Yeah I agree with the disappointment. Going into this season the expectations were for a MAC title. Now we two thirds into the season and at .500. We haven't dominated any team this season. And yes.Smith needs serious competition at QB next season.

(10-21-2023 06:28 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 06:20 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 04:55 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 04:53 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 04:40 PM)holybovine Wrote:  We love Alex Howie, but he just made the play of the game for NIU.

That was a bogus call on Alex. I was thinking he flung a leg out to trip someone but after the replay I can’t believe a penalty was called - phantom penalty!

I kind of had that impression too. Gonna rewind it after the game to get a better look. They did not do a good job reviewing it on the replay.

The best view is in the replay ESPN puts up after the call. Alex does step over with his left leg. Whether he tried to trip the guy, you can't really tell. However, it appears he does NOT make contact with the defender as he passes Alex's leg. Can you trip someone if you don't actually make contact with him? The defender does seem to make a move as Alex comes over and then dives at the QB, so you could argue that Alex stepping over caused him to move, but isn't that the point of blocking? And yes, I admit that I could be biased in my review of the play.

I agree. Also, the player that Alex allegedly tripped, is the guy that was originally flagged for roughing the QB but was excused because he was "blocked into the quarterback". I am having trouble reconciling that in my mind. Not only tripping but launching as well.

I just rewatched the play. It is exactly as CIDBearit describes it, Howie shifted left, leg extended in response to the blitzer. Clearly no contact was actually made, but blitzer did try to side step it which likely caused him to lose balance and fall run. But the blitzer kept his pursuit of the quarterback the whole time. Clearly, no one blocked him into the quarterback at all. Unless the extended leg is considered a block, in which case it should not have been a penalty I Howie either. Hard to reconcile all this as Jerry Says.

Critical penalty. Not the only one of course, and on both sides. And may not have mattered in the end. But was a likely a pretty big momentum shifter.

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

I have to say, that was one of the most disappointing games in the Creighton ara for me. I didn't go into the game with high hopes, and I said I thought the defense would need to make a big play or two to win the game. Turns out all they needed to do was play their game and not make multiple stupid plays...we do that and we win the game. It makes it more disappointing that it was often our senior leaders making the mistakes. Then on offense I thought the coaches and QB let us down. I really don't understand the offense...that first touchdown drive Evans just ran through the D, the offensive line was playing well...why stop that? It's not like we were down (in fact we were winning most of the game), Evans got 19 carriers I thought he should have had more. With Austin, I don't want to pile on the guy he plays hard and seems like a good young man...he just doesn't have it. In my opinion, take any other QB from Roback, Wiegers, Glass, Hutchinson, Bryant, Powell and this team wins eight or nine games and we are right in the conversation for the MAC.

Hopefully he can pick up two more wins and get back to bowl.

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

(10-22-2023 07:04 AM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

Totally agree with that and I think the expectation is still to be over .500--8-4 or 7-5. With better QB play, it would be a moot point but here we are. I hope everyone realizes how close this team is to being really good.

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob, I'm a huge Creighton fan but this season he has NOT done his job adequately at all. Games that come down to narrow point margins are more often determined by coaching strategy or blunders. CC's faith in Piatkowski and Austin Smith show an ineptitude in talent evaluation. At NO point this season has the offense clicked at all, even a single half of a game. It was CC who was either unable to get in a portal guy or make the appropriate development for Austin.

This year is what it is. In my opinion, chalk it up to a loss. The offense will likely rank LAST in the NCAA. The defense was good along with Special teams and all of it wasted because of completely missing the mark with offensive talent evaluation. This is likely why Lassiter left in the off-season.

Here's to hoping we go 2-2 to get to a bowl.

(10-22-2023 09:04 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob, I'm a huge Creighton fan but this season he has NOT done his job adequately at all. Games that come down to narrow point margins are more often determined by coaching strategy or blunders. CC's faith in Piatkowski and Austin Smith show an ineptitude in talent evaluation. At NO point this season has the offense clicked at all, even a single half of a game. It was CC who was either unable to get in a portal guy or make the appropriate development for Austin.

This year is what it is. In my opinion, chalk it up to a loss. The offense will likely rank LAST in the NCAA. The defense was good along with Special teams and all of it wasted because of completely missing the mark with offensive talent evaluation. This is likely why Lassiter left in the off-season.

Here's to hoping we go 2-2 to get to a bowl.

My argument is that the program as a whole is in great shape. I agree 100% with you about Smith, it is obvious to everyone that he is not the answer and that Creighton blundered by not going to the portal for a serviceable QB. That said, sticking with Smith is more of an indictment of the sad shape of the backups available because if he had anyone ready to go, he'd be in there.

(10-22-2023 09:13 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:04 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob, I'm a huge Creighton fan but this season he has NOT done his job adequately at all. Games that come down to narrow point margins are more often determined by coaching strategy or blunders. CC's faith in Piatkowski and Austin Smith show an ineptitude in talent evaluation. At NO point this season has the offense clicked at all, even a single half of a game. It was CC who was either unable to get in a portal guy or make the appropriate development for Austin.

This year is what it is. In my opinion, chalk it up to a loss. The offense will likely rank LAST in the NCAA. The defense was good along with Special teams and all of it wasted because of completely missing the mark with offensive talent evaluation. This is likely why Lassiter left in the off-season.

Here's to hoping we go 2-2 to get to a bowl.

My argument is that the program as a whole is in great shape. I agree 100% with you about Smith, it is obvious to everyone that he is not the answer and that Creighton blundered by not going to the portal for a serviceable QB. That said, sticking with Smith is more of an indictment of the sad shape of the backups available because if he had anyone ready to go, he'd be in there.

Bob, you stated it more professionally than I did. I 100% agree with you. The program is in good shape and that is evident through the increased attendance numbers (or more accurately the tix sold as last wk the announced # was more than likely tix sold not tix scanned at entry), far better recruiting, and consistent bowl games.

I am a fan of the team and CC but sometimes I wonder what will it take for us to go from pretty good to elite in the MAC. I believe it starts with the QB and then the Defense. What's disappointing is that we have the defense this year and we wasted it because we didn't get the right QB and whats even more disappointing is that CC kept telling us that this was the guy. Add on to that....if he is truly the best we have then why haven't we developed a game plan that suits him. He is NOT a pocket passer and we keep putting him in situations to throw from the pocket It's insane.

Here's the good news.... I think our Dline and secondary will be really good next year with what we have coming back. We need to get some LB's, get a disgruntled P5 quarterback, re-tool the O-line and if we do that I think we still have enough to compete next yr. Remember our recruiting classes the last 2 years have been very good and these guys should be ready to compete.

This QB we have a verbal from in Indianapolis is VERY good but will only be a true frosh next year.

(10-22-2023 09:54 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:13 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:04 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob, I'm a huge Creighton fan but this season he has NOT done his job adequately at all. Games that come down to narrow point margins are more often determined by coaching strategy or blunders. CC's faith in Piatkowski and Austin Smith show an ineptitude in talent evaluation. At NO point this season has the offense clicked at all, even a single half of a game. It was CC who was either unable to get in a portal guy or make the appropriate development for Austin.

This year is what it is. In my opinion, chalk it up to a loss. The offense will likely rank LAST in the NCAA. The defense was good along with Special teams and all of it wasted because of completely missing the mark with offensive talent evaluation. This is likely why Lassiter left in the off-season.

Here's to hoping we go 2-2 to get to a bowl.

My argument is that the program as a whole is in great shape. I agree 100% with you about Smith, it is obvious to everyone that he is not the answer and that Creighton blundered by not going to the portal for a serviceable QB. That said, sticking with Smith is more of an indictment of the sad shape of the backups available because if he had anyone ready to go, he'd be in there.

Bob, you stated it more professionally than I did. I 100% agree with you. The program is in good shape and that is evident through the increased attendance numbers (or more accurately the tix sold as last wk the announced # was more than likely tix sold not tix scanned at entry), far better recruiting, and consistent bowl games.

I am a fan of the team and CC but sometimes I wonder what will it take for us to go from pretty good to elite in the MAC. I believe it starts with the QB and then the Defense. What's disappointing is that we have the defense this year and we wasted it because we didn't get the right QB and whats even more disappointing is that CC kept telling us that this was the guy. Add on to that....if he is truly the best we have then why haven't we developed a game plan that suits him. He is NOT a pocket passer and we keep putting him in situations to throw from the pocket It's insane.

Here's the good news.... I think our Dline and secondary will be really good next year with what we have coming back. We need to get some LB's, get a disgruntled P5 quarterback, re-tool the O-line and if we do that I think we still have enough to compete next yr. Remember our recruiting classes the last 2 years have been very good and these guys should be ready to compete.

This QB we have a verbal from in Indianapolis is VERY good but will only be a true frosh next year.

I'm with you. You ALWAYS need insurance at the QB position because if you don't have a viable plan B, you are screwed, as we have seen. I agree with you about Lassiter too. Man, he is a huge loss! Just think, last year we had an NFL player in Drummond AND Lassiter plus Beydoun and Knue at WR--that is a big time WR room regardless of level. I am always hesitant about saying who is coming back because the portal is a total wild card...I had a really bad feeling about Lassiter after the San Jose State game. I knew in my heart he was going to get poached.

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

We lost by 7 yesterday. I don’t think your math is working.

(10-22-2023 09:13 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:04 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob, I'm a huge Creighton fan but this season he has NOT done his job adequately at all. Games that come down to narrow point margins are more often determined by coaching strategy or blunders. CC's faith in Piatkowski and Austin Smith show an ineptitude in talent evaluation. At NO point this season has the offense clicked at all, even a single half of a game. It was CC who was either unable to get in a portal guy or make the appropriate development for Austin.

This year is what it is. In my opinion, chalk it up to a loss. The offense will likely rank LAST in the NCAA. The defense was good along with Special teams and all of it wasted because of completely missing the mark with offensive talent evaluation. This is likely why Lassiter left in the off-season.

Here's to hoping we go 2-2 to get to a bowl.

My argument is that the program as a whole is in great shape. I agree 100% with you about Smith, it is obvious to everyone that he is not the answer and that Creighton blundered by not going to the portal for a serviceable QB. That said, sticking with Smith is more of an indictment of the sad shape of the backups available because if he had anyone ready to go, he'd be in there.

Will the program be in great shape next year when we lose most of the defense? This was the year to strike.

(10-22-2023 10:09 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

We lost by 7 yesterday. I don’t think your math is working.

Edit: We've lost two conference road games by a total of 10 points.

NIU inexplicably decided to take the TD, giving EMU a chance to tie instead of icing the game by kicking a FG shorter than an extra point. Fair point.

(10-22-2023 10:11 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:13 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:04 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob, I'm a huge Creighton fan but this season he has NOT done his job adequately at all. Games that come down to narrow point margins are more often determined by coaching strategy or blunders. CC's faith in Piatkowski and Austin Smith show an ineptitude in talent evaluation. At NO point this season has the offense clicked at all, even a single half of a game. It was CC who was either unable to get in a portal guy or make the appropriate development for Austin.

This year is what it is. In my opinion, chalk it up to a loss. The offense will likely rank LAST in the NCAA. The defense was good along with Special teams and all of it wasted because of completely missing the mark with offensive talent evaluation. This is likely why Lassiter left in the off-season.

Here's to hoping we go 2-2 to get to a bowl.

My argument is that the program as a whole is in great shape. I agree 100% with you about Smith, it is obvious to everyone that he is not the answer and that Creighton blundered by not going to the portal for a serviceable QB. That said, sticking with Smith is more of an indictment of the sad shape of the backups available because if he had anyone ready to go, he'd be in there.

Will the program be in great shape next year when we lose most of the defense? This was the year to strike.

The foundation seems solid so the thought is Yes. There is so much turnover in college sports now that it makes it difficult to be certain.

(10-22-2023 10:07 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:54 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:13 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:04 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob, I'm a huge Creighton fan but this season he has NOT done his job adequately at all. Games that come down to narrow point margins are more often determined by coaching strategy or blunders. CC's faith in Piatkowski and Austin Smith show an ineptitude in talent evaluation. At NO point this season has the offense clicked at all, even a single half of a game. It was CC who was either unable to get in a portal guy or make the appropriate development for Austin.

This year is what it is. In my opinion, chalk it up to a loss. The offense will likely rank LAST in the NCAA. The defense was good along with Special teams and all of it wasted because of completely missing the mark with offensive talent evaluation. This is likely why Lassiter left in the off-season.

Here's to hoping we go 2-2 to get to a bowl.

My argument is that the program as a whole is in great shape. I agree 100% with you about Smith, it is obvious to everyone that he is not the answer and that Creighton blundered by not going to the portal for a serviceable QB. That said, sticking with Smith is more of an indictment of the sad shape of the backups available because if he had anyone ready to go, he'd be in there.

Bob, you stated it more professionally than I did. I 100% agree with you. The program is in good shape and that is evident through the increased attendance numbers (or more accurately the tix sold as last wk the announced # was more than likely tix sold not tix scanned at entry), far better recruiting, and consistent bowl games.

I am a fan of the team and CC but sometimes I wonder what will it take for us to go from pretty good to elite in the MAC. I believe it starts with the QB and then the Defense. What's disappointing is that we have the defense this year and we wasted it because we didn't get the right QB and whats even more disappointing is that CC kept telling us that this was the guy. Add on to that....if he is truly the best we have then why haven't we developed a game plan that suits him. He is NOT a pocket passer and we keep putting him in situations to throw from the pocket It's insane.

Here's the good news.... I think our Dline and secondary will be really good next year with what we have coming back. We need to get some LB's, get a disgruntled P5 quarterback, re-tool the O-line and if we do that I think we still have enough to compete next yr. Remember our recruiting classes the last 2 years have been very good and these guys should be ready to compete.

This QB we have a verbal from in Indianapolis is VERY good but will only be a true frosh next year.

I'm with you. You ALWAYS need insurance at the QB position because if you don't have a viable plan B, you are screwed, as we have seen. I agree with you about Lassiter too. Man, he is a huge loss! Just think, last year we had an NFL player in Drummond AND Lassiter plus Beydoun and Knue at WR--that is a big time WR room regardless of level. I am always hesitant about saying who is coming back because the portal is a total wild card...I had a really bad feeling about Lassiter after the San Jose State game. I knew in my heart he was going to get poached.

Bob is right. We lost a ton of talent which we didn't replace.

How many starters did we lose on offense: TE, LT, LG, C, QB, WRs, etc.

Or more easily We returned our RG, RT, and RB.

(10-22-2023 12:49 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 10:07 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:54 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:13 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 09:04 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  Bob, I'm a huge Creighton fan but this season he has NOT done his job adequately at all. Games that come down to narrow point margins are more often determined by coaching strategy or blunders. CC's faith in Piatkowski and Austin Smith show an ineptitude in talent evaluation. At NO point this season has the offense clicked at all, even a single half of a game. It was CC who was either unable to get in a portal guy or make the appropriate development for Austin.

This year is what it is. In my opinion, chalk it up to a loss. The offense will likely rank LAST in the NCAA. The defense was good along with Special teams and all of it wasted because of completely missing the mark with offensive talent evaluation. This is likely why Lassiter left in the off-season.

Here's to hoping we go 2-2 to get to a bowl.

My argument is that the program as a whole is in great shape. I agree 100% with you about Smith, it is obvious to everyone that he is not the answer and that Creighton blundered by not going to the portal for a serviceable QB. That said, sticking with Smith is more of an indictment of the sad shape of the backups available because if he had anyone ready to go, he'd be in there.

Bob, you stated it more professionally than I did. I 100% agree with you. The program is in good shape and that is evident through the increased attendance numbers (or more accurately the tix sold as last wk the announced # was more than likely tix sold not tix scanned at entry), far better recruiting, and consistent bowl games.

I am a fan of the team and CC but sometimes I wonder what will it take for us to go from pretty good to elite in the MAC. I believe it starts with the QB and then the Defense. What's disappointing is that we have the defense this year and we wasted it because we didn't get the right QB and whats even more disappointing is that CC kept telling us that this was the guy. Add on to that....if he is truly the best we have then why haven't we developed a game plan that suits him. He is NOT a pocket passer and we keep putting him in situations to throw from the pocket It's insane.

Here's the good news.... I think our Dline and secondary will be really good next year with what we have coming back. We need to get some LB's, get a disgruntled P5 quarterback, re-tool the O-line and if we do that I think we still have enough to compete next yr. Remember our recruiting classes the last 2 years have been very good and these guys should be ready to compete.

This QB we have a verbal from in Indianapolis is VERY good but will only be a true frosh next year.

I'm with you. You ALWAYS need insurance at the QB position because if you don't have a viable plan B, you are screwed, as we have seen. I agree with you about Lassiter too. Man, he is a huge loss! Just think, last year we had an NFL player in Drummond AND Lassiter plus Beydoun and Knue at WR--that is a big time WR room regardless of level. I am always hesitant about saying who is coming back because the portal is a total wild card...I had a really bad feeling about Lassiter after the San Jose State game. I knew in my heart he was going to get poached.

Bob is right. We lost a ton of talent which we didn't replace.

How many starters did we lose on offense: TE, LT, LG, C, QB, WRs, etc.

Or more easily We returned our RG, RT, and RB.

We’ll be saying the same thing next year, only about the defense. We’ll probably be fighting for 6 wins too.

It’s frustrating.

On offense we need to retool with some impact WRs to go with an impact QB. I think we have enough good young RBs to get their chance. Definitely a few holes in the OL. On defense alot of backups got reps on the DL due to I jury and we need two impact LBs. We will need a new Long Snapper. We should be solid at punter and kicker if our two starters return. Yeah it all depends on the QB and LBs.

(10-22-2023 07:04 AM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

(10-22-2023 05:40 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(10-22-2023 07:04 AM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 10:25 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(10-21-2023 08:25 PM)KPJ Wrote:  I realize football has its ups and downs.
But with last years giant step forward for the program, this isn’t where I want to be in year 10 of a coaching tenure.
Here’s to hoping we finish 8-4.

We've lost two conference road games by a total of 6 points. Creighton has done an amazing job.

Bob,
I hear that, but as a fan is “narrow margin of defeat” the conversation you wanted to be having at this point?
I genuinely hope they finish 8-4.
I’ll settle for 7-5.
Maybe even 6-6.
This team can’t go back to being a sub .500 team though.

I will agree with Bob that Creighton has done an amazing job. He took the worst job in the FBS and made us relevant. Sean Lewis did something similar at Kent St but bailed out late last year to be Coach Prime's offensive coordinator this season, a better future career move for sure. Leipold exited Buffalo last minute for another weak FBS job, but that position paid P5 $$$. Creighton has been very good to us, in my opinion.

That stated, I genuinely share Keith's concerns. Are we going to be happy with being a sub .500 team this season after 9-4 last year? Did we reach the next level or was that a momentary blip up for us? Are we destined to be the Rutgers or Vanderbilt of the MAC?

Remember the 2017 team? If not for a late pick-six against CMU that increased the point differential from five to twelve, ALL SEVEN of that team's losses were one possession, three were in OT. No Minnesota or Jacksonville St blowouts like this year. That season was acceptable then, are close losses tolerable now?

I think in the Creighton tenure, we have "stolen" just three games, Hutch completing that fade against WMU, UCCS on Sexton's blocked punt and UMASS on El-Zayat's incredible reception. We are, however, 0-6 in Overtime and seem to lose all of the toss-up games in the MAC as well as the GSU and Pitt bowl games. We play better than expected, but when does a "close loss" become unacceptable?

Wondering what everybody thinks?

Jerry,

Thanks for mentioning 2017 and the number of close losses then. Close losses have been a piece of the conversation at several points since then. The bottom line, in my mind, is that there is only one program in the country where “but, we were so close” would be tolerated as long as it has been here at EMU. It’s us. We’re the only one.

Again, I hope we win out and win a bowl game and the conversation is much more jovial in January. If we don’t though… I think there tough conversations and decisions shouldn’t be out of the question.