Transitions are tough sometimes. I think we, as fans, need to step back and look at the bigger picture. Some people are calling for a new coach after just 6 games into Stitt’s short Griz career. This happened in 2010 and in 2012… it happened in 2003 and it happened after at least the first game in 2000.
As fans we all react to things differently. None of us liked what happened on Saturday – but I would suggest to hold off on the knee-jerk reaction. Stitt and his coaching staff need more time than just 1 off-season to get this rolling. Our past hires have proven the same thing as well. Bob Stitt and crew have been handed a team mostly made up of players designed for a power-run / balanced offense and are trying to convert, with the same players, to a spread / zone / pass heavy offense. Now this doesn’t totally excuse the execution – many players should be able to adapt and thrive, however this is a team that’s almost entirely made up of guys brought in for a different system. What did we expect? No learning curve the first season? Come on, be realistic.
Look at the past few hires and their first seasons:
2010 with Pflugrad:
- 7-4 record
- Redesigned offense that averaged 25:50 T.O.P and 373 yards per game
- -7 turnover margin
- 54% TD scoring in the red zone
- Starting QB lost to injury, backup went the rest of the way
2012 with Mick Delaney
- 5-6 record
- Revamped offense with a new OC that averaged 28:00 TOP and 452 yards per game
- -2 turnover margin
- 58% TD scoring in the red zone
- Starting QB suspended before the season, next QB benched halfway due to ineffectiveness, 3rd string QB goes the rest of the way
Now compare to 2015 YTD with Stitt:
- 3-3 record
- Redesigned offense averaging 24:45 TOP and 434 yards per game
- -3 turnover margin
- 42% TD scoring in the red zone
- Starting QB injured, backup QB injured, 3rd string QB may be the guy the rest of the way – injury statuses largely unknown.
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Transitions can be tough and this is showing it so far. There’s a great sign for hope as well, again consider this;
2013 2nd season with Mick Delaney: 10-3 overall record and a 1st round playoff loss
2011 2nd season with Robin Plugrad: 11-3 overall record and a semi-final playoff loss*
2004 2nd season with Bobby Hauck: 13-2 overall record and a national championship loss
2001 2nd season with Joe Glenn: 14-1 overall record and a national championship win
(and yes I notice the downward trend – hard not to).
As fans here’s what I suggest:
1. Brace yourself for more bumps in the road this season
2. Expect vast improvements in Stitt’s 2nd season
3. Keep cheering for and supporting this team, the players and the coaches – it’s the least we can do
GO GRIZ!
As fans we all react to things differently. None of us liked what happened on Saturday – but I would suggest to hold off on the knee-jerk reaction. Stitt and his coaching staff need more time than just 1 off-season to get this rolling. Our past hires have proven the same thing as well. Bob Stitt and crew have been handed a team mostly made up of players designed for a power-run / balanced offense and are trying to convert, with the same players, to a spread / zone / pass heavy offense. Now this doesn’t totally excuse the execution – many players should be able to adapt and thrive, however this is a team that’s almost entirely made up of guys brought in for a different system. What did we expect? No learning curve the first season? Come on, be realistic.
Look at the past few hires and their first seasons:
2010 with Pflugrad:
- 7-4 record
- Redesigned offense that averaged 25:50 T.O.P and 373 yards per game
- -7 turnover margin
- 54% TD scoring in the red zone
- Starting QB lost to injury, backup went the rest of the way
2012 with Mick Delaney
- 5-6 record
- Revamped offense with a new OC that averaged 28:00 TOP and 452 yards per game
- -2 turnover margin
- 58% TD scoring in the red zone
- Starting QB suspended before the season, next QB benched halfway due to ineffectiveness, 3rd string QB goes the rest of the way
Now compare to 2015 YTD with Stitt:
- 3-3 record
- Redesigned offense averaging 24:45 TOP and 434 yards per game
- -3 turnover margin
- 42% TD scoring in the red zone
- Starting QB injured, backup QB injured, 3rd string QB may be the guy the rest of the way – injury statuses largely unknown.
-----------------
Transitions can be tough and this is showing it so far. There’s a great sign for hope as well, again consider this;
2013 2nd season with Mick Delaney: 10-3 overall record and a 1st round playoff loss
2011 2nd season with Robin Plugrad: 11-3 overall record and a semi-final playoff loss*
2004 2nd season with Bobby Hauck: 13-2 overall record and a national championship loss
2001 2nd season with Joe Glenn: 14-1 overall record and a national championship win
(and yes I notice the downward trend – hard not to).
As fans here’s what I suggest:
1. Brace yourself for more bumps in the road this season
2. Expect vast improvements in Stitt’s 2nd season
3. Keep cheering for and supporting this team, the players and the coaches – it’s the least we can do
GO GRIZ!
