Bytor said

WOW, what hit me the most wacthing that video were Hoza eyes, face & his demeanor.

Like a coach that is definetely feeling the pressure and from the looks of it, someone tossing & turning at night…lot's of sleepless night.

Complete opposite of what I am use to seeing from Hoza, who usually has a very good demeanor and chipper.  I suppose there hasn't been much to be chipper about as far as the defense goes.

That is what I am seeing also. A lot of stress in his face and demeanor. I think this is wearing on him. I'm have no doubt he reads this message board and Ted Hutton's blog where his name has been getting mentioned often and not in a positive POV.

People, just look at Bob Markeys' game shots and HE SHOULD BE WORRIED!

Not even to mention D schems (which suck), the D tackling and coverage basics are NOT THERE!

His excuse is that we lost 8 starters on D?

I wonder what the excuse was for last year's poor defensive efforts when those senior starters were here.  We have not had a very good D for years.

And now with many months of work, practice and 10 games we still can'yt cover or tackle! Whose fault is that? The coaches because any way you look at it;
1) they players are not being taught correct FUNDAMENTALS, 2) if the payers are being thught correctly but can't/won't follow through in games, PUT THEIR ASS ON THE BENCH, 3) and I think this is a stong one not mentioned; the players don't beleive in the D scheme and their lack of effort many times shows this. They know they are going to get burned/beat/lose before the game even begins.

For a D that looked so good in the spring practices and game, against one of the top O's in the nation, what has happened??????????????????????????????

Well after watching this team yesterday, it's clear that Hoza still doesn't know how to fix this D.  If WKU had any kind of offense, they would have won this game.  As it is they averaged 6.9 yards per carry.  They still completed multiple 3rd and long plays.  They still took bad penalties.  I fear what a team with a semi-competent offense like FIU will do to us.  We better get ready for a shoot-out.

It is painfully obvious at this point.  They have changed the players and the lineups and the problems are all still the same.  This staff just isn't getting the job done.  They MUST make a change in the coaching staff.  If not, they risk having tiny crowds like we saw today on a regular basis.  Students, who get in free, decided that watching this team wasn't worth their time.  If terrible defensive numbers aren't enough, the crowd yesterday should be an indication that something needs to be done.  With a top 20 offense and even an average D, this would have been a meaningful game. 

At this point in the program (ninth year), players' lack of experience is not a legitimate excuse for the coaching staff. Let's face it: In addition to the Xs and Os, coaches are responsible for managing personnel. That means that active players generally should be a blend of young and old. Some have to be red-shirted, others might be moved in to fill gaps. But anytime (after the fourth year) that an entire unit (offensive line, for example) consists of graduating seniors (and doesn't have a lot of experienced juniors of sophomores), it's  a player personnel issue. Coordinators have a good deal of influence in recruiting, red-shirting and playing time – as well as conditioning, fundamentals, effective game-planning, halftime or on-the-fly adjustments, motivation, discipline and so forth. Is this getting done?

grayowl said

That means that active players generally should be a blend of young and old. Some have to be red-shirted, others might be moved in to fill gaps. But anytime (after the fourth year) that an entire unit (offensive line, for example) consists of graduating seniors (and doesn't have a lot of experienced juniors of sophomores), it's  a player personnel issue.

It seems almost like we just start the people with the most experience, not the people with the most talent. We only put guys like Hinds or Morris into the lineup when our backs are against the wall due to blowout losses or injuries.

And this definately does not help in recruiting. Word gets out that if you play for so-and-so, you will sit for at least a year, maybe more. So guess where they sign, with a coach who will play them! No 3 or 4 star recruit want's to sit behind a 0,1 or 2, or especially a walk on just because he was here first. Ever notice we don't have "impact" freshman very often.
Troy brings in LOTS of fresh blood EVERY year, either freshman or juco transfers, and plays them, and they ARE THE CLASS OF THIS LEAGUE, where we want to be but are not even remotely close

It seems almost like we just start the people with the most experience, not the people with the most talent. We only put guys like Hinds or Morris into the lineup when our backs are against the wall due to blowout losses or injuries.

Owl Country I agree that FAU buries talent…but in all honesty,truth and fairness what has Hinds brought to improve the defense ? What was the difference in FAU's defensive performance at Troy vs. UAB ? How can one players performance vs Nebraska and South Carolina be compared to another vs. Arkansas State ?? I'm not trying to be biased or rude on Lockley's behalf I honestly believe that Hinds is one of the better (prob in the top three) LB's that Fau had this year, he is a class act on and off the field ( But why not play Lockley and Hinds together ?), I just really would like to know what other people read into the LB situation? I am honestly puzzled with this particular mid season move ???

Tenuta (DC) at ND now is looking for work. Ask, it can't hurt and besides, we need to raise our coaching standards as well, no more HS or D3 coaching hires (just ask NT!). If we go after someone of his stature, maybe we get real lucky or at least draw interest from better qualified D1 college coaches!