Bowl Loss Stings

Sadness accrues.

That one stings.  I usually don't get too wound up with the bowl games anymore, since you usually have guys out on both teams.  It's not a fair representation of your program.

Except this year, I thought it was.  We have so many guys using up their eligibility (and can't portal) that we had a good showing. Also, two of our three portal guys played and our consensus All-American played when many guys would have opted-out.  And boy, did he play.

Anyway, I was looking forward to this one.  I felt like our guys--with a chance to make things right--would rally to the cause and deliver for our seniors.

And that didn't happen.  Many of them played well, but in the end BG played a mistake-filled game.  The special teams--came in #18 in the nation on PFF--experienced a chamber of horrors.  There were mistakes on offense, a ridiculous taunting penalty, a fumble, a complete lack of control of the offensive line of scrimmage (against a team allowing 7 yards a rush) and it yielded a final loss for this team.

Fannin paid off on his risk.  He had a Herculean game...17 catches, 213 yards, 1 TD.  Bazelak had good numbers...I don't know, you always feels like he's just short.  I think he was focused on Fannin, for sure.  Half of his targets went there, and there were a couple of plays where we had Johnson wide open for touchdowns and the ball went to Fannin.

Side note:  two rules for our program.  No more head coaches from Texas.  And no more trips to Mobile.  Something in those beads is bad for us.

It's disappointing because things had been pointing to this year.  With all the "old guys," we finally had a critical mass of players.  We had a stud RB, an all-MAC QB and an All-American TE. An experienced and serviceable line.  The kicking game exceeded expectations.

And yet here we are, 7-6, crashing out by losing the last two games of the season, and the biggest games.

It was a good season, no doubt, especially with what we have been through.  It was truly fun to head to a game and figure we would win...to see us take control of a game and not give it back. And, of course, to watch an all-time Falcon great.  I have much appreciation for the people who turned this around, from the coaches and the staff to the players who stuck it out and made it what it was.

And we beat Toledo.  Let us not forget.

High levels of gratitude to the people who did this.  We were so bad for so long, and we weren't this year.

And yet, there's a feeling that we left something on the table.  And the 7 wins...it just doesn't look right.  I don't mean to be critical.  I suspect they feel the same way.

And next year looks tough.  We have a significant loss of players, mostly on the defense.  Coach says he is confident of our players coming up....but we need to fill some gaps in the portal.  We surely do.  

We at least need a QB to provide options with Anderson, who struggled in difficult situations this year.  We have yet to see if he is ready to take the lead....there's a whole OU-style RPO thing available if he is ready and we are.  But we need a QB.

And WRs.  The program has a systemic lack of WRs.  

Without significant portal help, we will have a down year.  Recruiting is going well and the early portal additions look promising.

Last thing is that Coach Loeffler is two years into his three-year extension.  Normally, contracts are extended or coaches are released before they hit the final year.  My expectation is that Loeffler will get an extension.  I understand those of you who think he did a good job getting us here but we need someone to get us over the top.  That is a very valid concern.

At the same time, it doesn't work like that.  Teams with new coaches have 60 new players.  And, I also hear you--we're going to have big turnover anyway, so go all the way with a new Coach.

First, I don't see it happening.  As I said, I believe Loeffler will be extended.  I believe the administration likes the culture and approach he takes and someone new is a total crap shoot.

I believe we are one class away from having the kind of sustaining program we are looking for.  And I think we should stay the course.

Do I think Loeffler is the guy to get us over the top?  We haven't seen it yet, and there was a shot to show it this year.  I wish I was sure.  But that unknown has to be balanced against the unknown of making a change.

I said this last year...I think we need some coaching help on the offensive side of the ball.  We are much better coached defensively than offensively.  And you can tell me whatever you want about Loeffler not calling the plays....he's pounding down the sideline with the sheet in his face...he's calling some of them.  

UT was faced with this same problem.  And their AD hired Vince Kehres over the wishes of Jason Candle.  I would support a true, empowered OC for our team.

I don't expect that to happen, but I think it would help.

Anyway, it's over with a stinging defeat.  A little perspective and there were positives.  And on we go, taking the future on.