Worst 7-1 team in the country?

[702coug]

Watched the game from the stands and noticed Dickert wasn’t relaxed the whole game. Seems he witnessed the poor play and lack of urgency by the players and by the end had him on edge. That’s a good sign to me ( compared to Leach’s bored indifference). This wasn’t a game for the coach to celebrate with the players, it’s a wake up call about deficiencies and shortcomings. Loved the win but didn’t understand why it had to be so hard at this point in the season.

 

[Stretch 74]

I glanced down the above posts, going quickly past those more interested in name calling than offering actual thoughts. Here is where I land, for the one or two of you who care:

- Our punting has been outstanding when you consider that a placekicker is doing it. And the place kick game has also been good.
- There is no denying that we are winning close games. That alone is such an improvement over last year!!
- The difference between attitude of the offense with Mateer vs. Ward is shocking to me. I'll take Mateer, warts and all. Better leader.
- If I could make only one change in our D it would be continuous review of tackling fundamentals. If I could make 2 changes, I'd ban the soft/ prevent defense.
- There is no doubt that our coaches can develop players. The recruiting stars have always been somewhat of a joke, but to be 7-1 with so many starters that were walk ons/unrated/minimal P4 offers is significant.
- That said, the tackling fundamental thing (while improving slowly) is still an issue.
- We held most of the team together last season with minimal NIL money. That makes it clear that the players believed this was going to be a good season, with a good coaching staff.
- Our staff clearly favors aggressive play calling. I'd rather have that than be fully predictable. But we are probably a bit too far into the aggressive side of things at this moment, at least when looking at the risk/reward situation. Still, no one can accuse us of not using all of the playbook, or of not leaving it all on the field.

Bottom line? We are 7-1. It has not been pretty, mistakes have been made, it took several opportune (lucky) breaks, and we may really be (as the thread title suggests) the worst 7-1 team in the country. But don't tell the team, because they won't believe you. And that reflects well on the coaching staff.

If you are going to go for it on 4th down a lot, you better have a much better than 50% success rate!

 

[COUGinNCW]

Conspiracy theory -
Dickert heard from good programs last year during the bye week when we were 4-0 but after we crapped the bed they all disappeared.
Thinking about the shine wearing off again had him severely agitated Saturday night.

 

[Coug90]

Conspiracy theory -
Dickert heard from good programs last year during the bye week when we were 4-0 but after we crapped the bed they all disappeared.
Thinking about the shine wearing off again had him severely agitated Saturday night.

Not sure Id call that conspiracy theory, more than plain old human nature. Everyone in their respected professions is better off with options and success puts you in that position.

My guess is his agitation comes more from watching the offense sputter in a similar fashion as they did against FSU and Boise He’s a defensive coach, he wants to run the ball and move the chains. Arbuckles job after the season may depend more on how much Mateer likes him. If I were to guess, Dickert is a bit sick of Arbuckles play calling and subsequent inconsistency on offense. He pretty much said as much after FSU.

 

[dgibbons]

Conspiracy theory -
Dickert heard from good programs last year during the bye week when we were 4-0 but after we crapped the bed they all disappeared.
Thinking about the shine wearing off again had him severely agitated Saturday night.

I think he's been more intense this season. Less nice guy with the players. I can't remember which game it was now (probably SJSU), but Hilborn got a penalty for something and Dickert really laid into him. First time I recall seeing that.

 

[CougInSpain]

So if we are playing “down” to our competition, isn’t it reasonable to expect a heroic effort if we played Miami let’s say? Miami needed a miracle to beat a middling VT team BTW, none of these top 10 CFB teams are impervious to losing to a less talented team.

Do I think we “deserve” to be in the playoff the way we’re winning…hell no. But if the chips fall that way would sure be fun to see how the kids respond to that test, and with a talent like Mateer you always have a punchers chance. More fun than watching the Sun Bowl minus half our starters who are sitting out.

Not to mention they needed a miracle against Cal to get that W.