Some quick thoughts

[SubbaBub]

You guys are about the only 2. So you've got that.

Glad you enjoyed the game.

 

[Excalibur]

What "caused" us to lose this game? The fact that navy was better than we are -- nothing else. They will likely win 9 games this year. If your expectation was to be at that level at this point, you are so disconnected from reality that no further discussion is worth anyone's time.

 

[SubbaBub]

You should never expect to win. You should expect to be prepared and understand basic strategy. We weren't and we don't. The denial and bargaining around here is sickening. Last year we lost because we weren't big enough or strong enough and didn't know how to execute basic formations and assignments.

Those are no longer problems. Our biggest current problem is the staff not understanding the game unfolding in front of them. It's not a coincidence that our first series are usually amongst the better ones. If you don't think the third down and fourth down redzone calls on the first two possession were doomed to fail, then I won't change your mind. I saw what I saw and I didn't like it one bit. It was as dysfunctional as the scoreboard and the officiating crew.

It's not about the outcome or the play of the players. The entire event from whistle to whistle was a terrible product.

 

[gtcam]

You should never expect to win. You should expect to be prepared and understand basic strategy. We weren't and we don't. The denial and bargaining around here is sickening. Last year we lost because we weren't big enough or strong enough and didn't know how to execute basic formations and assignments.

Those are no longer problems. Our biggest current problem is the staff not understanding the game unfolding in front of them. It's not a coincidence that our first series are usually amongst the better ones. If you don't think the third down and fourth down redzone calls on the first two possession were doomed to fail, then I won't change your mind. I saw what I saw and I didn't like it one bit. It was as dysfunctional as the scoreboard and the officiating crew.

It's not about the outcome or the play of the players. The entire event from whistle to whistle was a terrible product.

THANK YOU

Diaco is certainly a mystery to me

 

[Dooley]

We are smack dab in the most difficult 3 game stretch of our 2015 schedule. Just so we're all on the same page, we will likely lose at BYU on Friday night too. No way Bronco Mendenhall isn't going to use this week to fire up his troops after being dismantled by Michigan today. But if you can't see or refuse to see the definite progress being made this year from the past several seasons, then your expectations are way too high. We are losing competitively and playing hard. Keep doing this and when the schedule softens up a bit (and it will), then hopefully we can start pulling out some games again. Patience.

 

[Jarhead_1775]

I hated everything about that game. The goofy 3rd down play calling. The abominable 4th down decision in the second quarter. The total lack of preparation in defense (sorry it showed). The incessant rambling of the PA announcer, the drunken fool who operates the scoreboard, I hated all of it. Why you ask, aren't we better than last year you ask? Yes, we are better, big whoop. I take little solace in no longer being the worst team in FBS football. It's not difficult to not be the worst. I hated this entire game, even more than any game last year, because they didn't deserve it. There is talent on this team, quite a bit actually. Maybe more than we've ever had. I hated it because the coach cost them 11 points because he can't read a game. That option call on 3rd and 1 was a fireable offense. The call to go for it on 4th and 6 from the 14 yard line would get you committed in any state in America. There are several things that gave been working and every time a critical play occurs, he pulls some wacky bs from his crazy Bob bag of tricks. WTF. I MEAN WTF. As for the defense, they made some decent if not game changing adjustments at half time. Why did it have to take until halftime? It's not like there isn't a decade's worth of film on every play Navy runs. Those two things alone cost what on the field was a very winnable game. I haven't seen the offense move with that much ease in years but when the shadow of the goal post gets close they take a giant dump on the field. Talk rebuilding, talk process all you want but for me that was the worst experience I've ever had at a home game. I left the stadium thoroughly pissed off and I'm still mad about it.

I was mad like you. I slept for 4 hours, am no longer drunk and I feel better. Hope you get there, too.

 

[hardcorehusky]

I left satisfied that we hung with Navy and disappointed that we didn't take advantage of the opportunities to win the game. Last year, we would not have had any opportunities to win the game and it would have been a blow out.

 

[junglehusky]

How is someone so stupid to think it's not interns. Especially with that super inside word.

Also - Jim Calhoun never ever listened to any music. Ever. He was too busy breaking down tape.

 

[Dooley]

Why is this playlist thing an issue? Should we also say Diaco can't coach because the new carry-a-dude-through-an-obstacle-course-race is a dud? Or that he can't coach because we've yet to see a contestant throw more than 2 footballs through a Webster Bank hole? C'mon guys.

 

[BugsyCT]

Why is this playlist thing an issue? Should we also say Diaco can't coach because the new carry-a-dude-through-an-obstacle-course-race is a dud? Or that he can't coach because we've yet to see a contestant throw more than 2 footballs through a Webster Bank hole? C'mon guys.

You know very well by now that everything is an issue on the 'Yard. EVERYTHING.

 

[Dooley]

Beals is going to be an absolute monster by the time he is a JR. He might even become a monster by the end of this season! Absolutely love the way he catches with his hands and he has some very good vision to go with his speed. He looks like a very young NFL prospect that just needs to put on some Balis muscle before he leaves here (and stay healthy).

 

[king conn]

What "caused" us to lose this game? The fact that navy was better than we are -- nothing else. They will likely win 9 games this year. If your expectation was to be at that level at this point, you are so disconnected from reality that no further discussion is worth anyone's time.

343 total yards to 325. We are clearly not at that level.
Besides, the so called best team always wins. There are never any upsets anyway.
And we are disconnected from reality. Got it.

 

[Mr Blueskin]

That ref who called that botched fumble for Navy way to early should be fired...there is no way he could have seen who had control. Please watch the replay of that play. There was obviously nothing the replay officials could do even after we came up with the ball. That call was a 14 point swing and we had all the momentum on our side. Awful, awful call by the old blind grey haired ref.

 

[Srqhusky]

Bottom line we are a 100s level offense right now. We have receivers and tight ends and running backs who can make plays. When the confidence kicks and the offensive line can perform. We will be very good. Hope to see signs of it this year but we are probably a year away

 

[whaler11]

Beals is going to be an absolute monster by the time he is a JR. He might even become a monster by the end of this season! Absolutely love the way he catches with his hands and he has some very good vision to go with his speed. He looks like a very young NFL prospect that just needs to put on some Balis muscle before he leaves here (and stay healthy).

Beals has a chance to be the most electric skill position player the program has ever had. I've been trying to come up with a true freshman receiver that looked as good this quickly and I've got nothing.

 

[Colt house75]

I hated everything about that game. The goofy 3rd down play calling. The abominable 4th down decision in the second quarter. The total lack of preparation in defense (sorry it showed). The incessant rambling of the PA announcer, the drunken fool who operates the scoreboard, I hated all of it.

Why you ask, aren't we better than last year you ask? Yes, we are better, big whoop. I take little solace in no longer being the worst team in FBS football. It's not difficult to not be the worst.

I hated this entire game, even more than any game last year, because they didn't deserve it. There is talent on this team, quite a bit actually. Maybe more than we've ever had. I hated it because the coach cost them 11 points because he can't read a game. That option call on 3rd and 1 was a fireable offense. The call to go for it on 4th and 6 from the 14 yard line would get you committed in any state in America.

There are several things that gave been working and every time a critical play occurs, he pulls some wacky bs from his crazy Bob bag of tricks. WTF. I MEAN WTF.

As for the defense, they made some decent if not game changing adjustments at half time. Why did it have to take until halftime? It's not like there isn't a decade's worth of film on every play Navy runs.

Those two things alone cost what on the field was a very winnable game. I haven't seen the offense move with that much ease in years but when the shadow of the goal post gets close they take a giant dump on the field.

Talk rebuilding, talk process all you want but for me that was the worst experience I've ever had at a home game. I left the stadium thoroughly pissed off and I'm still mad about it.

Disagree with you SUBBA.... Buffalo in 2013 was the bottom of the trough. my suggestion to you is if you can't see the fight and fire, especially in the 2nd half ---so SUBBA, you are pissed off leaving the stadium- then don't go..... those pups didn't quit and stopped Navy in the Red Zone with 4 minutes (left???) in the 4th qtr. BY THE WAY-LAST TIME I CHECKED WE PLAYED THEM EVEN (8 to 7) IN THE SECOND HALF.... They could have packed it in and they didn't. A Gigantic leap of faith the last two weeks for a group of kids who now believe in themselves and each other. We didn't lose the game-Navy outright beat us. They have 9 seniors starting on offense running the triple to perfection blocking for a 4 year starting QB that can break Monte Balls NCAA record for most TD's in a career (he now has 73). This Navy team smothered ECU which just beat VTech and lost to Florida by 7.

 

[Dooley]

Beals has a chance to be the most electric skill position player the program has ever had. I've been trying to come up with a true freshman receiver that looked as good this quickly and I've got nothing.

Agreed. Todman showed bursts in his FR year but as for receivers, we haven't had a true FR come in and play this well this fast ever. He has all the skills to be our go-to guy for many years to come. I'd be interested to see how he'd do on KR/PR duty. If nothing else, I'm confident he will catch everything back there and save us field position.

 

[whaler11]

Agreed. Todman showed bursts in his FR year but as for receivers, we haven't had a true FR come in and play this well this fast ever. He has all the skills to be our go-to guy for many years to come. I'd be interested to see how he'd do on KR/PR duty. If nothing else, I'm confident he will catch everything back there and save us field position.

Personally I wouldn't play Newsome or Beals on specials.

They need another class of playmakers to build depth in the return game. I'm not putting those two at risk at this point in the game.

 

[noeynox]

Personally I wouldn't play Newsome or Beals on specials.

They need another class of playmakers to build depth in the return game. I'm not putting those two at risk at this point in the game.

BTW, I love this quick thoughts thread you've started. Gives everyone the chance to post their personal observations. Should become a fixture on the board like Biz's View from Section 241

 

[Dooley]

Personally I wouldn't play Newsome or Beals on specials.

They need another class of playmakers to build depth in the return game. I'm not putting those two at risk at this point in the game.

I hear you...it's definitely risky. Lemelle just isn't cutting it for me back there on PR. Lets way too many balls bounce.

 

[Excalibur]

There are never any upsets anyway.

There's a reason they call them upsets -- thus the point about expectations . . .

 

[Dooley]

Another quick thought (and I apologize if this has been discussed on other threads): why did we go for 2 there on our last score? TD made it 28-16, so the EP keeps it a two possession game. Has Coach lost all faith in the EP team? Or are we going for 2 when the game is a bit more lopsided and Navy's D might be a little "less interested"? It's a moot point since we converted thanks to the refs picking up their flag, but it just seemed like a curious decision.

 

[whaler11]

Another quick thought (and I apologize if this has been discussed on other threads): why did we go for 2 there on our last score? TD made it 28-16, so the EP keeps it a two possession game. Has Coach lost all faith in the EP team? Or are we going for 2 when the game is a bit more lopsided and Navy's D might be a little "less interested"? It's a moot point since we converted thanks to the refs picking up their flag, but it just seemed like a curious decision.

About 10 days ago I had a long conversation with a bright guy on going for 2 down 12 and going for 2 when you score a TD down 14.

We can get into the math sometime - but playing for overtime lowers your win expectancy versus being aggressive going to 2 in those spots.

 

[huskymedic]

Another quick thought (and I apologize if this has been discussed on other threads): why did we go for 2 there on our last score? TD made it 28-16, so the EP keeps it a two possession game. Has Coach lost all faith in the EP team? Or are we going for 2 when the game is a bit more lopsided and Navy's D might be a little "less interested"? It's a moot point since we converted thanks to the refs picking up their flag, but it just seemed like a curious decision.

10 pt deficit versus 11 pt deficit - Right call?

 

[Storrsbred]

UCONN may be at the 100 level O, but a whole lot of the problem is on the coaching. For example, When the situation calls for a short yardage play today you never saw a slant to a tight end or anyone else for that matter and that's on the coaches.It was only a short time ago TE's were being talked up as part of the O solution. So because they dropped a few recently they don't get their number called? Guess not participating is the punishment like Newsome experienced last week. Someone wrote today the play calling is truly bizarre, like the coaching staff chooses the call that has the least chance of succeeding among more sane options. So bottom line, the coaching staff needs to up their game to at least a level above 100 and figure out calls that will have a chance of succeeding.

 

[whaler11]

10 pt deficit versus 11 pt deficit - Right call?

Down 12 the math isn't as obvious - but if you need two at some point - you are better off knowing if you got it or not while you have time to play for 2 TD.

 

[Dooley]

About 10 days ago I had a long conversation with a bright guy on going for 2 down 12 and going for 2 when you score a TD down 14.

We can get into the math sometime - but playing for overtime lowers your win expectancy versus being aggressive going to 2 in those spots.

Hmm...interesting. So essentially the sabremetrics support going for 2 early and not waiting until absolutely necessary?

My first thought when they lined up was that Diaco has lost all faith in our EP team. Then I thought that it might make sense to go for 2 when Navy's D may have been slightly less interested than if the score was closer and the conversion would have tied the game (if we got there).

I'd be interested in the stats of when to go for it and when to kick.

 

[whaler11]

Hmm...interesting. So essentially the sabremetrics support going for 2 early and not waiting until absolutely necessary?

My first thought when they lined up was that Diaco has lost all faith in our EP team. Then I thought that it might make sense to go for 2 when Navy's D may have been slightly less interested than if the score was closer and the conversion would have tied the game (if we got there).

I'd be interested in the stats of when to go for it and when to kick.

I used to think it was is insane to go for 2 down 12. But when you sit down and consider overtime is a coinflip it makes a compelling argument to do everything you can do to win in regulation.

 

[noeynox]

UCONN may be at the 100 level O, but a whole lot of the problem is on the coaching. For example, When the situation calls for a short yardage play today you never saw a slant to a tight end or anyone else for that matter and that's on the coaches.It was only a short time ago TE's were being talked up as part of the O solution. So because they dropped a few recently they don't get their number called? Guess not participating is the punishment like Newsome experienced last week. Someone wrote today the play calling is truly bizarre, like the coaching staff chooses the call that has the least chance of succeeding among more sane options. So bottom line, the coaching staff needs to up their game to at least a level above 100 and figure out calls that will have a chance of succeeding.

Well that option call that took us from 3rd and 2 to 4th and 6, was real head scratcher.

 

[Dooley]

Down 12 the math isn't as obvious - but if you need two at some point - you are better off knowing if you got it or not while you have time to play for 2 TD.

I see the logic in it. Go for 2 early and if you don't get it, you still have time to, hopefully, get the ball back a few more times.

It's an interesting discussion: the sabremetrics vs sideline energy. Not converting there runs the risk of deflating the team after a score while putting your team in quite a hole to have to score 2 TDs. If you can keep your team focused and energized (and aggressive), it's still the same "need 2 scoring drives" discussion. But now 2 TDs wins the game if you can keep the other team from scoring. Playing for a FG always means conservative play-calling late in games. The K could miss the kick or you can lose in OT.

Very interesting discussion indeed. I just brought it up because I couldn't remember a time seeing a coach not play "the math" playing for a FG + TD/2-pt to tie.