DevilWearsPrada wrote:What is the problem ??? Our size? Speed? Our kids are smart. No mental toughness? Any clues? Any thoughts??
For starters, the running game still isn't close to where it needs to be. While we are significantly better than last season, when we finished 120 in FBS in rushing yards, our opponents defense still doesn't have to respect our running game and can focus on pass defense every play. This season we haven't had the success with the short passes, specifically wide receiver screens, like we did last year. It seems to me, defenses are keying on that play. With an improving offensive line and Desmond Scott and Josh Snead gaining experience, I expect the running game will continue to improve.
Stepping back and taking a look from the big picture perspective, this season is demonstrating just how good Thad Lewis was and how tough it is to be a young QB. Sen Renfree brings a lot of skill onto the field and, according to statements from Coach Cutcliffe, is a really smart guy. Coach Cutcliffe stated watching film with Renfree is like watching film with another coach. Unfortunately, Renfree has really made a lot of mistakes this season. IMO, the Alabama game zapped his confidence and he has yet to recover. Of course, the dropped passes by wide receivers hasn't helped the situation.
As I stated over on DBR, I see four winnable games left on the schedule: Navy, Virginia, BC and Carolina. We need to get it in gear this week in Annapolis. Simply stated, Navy is good but they are not that good. We can beat the Middies, but (broken record time) we cannot turn the football over and we have to establish a running game to setup the pass, and then the wide receivers need to catch the ball.