capncat
Freshman Member
God's Gift To Message Boards
Posts: 28
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Post by capncat on Oct 18, 2010 8:31:51 GMT -6
Sounds like a tough one to swallow, Coyotes faithful, but you HAVE arrived on the FCS scene with brilliance and you WILL be competing for titles soon!
Go get 'em at SUU, guys!
The Cap'n
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Post by yanktonyote on Oct 18, 2010 8:51:06 GMT -6
I think part of the Coyotes problem stemmed from Tommy Flanagan being hurt on the first play of the game and he came back later in the game with a noticeable limp. USD did not run a lot of 3 wr sets that they usually run. Instead they went to 2 tight 2 wide formations. Taking tommy out of the game really limits USD short passing game. Tommy is great at catching a short pass and turning it into a first down.
I think the offense was a little more conservative, because of last years game. I think the coaches were a little leery of getting steamrolled again. They didn't want to turn the ball over like last year. I was really impressed with Donavan Bowens. He definitely earned more carries with his performance. Ganious is either a neg to 1 yd run or a 10-15 yd run. I don't think we should totally abandon Ganious but we need the other backs to have a larger role.
Calling for the DBs to be more aggressive and doing more bump and run would be like suicide. We get no pressure on the QB without blitzing the house. We only gave up 19 points and the D was on the field all day because of the O's inability to move the ball consistently.
I don't think Dante has played great at all. I think he got too many pats on the back for his Minnesota game. Calling for Wilhelm I think is a huge mistake. He looked lost in the game against nw okie. I don't know if we had a 1st down when he was in. Dante is our guy. He just needs to play better. Coaches need to get his confidence back with some easy throws. Our bread and butter play action where the rb cuts the DE and allows the QB to get outside was not effective. The DE jumped over the cut block every time. Dante had to improvise at that point and was throwing from a different spot and under duress with guys in his face.
We have to remember the they beat us by 59 points last year and we were a missed field goal and a holding call from beating these guys. We played awful on offense and still were right in the game until the end.
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Post by yotemeal on Oct 18, 2010 9:00:14 GMT -6
While a couple of lines from a box score rarely tell the whole story, I think it’s interesting to examine how USD "stacks up" to UNI’s previous opponents.
Week 1: UNI 16 (434 yards of offense), NDSU 9 (207 yards of offense). Week 2: UNI 20 (474 yards of offense), Stephen F. Austin 22 (435 yards of offense) Week 3: UNI 0 (320 yards of offense), Iowa State 27 (210 yards of offense) Week 4: UNI 24 (390 yards of offense), SDSU 14 (385 yards of offense) Week 5: UNI 38 (463 yards of offense), S. Illinois 45 (414 yards of offense) Week 6: UNI 19 (434 yards of offense), USD 14 (271 yards of offense)
If my liberal arts math is correct, UNI was averaging 416 yards of total offense heading into the weekend, and giving up about 330 yards. From a pure, albeit simplistic, statistical analysis, our defense shot close to par, while our offense left something more to be desired. On an even more elementary level, as other posters have already acknowledged, consider the number 19. Our defense only gave up 19 points to UNI, the second lowest total the Panthers have score all season against FCS opponents. At the end of the day, to state the obvious, the scoreboard is what matters, and our defense gave our offense one hell of a chance to take down UNI. We just didn’t get it done.
After the Minnesota game, I think many people had the impression that USD’s offense is its strength and its defense is a "work in progress." I know I did. In upside terms, I still do. But if I’m to assign concern regarding USD’s body of work thus far, more undoubtedly rests with the offense than defense. We’re not going to be a shutdown defense, at least not this year. Given our defensive personnel and transition to a new D-coordinator, I’m not sure how much more we can really expect. We’re now on a two-game losing streak in which the defense did what it needed to do, and the offense failed to satisfy its end of the bargain. There’s no moral victory in that. I find it rather demoralizing that the purported strength of our team isn’t performing in clutch situations.
After SDSU got off to its horrible start, much was made about the team refocusing its efforts, emphasizing the "let’s go 1-0 this week" mentality. They’ve now rattled off back-to-back wins against ranked FCS opponents. I think it might be time for the Coyotes to regain their focus. I’m still very excited about our team, but we’re due a clean, focused performance against a very tough Southern Utah team. Go Yotes!
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Post by U Fan on Oct 18, 2010 9:19:41 GMT -6
Our offense is struggling but I haven't really seen anyone mention that the penalties were way down compared to the last few games. No late hits etc. For that, I think we can look at the discipline issue hopefully being worked out. Everyone talks about the holding penalty and yes that did negate a big play but it wasn't a blatant hold, it was 1 of those that is going to be called about 50% of the time. The guard was working hard, it wasn't a lazy play. Do you think Warren has been told not to run etc.? It is like he is a different player these last couple of games and that he is afraid to do anything without getting the ok from the sidelines. Yes, we should have won this game but I still think it is better than the told butt kicking we got last year.
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Post by yoteforever on Oct 18, 2010 10:01:22 GMT -6
One of the great things about the size of our fanboard and the number of active participants, is that we have posters on here that are well educated about the game, and educated period.
There have been some that have said that we should have won that game Saturday. Not to argue, but based on what? I think what Saturday did was prove that USD has narrowed the gap, and narrowed it to the point that had UNI stubbed its toe we would have had a chance to win that game. They didn't stub their toe, and we didn't win.
Overall I think Wes has done a reasonably good job of calling plays, but I will agree with our (admin...CF #1) that Saturdays performance wasn't stellar. We have gotten slightly conservative and fairly predictable. But you also have to realize that EVERYONE of our oppnents and their dogs watched that Minnesota game and figured out how to contain Dante with their defensive ends. That's a fact. NDSU, Cal-Davis, and now UNI have defended us the same way. You will not see outside pressure from our opponents defensive ends because they are in 100% contain mode. Whatver pressure there is going to be is coming from the middle, with stunts, slides, and blitzes.
The reference to the holding call on our guard was a complete BS call. Think about the play. Our QB took 1-2 steps back, then delivered an intention underthrown ball. That hold would to have taken plaece immediately after the snap. The umpires job is to scan, and for him to see a hold, he would have had to be focused completely on the player he called it on. Bad call.
I for one am proud of our defense. They are better, and they are getting better. They really played hard. The old "BEND BUT DON'T BREAK" adage is true now with this group. I have had earlier postings that eluded to the fact they have to gel and become one in mindset before they will be a factor. I think you are seeing that unfold right before your eyes. They are only going to get better. If somehow we could jack up our D-line and make them so unbelievably hungry, we wouldthen be ready to start dominating. But right now, our weakest link is that D-line.
It appears that the more physical running backs are having the most success, but Ganious did have a big game at Cal-Davis. I would work all three in the game, and then ride the horse that was running best that particular day. Replacing Dante? No way in hell. Listen, Noah never has stretches of games like this against opponents that are good each and every week. Last year at Montana State, Noah had some serious problems hitting recievers. The game is different at this level, no question about it.
As far as Ed making adjustments at half? We're up 7-6, playing fairly well, what the hell kind of adjustments do you make? Corners attempting to bump and run? With the pressure we put on, we are inviting the opponents to throw the bomb every damned down. We can't force a QB fast enough..............YET. But if that D-line wakes up and comes into its own being, then the game changes.
We are in our 3rd year of D-1. We are still playing kids recruited for D-2. Call me synical, call me a Kool-Aid drinker, but I honestly thing we are pretty damned good team. I like our chances, and I think ED is the one to take them there. Will we still blow it from time to time? Yep, pretty sure of that. Will we beat some teams we shouldn't? Yep, pretty sure of that.
Tell me that Saturdays in Vermillion aren't a blast. Tailgating is so much fun. The food is good, the atmosphere is growing, and people are excited. We just have to spread the word.
I love the Coyotes
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usdlaw
Senior Member
Posts: 930
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Post by usdlaw on Oct 18, 2010 10:47:05 GMT -6
Amen to that last post. Well stated.
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Post by yotemeal on Oct 18, 2010 11:54:14 GMT -6
In light of yoteforever's subsquent post, I should probably supplment my thought. I, too, am proud of our team, its accomplishments at this point in transition, and the evolution of Coyote Gamedays. I would also agree that USD, from an odds makers standpoint, was surely a dog to NDSU, UNI and, to a lesser degree, Cal-Davis. We weren't "supposed" to win any of those contests. No doubt. My criticisms of the offense stem more from the fact that in all of those contests, we weren't just showing a few flashes or demonstrating the potential to hang around; we were in striking distance (yes, the NDSU game did get away from us). And it's not like we had to walk on water or play a perfect game to find ourselves in those positions. We had chances and didn't get it done, which indicates to me we're in a great position relative to our transitional status, but we're also ripe for constructive criticism when we underperform.
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usdlaw
Senior Member
Posts: 930
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Post by usdlaw on Oct 18, 2010 12:14:42 GMT -6
who is attending coach's corner tonight?
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capncat
Freshman Member
God's Gift To Message Boards
Posts: 28
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Post by capncat on Oct 18, 2010 12:22:03 GMT -6
Amen to that last post. Well stated.
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Post by usdfbalum on Oct 18, 2010 13:29:38 GMT -6
who is attending coach's corner tonight? I will be there.
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Post by Yote 53 on Oct 18, 2010 13:36:06 GMT -6
If we could have put together anything close to the dynamic offense we have seen USD play at timesthis year I believe we beat UNI on Saturday. That is where I am coming from. I agree with almost everything you say, Yote4ever, however, we had the opportunity to win this game. That is what is both frustrating and disappointing.
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Post by yoteforever on Oct 18, 2010 13:51:39 GMT -6
If we could have put together anything close to the dynamic offense we have seen USD play at timesthis year I believe we beat UNI on Saturday. That is where I am coming from. I agree with almost everything you say, Yote4ever, however, we had the opportunity to win this game. That is what is both frustrating and disappointing. I hear ya, I really do. I am just trying to keep things in perspective. Our offense has been non-existent for the most part the last 4 games. The lone exception was UND. I am going to Calloways tonight
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Post by #1CoyoteFan (Admin) on Oct 18, 2010 15:00:39 GMT -6
Yote4ever, the adjustments I was talking about at half were mostly on the offensive side of the ball basically. Mostly with play-calling on what was working and what was not.
Also, even though Flanigan was hurt, USD still has Blount for the 3-WR set and he can be set deep and Powell can run some underneath routes too.
Everyone is saying how much closer this game was compared to last year, but the fact of the matter is that game was played between two teams that are completely different this year. UNI and USD has a lot of different guys in there, so I can't compare it to last year at all.
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Post by Coyote Fan on Oct 18, 2010 15:40:01 GMT -6
I am going to write very candidly with this upcoming post and some will not like it but that is the nature of free speech. I am going to repond to some other comments and make some of my own.
First in response to Yoteforever,
I agree that there are some educated posters on this board. In comparison to some boards it's definately true. The way I look at it, It's ok to be critical if a solution is offered as an alternative. I hear alot of solution posts which is a good thing. People tend to back up their arguments with solid opinions.
As far as the 3rd year D1, still playing D2 kids as an excuse. I am not buying. USD is kind of young this year which means there are alot of D1 recruits on the field. UND beat UNI at the UNI dome when they were D2. Even Minnesota State Mankato as a mediocre D2 squad gave UNI all they could handle a few years ago and that would be against a better UNI team than they have this year. This years UNI team is down a bit. For all intents and purposes USD fans should expect to beat UNI at home. At Cedar Falls, no. At Vermillion a fighting chance. Don't tell me that after a win at Minnesota that USD should not expect to win against UNI at home. Like it or not winning at Minnesota raised expectations and if not it sure as heck should have raised them. I am going to say more about Ed at the end of the post. If you think Ed is the coach to be the man for the next several years or more it kind of depends on your expectations. If you want USD to be a .500 type team without a good chance at being great Ed is the man for sure. If you at some point want USD to take their program to a higher level and be more competitive consistantly I personally think the program as it is now may have peaked. I think it actually peaked in 2006.
USD is much better off right now as a D1 athletic department then they were 10 years ago or 5 years ago. Make that as short as even 2 years ago.
OK I guess the end of the post is coming sooner than I thought. I have an open minded approach and never want to say with 100% certainty that one decision is iron clad vs another decision. I am not calling for any heads right now but I am going to brainstorm out loud for a bit. Onto Ed in more detail. I am going to compare Ed to Dave Boots. Dave is the old timer and one would think that he is set in his ways. He is kind of low key, monotone, consistant, whatever you want to use to descibe him. I thought back in 2007-2008 that Dave had slightly lost his passion for coaching. The team had such high expectations that year and they were even pre season #1 in one poll. Well the second half of that season was a complete dumster fire. I think Dave Boots has stepped up his game and improved as a head coach. He seems to understand that he needs to be a better coach and what worked in D2 will not necessarily work in D1. His recruiting philosophy has changed (or at least the type of player the program seems to be targeting). Boot may still have some old habits (some good, some bad) but overall he seems to have evolved and I feel is a better coach today than 3 years ago.
Ed IMO has not changed or gotten better as a head coach. You'd expect he would continue to get better much how a freshman would eventually become a senior. With coaching every 5 years might be worth one year as an athlete but I don't see an evolution with Ed. USD as a program has been in a holding pattern for 4 years counting this season. The 2007 football season kind of went along ways to convincing me that this USD program may never be a really good program. USD cannot seem to keep good things going. They can't seem to sustain the good part of the team while improving another aspect. It's like with every step forward there is a step back. Perfect example. The defense over the past 3 weeks has made a step forward, I think everyone would agree with that. But go figure that the offense has taken the step back to keep USD right where they are at.
Under Ed USD is almost never bad for a long time and almost never good for a long time. It's like a dance with the Yotes. One step up, one step back, on to the side, one step up, one step back, one to the side. Repeat process. USD cannot sustain positive momentum. After winning in Minnesota USD should have been able to play a bit better than they have. I am not saying this season is a disaster but I am not seeing that year 3 surge that many programs go through during transition. Once against it's all about expectations. If you are a USD fan that wants average and just want to be on the low end of respectability I imagine you are thrilled with USD football right now.
For USD to improve as a program Ed is going to have to commit to improving as a head coach. I just don't see that happening very much and certainly haven't seen it much since 2006. After last years finish and the win at Minnesota the momentum was as high could be imaginable if the viewpoint was from the middle of the 2009 season. Once again USD football has taken another step backwards.
So what does this all mean. At this point I have more confidence in USD as an institution that cares about athletics than I did 5-10 years ago. Do I think Ed is the right guy to lead the program forward for the next 5-10 years? That is a really tough question. I just see too much self destrution within the program on the field. I would say I am about 60% in the boat of thinking USD could do better, 25% in the boat of thinking that a change would not make things worse or better and 15% in the boat of thinking things will get worse.
I have much more confidence that USD as an institution is much more competant to make good hires for new coaches. The committee idea seems to be working out nicely. Ever since the decision to go D1 came down it seems like USD is acting much more like they have figured out how to make the right call. I think they made the right call with Sayler and if it came down at this time I have more confidence in the USD administrations ability to hire a coach that could come in and improve the program more than I have confidence that Ed will take USD to a higher level. It's a tough call but I think the odds as USD as a 3rd year transitional school to attrack a good head coach are pretty good. The USD situation is not a bad one at all for a coach to want to come in being only 2 years away from playoff eligibility.
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theu
Freshman Member
Posts: 1
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Post by theu on Oct 18, 2010 17:53:34 GMT -6
I had to create this account just to say i 100% agree Coyote Fan!!! Very well said.
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