The View From Section 241 — FIU | The Boneyard

The View From Section 241 — FIU

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Beautiful, unusually warm late fall day. Large delta in my mind between spectators and announced attendance, but it is what it is. Parking in blue lot confused and slow, but hopefully it will sort itself out. If I have the room behind my car where, traditionally, another car would be parked, I can make that work fine. And, most important about the tailgate, one lesson learned. Have one of your attendees bring a baby and suddenly young women who would otherwise walk by as if you’re not there suddenly pay attention to your group. Is there a pre-game rental service for this? Most importantly, it’s nice to finish a game where it must be the other fan base complaining about their coaching. We were up 17-3 with 2 minutes left in the half, and while that’s certainly a comfortable lead the game hadn’t been nearly as comfortable as the score, and FIU I’m sure recognized it was a long way back but not done. And then, instead of punting on a 4th down and settling for breaking down 14, FIU pushed the envelope, turned the ball over on downs and quickly found themselves down 21. And then turned it over again in the last two minutes giving up another 3, turning a 14 point deficit and some hope into “game over.” And FIU came out of the locker playing like it was in fact game over.

So obviously that was our most complete game of the year in terms of all units, and the most comfortable win. And I think the fan base needed the easy win more than the players did, to be honest, but whatever. Special teams had a good game. We had more returns, walk on Teddy Williams partially blocked a punt, our punting (when we get the ball to him) is consistently fine and our FG kicking at this point is both really reliable and really good.

So on defense, putting aside all the substitutions in garbage time, I did notice a few things about personnel and I think it reflects some dissatisfaction by the coaches and giving more folks a try (or it could be injuries I just didn’t know about). On the DL, there was a lot more substitution and rotation going on than I had been seeing. At LB, I didn’t see King until garbage time. Parham seems to have made the MLB job his. And at the hybrid LB slot, I’m not sure I saw Branch, but saw Key and Renwick sharing time, and Renwick, in his first prolonged shot since being here, obviously made a lot of plays. And in the secondary, Gilbert played for Pringle and there was very little subbing. Even Mills barely played until garbage time. And, obviously, while some yardage was given up the defense started winning third downs and limiting scores, which was the recipe for success last year.

On offense, we didn’t run a whole lot (didn’t have to) but were effective enough. Part of me wonders if Edwards has been at less than 100% the last two weeks and we’ve been conscious of limiting his carries. If so, the off week comes at a good time. The passing game, obviously, was great. JF still hasn’t thrown a pick this year, threw the ball to all sorts of weapons and was willing to use his legs where appropriate. It may be that Neider is developing into the #2 WR, but if JF doesn’t need one and doesn’t mind getting the ball to anyone maybe I don’t either. But whatever his limitations are, everyone should recognize that we haven’t had a QB have a season like this since Orlovsky left. JF is finding the right receivers, putting the ball where it needs to go a very high percentage of the time and avoiding turnovers and other mistakes.

So at the halfway point, and with a week off, now is a great time to look at where we are and where we are going. We’re 4-2. I would have been happier at 5-1, and we easily could have won both those losses (we could have won at Delaware and should have won at Syracuse) but we’re halfway to matching the same 8-4 we put on the Board last year. And while you’d always want to do better, as we hadn’t been near 8-4 in forever, 4-2 at this point is far from a disaster. Left we have a 2 game road trip, at BC and Rice, then a 3 game homestand (UAB, Duke and Air Force) and then close the season at FAU. Both BC and Rice took beatings this week, and Rice’s was well below the level that its play had been. Even on the road I think both games are gettable but neither will be easy. And while I’m encouraged at the D’s improvement, I don’t feel comfortable counting on it either. Then at home, we will be large favorites (at least as things shape up today) against UAB, and material favorites against Air Force. I like both of those games. I saw some of Duke last night — that is a good offense that may feast on our Defense. I never give up on a game at home, but I think that’s a tough one. And then at FAU, and while I never take a road game for granted, I think right now we’re looking better than FAU. So bottom line is with a little more D I want to be 8-4 again, and then hopefully we get a bowl game we can drive to (NYC or Annapolis?) and against a P-4 opponent. Getting to 9-3 will take going 3-0 on the road if we don’t beat Duke, and while each of the 3 games is winnable that’s different than thinking we’re going to be able to go 3 for 3. But you take them one at a time. I will be driving up to Chestnut Hill for the next game, and it all starts with that. And, obviously, that game (like Syracuse and Duke) represent old rivalries more important than the average game. And if the D can solidify and we can keep our three offensive playmakers healthy, still time to make this a really special season.
 
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It's amazing how much fun things are when we have an offense that scores. Having a good QB, athletic receivers and decent line at the same time works wonders. @TouchdownHusky was right all along.

I give the defense massive props for creating what was it? Five turnovers? But I swear I could still see the same gaps that we left for other teams.

On specials, we will really miss Freeman. He is money.

I give us an 80% shot (it's probably higher) to get to 6 wins. Rice, UAB, and FAU are teams we should beat. Air Force has been grounded, they don't look as good as I expect. Those four should be wins.

BC is a tossup since we are away, but I would feel like it is a win at home. I think Duke is better than us. That is very much a reach game.
 
I agree with the comments on Edwards. And hope the off week restores a little juice to his legs.

We had the better QB -- two weeks in a row!! I can remember seasons where we didn't have the better QB one week in a row. It is a pleasure. BTW, in the olden days, I always thought DanO played better when he ran in the first half. This is turning out to be true for Joe.

It could be an illusion but the defense looks faster. It's not that they are physically faster. But when you anticipate a little better and know where you going, you get there faster.
 
The defense hit much harder and tackled better for much longer stretches. Chol had more run at DT and Hoffman played more and played well. Renwick was a weak link last yr when Tui went down. He looked like a much more confident player yesterday. Gilbert gets better by the game and the D looked like what we all thought they should have looked.

Looking forward to a fun 2nd half of the season.
 
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@businesslawyer great write up

I think Murphy and Neider have both emerged as viable options for Joe. Not sure why we aren’t targeting Hansen anymore, I like him a lot too.

Defensively, I totally agree that the coaches seem to be finding the lineups that work. Renwick in particular impressed me. Parham has been everywhere too, I was surprised to find he’s 3rd in the country in sacks, and he was involved in multiple fumbles. Some notable guys who didn’t get as many snaps (at least from what I saw): Branch, Mills, King, Wright

As for the schedule, I’m going to sound like a broken record but this BC game is huge. If the team can pull out a P4 road win, the ceiling for this season’s potential goes way up. We could still possibly get to 7-8 wins even with a loss, but a win here and we are fully rolling with momentum and confidence on a 4 game win streak. It’s there for the taking and I want it for the team badly
 
Have not rewatched the game yet but the defense seemed to be running hard to the ball and we had way more tackles on the outside runs/short passes coming from the inside attackers. Obviously every game has different factors at play but that pursuit limited the big gains on those plays a lot more than past games. Hope this is start of defensive improvement and not a one off game.
 
Just wanted to take a moment to say I've been lurking for years and have always looked forward to reading these after our games. Even when we were terrible. I appreciate your insight and you taking the time to write these every week. So thank you.

I agree with everything you said. My only real comment, is that if we are truly benching a guy who was first team all AAC last season because Parham is that good, then I think that's more evidence we need to scrap this 3-3-5 at season's end. We seem to have depth at LB, just play a 3-4 so you can roll out both stud middle LBs each week. The way King performed last year I'm willing to bet his NIL deal wasn't exactly cheap. We need him on the field, especially if our DL has struggled to create pressure.
 
Just wanted to take a moment to say I've been lurking for years and have always looked forward to reading these after our games. Even when we were terrible. I appreciate your insight and you taking the time to write these every week. So thank you.

I agree with everything you said. My only real comment, is that if we are truly benching a guy who was first team all AAC last season because Parham is that good, then I think that's more evidence we need to scrap this 3-3-5 at season's end. We seem to have depth at LB, just play a 3-4 so you can roll out both stud middle LBs each week. The way King performed last year I'm willing to bet his NIL deal wasn't exactly cheap. We need him on the field, especially if our DL has struggled to create pressure.
So you want to change our fundamental defense to accommodate 1 player? Wouldn't that create havoc for all the other players, their roles, and what they have practiced since day1?
 
Just wanted to take a moment to say I've been lurking for years and have always looked forward to reading these after our games. Even when we were terrible. I appreciate your insight and you taking the time to write these every week. So thank you.

I agree with everything you said. My only real comment, is that if we are truly benching a guy who was first team all AAC last season because Parham is that good, then I think that's more evidence we need to scrap this 3-3-5 at season's end. We seem to have depth at LB, just play a 3-4 so you can roll out both stud middle LBs each week. The way King performed last year I'm willing to bet his NIL deal wasn't exactly cheap. We need him on the field, especially if our DL has struggled to create pressure.
I’ll be honest — I think Parham has outperformed King all year. My thought would not be to shift defenses but to see if King can take diomonde’s spot.
 
I think you put it exactly right. Big improvement in the D, but not yet comfortable depending on it. Particularly against the P4's.

The O can't seem to run between the tackles with any consistency, especially straight up the gut, which is concerning.

With two weeks at their disposal, it seems there is time to add a few wrinkles for BC. This is UConn's biggest opportunity in a long time. The ESPN matchup analyzer now has UConn as a very slight favorite. It is a highly erratic and volatile feature of the ESPN app, but it is fun to look at.
 
So you want to change our fundamental defense to accommodate 1 player? Wouldn't that create havoc for all the other players, their roles, and what they have practiced since day1?

That is not what he said. He said we have great inside LBs that could be strength of our defense and our scheme doesn't account for that.

And if you haven't noticed, our current "fundamental defense" is regularly shredded. So, perhaps, a change would be indicated.
 
So you want to change our fundamental defense to accommodate 1 player? Wouldn't that create havoc for all the other players, their roles, and what they have practiced since day1?
No. There's a reason I said "at season's end." Mid season scheme changes are a terrible idea, especially since the D just played substantially better this past weekend.

Was more making the point I don't think it's wise to bring in a guy like King, pay him and have him on the bench. Even though I think Parham should be the starting MLB. I guess I'm also just not a big fan of the 3-3-5 in general
 
I’ll be honest — I think Parham has outperformed King all year. My thought would not be to shift defenses but to see if King can take diomonde’s spot.
I agree that Parham should be playing over King. I think he's been our best defensive player. As I said to hardcorehusky, I wouldn't be a fan of a scheme change mid season but hope they consider a scheme change in the off-season. At least if it's looking like we will have a strong group of LBs again and a potentially weak D Line.

I would be fine with King sliding into Oumar's spot as well. I just really want both King and Parham on the field together if possible.
 
Just wanted to take a moment to say I've been lurking for years and have always looked forward to reading these after our games. Even when we were terrible. I appreciate your insight and you taking the time to write these every week. So thank you.

I agree with everything you said. My only real comment, is that if we are truly benching a guy who was first team all AAC last season because Parham is that good, then I think that's more evidence we need to scrap this 3-3-5 at season's end. We seem to have depth at LB, just play a 3-4 so you can roll out both stud middle LBs each week. The way King performed last year I'm willing to bet his NIL deal wasn't exactly cheap. We need him on the field, especially if our DL has struggled to create pressure.
If you mean * after * this year is over, sure. But Brock should not do an overhaul or big switch of defensive schemes in the middle of the season-that would lead to chaos and confusion. The defensive players might only be getting used to their assignments and roles now within a 3-3-5. I am not saying the defense has been great up to this point, it has been far from that, but I am always a believer in that things can get worse no matter how bad they are now.

Later Edit: I see your posts #13 and #14 clarify what you meant.
 
I loved the defensive pursuit. As one announcer said:
“The Huskies hunt in packs!”

Tru dat.

BL - Appreciate your effort and insights. Maybe UConn should slip you some NIL. Oh wait, you’re a corporate lawyer, so nix any NIL.
 
RE King and Parham.

I've said this in other threads and it has relevance here. Recruiting players in to the 3-3-5 is a high risk, high reward endeavor, because most of them are coming from 3-4 or 4-3 schemes and the coaches have to project how well they fit in to their 3-3-5 role. And if the coaches miss out on projecting skill, the 3-3-5 is merciless at exposing individual players who don't play each snap perfect.
 

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