The cold reality.
This team is really bad. I mean, they're not a top 40 team. In fact after we lose this game in 8 minutes (barring a freak miracle), I don't think we'll do any better than 6-5 this season.
Outside of Nugent our team is underperforming in every category.
The offensive line is the most common complaint, which is warranted. However, Zwick is not coming along as expected. He panics in the pocket, doesn't throw the ball away, takes unnecessary sacks, and throws unwarranted passes. I like Zwick, I think he has potential, however it's not developed. Right now, he reminds me of a slow Belisarri. Maybe I've been spoiled by Craig Krenzel, but I think it's time Troy Smith gets another look.
On Defense, it's still decent enough to keep us from getting blown out. However, without Fox our secondary isn't performing. We were embarrassed by teams like Marshall, Northwestern, and even Wisconsin is passing on us. Our great linebacker corp is solid in run defense and adequate in Man, but in Zone they haven't a clue. How many times have teams gone over our LBs head or found a soft spot because they were out of position? We simply are missing Dantonio, a lot. Snyder may be ok, but Dantonio was the best.
Coaching. I love Tressel, but I'm so disappointed in him right now. How many stupid penalties did we get today? False starts, delay of games (after a flipping timeout even!), holding, etc are inexcusable at this point in the season.
This leads to play calling. What the HELL is up with a 5 wide set on 3rd and 1 from our 20 yard line? Get the damn first down! I needn't get into the poor playcalling in many situations.
The 5th game into the season and we have no fucking identity. We have no bread and no butter. Kicking 55 yard field goals is nice, but it shouldn't become our way of life. Sickening. We can't pass and we can't run. Not one offensive touchdown today.
This is how I see the season playing out:
At Iowa: Loss
Indiana at home: A win, but it'll be too close.
Penn State: Tossup
At MSU: Tossup
At Purdue: We get our ass kicked
Michigan at home. I don't see us winning.
In my mind a 6-5 situation is looking very real, 7-5 is about a best case scenario. We need a drastic change in attitude, preparation, and offensive philosophy now or we risk not going to a bowl game....
We are better than this. Our talent dictates we should compete for the Big Ten title, our execution stated Northwestern owned us.
