Coach - Try something different the next two weeks!

​Dear Coach Holtz,
I'm bored with Tech football. Do something different the next two weeks since we are playing against U of T teams that frankly are just not very good. Start Elliot in QB. Start Allen in QB. Rotate them in and out. Let them flip a coin to see who takes the snap on the next series, I don't care how you do it.

What do you have to lose? The Tech fanbase is already gone for the year. I think the Defense is on the verge of forming a players union. The guys on offense apparently don't like each other. I have even heard their mamas don't like each other.

I had plans last week to call the Tech ticket office and inquire about a package of tickets for a church group coming to the UTEP/Homecoming game. Probably just 8-12, not a lot of tickets but a group that actually has some Tech alumni who have not been to any games in a consistent manner in years. My hope was to get them to a game to enjoy our tailgate and the good gameday atmosphere at Joe Aillet Stadium. After this past Saturday, and honestly the past nine home games stretching back to last year, I'm not going to do that. Not going to waste my time. I'm busy enough.

The QB isn't the only problem on this team, it never is with any football program. From where I and others sit in the south end of the CC section on the west side I know what I saw and it was #10 and #13 standing together on the sideline when UAB scored the final time. They both just hung their heads and looked at the ground for a while. It's demoralizing enough in the stands, i can't imagine what its like to be standing where they are.

I'm sorry #8 is in the situation he is in. He spent a lot of time running for his life this past Saturday but after 19 starts, give him a rest. Give us all a rest and just do something different. This is boring and not fun to watch and it isn't worth the price of admission for me or anyone else.

Skip Holtz is acting like a CEO of a struggling C-corp: managing quarter by quarter, do enough to keep shareholders "happy" or at least "content." Get that next dividend paid out, and worry about next quarter....next quarter.

For Holtz, he has seen what it takes to keep Tech Nation "happy" and "content" and that is bowl eligible. He looks at the 12-game schedule and schemes to get to 6 wins, at least. A couple more wins, 8, is better! but 6 gets the job done. He is halfway to the magic number. UTSA represents another chance to get a road win. It is a tough 7-game road slate, so stealing a couple of wins, maybe even THREE, helps to overcome the predictable, inevitable WTF home screw-ups. He has to think that even he won't blow the home dates vs. UTEP and Rice....probably. But Holtz is smart enough to know that despite their 1-4 record, WKU actually can play some football. He's not so sure he can get that one. So, he needs another road win and UTSA, in comparison to FAU, Moo State, and USM, represents his best shot at it.

The funny thing is that Holtz won’t play our supposed 2nd string backup QB when he has to make a change.

When J’Mar lost his helmet and had to come out, Skip send in Nate Cox! I watched the sidelines. Westin was standing there. Is skip afraid playing a better QB might hurt his rockstars feelings?

No the only way we get a QB change is if Smith is hurt or sick. Since he won’t run the ball and plays “safe”, I think we are stuck. BTW anyone else notice that even with all the injuries we seem to get every year J’Mar is never injured enough to miss a game. Every other position player on the team has missed at least one game because of injuries (75 last year!) except J’Mar...hmm...

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Skip Holtz is acting like a CEO of a struggling C-corp: managing quarter by quarter, do enough to keep shareholders "happy" or at least "content." Get that next dividend paid out, and worry about next quarter....next quarter.

For Holtz, he has seen what it takes to keep Tech Nation "happy" and "content" and that is bowl eligible. He looks at the 12-game schedule and schemes to get to 6 wins, at least. A couple more wins, 8, is better! but 6 gets the job done. He is halfway to the magic number. UTSA represents another chance to get a road win. It is a tough 7-game road slate, so stealing a couple of wins, maybe even THREE, helps to overcome the predictable, inevitable WTF home screw-ups. He has to think that even he won't blow the home dates vs. UTEP and Rice....probably. But Holtz is smart enough to know that despite their 1-4 record, WKU actually can play some football. He's not so sure he can get that one. So, he needs another road win and UTSA, in comparison to FAU, Moo State, and USM, represents his best shot at it.

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If you have to scheme to get to 6 wins in CUSA, I can't help you.

I can’t imagine that Holtz isn’t feeling it. It being the fan base’s disappointment with J’Mar and the team as a whole although not so much with the defense. The thing is the fan base is not that far Remington the players. They have eyes, they have ears, they know what’s going on, they most definitely know better than the fans what’s wrong with the offense.

It’s only a hunch but I suspect the only people on the ‘stick’ with J’Mar squad are Holtz & J’Mar. the eyeball test from behind the bench is that J’Mar is on an island. He doesn’t associate with his offensive counter parts and they don’t associate with him. It sure seems like there are some bad feelings for some reason. Maybe it’s just that the guys have lost confidence in him... maybe they’ve seen Elliot perform better in practice.

I fear Holtz having declared J’Mar a ‘rockstar’ is getting in the way of him making a head coach decision. That’s a horrible catch phrase for a QB anyway. Rockstars get by on their celebrity. Tech doesn’t need a celebrity QB, they need a guy who call throw the ball on target and to run with some desire when necessary.

Holtz is the captain of the ship so it’s his job to right it before it hits bottom, we’re already taking on water.

Doesnt matter who the QB is unless they re-evaluate what they are running on offense. They werent prepared. The best plays I can recall were when Smith extended on his own, Smith made that long pass, and when Cox handed the ball off. Nothing they typically called was really working well, Smith hardly had any time. Another issue washe seemed to forget how to throw the ball away.

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Originally Posted by Blue Dawg

If you have to scheme to get to 6 wins in CUSA, I can't help you.

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Were you planning to help me, er, Holtz?

6 wins in CUSA? Throw in a bottom-feeder in the Belch and a SWACer!!! He only needs 4 wins in CUSA.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

Were you planning to help me, er, Holtz?

6 wins in CUSA? Throw in a bottom-feeder in the Belch and a SWACer!!! He only needs 4 wins in CUSA.

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Too true!

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Originally Posted by Tech52

Doesnt matter who the QB is unless they re-evaluate what they are running on offense. They werent prepared. The best plays I can recall were when Smith extended on his own, Smith made that long pass, and when Cox handed the ball off. Nothing they typically called was really working well, Smith hardly had any time. Another issue washe seemed to forget how to throw the ball away.

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How many rollout passes were called? none

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Originally Posted by DJDAWG

How many rollout passes were called? none

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Every pass was a rollout since the pocket collapsed before the snap.

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Originally Posted by techman05

Every pass was a rollout since the pocket collapsed before the snap.

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Sigh! Thanks for the correction.

Maybe J’Mar should go out for basketball. He throws great bounce passes.

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Originally Posted by techman05

Every pass was a rollout since the pocket collapsed before the snap.

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By the second half there was little reason to leave Smith to perform plays in place like he had previous two weeks. There was no time. If he had planned to be moving from the go, MAYBE he could have gotten a few more completions. But they seemed to have him set.

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Originally Posted by revf

The funny thing is that Holtz won’t play our supposed 2nd string backup QB when he has to make a change.

When J’Mar lost his helmet and had to come out, Skip send in Nate Cox! I watched the sidelines. Westin was standing there. Is skip afraid playing a better QB might hurt his rockstars feelings?

No the only way we get a QB change is if Smith is hurt or sick. Since he won’t run the ball and plays “safe”, I think we are stuck. BTW anyone else notice that even with all the injuries we seem to get every year J’Mar is never injured enough to miss a game. Every other position player on the team has missed at least one game because of injuries (75 last year!) except J’Mar...hmm...

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You do know JMar had knee surgery after last year's season right? Playing hurt equals toughness, grit.

I really feel like this is an LSU forum. Is there anything positive that anyone sees in this football team? And it is a team you know, one single unit with 11 moving parts.

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Originally Posted by Rama Jama

I really feel like this is an LSU forum. Is there anything positive that anyone sees in this football team? And it is a team you know, one single unit with 11 moving parts.

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It’s not.
There isn’t much, and we aren’t going to highlight it after an embarrassing loss that happened because of horrible coaching and subpar QB play.
The team played like it didn’t care and the game didn’t matter.

Next question

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Originally Posted by Rama Jama

I really feel like this is an LSU forum. Is there anything positive that anyone sees in this football team? And it is a team you know, one single unit with 11 moving parts.

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Jaylon and Amik

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Originally Posted by Rama Jama

I really feel like this is an LSU forum. Is there anything positive that anyone sees in this football team? And it is a team you know, one single unit with 11 moving parts.

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Did you see the Tech-UAB game Saturday? I mean, did you actually SEE IT? It was the ugliest offensive performance by Tech in Ruston since the late 1970's. No exaggeration. I think you have to go all the way back to the Larry Beightol year of 1979 to find a performance this bad. Of course, back then LA Tech had an administration with balls, and they fired Beightol before the last game of that season.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Did you see the Tech-UAB game Saturday? I mean, did you actually SEE IT? It was the ugliest offensive performance by Tech in Ruston since the late 1970's. No exaggeration. I think you have to go all the way back to the Larry Beightol year of 1979 to find a performance this bad. Of course, back then LA Tech had an administration with balls, and they fired Beightol before the last game of that season.

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Like everyone else here I have seen some pretty bad beatdowns of the Bulldogs before, even traveled hundreds of miles to hostile stadiums to watch the beatdown. But never have I seen such an ugly and boring Football game as I did Saturday night, at least they used to know how to go down fighting and in style, HCSH fixed all of that though.

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Originally Posted by BhadDawg

Like everyone else here I have seen some pretty bad beatdowns of the Bulldogs before, even traveled hundreds of miles to hostile stadiums to watch the beatdown. But never have I seen such an ugly and boring Football game as I did Saturday night, at least they used to know how to go down fighting and in style, HCSH fixed all of that though.

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Really makes you wonder what we might see this weekend. How are we favored by 13?

According to some local radio media you're all just a bunch of delusional complainers. Holtz is doing the best job of building a competitive program of any coach since the move to D1 and there has been no time in our history where we have been as successful as we are now. Proof is 4 straight "everybody goes bowling" bowl appearances. Also, it's delusional to expect to win a CUSA Championship every 5 years.

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Originally Posted by BruceWillisDawg

According to some local radio media you're all just a bunch of delusional complainers. Holtz is doing the best job of building a competitive program of any coach since the move to D1 and there has been no time in our history where we have been as successful as we are now. Proof is 4 straight "everybody goes bowling" bowl appearances. Also, it's delusional to expect to win a CUSA Championship every 5 years.

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Just think of what Skippy's record would have been if he had to coach against the schedule Peace, Crowton, Bicknell or Dooley had to coach against. We might have had an 0-fer season along the way. People give way to much credit for making a shitty bowl game nowadays. A freaking 6-6 record gets you a bowl game. Some P5's get a game with a 5-7 record.

Just think if HCSH had coached TECH in its first three years in the Wide Open Wild & Wacky WAC, Boise, Fresno, Hawaii, even Rice would have hung 70+ on him. We are behind in the arms race but we are so much farther ahead than we were in those days, HCSH has the resources and talent to win 10 games a year plus a CC every once and a while, HE HAS NO EXCUSE!

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Originally Posted by BruceWillisDawg

According to some local radio media you're all just a bunch of delusional complainers. Holtz is doing the best job of building a competitive program of any coach since the move to D1 and there has been no time in our history where we have been as successful as we are now. Proof is 4 straight "everybody goes bowling" bowl appearances. Also, it's delusional to expect to win a CUSA Championship every 5 years.

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We’re just little old Tech and shouldn’t expect too much....budgets,enrollments,...name the excuse...

I stopped yesterday at the E-Z Mart on 167 South in Ruston. One of the "locals" was hangin out and asked me on the way back to my truck if I knew what was wrong with the Bulldogs after last Saturday night?
We then had a 15 minute conversation about football, coaching including how to build a staff, player development and a little about Sunday school teaching. He led the discussion. He follows the Dogs and goes to the games (walks there and when he can catch a ride if it's bad weather.) His main conclusion among many, was that HCSH has to delegate more and trust his staff. Trust in his staff is like trusting himself. Failure to do so is an indication he doesn't believe in what he has built. HCSH lacks confidence in his program. His players and staff sense that in him.

Stunning. A guy who is hanging out at the E-Z Mart and walks to Tech and Grambling games made about as much sense as anyone in analyzing our football program.

I gave the guy ten dollars because he is a little down on his luck right now. Our AD should take the five minute drive to the south side of town and hire him as a consultant.

Well, how much of his staff did Holtz bring vs what did he inherit or people encouraged him to hire?

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Originally Posted by eagle2180

Well, how much of his staff did Holtz bring vs what did he inherit or people encouraged him to hire?

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This is Holtz's 6th season. He didn't bring, inherit or was encouraged by anyone to hire anyone. This is his staff, he hired them. He is responsible for their job performance. Perhaps he should stop by the E-Z Mart and talk to Mr. Smith and get his opinion. Buy a coke at the fountain and a bag of porkskins while he consults with him.

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Originally Posted by JDubyadawg

This is Holtz's 6th season. He didn't bring, inherit or was encouraged by anyone to hire anyone. This is his staff, he hired them. He is responsible for their job performance. Perhaps he should stop by the E-Z Mart and talk to Mr. Smith and get his opinion. Buy a coke at the fountain and a bag of porkskins while he consults with him.

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So Holtz can hire and fire as needed if assistants aren’t performing?

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Originally Posted by BruceWillisDawg

According to some local radio media you're all just a bunch of delusional complainers. Holtz is doing the best job of building a competitive program of any coach since the move to D1 and there has been no time in our history where we have been as successful as we are now. Proof is 4 straight "everybody goes bowling" bowl appearances. Also, it's delusional to expect to win a CUSA Championship every 5 years.

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Who's the idiot that says that stuff? That person is too stupid to be behind a microphone. I guarantee you its not one of the local merchants who's going to have to depend on a crowd of about 8K to 10K fans on game day the rest of the year at JAS.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Who's the idiot that says that stuff? I guarantee you its not one of the local merchants who's going to have to depend on a crowd of about 8K fans the rest of the year on game day at JAS.

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Well, you want me to name names? Not too many to choose from.

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Originally Posted by Bulldog Tom

Just think of what Skippy's record would have been if he had to coach against the schedule Peace, Crowton, Bicknell or Dooley had to coach against. We might have had an 0-fer season along the way. People give way to much credit for making a shitty bowl game nowadays. A freaking 6-6 record gets you a bowl game. Some P5's get a game with a 5-7 record.

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That's not restricted to P5's. Two years ago, UNT made it to the Heart of Dallas Bowl against Army with a 5-7 record. Of course, UNT lost the bowl game too, and finished the 2016 season with an overall record of 5-8.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_N..._football_team

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Originally Posted by eagle2180

Well, you want me to name names? Not too many to choose from.

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Yes, please name names. I'd honestly like to know who's really that stupid. I'm guessing that I was right about it not being a merchant, who actually has money at stake? ;)

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Yes, please name names. I'd honestly like to know who's really that stupid. I'm guessing that I was right about it not being a merchant, who actually has money at stake? ;)

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Don’ t know specifically who made the comments. You can listen online to 97.7 in Ruston from 7:00 am to 10:00 am or 3:00pm to 6:00 pm. There are a few Tech apologists...some of them Tech graduates.

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Originally Posted by eagle2180

Don’ t know specifically who made the comments. You can listen online to 97.7 in Ruston from 7:00 am to 10:00 am or 3:00pm to 6:00 pm. There are a few Tech apologists...some of them Tech graduates.

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They publish another tech website for 9.95 a month if you want to know who it was.

And yes, the gist of the show was Skip is doing a great job. 4 bowl wins in a row. We should shut up and be happy with what we get. Our expectations are too high.

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Originally Posted by revf

They publish another tech website for 9.95 a month if you want to know who it was.

And yes, the gist of the show was Skip is doing a great job. 4 bowl wins in a row. We should shut up and be happy with what we get. Our expectations are too high.

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Which is exactly why I never have and never will subscribe to that site.

If they are too critical in their official public comments over there, they could get their wings clipped. And loss of that access would be crushing to their bottom line.

It's gotten so bad that it's almost turning 6:00-7:30 PM on Tuesday nights into a big waste of time to listen to.

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Originally Posted by eagle2180

Don’ t know specifically who made the comments. You can listen online to 97.7 in Ruston from 7:00 am to 10:00 am or 3:00pm to 6:00 pm. There are a few Tech apologists...some of them Tech graduates.

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Sounds like something our post game show guy would say.

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Originally Posted by revf

They publish another tech website for 9.95 a month if you want to know who it was.

And yes, the gist of the show was Skip is doing a great job. 4 bowl wins in a row. We should shut up and be happy with what we get. Our expectations are too high.

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I'm pretty sure you can't hear if that's what you took away from that. It was stated that Tech hasn't had success on the football field like this since 1971 through 1974. That's a FACT. No one said to shut up second off, you said that. The gist of the show was talking about Skip doing a great job? There was 7 minutes talked about that out of 90. No one said the expectations are too high, all that was said was that Tech hasn't had this success since 1971-1974. Tech won 9 games three straight seasons from 2014-2016, that's a FACT. Want to know Tech's three prior nine win seasons before that? 1984, 1997, and 2012. That's a FACT. If you don't think Skip Holtz is doing a good job, that's fine, but don't go spreading FAKE NEWS. Everyone that supports Louisiana Tech wants 12 wins and a Conference Championship every year, it's just some of us decide to be a little more realistic than you. This team had flaws when they were 3-1 and we pointed that out on the show the previous week, but you sure didn't talk about that. If you want to call in, call 888-993-7762. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Would absolutely love it.

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Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962

I'm pretty sure you can't hear if that's what you took away from that. It was stated that Tech hasn't had success on the football field like this since 1971 through 1974. That's a FACT. No one said to shut up second off, you said that. The gist of the show was talking about Skip doing a great job? There was 7 minutes talked about that out of 90. No one said the expectations are too high, all that was said was that Tech hasn't had this success since 1971-1974. Tech won 9 games three straight seasons from 2014-2016, that's a FACT. Want to know Tech's three prior nine win seasons before that? 1984, 1997, and 2012. That's a FACT. If you don't think Skip Holtz is doing a good job, that's fine, but don't go spreading FAKE NEWS. Everyone that supports Louisiana Tech wants 12 wins and a Conference Championship every year, it's just some of us decide to be a little more realistic than you. This team had flaws when they were 3-1 and we pointed that out on the show the previous week, but you sure didn't talk about that. If you want to call in, call 888-993-7762. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Would absolutely love it.

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No, you wouldn't. And be careful what you wish for.

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Originally Posted by dawg80

No, you wouldn't. And be careful what you wish for.

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Ummm, pretty sure we would. Call us to find out. Tuesday night, 6-7:30.

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Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962

Ummm, pretty sure we would. Call us to find out. Tuesday night, 6-7:30.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNZFZ6jDCR4

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Originally Posted by dawg80

No, you wouldn't. And be careful what you wish for.

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Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962

Ummm, pretty sure we would. Call us to find out. Tuesday night, 6-7:30.

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https://www.bing.com/th?id=OGC.bc46d...pEzqFYafhXawMw

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Originally Posted by dawg80

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNZFZ6jDCR4

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It has nothing to do with one of us being wrong or right. You are fan, we are fans, call and discuss the issues with one another. Heck, there are people on here that call every week and discuss on the postgame show. There are people that vent, there are people that have told my co-host how wrong he is. I have a very healthy respect for him for voicing his opinion, heck, his son is in my best friends community group at church and helps us out with the site. We love Tech, call and talk about it. I may have an opinion that you think is idiotic, I may think your opinion is idiotic, but guess what? That's the beauty of being a fan. We all think we have the right answers. My issue was someone saying we sat on the radio for 90 minutes discussing how good Skip Holtz is and every fan should be satisfied when that is not even close to what I said.

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Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962

I'm pretty sure you can't hear if that's what you took away from that. It was stated that Tech hasn't had success on the football field like this since 1971 through 1974. That's a FACT. No one said to shut up second off, you said that. The gist of the show was talking about Skip doing a great job? There was 7 minutes talked about that out of 90. No one said the expectations are too high, all that was said was that Tech hasn't had this success since 1971-1974. Tech won 9 games three straight seasons from 2014-2016, that's a FACT. Want to know Tech's three prior nine win seasons before that? 1984, 1997, and 2012. That's a FACT. If you don't think Skip Holtz is doing a good job, that's fine, but don't go spreading FAKE NEWS. Everyone that supports Louisiana Tech wants 12 wins and a Conference Championship every year, it's just some of us decide to be a little more realistic than you. This team had flaws when they were 3-1 and we pointed that out on the show the previous week, but you sure didn't talk about that. If you want to call in, call 888-993-7762. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Would absolutely love it.

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I just want to know, if you really said the things BWD mentioned below, or not? (Yes, I know sometimes things can get exaggerated or twisted when reported.)

Understand, it's no longer 2014 thru 2016, when Holtz got very, very, lucky and had 3 great QB's in a row drop into his lap. Regardless, those days are over. LA Tech was 6-6 last year before beating up on a one-armed SMU (metaphorically speaking) in the Frisco Bowl. THAT'S A FACT. Furthermore, that LA Tech team found a way to lose 4 games that they shouldn't have lost in 2017. THAT TOO, IS A FACT. And finally, this current team has already found a way to lose one game they shouldn't have lost, at home. THAT'S A FACT.

So, the concern here is that THIS CURRENT TEAM --with J'Mar Smith at QB and Skip Holtz head coaching-- is vastly underachieving, compared to its superior level of talent. It's just not working. This same cast of lead offensive characters underachieved in 2017 and is on its way to the same outcome in 2018, if changes aren't made quickly. They CAN'T SCORE! This culture of underachievement --combined with BORING OFFENSIVE PLAY-- is negatively impacting the game day experience in Ruston. It also hurts attendance. And the program is what most of us care about. But, the worst part is, the coaches don't seem willing to try anything different to fix the problems. Unfortunately, this too is a fact.

Pardon me, if most of us don't want to sit around and dream about the "glory years of 2014-2016", when the reality is, no conference championship was won by the Dogs during that period. It's gotta get better than that.

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Originally Posted by BruceWillisDawg

According to some local radio media you're all just a bunch of delusional complainers. Holtz is doing the best job of building a competitive program of any coach since the move to D1 and there has been no time in our history where we have been as successful as we are now. Proof is 4 straight "everybody goes bowling" bowl appearances. Also, it's delusional to expect to win a CUSA Championship every 5 years.

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Eli Manning looked like trash last night it wasn't all the fault of the o-line. Right now I'll be happy with anyone that steps up in the pocket and works it. Eli reminded me of J'mar.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Furthermore, that LA Tech team found a way to lose 4 games that they shouldn't have lost in 2017. THAT TOO, IS A FACT. And finally, this current team has already found a way to lose one game they shouldn't have lost, at home. THAT'S A FACT.

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Those are actually opinions, supported by facts.

We all may share them, but they remain opinions nonetheless.

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Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962

It has nothing to do with one of us being wrong or right.

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Are you new here?

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Originally Posted by Champ967

Those are actually opinions, supported by facts.

We all may share them, but they remain opinions nonetheless.

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So? That's just your opinion, supported by facts.

We all may share it, but it remains an opinion nonetheless.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

So? That's just your opinion, supported by facts.

We all may share it, but it remains an opinion nonetheless.

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If you're going to stretch the definition of "fact" to include widely shared opinions … well, then you've probably been hanging out with Dawg80.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

I just want to know, if you really said the things BWD mentioned below, or not? (Yes, I know sometimes things can get exaggerated or twisted when reported.)

Understand, it's no longer 2014 thru 2016, when Holtz got very, very, lucky and had 3 great QB's in a row drop into his lap. Regardless, those days are over. LA Tech was 6-6 last year before beating up on a one-armed SMU (metaphorically speaking) in the Frisco Bowl. THAT'S A FACT. Furthermore, that LA Tech team found a way to lose 4 games that they shouldn't have lost in 2017. THAT TOO, IS A FACT. And finally, this current team has already found a way to lose one game they shouldn't have lost, at home. THAT'S A FACT.

So, the concern here is that THIS CURRENT TEAM --with J'Mar Smith at QB and Skip Holtz head coaching-- is vastly underachieving, compared to its superior level of talent. It's just not working. This same cast of lead offensive characters underachieved in 2017 and is on its way to the same outcome in 2018, if changes aren't made quickly. They CAN'T SCORE! This culture of underachievement --combined with BORING OFFENSIVE PLAY-- is negatively impacting the game day experience in Ruston. It also hurts attendance. And the program is what most of us care about. But, the worst part is, the coaches don't seem willing to try anything different to fix the problems. Unfortunately, this too is a fact.

Pardon me, if most of us don't want to sit around and dream about the "glory years of 2014-2016", when the reality is, no conference championship was won by the Dogs during that period. It's gotta get better than that.

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In response to BWD’s comments: I would never call any Tech fan a bunch of delusional complainers. So no, I did not say that. I did say that I think the program has been built to a level of sustained success that we have not seen since 1971-1974. Now that’s my personal belief, that happens to be backed up by wins. I get it, wins aren’t everything, but that’s why it’s my opinion. I did not say it’s delusional to expect a CUSA Championship every 5 years. All I said was that we’ve played for 2 in 5 years under Holtz, and the loss to UAB really hurts, but it doesn’t close the door on this season. Now, BWD could be referencing other local shows, I don’t have a chance to listen to them everyday.
I understand it’s no longer 2014-2016, but if that is the case, then it’s no longer 2017 either. Tech did go 6-6 last year and lost 4 games that they should not have lost. Tech was 1-4 in one possession games last season with one of the 10 youngest teams in the nation. Does that matter? I have no idea, but it’s a point that should be mentioned. Tech is 2-0 in one possession games in 2018 with one of the 10 most experienced team in the nation. Does that matter? Again, I have no idea, but hopefully our guys learned something from last season. I do agree, we should not have lost at home to UAB. Unacceptable, any way you put it.

Looking at this year’s offensive line. South Alabama was a struggle in first half. They obviously played well against Southern and LSU. They struggled at times against NT, and were downright brutal against UAB. They may be without their best OL this week, and will be without one more as well. J’Mar has improved from last season if you ask me, but he must become more consistent. He misses too many throws, and does not do well when he has to play off script. At running back, the offense has been really good with Dancy in there, but we know he’s hurt a lot. Tucker is solid, but he’s banged up. McKnight is understanding his role better, but he allowed two sacks last week. Henderson is talented, but he fumbled once last week, and ran the wrong way on another fumble when the ball was supposed to be handed to him. I like Hardy, Bonnette, and Veal outside at WR but the second most drops in the country won’t cut it.

So when I look at the offense, there is plenty to be cleaned up. I agree with you. But, these issues were a factor far before the UAB game.

In regards to the coaches not tinkering with things, have you been to practice to see if they do? I learned as someone that never played football after middle school that I can’t evaluate with the naked eye. I go to at least one practice a week to see what is being worked on. Just so I am more informed. I’m serious when I say this, please come with me one day. It is extremely enlightening. It gives me a great understanding why certain players don’t play and certain ones do. It’s just like I saw one post that said Tech was barely in pads in the video. They wear helmets, pads, and pants with no pads every single Wednesday. Why is that just now an issue and not every week?
I don’t want to sit around and dream about 2014-2016 being the “glory years” either. But with what Tech football has been for decades, we are in the best stage we’ve seen since 1971-1974. I choose to cherish that, and relish it. Does that mean I don’t want more? Heck no, I’m a competitor, I never want to lose. Losing sucks. But I also can’t bring myself to believe that the sky is falling after one loss. If we are 3-9 in seven weeks, then the sky will have fallen, and I’ll be in that boat.

Again, I just wanted to clear up what I said because some said things that weren’t said.

The game last week sucked. I was mad. But we still have a decent chance at a CCG.

I'm willing to call this the annual Skip Holtz WTF Game™.

But Skip dang well better understand that he's used his allotment for the season.

However, we are no longer in control for a CCG. From here on, its entirely on what happens to others. We had our chance, and predictably blew it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LATechBanjo

The game last week sucked. I was mad. But we still have a decent chance at a CCG.

I'm willing to call this the annual Skip Holtz WTF Game™.

But Skip dang well better understand that he's used his allotment for the season.

---

It's like clockwork.

That's not to say the criticisms are without merit.

Not sure Holtz will ever be "bad" enough to get canned. Still not convinced that he'll ever be good enough to win a championship. He's great at glad-handing and, by all reports that I've heard, seems to be decent man. It all adds up to this: Holtz will leave only when he wants.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962

In response to BWD’s comments: I would never call any Tech fan a bunch of delusional complainers. So no, I did not say that. I did say that I think the program has been built to a level of sustained success that we have not seen since 1971-1974. Now that’s my personal belief, that happens to be backed up by wins. I get it, wins aren’t everything, but that’s why it’s my opinion. I did not say it’s delusional to expect a CUSA Championship every 5 years. All I said was that we’ve played for 2 in 5 years under Holtz, and the loss to UAB really hurts, but it doesn’t close the door on this season. Now, BWD could be referencing other local shows, I don’t have a chance to listen to them everyday.
I understand it’s no longer 2014-2016, but if that is the case, then it’s no longer 2017 either. Tech did go 6-6 last year and lost 4 games that they should not have lost. Tech was 1-4 in one possession games last season with one of the 10 youngest teams in the nation. Does that matter? I have no idea, but it’s a point that should be mentioned. Tech is 2-0 in one possession games in 2018 with one of the 10 most experienced team in the nation. Does that matter? Again, I have no idea, but hopefully our guys learned something from last season. I do agree, we should not have lost at home to UAB. Unacceptable, any way you put it.

Looking at this year’s offensive line. South Alabama was a struggle in first half. They obviously played well against Southern and LSU. They struggled at times against NT, and were downright brutal against UAB. They may be without their best OL this week, and will be without one more as well. J’Mar has improved from last season if you ask me, but he must become more consistent. He misses too many throws, and does not do well when he has to play off script. At running back, the offense has been really good with Dancy in there, but we know he’s hurt a lot. Tucker is solid, but he’s banged up. McKnight is understanding his role better, but he allowed two sacks last week. Henderson is talented, but he fumbled once last week, and ran the wrong way on another fumble when the ball was supposed to be handed to him. I like Hardy, Bonnette, and Veal outside at WR but the second most drops in the country won’t cut it.

So when I look at the offense, there is plenty to be cleaned up. I agree with you. But, these issues were a factor far before the UAB game.

In regards to the coaches not tinkering with things, have you been to practice to see if they do? I learned as someone that never played football after middle school that I can’t evaluate with the naked eye. I go to at least one practice a week to see what is being worked on. Just so I am more informed. I’m serious when I say this, please come with me one day. It is extremely enlightening. It gives me a great understanding why certain players don’t play and certain ones do. It’s just like I saw one post that said Tech was barely in pads in the video. They wear helmets, pads, and pants with no pads every single Wednesday. Why is that just now an issue and not every week?
I don’t want to sit around and dream about 2014-2016 being the “glory years” either. But with what Tech football has been for decades, we are in the best stage we’ve seen since 1971-1974. I choose to cherish that, and relish it. Does that mean I don’t want more? Heck no, I’m a competitor, I never want to lose. Losing sucks. But I also can’t bring myself to believe that the sky is falling after one loss. If we are 3-9 in seven weeks, then the sky will have fallen, and I’ll be in that boat.

Again, I just wanted to clear up what I said because some said things that weren’t said.

---

I appreciate the clarification about what you said on the radio. Thank you. That said, you're wrong about J'Mar improving this year. The stats don't support your claim. Below are J'Mar's 2017 season passing stats after his first 5 games, vs his 2018 season passing stats after his first 5 games. They are remarkably similar. In fact, they are so similar that it proves what some of us have been saying; there's been no noticeable improvement (at least statistically) in J'Mars 2018 performance vs his 2017.

J'Mar Smith's 5-Game Y/Y Passing Stats:

Category:.......................2017 ...........2018

Pass completions............... 97..................99
Pass attempts...................169................178
Passing Yards.................1,320.............1,256
TD Passes...........................7................ ....9
INT's..................................3.......... ..........5
Avg QB Rating..............129.7.............129.4

Again, as you can see, J'Mar's passing stats this season are essentially THE SAME as they were after 5 games in 2017. Furthermore, one could easily argue that J'Mar's 2017 "first 5-game" stats were compiled against a tougher schedule than this season's were. The first 5 games in 2017 included road games at SEC South Carolina and CUSA defending champion WKU, as well as a date with SEC Miss State in Ruston.

All this to say, the stats don't lie, and they DO NOT support your statement that J'Mar has improved.

Oh yeah! game, set and match to HogDawg!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

I appreciate the clarification about what you said on the radio. Thank you. That said, you're wrong about J'Mar improving this year. The stats don't support your claim. Below are J'Mar's 2017 season passing stats after his first 5 games, vs his 2018 season passing stats after his first 5 games. They are remarkably similar. In fact, they are so similar that it proves what some of us have been saying; there's been no noticeable improvement (at least statistically) in J'Mars 2018 performance vs his 2017.

J'Mar Smith's 5-Game Y/Y Passing Stats:

Category:.......................2017 ...........2018

Pass completions............... 97..................99
Pass attempts...................169................178
Passing Yards.................1,320.............1,256
TD Passes...........................7................ ....9
INT's..................................3.......... ..........5
Avg QB Rating..............129.7.............129.4

Again, as you can see, J'Mar's passing stats this season are essentially THE SAME as they were after 5 games in 2017. Furthermore, one could easily argue that J'Mar's 2017 "first 5-game" stats were compiled against a tougher schedule than this season's were. The first 5 games in 2017 included road games at SEC South Carolina and CUSA defending champion WKU, as well as a date with SEC Miss State in Ruston.

All this to say, the stats don't lie, and they DO NOT support your statement that J'Mar has improved.

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HD, bringing it, drops the mic and walks off!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eagle2180

HD, bringing it, drops the mic and walks off!

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Greatest stuff ever!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PawDawg

Greatest stuff ever!

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Sometimes it's hard to argue. HD put it together.

If our coaches and admin had the passion of our fans...unstoppable!

Tulsa (1-4) ahead of USF (5-0) 17-10 late 3rd quarter. College football can be a surprising game and upsets happen - good teams have bad games. While typing this, Tulsa has moved the ball from their own 12 to around USFs 5, 1st and goal - and apparently will increase their lead.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stodgdog

Tulsa (1-4) ahead of USF (5-0) 17-10 late 3rd quarter. College football can be a surprising game and upsets happen - good teams have bad games. While typing this, Tulsa has moved the ball from their own 12 to around USFs 5, 1st and goal - and apparently will increase their lead.

---

well this lets Holtz off the hook.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stodgdog

Tulsa (1-4) ahead of USF (5-0) 17-10 late 3rd quarter. College football can be a surprising game and upsets happen - good teams have bad games. While typing this, Tulsa has moved the ball from their own 12 to around USFs 5, 1st and goal - and apparently will increase their lead.

---

Wow! 1-4 Tulsa is now leading 5-0 #23 USF 24-10 at the end of the 3rd Qtr. USF's QB is 11 of 25 for 120 yards and an INT.

Tulsa just lost because they couldnt make a first down. Run, Run on first and second down. Aweful.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tech52

Tulsa just lost because they couldnt make a first down. Run, Run on first and second down. Aweful.

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Cheap call for roughing the passer. The Refs were corrupt.

Good teams find a way to win, even when they aren’t playing well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PawDawg

Cheap call for roughing the passer. The Refs were corrupt.

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Definitely gave USF the “push” they desperately needed at that point.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SicemDawgz

Good teams find a way to win, even when they aren’t playing well.

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Lousy teams find ways to lose games.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tech52

Doesnt matter who the QB is unless they re-evaluate what they are running on offense. They werent prepared. The best plays I can recall were when Smith extended on his own, Smith made that long pass, and when Cox handed the ball off. Nothing they typically called was really working well, Smith hardly had any time. Another issue washe seemed to forget how to throw the ball away.

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The OL was ineffective for whatever reason after being pretty solid prior to the UAB debacle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dixonfor6

It’s not.
There isn’t much, and we aren’t going to highlight it after an embarrassing loss that happened because of horrible coaching and subpar QB play.
The team played like it didn’t care and the game didn’t matter.

Next question

---

It was poor OL execution. Everything else that went wrong was a direct result of that. The defense played well enough for Tech to win.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Did you see the Tech-UAB game Saturday? I mean, did you actually SEE IT? It was the ugliest offensive performance by Tech in Ruston since the late 1970's. No exaggeration. I think you have to go all the way back to the Larry Beightol year of 1979 to find a performance this bad. Of course, back then LA Tech had an administration with balls, and they fired Beightol before the last game of that season.

---

Frankly, I thought it the worst offensive performance I have ever seen from any team, not just our Dawgs.

Tech's first three plays were great when we went 32 yards for a TD. I had a Pavlov's dog reaction, salivating and thought this will be easy, which is a bad omen. I immediately tried and continued to try to take the thought back but, alas, I failed. I accept full responsibility for our defeat.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bulldog Tom

Really makes you wonder what we might see this weekend. How are we favored by 13?

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I seldom make predictions, however I do make an occasional wager (never against our team). Last I heard the line had moved to Tech by 11. I think we cover the spread.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JDubyadawg

I stopped yesterday at the E-Z Mart on 167 South in Ruston. One of the "locals" was hangin out and asked me on the way back to my truck if I knew what was wrong with the Bulldogs after last Saturday night?
We then had a 15 minute conversation about football, coaching including how to build a staff, player development and a little about Sunday school teaching. He led the discussion. He follows the Dogs and goes to the games (walks there and when he can catch a ride if it's bad weather.) His main conclusion among many, was that HCSH has to delegate more and trust his staff. Trust in his staff is like trusting himself. Failure to do so is an indication he doesn't believe in what he has built. HCSH lacks confidence in his program. His players and staff sense that in him.

Stunning. A guy who is hanging out at the E-Z Mart and walks to Tech and Grambling games made about as much sense as anyone in analyzing our football program.

I gave the guy ten dollars because he is a little down on his luck right now. Our AD should take the five minute drive to the south side of town and hire him as a consultant.

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Remember that his opinion, though well thought out, is with little information and purely speculative. Many on this board were really high on the Dawgs after the two games prior to last Saturday's debacle. That was an overreaction, also. Team sports are odd that way. I was encouraged, but not overly so.

I think our team will be fine. No, I am not a sunshine pumper so don't label me as such. Any one who knows me also knows that. But, I have not given up on this edition of the football Dawgs and am quite sure the players and coaches have not, either.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PawDawg

Sounds like something our post game show guy would say.

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Name names

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BruceWillisDawg

According to some local radio media you're all just a bunch of delusional complainers. Holtz is doing the best job of building a competitive program of any coach since the move to D1 and there has been no time in our history where we have been as successful as we are now. Proof is 4 straight "everybody goes bowling" bowl appearances. Also, it's delusional to expect to win a CUSA Championship every 5 years.

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Your interpretation is inaccurately slanted, IMHO

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PawDawg

well this lets Holtz off the hook.

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Not my point. In fact, there was no point - only an observation as I was perusing BBB.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by stodgdog

The OL was ineffective for whatever reason after being pretty solid prior to the UAB debacle.

---

It was ineffective because our HC was determined to beat 7 of their guys with 5 or our guys in the trenches the whole game. It's that simple.

It's a matter of disposition imo. If you coach to try to keep what we have (conservative) rather than to take what we want (aggressive), the players pick up on this. Offense must be called in such a way that we are attempting to score touchdowns on every possession. If that's not Holtz's disposition, our players will assume the same disposition.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by stodgdog

Remember that his opinion, though well thought out, is with little information and purely speculative. Many on this board were really high on the Dawgs after the two games prior to last Saturday's debacle. That was an overreaction, also. Team sports are odd that way. I was encouraged, but not overly so.

I think our team will be fine. No, I am not a sunshine pumper so don't label me as such. Any one who knows me also knows that. But, I have not given up on this edition of the football Dawgs and am quite sure the players and coaches have not, either.

---

Everyone's opinion is purely speculative until you sit and watch your team get the crap beat out of them 28-7. What you see in front of you, really is what you see in front of you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HogDawg

I appreciate the clarification about what you said on the radio. Thank you. That said, you're wrong about J'Mar improving this year. The stats don't support your claim. Below are J'Mar's 2017 season passing stats after his first 5 games, vs his 2018 season passing stats after his first 5 games. They are remarkably similar. In fact, they are so similar that it proves what some of us have been saying; there's been no noticeable improvement (at least statistically) in J'Mars 2018 performance vs his 2017.

J'Mar Smith's 5-Game Y/Y Passing Stats:

Category:.......................2017 ...........2018

Pass completions............... 97..................99
Pass attempts...................169................178
Passing Yards.................1,320.............1,256
TD Passes...........................7................ ....9
INT's..................................3.......... ..........5
Avg QB Rating..............129.7.............129.4

Again, as you can see, J'Mar's passing stats this season are essentially THE SAME as they were after 5 games in 2017. Furthermore, one could easily argue that J'Mar's 2017 "first 5-game" stats were compiled against a tougher schedule than this season's were. The first 5 games in 2017 included road games at SEC South Carolina and CUSA defending champion WKU, as well as a date with SEC Miss State in Ruston.

All this to say, the stats don't lie, and they DO NOT support your statement that J'Mar has improved.

---

I do agree, the stats are very similar.

BUT, when you look at adjusted completion %, which is a metric that solely evaluates the QB, not the elements around him, he ranks 32nd in the nation in 2018. That’s up from 58th last season.

The Tech WRs already have 61% of their total drops from a season ago in only 38% of the game. Is that the QBs fault?

In total, Tech has the 2nd most drops in the country with 40 fewer passing attempts than the leader. A drop is considered a pass that hits the WRs hands.

75% of his throws have been considered catchable targets. That’s up from 66% a season ago. Is that an improvement?

The offensively line ranks 131st out of 200 (yes, I included FCS) in blocking efficiency. Is that the QBs fault?

The OL ranks 104th in the nation in keeping pocket clean at 65.7% of the time. Is that the QBs fault?

So I guess you can look at stats only to make an evaluation, or you can dive deeper into the data to form your opinion. You may be right, but I believe our QB has improved and that data supports it.

I took data from Pro Football Focus.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962

I do agree, the stats are very similar.

BUT, when you look at adjusted completion %, which is a metric that solely evaluates the QB, not the elements around him, he ranks 32nd in the nation in 2018. That’s up from 58th last season.

The Tech WRs already have 61% of their total drops from a season ago in only 38% of the game. Is that the QBs fault?

In total, Tech has the 2nd most drops in the country with 40 fewer passing attempts than the leader. A drop is considered a pass that hits the WRs hands.

75% of his throws have been considered catchable targets. That’s up from 66% a season ago. Is that an improvement?

The offensively line ranks 131st out of 200 (yes, I included FCS) in blocking efficiency. Is that the QBs fault?

The OL ranks 104th in the nation in keeping pocket clean at 65.7% of the time. Is that the QBs fault?

So I guess you can look at stats only to make an evaluation, or you can dive deeper into the data to form your opinion. You may be right, but I believe our QB has improved and that data supports it.

I took data from Pro Football Focus.

---

Hmmm...figures don't lie, but liars figure.

OK...get busy with a rebuttal HD! I'll hang up and listen.

🍿💻

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

🍿💻

---

Ha! No popcorn needed. I’m an analytical guy, he’s probably not. It’s no big deal to me, we could argue all day.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by revf

They publish another tech website for 9.95 a month if you want to know who it was.

And yes, the gist of the show was Skip is doing a great job. 4 bowl wins in a row. We should shut up and be happy with what we get. Our expectations are too high.

---

That may not have been said verbatim but I hear it all the time. And the people I hear it from all have one thing in common; they talk about being Tech fans out of one side of their mouth, and drink the purple and gold koolaid out of the other side.

Is it considered a dropped pass if he throws it to a guys shoelaces or throws it 9 feet high to a 5’9” receiver and our receiver is lucky to graze the ball with a finger? Just curious if it has to be a catchable ball to be considered a drop.

Stats are facts, but stats don’t always tell the whole story. Passes behind the WR or at the WR’s feet count as drops, but anyone watching knows it was an errant pass. Catchable? Yes, but good QBs make it easier on pass catchers, not more challenging.

We can argue stats all day, but the eyeball test is probably the most accurate evaluator. And I don’t think anyone with eyeballs would argue that J’Mar is a good QB. He has a strong arm, but lacks accuracy & touch. He is also lacking leadership & awareness. Those are some pretty important traits and he is lacking them all, which indicates he sucks at QB. (IMO)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by techman05

Is it considered a dropped pass if he throws it to a guys shoelaces or throws it 9 feet high to a 5’9” receiver and our receiver is lucky to graze the ball with a finger? Just curious if it has to be a catchable ball to be considered a drop.

---

It has to hit hands to be considered a drop.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hambone29

Stats are facts, but stats don’t always tell the whole story. Passes behind the WR or at the WR’s feet count as drops, but anyone watching knows it was an errant pass. Catchable? Yes, but good QBs make it easier on pass catchers, not more challenging.

We can argue stats all day, but the eyeball test is probably the most accurate evaluator. And I don’t think anyone with eyeballs would argue that J’Mar is a good QB. He has a strong arm, but lacks accuracy & touch. He is also lacking leadership & awareness. Those are some pretty important traits and he is lacking them all, which indicates he sucks at QB. (IMO)

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This is my point, I don’t consider it a catchable ball if the receiver has to throw his back out trying to reverse course to catch a ball three feet behind him at knee level when the pass should have been chest high 2 feet in front, regardless of whether the receiver got a hand on the ball.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by techman05

This is my point, I don’t consider it a catchable ball if the receiver has to throw his back out trying to reverse course to catch a ball three feet behind him at knee level when the pass should have been chest high 2 feet in front, regardless of whether the receiver got a hand on the ball.

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http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p03z0v23.jpg

Lol. Come on 6 pm!

Smith is our QB for this season and next unless he gets injured or quits. That’s the way it is. But consider this, Holtz had an All American at QB, three NFL WR’s and two future NFL RB’s on the same offense in 2015 and still couldn’t win a conference championship. So it wouldn’t matter if Smith was Montana, in the end we’d still find a way to lose.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962

It has to hit hands to be considered a drop.

---

I'm on the record calling this the worst WR corps in Tech history. Of course, I did not do any analysis going back to the 1950's and prior, so if someone were to post, nope D80! the 1937 team had worse receivers. I would say, okay. Point is these WRs suck. So, our equally lousy QB has not been bailed out too much with the receivers making numerous great plays. True.

But for anyone to state that Smith has improved....wow! in comparison to what!? He was the absolutely, absolutely lousiest QB in Tech history....well, a bit of a hyperbole...point is, he sucks. So, in 2018 he's improved to "the absolutely lousiest" (just one absolutely)? HD posted stats comparing 2017 to 2018. That is the fairest comparison that can be done. We are comparing what Smith did vs. what Smith did in VERY similar circumstances.

I had not seen those numbers prior to HD posting them here. Yet! I, and others, have stated emphatically Smith has not progressed. We didn't NEED stats...Smith was failing the eye test week after week. I have tried....really, really tried to find something we could point to...I posted after the LSU game he was better at stepping up into the pocket...I even likened it to Drew Brees! Talk about REACHING!!!

This is no longer just about J'Mar Smith, this is about Tech Football. We can do better at the QB position. We KNOW what a good college QB looks like. We know what they accomplish on the field. Time to move on to someone else.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962

I do agree, the stats are very similar.

BUT, when you look at adjusted completion %, which is a metric that solely evaluates the QB, not the elements around him, he ranks 32nd in the nation in 2018. That’s up from 58th last season.

The Tech WRs already have 61% of their total drops from a season ago in only 38% of the game. Is that the QBs fault?

In total, Tech has the 2nd most drops in the country with 40 fewer passing attempts than the leader. A drop is considered a pass that hits the WRs hands.

75% of his throws have been considered catchable targets. That’s up from 66% a season ago. Is that an improvement?

The offensively line ranks 131st out of 200 (yes, I included FCS) in blocking efficiency. Is that the QBs fault?

The OL ranks 104th in the nation in keeping pocket clean at 65.7% of the time. Is that the QBs fault?

So I guess you can look at stats only to make an evaluation, or you can dive deeper into the data to form your opinion. You may be right, but I believe our QB has improved and that data supports it.

I took data from Pro Football Focus.

---

So, you're still arguing that J'Mar has improved in 2018, despite the statistics posted above? :laugh: You and Skip Holtz are in denial, and just can't face reality. You want to blame other players.

As others have rightfully pointed out, balls thrown at our WR's feet, and marginally behind a running receiver are still considered a "drop" by our WR as long as he touches it. God help us if J'Mar ever hits one of our WR's ON THE RUN, like he's supposed to. Do you realize how seldom THAT has happened in 2018? He won't even throw the slant pass (because the receiver is running). He's seems to be only comfortable throwing the "button-hook", or some other such pass that has our WR standing still at the time of reception. J'Mar appears to not be comfortable throwing to receivers on the run.

The mere fact that LA Tech has the 2nd most drops in the country should tell you all you need to know about J'Mar's delivery.

As for our OL, the New Orleans Saints OL would have a hard time blocking for J'Mar, because he's so indecisive, and holds the ball too long. You've heard the stories; you know he zeroes in on one receiver and waits, and waits, and waits until that receiver gets open, or he throws the ball away. That's the biggest distinction between J'Mar's release, and our recently successful QB's (Colby, Driskel, Sokol, & Higgins). Even Tim Ratty (1997-99) made an art out of getting rid of the ball quickly. But not J'Mar. He just doesn't have faith that he can throw "on pattern" and his WR will be open. So he frequently holds the ball too long and misses the open window.

The toughest job in America might be OL for a QB like J'Mar.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dawg80

I'm on the record calling this the worst WR corps in Tech history. Of course, I did not do any analysis going back to the 1950's and prior, so if someone were to post, nope D80! the 1937 team had worse receivers. I would say, okay. Point is these WRs suck. So, our equally lousy QB has not been bailed out too much with the receivers making numerous great plays. True.

But for anyone to state that Smith has improved....wow! in comparison to what!? He was the absolutely, absolutely lousiest QB in Tech history....well, a bit of a hyperbole...point is, he sucks. So, in 2018 he's improved to "the absolutely lousiest" (just one absolutely)? HD posted stats comparing 2017 to 2018. That is the fairest comparison that can be done. We are comparing what Smith did vs. what Smith did in VERY similar circumstances.

I had not seen those numbers prior to HD posting them here. Yet! I, and others, have stated emphatically Smith has not progressed. We didn't NEED stats...Smith was failing the eye test week after week. I have tried....really, really tried to find something we could point to...I posted after the LSU game he was better at stepping up into the pocket...I even likened it to Drew Brees! Talk about REACHING!!!

This is no longer just about J'Mar Smith, this is about Tech Football. We can do better at the QB position. We KNOW what a good college QB looks like. We know what they accomplish on the field. Time to move on to someone else.

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I would say our WR is very talented, however, they are VERY inconsistent. The Dooley years was probably the worst group of WR we’ve had in recent memory.

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Originally Posted by SicemDawgz

I would say our WR is very talented, however, they are VERY inconsistent. The Dooley years was probably the worst group of WR we’ve had in recent memory.

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This doesn't help Smith's case...

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Originally Posted by SicemDawgz

Smith is our QB for this season and next unless he gets injured or quits. That’s the way it is. But consider this, Holtz had an All American at QB, three NFL WR’s and two future NFL RB’s on the same offense in 2015 and still couldn’t win a conference championship. So it wouldn’t matter if Smith was Montana, in the end we’d still find a way to lose.

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That's actually a good point.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

So, you're still arguing that J'Mar has improved in 2018, despite the statistics posted above? :laugh: You and Skip Holtz are in denial, and just can't face reality. You want to blame other players.

As others have rightfully pointed out, balls thrown at our WR's feet, and marginally behind a running receiver are still considered a "drop" by our WR as long as he touches it. God help us if J'Mar ever hits one of our WR's ON THE RUN, like he's supposed to. Do you realize how seldom THAT has happened in 2018? He won't even throw the slant pass (because the receiver is running). He's seems to be only comfortable throwing the "button-hook", or some other such pass that has our WR standing still at the time of reception. J'Mar appears to not be comfortable throwing to receivers on the run.

The mere fact that LA Tech has the 2nd most drops in the country should tell you all you need to know about J'Mar's delivery.

As for our OL, the New Orleans Saints OL would have a hard time blocking for J'Mar, because he's so indecisive, and holds the ball too long. You've heard the stories; you know he zeroes in on one receiver and waits, and waits, and waits until that receiver gets open, or he throws the ball away. That's the biggest distinction between J'Mar's release, and our recently successful QB's (Colby, Driskel, Sokol, & Higgins). Even Tim Ratty (1997-99) made an art out of getting rid of the ball quickly. But not J'Mar. He just doesn't have faith that he can throw "on pattern" and his WR will be open. So he frequently holds the ball too long and misses the open window.

The toughest job in America might be OL for a QB like J'Mar.

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Adjust completion % accounts for factors that hurt the QBs completion % and helps shows how accurate the QB truly is.

The tougher schedule flew over my head? Nah, I was just choosing certain things out of your statement like you did. I know that LSU was #5 in the country when Tech played them. I don’t think MSU or South Carolina was that last year. WKU sucked last season. But I do agree the 2017 front five 5 games were tougher. So great point.

I don’t care to argue about J’Mar. I was just simply stating that I didn’t say the things that some said I did and you picked out an opinion of mine on J’Mar. I assume you’re not coming to practice with me this week to see what goes on?

The 2nd most drops should let me know all I need to know about J’Mar’s delivery? What does that even mean? What does it tell me about Mason Fine when NT leads the country in drops?

And yes, you’re right. A QB causes pass blocking efficiency to be low when that metric has zero to do with a QB and takes into account how long a QB holds the ball. Great point.

Have you ever considered coaching? With your playing experience you’d probably be a good fit in the college ranks.

I hope we win tonight. I hope the entire team plays well. Go Dogs!

How bout a tailback pass, reverse, fake punt, go for it on 4th and one on positive side of the field! Something that will excite the players! They are only 18-20 yr olds, they love that stuff! Something that tells your players you are willing to pull out the stops to get a victory! Thanks for the vent!!

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Originally Posted by DD Dawg

How bout a tailback pass, reverse, fake punt, go for it on 4th and one on positive side of the field! Something that will excite the players! They are only 18-20 yr olds, they love that stuff! Something that tells your players you are willing to pull out the stops to get a victory! Thanks for the vent!!

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Sure seems to work for FAU coach Lane Kiffin and UNT coach Seth Littrell. Those guys love trick plays.

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Sure seems to work for FAU coach Lane Kiffin and UNT coach Seth Littrell. Those guys love trick plays.

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So do the Fans, especially when one makes SC, exciting football is what the fans want. You want better attendance numbers T'Mac? Be sure you have a coach who knows how to produce exciting football!

Ok, I am one to do a lot of critiquing and commenting on performance and Coaching, not trying to be a glass half empty guy, just concerned. I am putting all of that aside for today (Pre-game:D).......

Good luck Coaches, Players, and Staff, I hope all perform up to your potential and have a great, injury free Game.

GO DAWGS!

This thread is more entertaining than most of our games.

I think we should run one of those truck plays where it doesn’t take us 5 minutes to hand the ball off.

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Originally Posted by johnnylightnin

I think we should run one of those truck plays where it doesn’t take us 5 minutes to hand the ball off.

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Maybe like this?

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i..._ja-Gh6x8HewYA