Two Novembers in a row. Something is wrong here. And, I would argue that BG and the Buffs have talent light years ahead of ours. Both are flat out bigger, faster and stronger on both sides of the ball. Seriously, that playing calling is predictable and horrid. And, can anybody on this team tackle/hit hard and knock someone backwards off their feet. The last two games have been as bad as anything in the knorr era.
Its going to ruffle some feathers but I would argue that Brian Knorr had he stayed as coach of the Bobcats could have largely won as many games as Frank Solich with the same players. Players want to be here. Everyone in the state likes OU. Solich was a good hire from where this program was in 2004. Its time for an upgrade. Think OSU here; from Bruce to Cooper to Tressel to Meyer they've upgraded each time out. If the team finishes without a bowl its time for Frank Solich to get the pink slip.
The difference of course is Knorr wouldn't have been able to recruit this type of talent.
My question is tho, I see Buffalo and BG's players with more SIZE and speed and what looks to be talent. Why is it a school like Buffalo can recruit these types of players and we can't? We have been an established MAC program for quite a while now. Why aren't we going after these type players?I look at our offensive line and it looks small compared to just about every team we play. Same goes for the defense. We can get away with small against the lesser talented teams but it doesn't fly when you hit descent competition.
Seems everyone else has gotten bigger and faster and better talented, while we continue to recruit the same as always.
Because they have malls in places like Buffalo!
All joking aside it is something that frequently catches my attention too. Our average olineman looks less imposing than the average olineman of most programs and I don't get that. I know that rebuilding programs have to overachieve for a few years with average to below average talent but I would think that we would be in a place where higher end recruits would be coming in droves. I know I am biased but we offer at worst one of the top 3 overall classic collegiate experiences in our conferences for a student.
Something I was thinking about was how easily we could have dropped our last 3 against BG. This year was nothing short of an absolute mauling. Last year we certainly contributed to their success with our own self destruction. But even two years ago, when they were in a certain rebuilding mode, they arguably outplayed us and we stole one at the end with a field goal.
What's most discouraging is what appears to be a lack of interest, effort, and especially heart. The team has been sleepwalking ever since that safety last week. I hate to see the team lose but it's easier to swallow when I know we got a 100% effort. I've got a hard time believing that's what the team put forth last night.