Fire Baker - NOW

[NathanDarby]

we have opponents run through tackles

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.

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.

[dawg80]

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.

And it ALL starts with coaching. If our current players are unable and/or afraid to do 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!!!

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 () 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.

[glm47]

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.

And it ALL starts with coaching. If our current players are unable and/or afraid to do 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.

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.

[jycww]

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?

[DJDAWG]

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.

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.

[PawDawg]

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.

[DJDAWG]

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.

I hear you, but, what does Baker do, just draw a big ass check for doing nothing?

[rabiddawg]

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.

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.

No doubt he trusted Dias to run the show. Baker, not so much.

[markay714]

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.

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.

The guy needs to be demoted at the very least!

[PawDawg]

I hear you, but, what does Baker do, just draw a big ass check for doing nothing?

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.

Unless we get another Diaz who demands respect from HCSH nothing on our defense will change.

[Champ967]

It's not that big.

twss

[DJDAWG]

[qng001]

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.

[TrueBulldog1962]

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.

[Gladzilla]

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.