Team Chemistry and Mental Mistakes

These are the two things that are absolutley killing us right now. Do you actually think that Kent State and UNI have more talent than us? No way. It is obvious that our team is thinking too much rather than reacting and just playing football.

I still think our offense can be fine. I was hoping we would have a couple big plays last night to get that unit clicking. Obviously, I was wrong. It is obvious that Bret's head is swimming the most on the offensive side. Until these guys can get comfortable and want to step up and make plays, we will have a rough go of it.

I don't think the defense did too bad. I just think they ran out of gas considering they were on the field for what seemed like the entire game.

You could tell there was one 4-year starting QB out there ... Sanders was the definition of poised.

*gets on soap box*

Again, it's adversity. We don't respond to it (well, we do - just badly) at all.

On that first drive...we're doing well. Then, a false start penalty on 1st and 10 inside the 20. I turned to my wife and said "we're not going to score because of that".

Sure enough, on 3rd and long - interception.

I could go on and on - with examples just from this year. It's a problem we've had for years. As soon as something bad happens, we make more mistakes and eventually fall like a house of cards.

Until that changes, we're not going to be successful. Adversity is a big part of football - every team must deal with it. Good teams overcome it.

Meyer either has some disability that doesn't allow him to look left or he doesn't want to, and Blythe is either too scared to go across the middle or McFarland won't give him any plays across the middle.

So until that's fixed, we're screwed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Howie3310

Meyer either has some disability that doesn't allow him to look left or he doesn't want to, and Blythe is either too scared to go across the middle or McFarland won't give him any plays across the middle.

So until that's fixed, we're screwed.

---

"I'm not an ambi-turner. It's a problem I had since I was a baby. I can't turn left."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Drews79

These are the two things that are absolutley killing us right now. Do you actually think that Kent State and UNI have more talent than us? No way. It is obvious that our team is thinking too much rather than reacting and just playing football.

I still think our offense can be fine. I was hoping we would have a couple big plays last night to get that unit clicking. Obviously, I was wrong. It is obvious that Bret's head is swimming the most on the offensive side. Until these guys can get comfortable and want to step up and make plays, we will have a rough go of it.

I don't think the defense did too bad. I just think they ran out of gas considering they were on the field for what seemed like the entire game.

---

STRONGLY AGREE with this THREAD
I do not believe the cupboard is bare and all is lost with this season or team as some would cry out. These guys just need to go out and play more relaxed. As things sink in and the new terminology (play calls) and concepts this new coaching staff is trying to do things will improve.

"Will you be there when...." like that phrase...

Go clones !
I still don't rule out 2-2 start... just need to minimize / eliminate mistakes

I actually believe last years UNI team has more talent than this years version. With our Clones, we are lacking talent, speed, size and leadership from the players. From the stands the team looks like we have no leaders, in our face guys to get them going!! On offense Meyer has never been that type of player, and I think when they get down they need someone to rally the troops and get them going.

Alvin Bowen is showing leadership even on the sidelines... seen him out on a couple series in both games as he was patting guys on the back as they came off the field both defensively and offensively. Taking a more team concept to his gameplay this year per coaches but is also probably affecting some of his lack of BIG PLAYS thus far this year.... Still expecting big things this year as the team improves... concepts.. coaching... terminology. Who thought this was gonna be an overnight turn around ?

GO Clones

Alvin needs more help. First game the offensive line ran out of gas, the second game the defensive line looked gassed. No reliable depth except at end and running back. Jesse Smith had 12 tackles first game and James Smith had 12 tackled seond game. Where are the others?

our defense either needs to find a way to force more turnovers, or stop allowing such long drives to stay alive...what are other teams doing on 3rd down against us? seriously. Bret Meyer needs to keep the defense honest and for the love of god stop locking in on 1 receiver before the play starts...

Just so he does not lock in the opposing players with a couple of his interceptions. Talk abouit telegraph - thse were laser missiles to the opponents hands.

I agree with you Howie. I was wondering why Blythe wasn't going across the middle on crossing patterns either. I don't want to question the staff but we really need to get some more looks his way. We just need someone to step up on offense and I think we will be OK. If we can just start eliminate the mental mistakes and get some confidence, we will be fine.

Am I the only one that thought the defense played OK against UNI? They played well enough to win. The offense screwed them over.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jahfg

Am I the only one that thought the defense played OK against UNI? They played well enough to win. The offense screwed them over.

---

I think the same could be said of the Kent St game. The defense played a monster first half as the offense kept hanging them out to dry. As the offense kept blowing it, however, the D spent more and more time on the field. When you're the defense you can't be on the field by a 2-1 margin and still expect to continue to play at a high level - the offense has to give you a breather and our O seems to be incapable of doing that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jahfg

Am I the only one that thought the defense played OK against UNI? They played well enough to win. The offense screwed them over.

---

No, you are not the only one! The defense did its part against UNI. But, the offense kept giving the panthers short fields.