There are good things to take away from this game but clearly we could not defend this team with our current lineup. Defense is both hustle and technique. Hopefully our injured wings can do a better job keeping up with the quick outside players and our backup center can do better inside. But the second half hustle was really encouraging.
We were just tired. If we had Foster, Murrell and Roderick this is dramatically different.
Is it though?
Define "dramatically" cause it wouldn't have meant the difference between a win and a loss tonight if that's what you're reaching for.
This is a young, inexperienced, mostly undersized and unathletic (thanks Saul) team who will most likely struggle to finish middle of the pack in the MAC.
That's not terrible for a team picked to finish dead last and who had a short and thrown-together recruiting period. Things will get better but we haven't been in the same league as any of our P5 opponents - literally or figuratively - tonight included.
I have faith Boals can get this ship righted in a few years. It is what it is.