Guys, I'm done being emotionally invested in this program until I see some progress. Here's my thoughts and I won't post anymore for a number of weeks on football topics.
LF and Longo are not stupid, and haven't forgotten to coach.
We DON'T have that much talent, like you all want to believe.
Any team losing it's starting QB, 2 top RB's, arguably the best WR, most of the TE's and a starting calibre center is going to struggle with a RS freshman QB that wasn't even with the program last year.
Yes, the coaches have made some mistakes.
But I've watched tons and tons and tons of sports, and teams like Wisconsin HAVE to play perfect to win. Barry could get the lack of talented players to play together and generally be less mistake prone. VERY few coaches and programs (in any sport) can win with less talent.
Did we have more talent that IU? I really don't think so and their QB was far better than ours.
Do not discount all the drops that the WR's have had...top 10 in the nation....that's not on the coaches.
Someone else alluded to it....there is NO leadership on this team, especially amongst the offensive players.
I'm pissed as anyone because I may never see this program do well again, but I have to have faith that Longo, Tressel and Fickell all didn't hit their heads on the wall and have completely lost their ability to coach.
I like a guy like Fickell with his back against the wall (PC didn't feel pressure), and Fickell will figure out a way to win.
Bottom line is that when you don't have much talent, the margin for error is super thin and it goes both ways in terms of winning and losing.
I'm sick and tired though of that thin margin of error. The staff needs to recruit over the kids who just can't take the next step.
So many of these kids are just flat out mentally weak. Winning is a skill and it was lost the last 3-4 years and I think if you had a conversation with Fickell off the record, he'd say what a bunch of wusses.
Have fun with this, I won't respond....On to basketball and women's volleyball and BOTH men's and women's hockey. This is killing me!!