Taking One Step Back from the Ledge

[Townhallsavoy]

Ok...we suck.  We all know we suck.  We all see writing on the wall.  It's just a bit hazy, but if we squint, we can see that Chizik is not going to be our coach in the long term.  We know that this is going to be a long year and that we are no longer a team to worry about.  We're a cupcake.  We're the annoying date before the big dance.  We aren't going to be discussed on ESPN.  We aren't going to be considered when discussing the top teams for next year. 

However, it's still only week two.  We have ten weeks left to play, so what the hell can happen to improve this team? 

Some positives:

- Despite being complete and utter garbage, our defense hasn't given up more than thirty points, which is even more impressive when you consider that our offense is anemic and our quarterback turned the ball over six times by himself. 

- We do have skill players that are dangerous.  Emory Blake and our running backs can do damage if given the chance. 

- Our offensive line is young, but they've shown glimpses of being able to push the line of scrimmage.

- Our defensive ends can get the sack. 

- Our kickers are solid.  Even though we rarely get to punt because we have a player that gives the ball away six times by himself in two games, when we do punt, we have a beast punting the ball.  Our kicker hasn't missed, and he can boot it out of the end zone. 

So if something had to happen, realistically, for this team to be competitive, what would it have to be?

Here's what I think:

1.  Forget the pro-style offense.  We go basic.  Run up the middle.  Toss sweep.  Roll outs by the quarterback that hit the tight end or a crossing receiver.  Wildcat with McCalebb or Bray or whomever.

2.  Go deep.  Fuck double coverage.  Fuck incompletions.  Fuck worrying because we're probably going to lose anyway.  Every receiver with speed gets to go deep at least once in the game, and we throw it as far as we can when they do.  If they catch it?  Huge play.  Interception?  Going to happen anyway. 

3.  Punt block is called every time we get the other team in 4th and long.  Fair catch is automatic since we don't have quality punt returners anyway. 

With these changes, I think we can beat LA Monroe, New Mexico State, and Alabama A&M.  Arkansas looks absolutely terrible, so maybe we can compete with them.  Ole Miss and Vandy are probably going to beat us, but maybe we can stand a chance. 

There's no hope for LSU, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Alabama. 

[Godfather]

I don't disagree with what you are saying and I'm not on the ledge.  The problem I still have is that Frazier can't even make the basic throws.  I am talking about throws I can make. I attributed that to nerves last week, I was blinded and wrong. 

I am talking about throws like an 8 yard out and up by a TE who was wide open and had to jump, reach behind him and try a one handed grab (which he still almost caught).  I am talking about a 5-6 yard crossing route to a WR that was being trailed and Frazier threw behind him.

So we can go as basic as we want, but without the threat of the pass we aren't going to be able to get much done.  Defense I thought did improve albeit against a weaker opponent IMO, but like you said hard to keep that rhythm up when you have no offensive help &/or shortened field due to turnovers.

I really don't know what the answer is, Frazier had the time and WR's were open.  He appears to me to (besides inaccuracy issues) also have zero downfield vision.  The game is too fast for him.  Do we go to Moseley who with time may be able to make better throws? However he is hurt and couldn't even beat out Frazier.  What about Wallace do we throw him in there? Because as far as I am concerned it can't get any worse at the QB position then it did on Saturday.

I was not drunk yesterday and I have no haze today, you know I am not a naysayer or a chicken little by any stretch of the imagination.  I was fighting tooth and nail last week with a lot of folks on here.  This is a team sport, but unless our QB spot play improves (and I don't know how that is going to happen) I just don't see us winning more than 3 and those might not be gimmes. 

[Yoda]

The only chance we have and that Chizik has, is to play the young supposedly talented players on defense now.  They will learn this year while in the fire and hopefully the coaches can actually teach them through the mistakes they make.

Offense is a different story.  They have to play Frazier for the future.  All of the eggs are in that basket unless they find a freshman that can come in and light it up in the SEC.  If they play Mosley they might salvage a game or two or three this year but does nothing for the future.  Our line looks improved from last year and should get better as the season goes.  In my opinion coach Grimes is the only one doing his job.  We have skill players but no one to get them the ball.  Yes we could run the ball all day but we all know that won't cut it in the SEC.  You have got to be able to complete some passes to keep the defense honest. 

I just watched the game on TV.  Frazier has got to grow up fast.  He is not able to see open receivers, is not accurate, and does not realize when he can run the ball.  If the coaches are allowing him to learn on the field why are they not doing the same with Frost and Florence? 

[ssgaufan]

The coaching staff needs to be looking at every JC in the country to find us a serviceable QB that can start next year.  This shit is horrendous.  I'm also not sold on Trooper Taylor's ability to coach receivers.  No way the recruiting services missed on all the 4 star WRs that we have.  Blake is doing it off of natural ability and having grown up with a dad that played qb in the nfl.

[Godfather]

The coaching staff needs to be looking at every JC in the country to find us a serviceable QB that can start next year.  This shit is horrendous.  I'm also not sold on Trooper Taylor's ability to coach receivers.  No way the recruiting services missed on all the 4 star WRs that we have.  Blake is doing it off of natural ability and having grown up with a dad that played qb in the nfl.

Again there were open receivers, but if the ball isn't thrown to them.

[Buzz Killington]

I have heard several people say that Trooper is not coaching the receivers up.  I really find that hard to believe, personally.  You can look at how well Tennesee's receivers were when he was there, and Okie State's receivers were the tits while he was there.  The biggest and maybe the only key is getting a QB that can actually get the ball to them. 

[Pell City Tiger]

I have heard several people say that Trooper is not coaching the receivers up.  I really find that hard to believe, personally.  You can look at how well Tennesee's receivers were when he was there, and Okie State's receivers were the tits while he was there.  The biggest and maybe the only key is getting a QB that can actually get the ball to them.

A merely adequate quarterback would get us 6 wins. What we witnessed Saturday is just fucking inexcusable. Fuck, I'm a 47 year old, out of shape, cigar smoking motherfucker; but I guaran-goddamn-tee you that I could have beat 1-7 for -2 yards and 2 interceptions in the 1st half.

[Townhallsavoy]

A merely adequate quarterback would get us 6 wins. What we witnessed Saturday is just fucking inexcusable. Fuck, I'm a 47 year old, out of shape, cigar smoking motherfucker; but I guaran-goddamn-tee you that I could have beat 1-7 for -2 yards and 2 interceptions in the 1st half.

Where are Frazier's legs? 

He was pretty damn good at running the ball last year.  He's horrible this year.  Absolutely putrid.  At everything.  I bet he can't even piss in the toilet.  His bathroom must be fucking disgusting. 

[WiregrassTiger]

I don't disagree with what you are saying and I'm not on the ledge.  The problem I still have is that Frazier can't even make the basic throws.  I am talking about throws I can make. I attributed that to nerves last week, I was blinded and wrong. 

I am talking about throws like an 8 yard out and up by a TE who was wide open and had to jump, reach behind him and try a one handed grab (which he still almost caught).  I am talking about a 5-6 yard crossing route to a WR that was being trailed and Frazier threw behind him.

So we can go as basic as we want, but without the threat of the pass we aren't going to be able to get much done.  Defense I thought did improve albeit against a weaker opponent IMO, but like you said hard to keep that rhythm up when you have no offensive help &/or shortened field due to turnovers.

I really don't know what the answer is, Frazier had the time and WR's were open.  He appears to me to (besides inaccuracy issues) also have zero downfield vision.  The game is too fast for him.  Do we go to Moseley who with time may be able to make better throws? However he is hurt and couldn't even beat out Frazier.  What about Wallace do we throw him in there? Because as far as I am concerned it can't get any worse at the QB position then it did on Saturday.

I was not drunk yesterday and I have no haze today, you know I am not a naysayer or a chicken little by any stretch of the imagination.  I was fighting tooth and nail last week with a lot of folks on here.  This is a team sport, but unless our QB spot play improves (and I don't know how that is going to happen) I just don't see us winning more than 3 and those might not be gimmes.

It is amazing to me that the games have been as close, considering the QB play and tackling. Our only hope may be to go 99% run and show improved tackling. It looks obvious that the coaches do not feel that we have another option at QB. I feel like they will make a change though, whether it's CM, JW or Uzomah. When they do, the crowd will go nuts if it's a home game and that won't do much for the psyche of KF. But, this is big boy football.

[The Prowler]

I'm starting to think that Coach Loeffler wasn't the correct choice as OC. He's a great QB Coach, but when he has other duties on his plate, it's taking away from the time needed to focus on his QBs.  Also, he might want to get down from the Coach's Box and call the plays from the sidelines (that way he can have a better look at his QBs).

[Godfather]

It is amazing to me that the games have been as close, considering the QB play and tackling. Our only hope may be to go 99% run and show improved tackling. It looks obvious that the coaches do not feel that we have another option at QB. I feel like they will make a change though, whether it's CM, JW or Uzomah. When they do, the crowd will go nuts if it's a home game and that won't do much for the psyche of KF. But, this is big boy football.

I hate to tell you but that game was no where near as close as the score.  We were lucky to get 7 on the kick-off return.

[jmar]

I hate to tell you but that game was no where near as close as the score.  We were lucky to get 7 on the kick-off return.

Yes and State shot themselves in the foot repeatedly just as Clemson did. We were able to do more with Clemson simply because they have a Rooflike defense.

LaMonroe has got to be ecstatic to get to play another group of beleagured all-stars from the SEC.

And to think I half-heartedly teased myself over the lack of tutoring on this team. But I now see the error of my ways because it was the staff that actually needed tutoring. 

I don't pretend to have the answer but this program is going nowhere and I can't deal with any more excuses.

 

 



 

[dallaswareagle]

Yes and State shot themselves in the foot repeatedly just as Clemson did. We were able to do more with Clemson simply because they have a Rooflike defense.

LaMonroe has got to be ecstatic to get to play another group of beleagured all-stars from the SEC.

And to think I half-heartedly teased myself over the lack of tutoring on this team. But I now see the error of my ways because it was the staff that actually needed tutoring. 

I don't pretend to have the answer but this program is going nowhere and I can't deal with any more excuses.
 

But is that is all you will hear.

[jmar]

But is that is all you will hear.

This group of four stars has regressed and it's horrible football. It's coaching, bad coaching.

[The Six]

I disagree with the idea that Chizik may be ousted if this season goes awry. In fact, I think there's too many other pieces in play there for them to move him at this point. It'll take three losing seasons in a row. Too many power brokers.

Face it, gang. We are what we are and we have what we have.

[jmar]

I disagree with the idea that Chizik may be ousted if this season goes awry. In fact, I think there's too many other pieces in play there for them to move him at this point. It'll take three losing seasons in a row. Too many power brokers.

Face it, gang. We are what we are and we have what we have.

Tommy Tuberville, Bill Oliver and Terry Bowden might disagree.

[The Six]

Tommy Tuberville, Bill Oliver and Terry Bowden might disagree.

Tommy Tuberville - Perfect storm of circumstances. He handed the keys to the bbq boys, they wrecked it, and by the time he stepped back in, it was too late. Plus, he got punked by that midget a-hole across the state.

Bill Oliver - Straight was used and lied too.

Terry Bowden - Screwed some TigerPaw. Pissed off Bobby Lowder. Walked out the door before they threw him out.

Chizik on the other hand has done EVERYTHING "They" have told him to. He's here. The assistants? Not so sure.

[Godfather]

I disagree with the idea that Chizik may be ousted if this season goes awry. In fact, I think there's too many other pieces in play there for them to move him at this point. It'll take three losing seasons in a row. Too many power brokers.

Face it, gang. We are what we are and we have what we have.

I think he gets one more year regardless, but no way three.

[The Prowler]

I think he gets one more year regardless, but no way three.

I agree.

[Yoda]

I agree.

As do I.