Good post. I was in Conway and what I saw was the poor execution but also our OL and DL getting beat up on 2 out of 3 plays. The successful passing attempts seemed to only come when Chase rolled out to escape the rush and there was zero pressure on McCall. We used to have a guy in S&C who was a little out of control but brought the fire. Got rid of him because he was a little out of control. I think we need that a$$hole back.AppOrange wrote: ↑Fri Nov 04, 2022 11:36 amWhile I agree with a little of your post, I do not agree with your comments about Chase, I feel we are very lucky to have him. He misses some throws (all qb's do, but makes some amazing ones as well. His 2 TO's last night were tough, but getting crushed while passing and a messed up snap is hardly solely if any on him. A few other thoughts on the overall program:teller wrote: ↑Fri Nov 04, 2022 9:40 amAfter years of dynasty like play, we are officially poop. How does that make you feel? We have more talent for offensive skill position players, but our defense is an absolute embarrassment. Offensive skill positions are the best EVER minus QB that is, Chase is a chunky, slow QB. If Burger was starting, we may have only lost one so far. How does that make you feel, App Nation? As others have said since our embarrassing bowl loss, our defense, especially the secondary, has been absolutely EXPOSED. 'Til we recruit some dogs for DBs and safeties, we will never be more than mediocre at best. We'll be lucky to see a bowl game this year. To the defensive secondary and coaches/players and QB coaches/players, I hope you're proud of yourself for drinking the koolaid and getting big-heads.
For several weeks I have felt one our main issues was not respecting the team across from us, it was the only way I could justify the UNC/A&M game and the Tex st and first half against GSU and RM debacle. And while I do think every team struggles with that to a certain degree, that is not necessarily the only thing. Maybe we are so much faster than the huge P5 teams that our speed neutralizes their size. When we play SB schools, who are often as fast, maybe a tad slower (but definitely bigger), we don't have an advantage and at times a disadvantage. Add the target as the SB flag barer and everyone's "black-out" game and we are always going to be in a dog fight. This brings me to my point. Someone many years ago had the balls to make a drastic change to how we recruit and change our entire offensive scheme. We had built the program to a place where we could do that, and after a few bumps, it took us to the next level with Natty's and the Mich win. I am tired of hearing about undersized Appalachian guys. Have we not built the brand where we can still find guys who will work hard and be good team mates but also have a little more physical gifts. I'm not saying we compete against the Clemson's of the world, but we have the history, brand, fan support that is far superior to any others in our conference and most of the G5. Diamonds in the rough are fine, but we need some quality size and speed with our 2nd and 3rd teams as well.
As for the coaching, I am not one to call for heads. Not going to do it. I will go only as far to say (and did on this board) that the hire was a little questionable to me in the fact that we were rolling, getting ranked, and we turned it over to someone with no HC experience. I do very much question a lot of the calls lately (going for it on 4th down in bad spots, not passing more when our over-rated O line is stagnant, 2 point conversion's, etc.) As for all the DJ chatter, I will not defend or support as there is too much I don't know, but what I am seeing are defenders in position and not making plays. Is that a result of poor recruiting, not practicing fundamentals enough in practice, I don't know, but I saw so many arm tackles missed for losses or minimal gains last night it makes me sick. One dude had to have had at least 6, all he could do is shake his head after each play. this has been a problem all year for this team and not talked about enough. Scheme good, players there, execution bad.
We are not used to years where our brand is not moving forward. This year, our brand trajectory was going through the roof, UNC/TAMU game, College Gameday/Hail Mary definitely 2 steps forward. Now, we have taken 1 step backwards with no conference title game appearance and a bad record. If we don't make a bowl game, get some extra weeks of practice, have millions watching us (either directly on TV or an through their sports book) that negates the gains from earlier and is very unfortunate.
Finally, yes I use "we" when referring to the team. APP 's passionate fan base is as much a part of the culture and program as any other facet. I don't get up at 5:30 to work out or run the knob, but my wallet, watch and voice give their all and is just as important.
Please have the balls to evaluate and adapt . . .
I still believe Clark is the right hire and guy to get us back to the App State way. Got to get some consistency in the coaching ranks, there's too much turnover. DJ, maybe but considering what we can pay he's probably as good as it will get. As far as QB play, Chase is the best we've got. Calling him names or singing his praises doesn't change it. He's our horse to ride this year. I think he's damn good and he definitely leaves it all out on the field.