Not sure what this title should be but I think: Back Off

[Alum86]

If a rookie coach was simply out schemed or if he just doesn't have the horses to go out and win, it's one thing.

To pull a stunt like that fake fg, kicking the fg down 28-7 and actually using/ defending the 2 QB even after the game just shows such a startling lack of competency he should be lucky he's given a game 2.

After the P era, I'm just fed up with this garbage.

..it sorta seemed like a P coached game Friday. I expected McCummings to come running into the QB shotgun at some point.
D did treat it like an exhibition. Boise did not look Boise-ish against Ole Miss, but they were way better than us.

 

[huskysupporter]

We are not paying him for moral victories. Who cares if we played every kid on the team. We got it handed to us by an un-ranked team with 6 of their starters out. If you ignored the side line and put this guy in it all looked the same.

View attachment 6731

I think people need to simply do this: Imagine it was Coach P who coached that game last night. And the results were the exact same, with the same moves. How would this board react? There is no defense for the performance by the team on Friday. Coach Diaco had a poor game.

I don't think anyone is saying fire Diaco. I like the energy, promotion, focus, and organization he brought to UCONN when he was hired. This was his first game day as head coach, and it was a poor one. But people learn from their mistakes. The hope is that he analyzes what went wrong, and never makes those mistakes again. In am rooting for him. Big time. But I will be objective in my analysis.

I said in other posts, a couple of things, beside the penalties, ticked me off. The fact that he appeared to have pleasant conversations with the refs when they called some terrible penalties. The fact he let Delorenzo back in after he fumbled. The fact he didn't take Obi out for at least a couple of plays after another boneheaded penalty and the fact he said he wanted to get Puyol experience from the hash?????

 

[Dogged]

Really? First game of a new era and the coach made some really, strange calls. The QB changes should not be questioned? The ultra positive post game spin after a 25 point loss should be embraced? No negativity? Or is the negativity you perceive a harsh case of reality? The coach looked and acted like a first timer last night.

New flash. BYU is a good team. They would win the AAC but they are borderline top 25. Uconn should win next week. But nothing from last night tells me it is a lock. Boise,, I am not calling a loss but if they play and the coaches coach like last night, I would not put that in the lock win column. Growing pains is probably correct but as much as I want to see the team grow, the head coaching needs to grow even more.

How many years of coaching experience do you have? Have you ever built a program from scratch?

 

[whaler11]

The three decisions I wrote above are indefensible and more than some rookie mistake.

We'll see what he does against Stony Brook and hopefully he'll switch it up, but the terrifying thing is in the post game he actually believes it works.

That is the scary part. He liked what he saw.

 

[noeynox]

There has to be a middle ground. Everyone here, even those being called negative, knew expectations should be tempered. The coaching decisions in some areas were pgdl like. Especially the decision to take out the qb who just marched you down to the 17 yd line. I still think Diaco cccould win big here, but his first game was a bit of did decision wise.

 

[TRest]

How many years of coaching experience do you have? Have you ever built a program from scratch?

Well, Diaco has never built a program "from scratch" until now. One argument I don't understand is that coach X has Y many years as a position coach and coordinator, but the minute he becomes a head coach it's a learning experience. Running a program is a learning experience. Personnel changes, clock management, and coaching philosophy should all be a given at this stage of his career.

 

[BNich]

I agree with the OP. I have posted similar sentiments in other reads. Chill out people.

 

[uconnric]

We sucked last night.

Anybody that defends anything about last night just simply doesn't get it.

Diaco embarrassed himself and since it's game 1, I won't right him off forever but he was awful last night... Maybe even more so than the team which is saying a lot.

You really need to chill. The only people embarrassing themselves are certain folks on this board.

 

[Jarhead_1775]

The three decisions I wrote above are indefensible and more than some rookie mistake. We'll see what he does against Stony Brook and hopefully he'll switch it up, but the terrifying thing is in the post game he actually believes it works.

Come off the ledge, sir! You have so much to live for!

 

[ConnHuskBask]

You really need to chill. The only people embarrassing themselves are certain folks on this board.

But 50 people saw the field! Rejoice!

I don't get paid $2M/year to make football decisions, in fact I pay about $150/year to watch people do just that.

The things that were done two night, the things that were said after the game wouldn't be accepted at a high school in Texas - why are we supposed to tolerate it.

 

[junglehusky]

I stand by my snarky comment.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

In case some people here may have forgotten what things were like in the mid 1980's:

In his second game as head coach at UConn, Jim Calhoun lost to Yale. About a month later he lost to Hartford. Each occurred before losing our two best players (Robinson & Gamble) as academic casualties.

During his first season as head women's coach Geno won all of four Big East games and finished seventh in a nine school conference.

I'm confident that there were more than a few moments during those seasons where a fan could find something to complain about with the two new coaches and I do vividly remember (during the middle of the 1988-1989 season) hearing a few UConn fans griping that we made a mistake not hiring Tom Penders (who did everything but beg for the job for about four or five years prior to JC getting hired) as he was able to take URI to the sweet sixteen while we couldn't sniff the NCAA's.

 

[BlueDogs]

The team is MUCH better than it was last year at the same point. There were plenty of improvements, but we all have PTSD so things look way worse than they are.

That said, there were some very unsettling things done by our new young head coach.

• The QB swapping was an utter disaster, and removing CC at the end of an early 3Q key drive in the red zone was a MONUMENTAL error that killed any chance we had of gaining momentum and allowing us to compete for the game. It was the height of insanity.
• Next, the whole key to the BYU offense was the QB. It seems incredible that they did not have a Defensive scheme designed for containment of a highly mobile dual threat QB.
• There was no spy on their QB. There was no inside blitz pressure. The backs were not playing up and jamming, thus not giving the d-line more time to penetrate and disrupt route timing. Inside out with edge contain is the only strategy that will work with QBs like that. I don't get it.
• I did not mind the fake field goal, but the play design was terrible for the distance. A naked run for 15+ yards was stupid. If it was a pass play then pass the ball and throw it up on 4th. Not well coached or prepared.
• Egregious decision not to take the ball on kick-off. NEVER give a Heisman candidate QB the chance to strike first and steal momentum out of the box and put you in a hole. D-lo's fumble is a direct result of coming under immediate pressure to perform.

I really like HCBD, but I think he mght be eating too much of his own BS with the whole "we are playing our game, and trying to get better" mantra. BYU was not a scrimmage. It was game to try and win.

 

[bigAbruns]

The team is MUCH better than it was last year at the same point. There were plenty of improvements, but we all have PTSD so things look way worse than they are.

That said, there were some very unsettling things done by our new young head coach.

• The QB swapping was an utter disaster, and removing CC at the end of an early 3Q key drive in the red zone was a MONUMENTAL error that killed any chance we had of gaining momentum and allowing us to compete for the game. It was the height of insanity.
• Next, the whole key to the BYU offense was the QB. It seems incredible that they did not have a Defensive scheme designed for containment of a highly mobile dual threat QB.
• There was no spy on their QB. There was no inside blitz pressure. The backs were not playing up and jamming, thus not giving the d-line more time to penetrate and disrupt route timing. Inside out with edge contain is the only strategy that will work with QBs like that. I don't get it.
• I did not mind the fake field goal, but the play design was terrible for the distance. A naked run for 15+ yards was stupid. If it was a pass play then pass the ball and throw it up on 4th. Not well coached or prepared.
• Egregious decision not to take the ball on kick-off. NEVER give a Heisman candidate QB the chance to strike first and steal momentum out of the box and put you in a hole. D-lo's fumble is a direct result of coming under immediate pressure to perform.

I really like HCBD, but I think he mght be eating too much of his own BS with the whole "we are playing our game, and trying to get better" mantra. BYU was not a scrimmage. It was game to try and win.

The way the game was officiated there was a good chance for a flag on BYU if they passed the ball which would have been better then the end result.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

My last point on the BYU debacle.

I didn't really expect to win that game. In fact I don't really expect to win many games this season.

6 wins and a bowl would be a phenomenal achievement and I stand by that.

At the end of the day, a loss is a loss and in theory I'm "ok" with losing as we go forward and hopefully improve and take our lumps this season.

What I saw against BYU was just startling in a lot of ways.

If we leave stony brook with this 2qb system in place I think I may just jump off the ledge (or section 211).

I really hope his decisions were just an aberration.

 

[NEforceUConn]

I feel like I should make some profound statement in this thread, but then again, I'm reminded of the fact that the OP has previously posted preposterous stuff on the board, like one time when he said if we aren't in another conference by 2017, that he's completely done with UConn football. Yup. He said that. And now he wants everyone on the board to either show some positivity or get a "Masengale wash". Yup...

And its 2014 - so I have some time.

 

[ZooCougar]

The negative comments are WAY OUT OF PLACE!

Come on HCBD is in the infancy of his command, and we faced a top 25 program.

I think the coach and the team will respond well to this game experience, and I know the future is bright.

Those of you throwing out negativeism belong on the Rutgers board. Sorry - but that is true . whaler and others, its the first game of a new ERA.

For instance, I don't mean to get picky on positions, but we have FOUR D1 talented running backs.
For instance i Don;t mean to get picky on position, but our LB corp was not that bad.
For instance I don't mean to get picky on position, but our Offensive Line was NOT the BAD.
For instance, I don't mean to get picky on position, but our Special Teams were AOK.,

So for all the Sally's out there - GO GET A MASENGALE WASH - I expect a drubbing of Stoney Brook and a sounding defeat of Bosie.

I wish I was within a 10 hour drive of the Rent, and could take in a game experience, but I firmly believe success this year.judged by a 6-6 record with maybe a surprise to put us to 7-5.

The only real criticism of this game was the fan support, and I expect that to change after a Stoney Borrk and Boise win. We have seen the Rent rock and we will experience that again.






For instance

Critcism of the two QB systems is legitimate and playing 50+ players on offense and defense, (not counting STs) just smacks of indecisiveness.

Between the spring and summer camps we should have a better idea of a more well defined depth chart.

 

[ZooCougar]

How many years of coaching experience do you have? Have you ever built a program from scratch?

You don't have to be a horse to know how to ride one.

 

[ZooCougar]

And FTR. I am really fond of Bob Diaco and want him to have the time and space to grow. But the kind of mistakes he is making now are easily avoidable.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Critcism of the two QB systems is legitimate and playing 50+ players on offense and defense, (not counting STs) just smacks of indecisiveness.

Between the spring and summer camps we should have a better idea of a more well defined depth chart.

On the former, I personally believe that many on this board are making too much of this. By the time we reach conference play we will no longer be a two QB offense and my personal belief is that the staff already knows that neither of the two is the long term answer.

On the latter I strongly disagree. Down the road the added experience should pay significant dividends.

 

[ZooCougar]

On the former, I personally believe that many on this board are making too much of this. By the time we reach conference play we will no longer be a two QB offense and my personal belief is that the staff already knows that neither of the two is the long term answer.

On the latter I strongly disagree. Down the road the added experience should pay significant dividends.

Dude, two QB systems are always dysfunctional. It's like deciding to always drive drunk, or having an open marriage. Why on earth do we have to give Whitmer more experience?

And yes playing 50+ players is excessive and confusing. Not sure that experience was all that valuable because it wasn't enough to do any good.

 

[Huskydog45]

I agree with NEforceUCONN. Way too much negativity. And for anyone to say "we duck*king sucked", just an embarrassing comment and someone who cannot analyze a game from start to finish. Just a fan who would be miserable no matter how the game is played and anything short of a win, will be miserable and apparently that quote is all the comes to mind? Thanks for in depth insight of the game.

Don't get me wrong, there are certainly plays and coaching decisions that can be questionned, but I will say the FG in the fourth quarter was the right call. Down 18 with 12 minutes left? Still possible for 3 possessions in that game I would say, no doubt. If they score on that drive where they were inside the 10, the game is an 11 point with what, 7 minutes to go. If they score there which certainly was a great opportunity to do so, I think the fans stay in their seats and who knows what happens the rest of the way. Get a stop with 5 minutes to go, down 11, who knows?

The 4 back running attack is obviously an improvement over last year and gives us many options there, the pretty solid offensive line play, the DBs not allowing any big plays downfield and the increased number of weapons at TE which appear to be an improvement as well. We also moved the ball pretty well as reflected by the total yards differential being only about 100.

Not a big fan of the 2 QB system and know not many are so the criticism is warranted there but for the "we duck*king sucked" comment, lets keep those comments off the board going forward.

 

[Marty Jackson]

If you are going to call me out...

A: Many of my complaints were about things like parking and the stadium and the lack of support (which you grant)... so since I was there and you weren't you'll have to forgive me if I don't much care what you think.

B: I don't think I posted much of anything about units or players - so I have no idea what that rant is about.

The insanity of the two quarterback system, bizarre decision making and what a coach says post game are all in play no matter how long he has been coach. Last I checked they were paying his entire salary this year - so while he may think it's great to screw around and treat games like exhibitions... they didn't price the games as exhibitions. It's nice that he thinks the kicker needs work from the right hash... I know it's almost impossible to simulate that in practice.

i think you've been labeled the 'Debbie Downer Poster Child' on the BY. Congratulations!!!

 

[J187Money]

Well at least we won't have complaints about Diaco nailing guys to the bench and never getting a chance.

 

[CTfan07]

Criticism at this point is unwarranted. Are there things to criticize? Of course. If you look for faults you will always find them, even when judging Belichick or Saban.

That being said, if you don't keep context in mind you will have a overly simplistic, unbalanced and childish view of the whole situation.

Here's the context:
-A first time head coach. He's going to make mistakes. Back off. Think of him as your employee and you are the AD. Are you going to micromanage the s*** out of him? I hope not. Every small in-game or press conference mistake is not a microcosm of the regime. I'll make my judgments as the year goes on. Do we look better coached in Game 6 than Game 1? Game 12 than Game 6? I know UConn fans are impatient and want to get back to winning, but it takes time. Is Diaco UConn's savior? I have no idea. It is far too early to tell.

-A program in a rebuilding stage. The previous regime was not successful in forming a strong team. The current players don't have a culture of winning. That takes time, effort and growing pains as well.

-The opponent. BYU is a good football team. Bronco Mendenhall is in his 10th year as head coach and his system is solidly in place. Their offense is very tough to stop because of its speed (they run plays quickly before the defense is set). They have a great quraterback, who can extend plays, create plays and make good decisions. The UConn defense is still learning the system under the new regime. 10th year offense with a Heisman trophy candidate at QB against a first year defense. It was going to be a tough task from the start. I thought the defense played well for the circumstances.

-Misfortune. DeLorenzo's fumble was untimely. If you're down 14-0 that quickly as a big underdog, your gameplan is likely undone.


There was a lot to be encouraged by and my hope is most UConn fans focus on those things

 

[Pudge]

If you are going to call me out...

A: Many of my complaints were about things like parking and the stadium and the lack of support (which you grant)... so since I was there and you weren't you'll have to forgive me if I don't much care what you think.

B: I don't think I posted much of anything about units or players - so I have no idea what that rant is about.

The insanity of the two quarterback system, bizarre decision making and what a coach says post game are all in play no matter how long he has been coach. Last I checked they were paying his entire salary this year - so while he may think it's great to screw around and treat games like exhibitions... they didn't price the games as exhibitions. It's nice that he thinks the kicker needs work from the right hash... I know it's almost impossible to simulate that in practice.

I don't care what you think either. You were CRAZY over the top. Just outlandishly extreme.

The Platoon? I thought Diaco's substitutions were as seamless as they could be. (No. I didn't like taking Cochran out when he led us all down the field ... However). I think we won't see this when we are in Game 3.

Whiners.

 

[JaYnYcE]

Unfortunately the "growing pains" aren't finished yet. This place will become even more insufferable. Lots of coaches and former D1 players reside on this board. They know how to get it done.

it's 2005-2006 again.

 

[whaler11]

i think you've been labeled the 'Debbie Downer Poster Child' on the BY. Congratulations!!!

Sorry. 13-25 wears on you.

 

[whaler11]

I don't care what you think either. You were CRAZY over the top. Just outlandishly extreme.

The Platoon? I thought Diaco's substitutions were as seamless as they could be. (No. I didn't like taking Cochran out when he led us all down the field ... However). I think we won't see this when we are in Game 3.

Whiners.

I don't care what you think either. You were CRAZY over the top. Just outlandishly extreme.

The Platoon? I thought Diaco's substitutions were as seamless as they could be. (No. I didn't like taking Cochran out when he led us all down the field ... However). I think we won't see this when we are in Game 3.

Whiners.

There are people here who make me rethink my opinions at times. No worries here though.

 

[metsfan2323]

it's 2005-2006 again.

Nah, those teams had poor QB play. Maybe its 2010 and we don't know it yet. That year started 3-4 (including a spanking by Temple and multiple QB changes) and ended in the Fiesta bowl.