I’ve asked this question before, but to what do you attribute the loss to the Citadel?
I understand the cupboard may be bare in regards to P5 competition this season, but how do you explain losing to a team that we outmatch physically at every position?
The only reasons I can imagine are lack of effort, lack of preparation, and/or poor coaching.
What did you see in the game and what are your thoughts?
I think the players didn't take the opponent serious. We are young on the DL so it was the one position that wasn't well versed in defending the option and we might have played too many young guys because they made a lot of mistakes. We lost our composure/head for about 10 minutes in the 2nd quarter and it killed us: extended drives, added plays and time possession, gave up field position. I think the penalty on 3rd down changed the whole game. If we get the ball and go up 13-7 and take that into the locker room, then I think we win.
The offense is not good. We could have/should have played Oliver every down but I'm sure the coaches thought we could throw the ball a little but the line can't pass block and Johnson doesn't do well against a rush.
Collins made a huge mistake not taking the TO at 23 seconds and getting everyone on the same page for the last 2 or 3 plays. I think Collins needs to take more chances on 4th down against an opponent like Citadel (I only remember 1 play but there could have been more where he really should go for it). Against other teams, punting might be the best option.
Honestly, with are current talent level on offense and the way a TO offense can control the ball, it was going to be a tough game. Even if we play our best, it is likely something like a 28-17 type game. It would have been a low possession game.