Defense Issues

[Mjohn1988]

Backers, corners and safety’s couldn’t get lined up to play. That group of guys literally looked like they had no idea where to be or who to cover. I watched Cobb and Steven Jones pled with their teammates to get in the right spots and then argue with them between plays. It was coaching that cost us this game. Anytime I see a team win the first half and lose the second half I look at adjustment that each coaching staff made. Late in the second quarter JMU simply decided that we were not going to beat them by throwing the deep ball. They weren’t going to give Chase the time. They started blitzing corners, safeties and backers like crazy. Our coaching staff didn’t adjust. To beat this type of defense you either have to run the ball, we didn’t, or throw short passes to the spot vacated by the blitzing players, again, we didn’t. Our new OC had a really bad day and our head coach didn’t intervene.

[mgsouth]

A lot of interesting comments. My question for you guys is simple. Do you think we still have a shot at fixing all these defensive issues with our current personnel (players and coaches) or are we just pretty well destined/doomed to have a down year?

[TractorApp]

I think with this group of defensive coaches, we are destined for the Camela, Cure or Myrtle Beach Bowl every year. Are we going to be happy with that? Despite the results from yesterday, I see signs of hope on the offensive side. Not so much from the defensive group.

[appgrad95&97]

This is what I really don't understand: We dominated A&M, held them 180 yards and only 9 first downs. That was a great game plan and was so well executed. I've seen no evidence of anything like that in the other three games. Honestly, why couldn't we just run the ball when we were up 28-3? 181 yards rushing against A&M but only 63 against JMU. I just don't get it.

[MrCraig]

A lot of interesting comments. My question for you guys is simple. Do you think we still have a shot at fixing all these defensive issues with our current personnel (players and coaches) or are we just pretty well destined/doomed to have a down year?

Every problem we have is absolutely fixable. If we don’t see improvement at the end of the season, THEN it’s time to talk about coaching responsibilities.

[hapapp]

Simple, the A&M QB wasn't in the same league as the other three we have faced.

[MrCraig]

I think with this group of defensive coaches, we are destined for the Camela, Cure or Myrtle Beach Bowl every year. Are we going to be happy with that? Despite the results from yesterday, I see signs of hope on the offensive side. Not so much from the defensive group.

Well, you’re pretty much going to have to be happy with those bowls because those are pretty much the only options for teams in the Sun Belt.

[BambooRdApp]

I think with this group of defensive coaches, we are destined for the Camela, Cure or Myrtle Beach Bowl every year. Are we going to be happy with that? Despite the results from yesterday, I see signs of hope on the offensive side. Not so much from the defensive group.

Legitimate and just curious question....if you add New Orleans Bowl to your list. If we have a great year (not necessarily talking about this year) lose only 2 games and win SBC Championship, wouldn't we be going to one of these bowls? We had a 1 loss season in 2019 and ended up in one of these bowls..It seems like we have to have a 1 loss season and beat someone like A&M that actually stays in Top 10 for a better bowl game.

[t4pizza]

This is what I really don't understand: We dominated A&M, held them 180 yards and only 9 first downs. That was a great game plan and was so well executed. I've seen no evidence of anything like that in the other three games. Honestly, why couldn't we just run the ball when we were up 28-3? 181 yards rushing against A&M but only 63 against JMU. I just don't get it.

Cam was available and ran great at A&M, he was very limited to start the game and didn't even play in the second half. That is why we couldn't run the ball. Better question is, why did our OC adjust the playcalling considering we were using our 4th and 5th string running backs in the second half?

[mountaineerman]

Why is JMU able to dominate us with FCS recruits? Makes me think we’re not recruiting like we’re supposed to. I see a lot of FCS type operations with Clark.

[pop5app]

Coming out of FCS they have better athletes?

Sure looked like it Yesterday.

[Stonewall]

Coming out of FCS they have better athletes?

Sure looked like it Yesterday.

Agree.And that might bother me more than anything.

[bcoach]

Coming out of FCS they have better athletes?

Yes

[pop5app]

Coming out of FCS they have better athletes?

Sure looked like it Yesterday.

Agree.And that might bother me more than anything.

Yeah. We’ve had years to bring our personnel up to fbs caliber. However, it does not look like we have.

[Stonewall]

Yesterday was crazy day in the college football world , yes there are upsets and surprises.I am upset, and frankly surprised how soundly we got handled.Take away those first half turnovers and we get blown out.At home.

[Appmountaineers19]

I think we are forgetting starting late last year we had some opt outs for the bowl game (for whatever the reasons they were) lost some guys (grades etc.) that were suppose to help in the offseason. HAD some portal players committed and then de-commit late that one really hurts. And last - the starting FS left in May or June-ish (for health reason and no one should blame him for that)

R-E-L-A-X folks gonna be a wild ride the season. The EAST is wide open and still attainable.

US fans are spoiled with the success. 1 losing season in 30-some years?

[Stonewall]

Never tell a woman to relax....advice I was given years ago.

[Appmountaineers19]

Never tell a woman to relax....advice I was given years ago.

Well...I did - whoever needs it

[Stonewall]

Never tell a woman to relax....advice I was given years ago.

Well...I did - whoever needs it

I'm offended!

[app97]

I think we are forgetting starting late last year we had some opt outs for the bowl game (for whatever the reasons they were) lost some guys (grades etc.) that were suppose to help in the offseason. HAD some portal players committed and then de-commit late that one really hurts. And last - the starting FS left in May or June-ish (for health reason and no one should blame him for that)

R-E-L-A-X folks gonna be a wild ride the season. The EAST is wide open and still attainable.

US fans are spoiled with the success. 1 losing season in 30-some years?

Who was the FS that left? I thought Clarke was right behind Huff on the depth chart last year and even started some when Huff was injured. I know Small left, but he was a CB.