Coach Loeffler had his presser today. It was actually relatively interesting with good questions (except one).
That question: "it is reassuring to be right there with Liberty?"
Seriously? That was Loeffler's 30th loss in 4 years and 1 game. There are no reassuring losses anymore. That was a question for year 3.
Loeffer said: we let one slip away and a big jump is needed
Offense
Coach said he like our run blocking, especially on the perimeter. We ran the ball effectively--as well as we have since Loeffler has been here.
The problem was 9 pressures
Two of the picks were "horrific" decisions
The other three. "I don't know what to tell the guy."
On some of those pressures, we had guys running "scot free" in the secondary. If we protect the passer, the guys are open for big plays.
An example was that there were multiple guys wide open on the 3rd play of the game that we missed due to terrible protection.
Orth's INT in the red zone that would have tied the game was a misread. There was a guy wide open and anyone could have made the throw.
If we protect the passer, we will run and pass.
He was asked about juggling guys on the Oline. Coach said that we settled in better in the second half.
Loeffler: "We have a good idea how to pass the ball" Me: "That's a relief."
Also Loeffer: "When you have poor spacing you will see a ghost."
He was asked why we switched to passing when the run game seemed to be working. Coach said eventually you have to. I think that is right. Eventually, they will load the box.
As far as getting Stewart and Keith more touches, the key is to run more plays and the key to that is to make first downs.
Both QBs will play Saturday
Defense
We tackled pretty well
We had eye violations, discipline things
Sometimes we made mistakes and they didn't make the play either
Defense was put in difficult positions and did well on quick changes.
Special teams
Poor kicking
Lost the hidden yardage battle--terrible kickoffs both ways, especially return
We didn't rush the punter aggressively in this game but we think we can block them
He was asked about choosing personnel to rush field goals. He said you need fast guys who can bend
Eastern Ilinois
Had 4 picks and two sixes last week
Switches their coverages a lot
New DC
Tough to come off a high turnover game---can be afraid
Last note:
Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim is a "savage" blocker.
I understand your point about getting away from moral victories in Year 5 of a rebuild. That said, given that horrendous start at Liberty, I did find myself somewhat encouraged by the end of the game.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good program. I think Loeffler is right to describe them as a MAC championship caliber. To nearly come back on the road after spotting them 24 points -- well, it could have been worse. We've seen worse around here.
If this team continues to grow over the next couple of games the way it seemed to in real time at Liberty, we may have a MAC East contender. A lot of ifs and buts to that, but that's where my head is at right now.
So, I didn't think it was a crazy question.
We can't look past Eastern Illinois. That's a pretty good program. On to the next one.