- Jun 12, 2014
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Founding Member
As disappointing as this game was, I can't truthfully say I'm shocked. Having watched us in Jax last week, and even though I'm glad for the victory against UGA, my feeling afterward was that I just watched a very mediocre SEC team defeat a poor SEC team. When you beat a weak sister, it doesn't necessarily mean you are good or even getting better. You simply did what you were supposed to do. I am no less convinced of that feeling after watching us get blasted today by the Hogs.
We didn't look prepared, mentally or schematically, and that is an all too familiar impression for which there is no acceptable explanation IMO. Too easy to simply say that we were still drunk from our victory over the Dawgs. The problem is much deeper. The term for Mac in this regard that has popped up some is "Players' Coach." This is not a compliment by any means and belies an unwillingness to demand excellence in preparation and execution on a consistent basis. To me, "Players' Coach" is too much friend, not enough hard ass. Sad thing is that most of these type coaches are usually good to better recruiters! Thus far, we aren't even getting that, comparatively speaking. To say the least, my confidence is waning.
But enough from this sidewalk prophet...here's a few thoughts on the game:
We didn't look prepared, mentally or schematically, and that is an all too familiar impression for which there is no acceptable explanation IMO. Too easy to simply say that we were still drunk from our victory over the Dawgs. The problem is much deeper. The term for Mac in this regard that has popped up some is "Players' Coach." This is not a compliment by any means and belies an unwillingness to demand excellence in preparation and execution on a consistent basis. To me, "Players' Coach" is too much friend, not enough hard ass. Sad thing is that most of these type coaches are usually good to better recruiters! Thus far, we aren't even getting that, comparatively speaking. To say the least, my confidence is waning.
But enough from this sidewalk prophet...here's a few thoughts on the game:
- Aaron Taylor, whether you like him or not, made a very profound statement regarding LDR. Early on, he said that the pick six wasn't really Luke's fault (and it wasn't), but when the team is struggling it is his responsibility to bring them to a better place in terms of offensive efficiency (paraphrased). Clearly, he could not. I'll say this again: even though he has been a good leader among his teammates (or so we are told), and a good kid, he is not good enough to change the complexion of a game on his arm or with his legs like the good ones can. With the OL regressing and thus nulling the running game, we were, to put it kindly, f**ked. Sadly, I don't think Mac makes a change unless we get beat by LSU (and there is presumably nothing left to play for except a mid-level bowl and "wait 'til next year"). I understand why Luke was the starter and has played the lion's share, but I think it is time to get another look. That notwithstanding, Jake Allen, if you're listening, you better be a stud or quickly become one!
- Offensive Player of the Game? Why, Duke Dawson, of course!
- Stat of the game: UF 1/11 on third downs. No excuse for this other than lack of want to by us and a load of it by the Hogs.
- Sounds like we have some key injuries (Davis, Anzalone, and Dillard particularly). These are guys we need and I can only hope that somebody can step up in their places. LB is a real concern.
- Yet again, we seem to have put ourselves in the position of needing somebody else to win for us (UGA to give UK another loss, Bama to rough up LSU, etc.). That sh!t ain't gonna cut it. At some point, you've got to have the attitude and desire to take what you want, not wait for it to be handed to you. At least take care of your business if you're in the position of need.
- Not many offensive bright spots, but I was glad to see Scarlett involved in the passing game. I know there was a thought that he couldn't do that part, but I think he can and should be used as such. Maybe that's due to some good coaching thus far?
- Speaking of Scarlett, and the running game, I thought we were going to have some success running off tackle early on. This was a weak point that Arkansas had displayed, but evidently they got stronger or we lost confidence. Of course, the OL didn't engender much on this Saturday, not to mention a whole lot this season.
- Defensively, we got pushed around. Arkansas pretty much did what they wanted on the ground and we had periods where we didn't cover very well at all. This group is either guilty of believing the press clippings and expecting the opponents to bow before them or they're only good and consistent against inferior teams. I'd like to think they are better than what we saw today, but until they defeat an equal or better team, I think I know. Mac's record against ranked teams, as has been pointed out, doesn't inspire a lot of hope in this changing soon.
- For once, I'd like to not hear Mac say something about "I like this team." We all assume that, but it makes me think that they're emotionally fragile and have to be constantly reassured. I'd really like to hear him say "We got our ass beat and we've got to find some guys, players and coaches, who cannot allow this to happen." I'm not going to hold my breath unfortunately.
- Crazy thought popped into my head this afternoon...what if Mac's next stop (whenever that happens) is with the Raiders and Jack Del Rio?! Crazy, I know but your mind goes to strange places when we are getting dominated like Marcellus Wallace by the Gimp.
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