I still believe in Diaco

[FfldCntyFan]

I'm pretty much where BL is on this. He will get this season and next pretty much regardless of results (I don't see him as the type who who commit the kind of extracurricular faux pas that would get him canned).

As for belief in coaches, I wish he believed in his (offensive) assistants more. The time management and getting plays off (in my view) is mostly a result of HCBD's indecision as to whether or not to overrule a play call followed by a late decision on what play to send in. Set a game plan, based on the framework of the offensive philosophy you want to run and let the offensive coordinator administer that game plan.

 

[Nostical]

The only "unexpected" we've displayed is the occasional fake field goal. We lose the opportunity to introduce an element of surprise at the very times we need it most. Backed up to our goal we wait till third down to pass. That has to come on first down. Trying to score from in close, our tendency on film is a Johnson run. So on first it makes sense to use play action off of that and try a quick throw to a tight end. It's a lot easier to stop a roll out by BS on fourth down than it would have been on second.
Doing the unexpected is what wins when the O line and our history of trying to power into the end zone has proven fruitless. I'd rather see Arkeel try to dart in or get a quick shovel pass after a fake hand-off than give it to RJ straight ahead time after time. You all know the definition of insanity.

 

[Waquoit]

This thread hasn't discussed the poor play by the QB. He had open receivers and time to throw often last game and still he insisted on running. He is not an effective runner. Not fast and not elusive. And when he does throw he's all over the yard, missing throws and not seeing the open receivers.. He's regressed from last year. I really thought he would be better. And as much as I admire young love did he have to get engaged in mid-season? Like my GF said, "What is he thinking?"

 

[JSM1970]

Not what what effect the engagement has had on his play. Do agree with your points, he's not a good runner and not an accurate passer. He plays hard and everyone respects that. Hopefully the Williams kid is ready to go next year and we can move on from the BS era.

This thread hasn't discussed the poor play by the QB. He had open receivers and time to throw often last game and still he insisted on running. He is not an effective runner. Not fast and not elusive. And when he does throw he's all over the yard, missing throws and not seeing the open receivers.. He's regressed from last year. I really thought he would be better. And as much as I admire young love did he have to get engaged in mid-season? Like my GF said, "What is he thinking?"

 

[HuskyHawk]

Offensively, I believe that BS and the offensive line limits what they can do. BS has 20 carries because he is under pressure or happy feet or both? Does he go through his progressions, does he have time? I saw a lot of spread sets using 4 wide sets. Can BS throw the deep ball? Does he have time to throw the deep ball? He missed Thomas on a deep ball earlier in the game. I haven't really seen him connect on one in a while. Overall, it comes down to two offensive series, backed up against our own goal line, they go into turtle mode and end up in an obvious passing situation where BS throws a pick. If Diaco runs there, we kill him, he throws...pick. The series of plays at the goal line, he goes conservative and I heard later that the last play was a run/pass option where BS doesn't even look to pass. I like BS, again he is under constant pressure.

I don't have answers to these questions. Just thoughts. I'm not defending Diaco, I'm frustrated too.

I think a lot of us are in a similar place. I like that his teams compete hard, play hard and he has improved the culture. They adjust and come back and don't quit. Positive stuff there.

I also think Verducci is calling a much more aggressive offensive game than we realize, but is limited by the fact that his team can't execute it. It's essentially a version of the Patriots' offense, slants, WR screens and quick passing routes mixed with runs. That seems to work pretty well for them. But our OL can't seem to run block, our QB is too eager to run and doesn't look to throw down field. He doesn't see guys who are wide open more than 10-15 yards downfield.

I think the disappointment is made worse by the fact that this team really should be 4-0. They outplayed Navy and blew the game late. The pick 6 killed them Saturday, along with early mistakes in pass coverage, which they did later fix. They are so close it is maddening that they just can't turn the corner, score some early points and win without all the drama.

 

[freescooter]

Clock management isn't fixable after 3 years. It just keeps happpening. The D is good after the half. The O is acceptable..... after the half. Then, just when we have it won, the clock issues and poor play calling come to the surface. It just never ends. Great coaches snatch victory from defeat. He snatches defeat from the hand of victory. He's a good guy but I need to at least see a staff shake up to renew my naive hopes.

I guess I don't totally buy the "he inherited a mess" scenario. It wasn't good but it wasn't as bad as it is painted by Diaco apoligistas. The 3-0 finish was indicative that there was more there than Diaco et al were prepared to admit. What they had was fixable. Instead he came in and trashed everything but as we are seeing building it back up isn't as easy as tearing it down. And we have been seeing the same problems for 3 years. Clock management isn't getting better. Conservative play calling isn't getting better. The Oline isn't getting better. We just went 2-2 against Maine Navy Virginia and Syracuse. We've failed to score in the first quarter of any of those murders row games. We don't ever try to return punts.

To me the first sign was his fraternity brothers approach to assistants. Then his comments about not game planing for opponents. Last year we had some hope and some luck which covered up a lot of the same problems reoccurring. This year is a step back.

 

[Waquoit]

I guess I don't totally buy the "he inherited a mess" scenario. It wasn't good but it wasn't as bad as it is painted by Diaco apoligistas.

Let's keep it real. It was a mess and the QB that was vital to those wins never played again.

 

[coachcap]

The measure of growth is recognizing your mistakes & making a concerted effort not to repeat them. Diaco & Co. have thus far shown no such recognition & compounded their errors. Consistently playing from an early large deficit is mind numbing. Leaving your defensive back out on an island when he's getting torched by the opposition is asinine. Inability of the big uglies on the line to run block & open holes, especially in crunch time is sickening. I could go on, but I'm preaching to the crowd.

 

[uconnric]

Offensively, I believe that BS and the offensive line limits what they can do. BS has 20 carries because he is under pressure or happy feet or both? Does he go through his progressions, does he have time? I saw a lot of spread sets using 4 wide sets. Can BS throw the deep ball? Does he have time to throw the deep ball? He missed Thomas on a deep ball earlier in the game. I haven't really seen him connect on one in a while. Overall, it comes down to two offensive series, backed up against our own goal line, they go into turtle mode and end up in an obvious passing situation where BS throws a pick. If Diaco runs there, we kill him, he throws...pick. The series of plays at the goal line, he goes conservative and I heard later that the last play was a run/pass option where BS doesn't even look to pass. I like BS, again he is under constant pressure.

I don't have answers to these questions. Just thoughts. I'm not defending Diaco, I'm frustrated too.

Plenty of frustration to go around, for sure. Loosing to the fruit was a bitter pill, as was the Navy game. For some reason our defense (and offense) doesn't seem ready to play in the first quarter. I love BS' competitiveness, but he does tuck it under and run too quickly, and defenses are on to him Doesn't seem to be able to pick up secondary receivers either. Not ready to give up on these guys, Houston on national tv (they'll be looking to run it up on us) is not what the doctor ordered. We can't afford to come out flat in this one.

 

[ktuck911]

, Houston on national tv (they'll be looking to run it up on us) is not what the doctor ordered. We can't afford to come out flat in this one.

All that crap folks talk on twitter about how we beat Houston last year might bite us in the @ss this time.. I pray it's not an embarrassment. We can't give the naysayers (the Mark Mays, Robert Smiths of the world, that bald on the op hair on the sides with glasses guy that is a SEC guy on ESPN, etc...) more ammo against our program.... Again, like last year, but for different reasons, this game vs. Houston is the biggest game of our season. We just need to show well. Not even win, just show well. The "play not to lose" model that I see can't rear it's ugly had Thursday night... We better be in "play to win" mode....

 

[junglehusky]

All that crap folks talk on twitter about how we beat Houston last year might bite us in the @ss this time.. I pray it's not an embarrassment. We can't give the naysayers (the Mark Mays, Robert Smiths of the world, that bald on the op hair on the sides with glasses guy that is a SEC guy on ESPN, etc...) more ammo against our program.... Again, like last year, but for different reasons, this game vs. Houston is the biggest game of our season. We just need to show well. Not even win, just show well. The "play not to lose" model that I see can't rear it's ugly had Thursday night... We better be in "play to win" mode....

I hope the coaches don't make the game plan based on what they think Mark May will say about it.

 

[ktuck911]

Red Pants

ROTFLMAO... lol

I said it before, I'll say it again, not a big fan of the red emphasis he puts on our unis... he can wear his red pants all day though...rep your state bro.

 

[CTMike]

The only "unexpected" we've displayed is the occasional fake field goal. We lose the opportunity to introduce an element of surprise at the very times we need it most. Backed up to our goal we wait till third down to pass. That has to come on first down. Trying to score from in close, our tendency on film is a Johnson run. So on first it makes sense to use play action off of that and try a quick throw to a tight end. It's a lot easier to stop a roll out by BS on fourth down than it would have been on second.
Doing the unexpected is what wins when the O line and our history of trying to power into the end zone has proven fruitless. I'd rather see Arkeel try to dart in or get a quick shovel pass after a fake hand-off than give it to RJ straight ahead time after time. You all know the definition of insanity.

Kind of amazing that as risk averse as he is, he chooses to mix in a fake FG here and there instead of ever passing the ball in the red zone.

 

[Excalibur]

I don't.

 

[Calhoun's Court]

One glaring thing is that the team has come out flat for all 4 games this year. That is on HCBD.
Don't start playing until we are down(and sometimes down big).

That doesn't play well. How can he not have the team fired up and ready to play(especially at home) ?

 

[ktuck911]

I hope the coaches don't make the game plan based on what they think Mark May will say about it.

The unfortunate thing about the media is when you're down, or a work in progress, and somebody that can be a spokesperson from the media makes statements, like CFB analysts make, and a lot of folks (most folks) run with it. No different than politics....The world sees ESPN, in our backyard in Bristol, CT, showing zero love for/to us. Unfortunately, that speaks volumes, against our success.
I just hope, for some reason, we kinda held back a little the first 4 weeks of the season and come out on National TV and "Shock the World" one more time.

 

[MilliniumPrince]

ROTFLMAO... lol

I said it before, I'll say it again, not a big fan of the red emphasis he puts on our unis... he can wear his red pants all day though...rep your state bro.

Man, the only thing he is reppin' with those pants is his membership in the MMA: The Metrosexual Men's Alliance.

But, i agree, it is his right to wear them.

 

[noeynox]

I guess I don't totally buy the "he inherited a mess" scenario. It wasn't good but it wasn't as bad as it is painted by Diaco apoligistas. The 3-0 finish was indicative that there was more there than Diaco et al were prepared to admit. What they had was fixable. Instead he came in and trashed everything but as we are seeing building it back up isn't as easy as tearing it down. And we have been seeing the same problems for 3 years. Clock management isn't getting better. Conservative play calling isn't getting better. The Oline isn't getting better. We just went 2-2 against Maine Navy Virginia and Syracuse. We've failed to score in the first quarter of any of those murders row games. We don't ever try to return punts.

To me the first sign was his fraternity brothers approach to assistants. Then his comments about not game planing for opponents. Last year we had some hope and some luck which covered up a lot of the same problems reoccurring. This year is a step back.

I don't think Diaco has any apologistas, if he does he is down to the last few.

I do agree with a lot your post, but I think we're real close. Even if I hate his conservative approach, we've been near the goal line with a chance to tie or take the lead as time winds down in the two losses.

He needs to readjust his offensive philosophy. No 2 ways about it, question is, is he flexible enough to do it, or will dig in deeper as he gets questioned about it. If it's the latter, he will get himself fired.

The last two games we've had all 3 timeouts left, it's an improvement in getting plays in on time. Seems silly to give him credit for something so trivial, but it i think it is evidence the clock issues have some hope of getting better.

 

[noeynox]

Let's keep it real. It was a mess and the QB that was vital to those wins never played again.

A good QB can mask a lot of stink in college ball that's for sure.

 

[noeynox]

Kind of amazing that as risk averse as he is, he chooses to mix in a fake FG here and there instead of ever passing the ball in the red zone.

One of the more perplexing things I've ever seen from a coach.

 

[amory]

I would've felt a lot better had we pulled out the win vs. Navy than I do now. 3-1 vs. 2-2 makes a lot of difference, especially going into the toughest part of our schedule. This is starting to feel like a 5-7 year...allllllmost getting to a bowl game, but just falling a little short.

I was listening to the game on Saturday on the radio, we had a wedding to attend so I couldn't be there in person this week. They're on the 2 yard line and it's...what...first down? second down? My girlfriend is happy, saying this is great they're going to tie it up. I just gripped the steering wheel tighter and said we'll see.

Suddenly it's 4th down and she's yelling at the radio and I'm just resigned. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that we weren't getting into the endzone. Seen this situation too many times before. When UConn can either delight or disappoint, they disappoint.

And that's Bob Diaco's calling card to this point in his UConn tenure. Disappointment. Is he the worst coach in the world? No. He's just good enough to have us scratching and clawing our way into these huge situations, season saving situations, but he's not good enough to finish the job in those spots.

 

[hardcorehusky]

What will get Diaco fired is not wins and losses - it will be 28k in attendance.

His first year here he told us not to look at the scoreboard but at the building of culture. As a paying fan, I don't like knowing that the coach is not concerned about winning. So, I go to the Rent because I love UCONN.

Year 2 - building something. I remember when Randy's 2002 team started 2-6 and then figured it out and finished 6-6 and beat Iowa St in Ames ( I miss Terry Caulley). Curious playcalling, inept OL but I am psyched because we are winning.

Year 3 - 2 years of building, this should be the year it clicks. Instead, the same issues as the first 2 years pop up. Even worse, the Rent, our one time fortress, can't sell out against Syracuse. That is bad - the fans have become frustrated and the brand of football is not fun to watch. We can all pick on playcalling at any time, but when it becomes a loud chorus and there is little improvement in the OL(how many TFL have we given up), something has got to give. Diaco reminds me of Charley Molnar- he was the asst coach at Notre Dame who came into UMASS challenging us. After 1 win in a few seasons, he was let go. Diaco is not as bad- but the same stupid psychobabble makes people wonder when you don't win.

 

[kemba]

And the culture is tenuous. A rah-rah coach can only create a positive culture for so long without also providing sound coaching decisions that put his players in a position to win, and even win games for his team. Has BD ever won a game for us? How many has he lost for us? A coach screwing his team over in crunch time will very quickly create a poor culture. I'm sure there's already some level of division in the locker room at this point.

How do you define a "coach winning a game?" Players play, gameplans don't win games.

But if its defined by beating teams more talented than you, than clearly at least the Houston game last year and UCF his first year

 

[Sky ball]

ESPN quote on Miles firing, sounds something like our HCBD:

"Miles loves physical, shove-it-down-your-throat offense. He loves fullbacks and tight ends and running the football. There was a time during his career when that style was good enough to remain nationally relevant, particularly with the way the Tigers recruited under Miles.

But as the college game started to change, Miles dug his heels deeper in the Louisiana soil, and while everybody else was spreading it out, running tempo, finding ways to be creative and scoring points, Miles was still trying to do it his way. The hard way.

It cost him his job."

Email this to HCBD

 

[Jimdish255]

How do you define a "coach winning a game?" Players play, gameplans don't win games.

But if its defined by beating teams more talented than you, than clearly at least the Houston game last year and UCF his first year

Couldn't disagree more. Winning coaches succeed and create winning teams despite the obstacles they face. And it's not based on one or 2 games it's a consistent winning philosophy backed by results on the field. When we start winning consistently instead of scripting a predictable template in the first quarter, imploding in the red zone and pulling our offense out of the FBS basement I'll be happy to admit the players can be the difference-makers from that point forward. We're nowhere's near that point and many coaching changes prove it can be done before the great recruiting classes miraculously jump on the bandwagon. We have a problem with our offense that's going to impact our ability to recruit the guys we need and it's not lack of size or strength or a serviceable QB. It's a gameplan that values safety over scoring. Until that changes you can forget the dream of top level Jimmies and Joes being excited enough to join the party.

 

[formerlurker]

He's got to win games to get me back. I'm tired of defending him at this point. I support him but lost the faith.

 

[BlueDogs]

After all the disclosure that's taken place regarding play calling and the ability of our QB to run them, do you still think this is all on Verducci? He's trying to call a more aggressive offense in a lot of ways (particularly run / pass mix) from what I can tell but we just aren't able to execute it.

I've read the interviews with Verducci and he is far from a GDL. In fact, it's almost the opposite - GDL insisted on calling stuff that didn't fit the personnel and we're blaming Verducci for almost the exact opposite.

There are words. Then reality. The reality is whatever schemes they have put together have led to poor results. So, either the kids are incapable of executing because the scheme is bad or they can't play football. I refuse to believe the later. This is the same logic PP subtlely floated out - lack of talent. Well, the last time I checked evaluating talent was part of the job. This is Groundhog Day all over again. Very depressing to see us on another trajectory to nowhere. I keep the illogical hope that something will flip the switch, but I honestly can't see it. Beat Houston High.

 

[huskymedic]

There are words. Then reality. The reality is whatever schemes they have put together have led to poor results. So, either the kids are incapable of executing because the scheme is bad or they can't play football. I refuse to believe the later.

Players can still be quite talented/skilled but also be inconsistent in execution play to play/series to series.

 

[kemba]

We have a problem with our offense that's going to impact our ability to recruit the guys we need and it's not lack of size or strength or a serviceable QB. It's a gameplan that values safety over scoring. Until that changes you can forget the dream of top level Jimmies and Joes being excited enough to join the party.

See I just don't get how you watch the games and come to that conclusion. We have an awful line, and an average QB. Who are these coaches who have strong offenses with that combination?

 

[uconnbill]

I have faith in him but it is a strained relationship right now and my hope is he can change things on the fly. We will see over the next couple of weeks.