing but excuses.

On an added note. I don’t think Yasin Willis was out due to a concussion. How do you get a concussion during a bye week? I think there’s more to the story that our transparent HC isn’t telling us. If I’m wrong then we should really be concerned about the young man’s health cause I think this would be his second concussion this season.

It’s almost over. But yeah there is a lot of fixing to do and he is getting a head start. Ultimately he is taking a risk for a payoff down the road.

 

[GHLF]

Yes some people have clearly quit on this season. Unfortunately, IMO, the number one quitter is Mr Francis Brown.

He quit on Ricky Collins who according to HCFB was in a 51/49 battle with Angeli in fall camp. We were lied to.

For the record, R Collins isn’t very good but against ND Filardi was 14/26 for 83 yards and 3 ints, including 2 pick 6’s. I don’t believe Collins is worse than that, but I believe HCFB has quit on Collins. So much for Commitment, Care and Trust. That’s a one-way street. So Collins went from being our QB1 after spring (Pena knew better) to an athletic QB with superior arm talent who can make all the throws involved in a 51/49 battle with Angeli to a guy who can’t get off the bench in a historical blowout at ND. I don’t buy it. I don’t believe Filardi or Carney are having better practices than Collins (HCFB’s public justification for starting Filardi originally).

In an interview last week HCFB said he gave veteran players time off during the bye week and he spent time during the bye week working with younger players. The reality he wouldn’t let the older players participate in practice. I heard an assistant coach put an upperclassman in to practice spell a younger player who was gassed and Fran told him to get that player out of there cause he won’t be here next year. What? He’s here now and any issue related to him not being here next year (pushed into the portal) should be addressed after the season not during the bye week with two games remaining in the schedule.

I’m tired of hearing about the younger players and “the future”. I have season tickets for THIS year and want a coach who is going to be relentless in trying to get the most out of players THIS year.

What I saw yesterday was a HC who has given up on this team and players who are no longer engaged. Where were are rested veteran players? I sat here and watched every play yesterday. And, I will be in the Dome on Saturday hoping the team can put together a competitive effort and go out on a positive note.

So many posters like to talk about the “what if” or blame the downfall on the loss of a QB, but I remember 2023 when Dino led a team to a bowl game with a QB who could throw a pass. That team found a way to be competitive. This team, hmmm…. Nothing but excuses.

On an added note. I don’t think Yasin Willis was out due to a concussion. How do you get a concussion during a bye week? I think there’s more to the story that our transparent HC isn’t telling us. If I’m wrong then we should really be concerned about the young man’s health cause I think this would be his second concussion this season.

I will say this, he caved into the pressure in relation to replacing Ricky fully knowing there was no one actually able to replace him and he was literally just hoping for a spark. However many of the crazies were calling for him to do something in relation to replacing Ricky, he bowed to that pressure knowing what most of us do not know including you. They simply were not ready. We were honestly competitive to a degree the first couple of games especially defensively since then we have literally lost it and more than likely lost the team. You can certainly know as Dan Villari stated some very unfortunate things took place. Attrition has always hurt the team, time to heal up and circle back around. What do you want him to do as you reference coach Babers, who is a tremendously good man by the way. Was he going to ask Dan Villari to change his position again, I do not think so. do you think that the wide receiver crew would have been good with this, he tried to stick to his word. Sort of stuck between a rock and a hard place, as even DV stated. I heard Mike McAllister state who I respect very much people were going to complain no matter what without seeing the big picture. Hold the class together, you better become multiple at least to a degree next year and see what happens. I support this squad

 

[Archimedes]

I don’t believe Filardi or Carney are having better practices than Collins (HCFB’s public justification for starting Filardi originally).

In an interview last week HCFB said he gave veteran players time off during the bye week and he spent time during the bye week working with younger players. The reality he wouldn’t let the older players participate in practice. I heard an assistant coach put an upperclassman in to practice spell a younger player who was gassed and Fran told him to get that player out of there cause he won’t be here next year. What? He’s here now and any issue related to him not being here next year (pushed into the portal) should be addressed after the season not during the bye week with two games remaining in the schedule.

Yikes. That part about refusing to let the older kids practice... wow... That would explain what happened in South Bend. I mean, Dan has a good shot at playing in the league. Was he really kept out of practice?

And you may be on to something about the practices. If Filardi is beating out Collins and Carney in practice, then maybe someone should try different drills next season. Carney or Collins could not be worse. It's not possible.

 

[HRE Otto IV]

Yes some people have clearly quit on this season. Unfortunately, IMO, the number one quitter is Mr Francis Brown.

He quit on Ricky Collins who according to HCFB was in a 51/49 battle with Angeli in fall camp. We were lied to.

For the record, R Collins isn’t very good but against ND Filardi was 14/26 for 83 yards and 3 ints, including 2 pick 6’s. I don’t believe Collins is worse than that, but I believe HCFB has quit on Collins. So much for Commitment, Care and Trust. That’s a one-way street. So Collins went from being our QB1 after spring (Pena knew better) to an athletic QB with superior arm talent who can make all the throws involved in a 51/49 battle with Angeli to a guy who can’t get off the bench in a historical blowout at ND. I don’t buy it. I don’t believe Filardi or Carney are having better practices than Collins (HCFB’s public justification for starting Filardi originally).

In an interview last week HCFB said he gave veteran players time off during the bye week and he spent time during the bye week working with younger players. The reality he wouldn’t let the older players participate in practice. I heard an assistant coach put an upperclassman in to practice spell a younger player who was gassed and Fran told him to get that player out of there cause he won’t be here next year. What? He’s here now and any issue related to him not being here next year (pushed into the portal) should be addressed after the season not during the bye week with two games remaining in the schedule.

I’m tired of hearing about the younger players and “the future”. I have season tickets for THIS year and want a coach who is going to be relentless in trying to get the most out of players THIS year.

What I saw yesterday was a HC who has given up on this team and players who are no longer engaged. Where were are rested veteran players? I sat here and watched every play yesterday. And, I will be in the Dome on Saturday hoping the team can put together a competitive effort and go out on a positive note.

So many posters like to talk about the “what if” or blame the downfall on the loss of a QB, but I remember 2023 when Dino led a team to a bowl game with a QB who could throw a pass. That team found a way to be competitive. This team, hmmm…. Nothing but excuses.

On an added note. I don’t think Yasin Willis was out due to a concussion. How do you get a concussion during a bye week? I think there’s more to the story that our transparent HC isn’t telling us. If I’m wrong then we should really be concerned about the young man’s health cause I think this would be his second concussion this season.

I think he "quit" on the season after SMU. I think that was the critical time to either go all in on trying to eke out wins or play for the future. He chose the later, which IMO in the portal era you should never ever do.

After the Pitt INT they have been scared to throw the ball down the field. It made Collins worse because we didn't even get his 1 in 10 passes where he looks good.

Part of the problem is we have no run game. But if Dino could pivot twice mid season, why couldn't this staff? The right move during the 1st bye week was to start Carney and go zone read and try to somehow get to 6 Ws. We still likely go 3-9 but at least we look like a FBS team these last 8 games.

 

[TexanMark]

I think this season eats at Fran in ways we can't imagine.

He's as competitive ever. He just couldn't figure it out.

My guess is he will never forget. This is an important moment in his career.

Anyway, next season starts in one week. That's good news.

I agree

It is a sink or swim moment for Fran and the staff

I hate these stupid 5 year contracts for head coaches...they can literally stop trying and realize they still will be rewarded with life changing $$$

The assistant coaches don't have that luxury

 

[PhatOrange]

The funny thing is that in the offseason some folks suggested this season was a “punt” and that we should make all decisions with a focus on 2026.

Others pushed back, hard, and said Fran would *never* take that approach. That he’s too competitive to not play for today.

Seems like everyone was wrong. We tried this season, and kept on trying (and failing) even after Angeli went down. Then we stopped trying (I think post-UNC) and made it about next season. It’s whiplash and a very poor way to run the program, IMHO.

Great point. Many many people punted on this season before it started. Then the wheels came off for them, I assume, because we look so inept.

Babers 1-10 teams would probably kick the crap out of this team just from a competitive standpoint.

 

[Newhouser]

I really think Fran should donate a game check to charity. As others have stated above I think he mailed it in around SMU. He milked the winners get washed thing for some public relations oxygen. How about during this time of Thanks and reflection he do something that does good? Issue a public mea culpa that he appears to have stopped trying, he's blessed to have an unbelievable job, that he didn't put forth his best effort, etc., and maybe we get some positive spin from Saturday's debacle.

 

[Chip]

Yes some people have clearly quit on this season. Unfortunately, IMO, the number one quitter is Mr Francis Brown.

He quit on Ricky Collins who according to HCFB was in a 51/49 battle with Angeli in fall camp. We were lied to.

For the record, R Collins isn’t very good but against ND Filardi was 14/26 for 83 yards and 3 ints, including 2 pick 6’s. I don’t believe Collins is worse than that, but I believe HCFB has quit on Collins. So much for Commitment, Care and Trust. That’s a one-way street. So Collins went from being our QB1 after spring (Pena knew better) to an athletic QB with superior arm talent who can make all the throws involved in a 51/49 battle with Angeli to a guy who can’t get off the bench in a historical blowout at ND. I don’t buy it. I don’t believe Filardi or Carney are having better practices than Collins (HCFB’s public justification for starting Filardi originally).

In an interview last week HCFB said he gave veteran players time off during the bye week and he spent time during the bye week working with younger players. The reality he wouldn’t let the older players participate in practice. I heard an assistant coach put an upperclassman in to practice spell a younger player who was gassed and Fran told him to get that player out of there cause he won’t be here next year. What? He’s here now and any issue related to him not being here next year (pushed into the portal) should be addressed after the season not during the bye week with two games remaining in the schedule.

I’m tired of hearing about the younger players and “the future”. I have season tickets for THIS year and want a coach who is going to be relentless in trying to get the most out of players THIS year.

What I saw yesterday was a HC who has given up on this team and players who are no longer engaged. Where were are rested veteran players? I sat here and watched every play yesterday. And, I will be in the Dome on Saturday hoping the team can put together a competitive effort and go out on a positive note.

So many posters like to talk about the “what if” or blame the downfall on the loss of a QB, but I remember 2023 when Dino led a team to a bowl game with a QB who could throw a pass. That team found a way to be competitive. This team, hmmm…. Nothing but excuses.

On an added note. I don’t think Yasin Willis was out due to a concussion. How do you get a concussion during a bye week? I think there’s more to the story that our transparent HC isn’t telling us. If I’m wrong then we should really be concerned about the young man’s health cause I think this would be his second concussion this season.

 

[richmondcuse03]

I will say this, he caved into the pressure in relation to replacing Ricky fully knowing there was no one actually able to replace him and he was literally just hoping for a spark. However many of the crazies were calling for him to do something in relation to replacing Ricky, he bowed to that pressure knowing what most of us do not know including you. They simply were not ready. We were honestly competitive to a degree the first couple of games especially defensively since then we have literally lost it and more than likely lost the team. You can certainly know as Dan Villari stated some very unfortunate things took place. Attrition has always hurt the team, time to heal up and circle back around. What do you want him to do as you reference coach Babers, who is a tremendously good man by the way. Was he going to ask Dan Villari to change his position again, I do not think so. do you think that the wide receiver crew would have been good with this, he tried to stick to his word. Sort of stuck between a rock and a hard place, as even DV stated. I heard Mike McAllister state who I respect very much people were going to complain no matter what without seeing the big picture. Hold the class together, you better become multiple at least to a degree next year and see what happens. I support this squad

Lot wrong in the thread over all but GLF's bolded part here is right (with the exception it wasn't crazy internet fans but others). Folks thought it couldn't get worse -- I will admit, I was wrong, it has. Sometimes the professionals do in fact know what they're doing.

in terms of rest of thread - i don't have energy to go through and correct/fight with folks. one thing i do want to say - the coaching staff and players didn't quit on Saturday or the season. They all want to win. Badly. It's killing them to lose like this, including the seniors. None of them want to go out like this.

Really hope people go to the game and support them on Saturday. They put their bodies through a lot to play a game. Most of them don't get life changing money either. I'll be yelling on Saturday. Hope others do too. Screw those fake BC super fans.

 

[IHeartSUFball]

cant wait to be there and get loud for my program

 

[HRE Otto IV]

Lot wrong in the thread over all but GLF's bolded part here is right (with the exception it wasn't crazy internet fans but others). Folks thought it couldn't get worse -- I will admit, I was wrong, it has. Sometimes the professionals do in fact know what they're doing.

in terms of rest of thread - i don't have energy to go through and correct/fight with folks. one thing i do want to say - the coaching staff and players didn't quit on Saturday or the season. They all want to win. Badly. It's killing them to lose like this, including the seniors. None of them want to go out like this.

Really hope people go to the game and support them on Saturday. They put their bodies through a lot to play a game. Most of them don't get life changing money either. I'll be yelling on Saturday. Hope others do too. Screw those fake BC super fans.

If you are going all in on winning you don't run your normal O with these QBs. You also don't start rotating in young players on D like he has the last few games.

Dino pivoted his O in two different seasons mid season to try and win. We have not seen that with Fran this year.

I DO NOT think they quit, but are using the games like scrimmages. Most FBS teams would have performed better the last 9 weeks. If we are "trying to win" then we have coaches who have a G6 like team right now and are getting an FBS like performance. Which would be a scary indictment of their coaching abilities.

 

[tbonezone]

Making an effort to compete is the bare minimum we should expect from a team and its coaches, and we've fallen woefully below this mark, sadly. And it's seemingly by design.

yeah i don't get it. you basically justify playing poorly by saying well it's ok cuz we played freshman.