Moral victories vs demoralizing defeats

[bonefish1]

After watching the dumpster fire that was PU football in the Hazell era, most of us were obviously excited to see what JB would do with the program. I think that almost nobody expected much to happen in year 1, but then we actually go out and hold our own against teams like L'ville, UM and Wisky. While most of us probably didn't expect victory in any of those games, we accepted the moral victory of being competitive and not getting embarrassed. Steps in the right direction.
Then we go to Rutgers, with expectations of potentially putting together a winning streak and going bowling until reality slaps us in the face and we realize that regardless of scheming and play calling, the talent and execution just isn't there yet to beat everyone you 'should' beat. It was a demoralizing defeat.
JB is going to need some time to change the talent structure in order for PU football to get back to competing with the top teams and consistently beating the teams below them. Until now, it's a situation of we likely won't beat top teams but could also lose to anyone else on the schedule.
That's just the facts of a program the is rebuilding from the bottom and it all starts with recruiting.

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

After watching the dumpster fire that was PU football in the Hazell era, most of us were obviously excited to see what JB would do with the program. I think that almost nobody expected much to happen in year 1, but then we actually go out and hold our own against teams like L'ville, UM and Wisky. While most of us probably didn't expect victory in any of those games, we accepted the moral victory of being competitive and not getting embarrassed. Steps in the right direction.
Then we go to Rutgers, with expectations of potentially putting together a winning streak and going bowling until reality slaps us in the face and we realize that regardless of scheming and play calling, the talent and execution just isn't there yet to beat everyone you 'should' beat. It was a demoralizing defeat.
JB is going to need some time to change the talent structure in order for PU football to get back to competing with the top teams and consistently beating the teams below them. Until now, it's a situation of we likely won't beat top teams but could also lose to anyone else on the schedule.
That's just the facts of a program the is rebuilding from the bottom and it all starts with recruiting.

Respectfully disagree. CJB has shown he can win this group now...this year. It is up to 1 QB ( a leader) to step forward and grab ahold of the reigns and seize the opportunity. I believe it will be Blough, but mental errors, thinking too much, or locking on 1st receiver hurts. He has the touch pass and can scramble with his legs better than Sindelar at this point. Receivers must focus and catch the passes that are there for them to make plays or take the Redshirt off of a Freshman to give them the opportunity as well. Sounds like the receivers have been challenged yet they too won't separate from the pack.

Defense is playing well enough to win us games. 1) Offense (QB & receivers) has to step up, make plays and be more consistent 2) CJB has to accept what the opponent is giving us and take advantage of it. I.E. run and run some more against Rutgers use the pass only to keep the opponent from stacking the box. Purdue may or may not go bowling. Dropping that last game hurt our chances a bit. Nebraska is not world beaters, we should be in the game with them. Take it one game at a time and be positive.

 

[bonefish1]

Respectfully disagree. CJB has shown he can win this group now...this year. It is up to 1 QB ( a leader) to step forward and grab ahold of the reigns and seize the opportunity. I believe it will be Blough, but mental errors, thinking too much, or locking on 1st receiver hurts. He has the touch pass and can scramble with his legs better than Sindelar at this point. Receivers must focus and catch the passes that are there for them to make plays or take the Redshirt off of a Freshman to give them the opportunity as well. Sounds like the receivers have been challenged yet they too won't separate from the pack.

Defense is playing well enough to win us games. 1) Offense QB & receivers) has to step up, make plays and be more consistent 2) CJB has to accept what the opponent is giving us and take advantage of it. I.E. run and run some more against Rutgers use the pass only to keep the opponent from stacking the box. Purdue may or may not go bowling. Dropping that last game hurt our chances a bit. Nebraska is not world beaters, we should be in the game with them. Take it one game at a time and be positive.

But, the things you mention like mental errors, locking in, dropping passes, etc. These are things we've seen now happen fairly consistently over the first 7 games and it's a lot of what we saw last year. Sometimes players reach a certain talent level and that's as good as they're going to get. Hard work will get them some marginal improvements but you have the tools you're given. We may have some of those guys right now.

 

[MilwaukeeBoilerFan]

But, the things you mention like mental errors, locking in, dropping passes, etc. These are things we've seen now happen fairly consistently over the first 7 games and it's a lot of what we saw last year. Sometimes players reach a certain talent level and that's as good as they're going to get. Hard work will get them some marginal improvements but you have the tools you're given. We may have some of those guys right now.

We both want the same things. The only difference is timeline. I believe it is here and now, not a year away. Purdue must surge to get to a bowl as that will allow another month of quality practice and a chance for the Freshman redshirts to get more reps in practices that 4-5 practices are designed for them while the coaches have a chance to work with them almost exclusively. That is crucial to making improvements for next year.
Blough take the reigns and lead, scramble and get yards instinctively when there are no immediate openings, Receivers make plays, increase catching %'s or CJB find a Redshirt that will and get him on the field ASAP, keep the Running game in tact and if there is a mental error for Blough don't be so quick to yank him, teach him and be positive. Giving him hell is ok to an extent, at some point, he needs a pat on the back at times when things go well. Find balance and this season stays on track. At this very moment, CJB needs to not be so uptight. Enjoy where they are at which is ahead of the rebuilding curve and enjoy the process. Let the Sr's enjoy it too.