Post Game Thoughts

[Caw Caw]

Man, these two losses this year have been real heart breakers. The team comes out on fire, offense just airing it out and we throw quick releases to protect Fine from our suspect offensive line. Whatever is happening in the adjustment segment of our halftime show just needs to stop. Since we've lost Loren, we haven't been able to run. Even with Torrey's 3 TD he had to break two or three tackles each time to get in. If the pass game is working, abandon the run. Seriously. 

The officiating was horrendous, but honestly it went both ways. I don't mind losing to superior teams, but I hate losing the way we've been losing. Fumbled balls in big moments, trying to do too much. Defense did enough, Offense almost did enough IN ONE half. Then, imagine when we went back to the pass, way too late in the game, we go flying down the field but can't beat the clock.

NOW, I will say, i'm incredibly happy, and have a long enough memory to realize i'm grateful to have these kind of expectations and be this disappointed. We've come a really long way in three years. The team and staffs expectations were as high as ours with the way we handle business in the non-conference segment of our schedule. That's good, we should keep that and be disappointed. No one has convincingly beat North Texas this year, that's the plus side. 

16 of UAB's starters are seniors. Most of them redshirt seniors and UAB got an incredible amount of waivers in order to revive their program (before someone bites my head off, it was well deserved, their program being shutdown was a railroad job). They should be good, most of their team is playing their 5th year of college ball. This season is still one for the books, it's still a really good North Texas team. Last year we had 6 one score or less games and won them all. That type of luck can't hold forever. We need to put a complete 4 quarter game together. That's on the staff. Got to find a way to not get out coached in the second half. The staff has to evaluate what is being done. If we have to throw the slant to Darden 30 times because it's working, do it. I know we have options and range in the playbook but man certain aspects of our game CLEARLY work. Others are not. No need to overthink it.

Honestly, Coach Ref's crew is still playing out of their mind. Our o-line, is one of the bigger limits on this team right now. As much as Litrell tells us how excited he is about the RB group, we really need that emphasis in this recruiting cycle. Replacing EJ, BG, Brooks, and Hall is going to be tough too. I'm still excited for this season and i'm still grateful. Let's not forget the gutters from which we have come. I'm disappointed for this team more than I am with this team. We have lost two games on basically two plays 9 (both within the 5 yard line) and are those two plays away from being undefeated. When you're not a dynasty or a powerhouse, that's how football goes. G5 conferences are the wild west and the last great bastion of the ideal of any given "sunday". Recruiting is improving, donors are improving, attendance (on non-rain games) is improving, Defense is light years better than we ever expected it to be this year if we're being honest. We still have some of the best receivers and one of the best QB's in the country. Our defense is awesome, and fun and creates havoc. We just have to put it all together and we still have a shot at a 10+ win season.

I'll see you guys out at the games. Always proud to be Mean Green. GMG

Edited October 21, 2018 by Caw Caw

[NorthTexan95]

Great post.  A 10 win season is still attainable.  We're really still rebuilding the offensive line and it really shows at times.  I disagree that UAB deserved the benefits NCAA gave them.  I suspect their APR will be horrible in a few years unless the NCAA gave them a waiver for that as well.

I think recovering that fumble at the one turned out to be the worst play for us.  If UAB had just scored there then we don't give up a safety and leave our defense out to dry and get worn out. 

[keith]

The real problem is I'll see the score about 50 times on every sports ticker on the planet.   I hardly ever see it when we win (or is it just me?).

[Caw Caw]

Just now, keith said:

The real problem is I'll see the score about 50 times on every sports ticker on the planet.   I hardly ever see it when we win (or is it just me?).

Just the way it goes psychologically. This program has gotten more positive press this year than in the last quarter century maybe.  Don't sweat it.

 

2 minutes ago, NorthTexan95 said:

Great post.  A 10 win season is still attainable.  We're really still rebuilding the offensive line and it really shows at times.  I disagree that UAB deserved the benefits NCAA gave them.  I suspect their APR will be horrible in a few years unless the NCAA gave them a waiver for that as well.

I think recovering that fumble at the one turned out to be the worst play for us.  If UAB had just scored there then we don't give up a safety and leave our defense out to dry and get worn out. 

I understand where you're coming from. But the University of Alabama system f'd them so hard. They wouldn't even be competitive at this level without it. I think a lot of UABers know and recognize that. They really got kicked to the trash can, dug back out and given a lot of help to bring themselves back up to speed. Bill Clark will have to work very hard to sustain that edge, just as we will.

[risinggreen]

Painful loss. Painful sports week period, since the primary teams that I live and die for are the MG (FB & BB), and the Houston Astros. Oh well, think I'll grab the girlfriend and a bottle of wine, and hope for 11-2 along with a special BB season. These things pass.

[EagleMBA]

With the way I feel right now, I hope I can make it to the bathroom.... 😞