Couldn't watch the game. Just checked score and was as expected. Came straight to this thread to bump. If any silver lining comes out of this season it will be getting rid of the worst defensive coordinator we have ever had.
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Couldn't watch the game. Just checked score and was as expected. Came straight to this thread to bump. If any silver lining comes out of this season it will be getting rid of the worst defensive coordinator we have ever had.
That would be surprising.Quote:
Originally Posted by RougeDawg
Quote:
Originally Posted by RougeDawg
I hear he brings donuts to coaches' meetings, so he will still be around for a while. Is there still a Shipley's on California?Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
This is what should happen to Baker.Quote:
Originally Posted by Amos Moses
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/30/sports/ncaafootball/usc-fires-its-football-coach.html
And frankly, Skip Holtz should be forced to take a bus home himself. This is NOT a new problem for Holtz.
There was someone recently fired on a road game who had to find his own ride home.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
We may be the first team in history that played multiple games without forcing a punt by the other team.
Very true. But probably more accurately described as a "Culture of Comfort". Change doesn't come easy or quickly in Ruston.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Brasky
I know. LOL! I saw it on Barstool.com the other day, but I can't find it now. I think it was an NHL Hockey coach and his staff (Carolina Hurricanes?) They literally weren't allowed on the flight home. :laugh:Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
if Shipley's was that place on the corner by Davison Hall, it's now called In-n-Out Donuts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Amos Moses
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Dawg
NHL's Florida Panthers.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
They had just lost to the Hurricanes.
That was it! LOL! Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by JuBru
http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/1...eserved-betterQuote:
The fact that photos surfaced of Gallant having to hail his own cab in Raleigh, North Carolina, after being told he was fired -- well, that just adds to the level of outrage for many.
Doubt Skip fires Blake Baker before the bowl game, I'm not going to the bowl game just to watch the punter for the other team get zero punts
I interpreted Holtz's comments after the game to mean that he is going to fire Baker.
Wanna make a bet. I say after the bowl game.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wade_Antley
Heck, just demote the dude and put Rattay at DC. A former QB ought to know how to disrupt another QB.
He will reassign him I betQuote:
Originally Posted by Wade_Antley
PLEASE make a change at DC
I wouldn't want Baker anywhere near any of my defensive players. Our scheme, tackling and coverage were all embarrassing. Whatever he's coaching, I don't want any. He needs to go, period. Maybe try selling insurance.Quote:
Originally Posted by DJDAWG
I think it's time for a new S&C coach as well. We have gotten pushed around too much here at the end of the year.
I believe it will be after the bowl game too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gladzilla
I would argue that our special teams have been even worse than our D. We MUST have change on both fronts.
I agree with glm, dont throw a rotten apple back into your good apple barrel.
I would think Baker would stay for the bowl game. But after the season change needs to happen.
Nope. He needs to go now. If needed, I'm sure Dawg80 or any number of our other posters could coach the Tech Defense in the bowl game and probably do a better job. All Holtz has to do is ASK!! :icon_razz:Quote:
Originally Posted by louisiana_dog
We desperately need some of that HD speed on defense. You don't have any eligibility left do you?Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
There really is no reason to delay this.
LOL! I've slowed down a lot the last 5 years. But I could probably still outrun Santos. (He didn't play today.) LOL!!Quote:
Originally Posted by SicemDawgz
Who is no.44? That guy played like a blind squirrel the whole game.
Quote:
Originally Posted by qng001
You two, along with many others, have forgotten that Spangler's defense was as responsible for 2011 as the Dykes/Franklin offense. Spangler passed up a better FBS offer after that year because he was loyal to Dykes and his defensive players. Dykes/Franklin and their "system" caused our defensive woes in 2012 not Spangler's coaching.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cory
http://cdn-wpmsa.defymedia.com/wp-co...rplane-gif.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by Houston Techsan
He is not the worst. Rose was the worst. Bicknell had others who were worse.Quote:
Originally Posted by RougeDawg
...and they have been consistently bad with HCSH. We have fans screaming for a special teams coach, but HCSH has ALWAYS been in charge of special teams. Just some really stupid stuff today and against USM.Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnylightnin
Quote:
Originally Posted by latech
Durman - LB
Yep, why we get whipped up front on offense and why we have opponents run through tacklesQuote:
Originally Posted by glm47
No worries, Trump is taking over soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by THEarmada
This is inaccurate. We can't have opponents run through tackles because the thing our defensive players are attempting to do does not resemble a "tackle" in any recognizable way, shape, or form. Now, if you had said our opponents are running through our players when they softly toss themselves in the general vicinity of the ball carrier in a crouched position with their eyes closed while cringing and hoping that the impact doesn't hurt too much, you would have been correct. Or at least that's what it looks like they are doing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dwayne From Minden
And it ALL starts with coaching. If our current players are unable and/or afraid to tackle people, then it is the coaches job to either teach them how or find someone else who can. I don't know that I've ever seen a defense that seemed more afraid to just HIT somebody....and I've seen some bad ones!
In all honestly though, I mostly just feel bad for our defensive guys for being subjected to Baker's "coaching". The shitshow that is our current defense is not their fault. It's obvious we have some talented athletes on the defensive side. I think these same players could be a lot better with a change in scheme, vastly improved fundamentals, and most importantly a big infusion of aggression and heart.
LOVE THIS POST!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by NathanDarby
But, I will add, and I don't care who gets upset about it, I know I was taught how to tackle in Pop Warner ball, going all the way back to 5th grade. And in junior high, we had INTENSE tackling drills. We had more guys hurt in practice than we ever did in games. Not to make this about me (:D) I am CERTAIN kids today must be being taught correct tackling techniques. The NFL, for safety reasons, sponsors the "Heads' Up" program to train youth coaches how to teach tackling w/o leading with the helmet. While it does address the safety issue, it also provides the proper technique of "eyes on the ball carrier." That's the way we were taught, and when we hit, it was always with your shoulder, which is padded.
But, I'm sorry, football is a violent game. I never apologized to opposing players for hitting them as hard as I could, and I didn't care if they got hurt. I still don't care.
Defense wins championships. Defense allows programs like Tech to compete with the "big boys." Yes, wide open offenses are a great equalizer for G5s to beat P5s. We know that. But, if you have to have a defense that can make some stops because no O can score 100% of the time. And winning conference championships? An absolute must.
Really appreciate your post. It helps to have the perspective of a former player. IMHO, it's a pretty strong indictment of Holtz that we've let this go on for two years. I'm pretty sure his fingerprints are all over this because he's a micromanager.Quote:
Originally Posted by NathanDarby
I recently joined this bulletin board as I was very interested in La. Tech football and the news around the team (as I live in Houston). However, watching the last 2 games on TV (the last being the WKU game), the defense is truly embarrassing. Other than what looks to be unanimous opinions about the defensive coordinator needing to be let go, is there any true news in Ruston or Louisiana about this guy being in trouble and any possibility that Coach Holtz will in fact fire him?
One of the best qualities that Skip Holtz has is loyalty and simply being a very nice/good guy. I think it is very hard for this man to fire or even demote one of his coaches. And, I think he really feels that they ARE his. He looks after his people.Quote:
Originally Posted by jycww
I totally get this and really HATE to see anyone lose their job. But, when a DC is this bad, something has to be done.
So many assumptions made about our DC and him having total control of our defense. He does not. NOTHING including special teams happens on this team on the fly. HCSH has his say in every decision from who starts, to formations run, to who travels with the team and NEVER gets on the field.Quote:
Originally Posted by DJDAWG
I hear you, but, what does Baker do, just draw a big ass check for doing nothing?Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
I think you are right, and I think that when Holtz feels he has the offensive team to out score everybody he only wants the defense to not lose the game. But, this ends up neutering our defense and biting Holtz in the arse.Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
No doubt he trusted Dias to run the show. Baker, not so much.
The guy needs to be demoted at the very least!Quote:
Originally Posted by DJDAWG
It's not that big. Not as big as the one our OC draws for just being HCSH eyes in the sky. I'd much rather have Rattay calling plays from the sideline that HCSH taking advice from a recycled OC who is an old friend.Quote:
Originally Posted by DJDAWG
Unless we get another Diaz who demands respect from HCSH nothing on our defense will change.
twssQuote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
To prepare for Navy, Baker needs to pop in tapes from Tech/Navy 2009 and 2010. Or just look at Ken Hatfield's Rice team beat Tech 49-14 in 2003.
If Xavier Woods plays in the NFL it will show us just how far the NFL has truly fallen. Taylor from WKU ran circles around him, almost like it was a joke that he was even attempting to cover him.
Coaching will beat the talent out of you.Quote:
Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962
Haven't read every post, but how come we had a true freshman playing cornerback in the championship game? Also, I know Woods played, but wasn't the other safety new?
With three linebackers out and a freshman corner in his first start, wouldn't that have something to do with the poor performance by the defense? Just asking.
Harris and Santos were academiclally ineligible. Any more?0
Don't forget Sedrick Cooper went out after running into the TV Cart.
Also, coaching will bring the talent out of you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gladzilla
Next man up. I thought Sneed played as well as anyone... and he was a Safety playing Corner.
Technology to explore deep space and ocean floors, but can't videos game from more than 25 feet away from the playing surface.Quote:
Originally Posted by sportdawg
Cedric seemed to have hurt his neck and they were being real careful. What's his status?Quote:
Originally Posted by techman05
Heck yeah he did, read a short pass route and took that thing to the house. If only our other corners could read one route in their career.Quote:
Originally Posted by T1
I think the defense will play better in the bowl because there is so much time to focus on this one opponent, rather than just one week. They did well vs Arkansas, i think part of the reason is that they had lots of preparation time.
I guess we will see. I hope he can keep a job... just not the big job.
We had two weeks to focus on USM for our revenge - they didn't even bother to show up to play.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tech52
Our defense was not the problem at USM.Quote:
Originally Posted by latech
So are we still paying Baker?
And why?
Because it doesn't matter if it is before the Bowl game or after...we won't have a DC.
I may have missed it, but did Prince Sam play?Quote:
Originally Posted by Houston Techsan
Spot on! That was embarrassing to watch.Quote:
Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962
We will play MUCH better pass defense in the bowl game. I bet Navy throws for less than 100 yds - of course that will be on 3/3 passing after racking up 350 on the ground :((
It was part of the problem, but I agree it was our offense that totally broke down. Defense was our problem at WKU.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cool Hand Clyde
Right...had nothing to do with the idiotic special teams coaching.Quote:
Originally Posted by champion110
Why wasnt Schouse punting?
Because our HC is determined to let the other guy punt. He knows he can't punt, then he chews him out for punting bad.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tech52
ST was bad, but it was probably a draw this game... so was theirs.
Scared of their returner... preferred rugby style to prevent returns.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tech52
I hope we never ever ever see those types of punts again. He does not need to be punting!Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
So he chooses to use a guy who is bad at rugby punts and then proceeds to try a traditional punt (to fool them?) for 20 yards at THE most crucial point of the game.Quote:
Originally Posted by T1
When will you ever be willing to admit the HCSH is THE worst at on the fly decisions of special teams and usage of time outs? He is not a bad coach over all, but his clock management and special teams have been proven over and over and over to be horrible at best.
Holtz is a micromanager. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but that's who he is. I wish he would realize his limitations and let others coach ST and/or Defense.Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
We should kick the ball out of bounds every time we kick off.
We should never punt unless we're pinned inside our own 20.
We should blitz at least one player on every play when on defense.
We should give Scott more carries.
And we should hire a competent DC and special teams coach this off season.
We need an aggressive pentrating D. When we play base our DL catches and doesn't get off blocks. This D is as bad or worse than 2012. Baker needs to change or be fired.
So you want to fire HCSH?Quote:
Originally Posted by brtransplant
2012 was on our job hunting HC and his sockless sidekick. You think we should have fired them and now we should fire HCSH? He will not change his boy Baker. Baker does what HCSH tells him to do.Quote:
Originally Posted by cscollis
Amazing that some of you believe HCSH is not calling the horrible BS.
I'm watching Monday night football with the Colts taking on the Jets and I swear that Baker is coaching the Jets defense! Looks exactly like Tech. Gruden is going crazy.
I can't admit that because I don't follow all the other coaches. I don't think playing McPherson was an on the fly decision. I bet he planned on that all week. THAT would be a flaw I see in Skip.... he overthinks things. Just punt the ball! :laugh:. But as far as clock management, he has some very good moments as well as bad ones. How many times have you seen him call timeouts with a minute or two left in the half when we were on defense so he could get the ball back and try to score before the half was over... and pull it off? A bunch! I'm like, "Really, you think you are going to get the ball back and score?" And he does it.Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
I can admit that I suck at evaluating coaches though. I don't pay it much mind at all. I'm much more interested in the execution of the play than the play that's called. I think execution is where games are won and lost. Hindsight is always 20/20 on a play call or coaching decision that turned out bad, but credit always goes to the player when it turns out good. The difference in a play call that goes for -2 yards and the same play call that goes for 98, is execution by the players. The difference in a punt that goes off the side of a foot for 18 yards and one that goes 65 yards is execution. I don't say, "Darn you coach, you knew that guy was going to kick it off the side of his foot!" I say, "Darn, what an unfortunate time for the punter to miss-kick the ball." We are seeing the same things, I just spread responsibility around, where you seem to focus it on 1 guy messing everything up for everybody.
Not really wanting to argue, just pointing out that I don't see things like most here do and we will probably never see the same game regardless of who our coach is because I don't watch games that way.
The guy you are overlooking has only kicked about two good kicks in his entire career. What would make him want to try this guy after 4 years or failure?
Insanity on special teams? Fair catches by hands guys on pooch kicks...not risking a thow back to a better hands guy...having a guy fair catch a punt inside the 5... having a guy let the ball roll when he watches it bounce on the 40...I could go on and on over the past 4 years. HCSH is HORRIBLE when it comes to clock management and special teams.
Logan McPherson's stats show 9 punts in the last 2 years. You may be making a mountain out of mole hill with that one? The fair catches by Woodall were coaching decisions. So, you start on the 30 instead of possibly the 40? Mole hill? Did he "have the guy watch the ball roll" and did the guy watch the ball roll? I see the guy doing it, you see him being ordered to do it. Holtz will err on the side of caution though. He doesn't want the game to be won or lost by him. He wants to put them in the best position to win the game. He's not the riverboat gambler type. That could be a flaw at times.Quote:
Originally Posted by PawDawg
So why would you pull a guy off the shelf that's only punted 9 times in the last 2 years to punt in the CUSA championship game? Especially one that was consistent only in the fact that he couldn't punt worth a damn.Quote:
Originally Posted by T1
I can only tell you the reasoning. He didn't want to lose the game on a punt return (he feared that punter returner was going to do it to us). It's fair to second-guess that based on McPherson's history. It was calculated and he determined rugby kicking was the best way to prevent a big return. In his mind, the rugby kicking would be adequately executed. It wasn't.... again.Quote:
Originally Posted by glm47
You have one of the worst defenses in the country, you were just blown out by a team with a losing record, and two of your starters are out for academic reasons...so yeah let's worry about the punt returner. :icon_roll:Quote:
Originally Posted by T1
Every phase counts. Make them earn their points with their offense.
Our OC doesn't do anything but report what he sees from the booth. Already works with WR's. Let him take inside receivers as well and then Sloan, or someone can take on Special Teams. Or let Sloan watch from the booth during games and coach all receivers. Either way opens a spot for full time special teams.
twssQuote:
Originally Posted by cscollis
twssQuote:
Originally Posted by glm47
Did you really post this in reference to OUR defense? I mean, really!?Quote:
Originally Posted by T1
"earn their points"
Again, were you referring to Tech's defense?????
Hey, that's not fair. 5 of their 10 scoring drives took over 6 plays. :oQuote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
It's the lack of aggression, and really poor tackling. If you are going suck at D at least be aggressive and go for turnovers.
Has tech ever beaten an Academy school in football. Should be a high scoring game.
No. We are 0-4 against Army and Navy. Have not played Air Force.Quote:
Originally Posted by cscollis
I doubt we stop them much. The good thing is this will be the best offense we've had against a military school, so maybe we can outscore them this time. The most we've ever scored on them was 23 points in Dykes' first year (2010).
According to the stats McPherson was the starter for 2 years, he finished last in CUSA both years. Coaches let Shouse punt quite a few times over that period and for the most part did way better and finished with better avg for both years. Since making Shouse the starter his avg has steadily gotten better, last year he put 48% of his punts inside the 20 and this year probably around 40%. Shouse has only had 3 or 4 touch backs in his whole career at Tech and right now his avg is 43 yards per punt. If his avg stays anywhere close to that for the season he'll finish 2nd best in Louisiana Tech history behind Ryan Allen. Imagine if he had been the starter all 4 years. The only game he hasn't started in the past few years was against WKU this season and the reasoning was fear of their returner. I would think that after that fiasco with an extremely short rugby punt and another one blocked and returned for a touchdown that just about anybody in their right mind would have to say damn that sure backfired. The idea that in a game as big as the Championship game you would go with the no fear approach and go with the best you've got but these geniuses decided to try the same damn thing again and it cost us dearly.Quote:
Originally Posted by glm47
labgQuote:
Originally Posted by cscollis
It's weird that we've never expressed any interest in playing Air Force in a H&A or at least a game in Shreveport, near the base.Quote:
Originally Posted by JuBru
We tried, but our AD was rude to them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wade_Antley
"Ah yes, old sport. What say you bring your little football team down to Ruston for the amusement of your betters? Hmmmm?"
http://www.orangejuiceblog.com/wp-co...8827181212.jpg
Several posters have mentioned it over the years. We catered to C-USA and Army by moving the home game to Dallas. It was a very bad move. Not sure encouraging fans from our opponent's school for a "home game" in S'Port is wise or that it would be profitable.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wade_Antley
Agree with PawDawg. The Aggie games had a lot of Aggie fans. So I suppose they were profitable. The Miami game had a lot of local interest and was probably our "best" turnout without a lot of actual opposing fans. We have had too many games in Shreveport with no turnout. We thought SMU would come, but evidently they don't travel to Ft. Worth, much less Shreveport.
Just going from memory here.Quote:
Originally Posted by Houston Techsan
1995 Tulsa - fair attendance
1996 Baylor - good
1997 Cal - good
1999 aTm - great
2001 SMU - fair
2002 OkSt - great
2002 UTEP - poor
2003 Miami - great
2004 Tulsa - poor
2008 NIU - good
2010 Gram - good
2012 aTm - great
Based on my extremely scientific analysis ... I'd say that a G5 opponent in Shreveport will draw a crowd range from poor to good. But a P5 opponent will draw a crowd ranging from good to great.
Stated differently -- good attendance represents the ceiling for a G5 opponent in Shreveport, but the floor for a P5 opponent.
Therefore, we should only schedule P5 opponents in Shreveport. (And only if we could not otherwise get them in JAS.)
I was remembering Baylor from way back in the late 70s or early 80s. Pretty poor crowd. You're calling OK State good, but I remember only about 34,000 while both Aggie games were over 40,000.
Hold up, don't take your pitch forks to me yet. I was just thinking out loud. It just occurred to me that Air Force would make a great home game..... Recognize the base, the ROTC, have a fly over, and bring in a bouncy house for the youngins. Just seems like a team that would have attendance appeal.
No pitch forks or not disagreeing...just discussing.;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Wade_Antley
I think the point we're all making is that if we play them it should be in Ruston. I agree it would be a good home game. Also a wonderful return trip to Colorado Springs for those who travel. It's only about a full day and a half from Houston, so probably two full days from Ruston/Shreveport although easier drive. We generally have to go cross country to Lubbock and up from Amarillo.