Ted Roof Comments

[appstatealum]

The issue people are having is with the scheme. The scheme has changed. That's a fact.

It's putting players into positions they weren't recruited for (i.e. corners on an island instead of zone or OLBs as mainly pass rushers instead of run support and coverage). That's a fact.

All through preseason camps, we ran essentially the same scheme as the previous years but was changed at start of season. That's a fact.

Sure, the loss of players will hurt any team. I think most people would be ok and know that. However, in this case, it isn't just the loss of players. It's the complete retooling of a scheme that didn't need to be retooled -- and wasn't retooled until season started.

FACT

We have been saying this, but I know some do not want to listen. I’ll add to it, I’m not even opposed to Roof changing the scheme. But you have to do that gradually and through recruiting. A drop off of from top 10 to sub 100 is insane. I can revive the horse and beat it again, but honestly, go pull up games from last year and games from this year and see the differences in base scheme. Then objectively look at the strengths and weaknesses of each of our 11 defenders and rotation guys. You will start to see that many of them were used in different ways last season, by a staff that SEEMED to better understand their strengths/weaknesses, and how that led to team success. I’m not doubting Roof has a lot of knowledge of the game, what I am doubting is his understanding of our personnel and how best to use them.

You can use the handle of a screwdriver to beat a nail into a piece of wood, but using a hammer would be more efficient and affective. You can hit a screw into a piece of wood with a hammer, but using a screwdriver would be a lot more efficient and affective.

So to summarize, you are concerned that we have coaches that are running a scheme with players that weren’t recruited to run said scheme and despite this major concern, we are 4-0 and beat an in state P5 on their field? I can see why you are concerned about the competence of the coaching staff.

Yes, I am concerned. The fact that we are 4-0 despite giving up so many points on defense is a testament to how good our offense is. But that is not a sustainable model for winning long term. I honestly think Roof and Co. will find a happy medium between capitalizing on our skill guys and running his scheme, but to deny that there are some signs that our defense can cost us a game is crazy. Despite knowing more about what’s going on behind the scenes than most, I’m optimistic that Drink can have all three phases of this team working well soon. I just don’t want it to be too late and we put up an unnecessary L on the record.

[NewApp]

Sounds like some of y’all really missed yalls calling as a defensive coordinator

They need to quit their day jobs and convince they are better than Roof and get Gillian and Drinkwitz to hire them. I'll bet they would even get a discount on Diet Mountain Dews and shut out every opponent. Pardon the sarcasm. Thing is all these suggestions vary from writer to writer to some degree.

[AppSt94]

The issue people are having is with the scheme. The scheme has changed. That's a fact.

It's putting players into positions they weren't recruited for (i.e. corners on an island instead of zone or OLBs as mainly pass rushers instead of run support and coverage). That's a fact.

All through preseason camps, we ran essentially the same scheme as the previous years but was changed at start of season. That's a fact.

Sure, the loss of players will hurt any team. I think most people would be ok and know that. However, in this case, it isn't just the loss of players. It's the complete retooling of a scheme that didn't need to be retooled -- and wasn't retooled until season started.

FACT

We have been saying this, but I know some do not want to listen. I’ll add to it, I’m not even opposed to Roof changing the scheme. But you have to do that gradually and through recruiting. A drop off of from top 10 to sub 100 is insane. I can revive the horse and beat it again, but honestly, go pull up games from last year and games from this year and see the differences in base scheme. Then objectively look at the strengths and weaknesses of each of our 11 defenders and rotation guys. You will start to see that many of them were used in different ways last season, by a staff that SEEMED to better understand their strengths/weaknesses, and how that led to team success. I’m not doubting Roof has a lot of knowledge of the game, what I am doubting is his understanding of our personnel and how best to use them.

You can use the handle of a screwdriver to beat a nail into a piece of wood, but using a hammer would be more efficient and affective. You can hit a screw into a piece of wood with a hammer, but using a screwdriver would be a lot more efficient and affective.

So to summarize, you are concerned that we have coaches that are running a scheme with players that weren’t recruited to run said scheme and despite this major concern, we are 4-0 and beat an in state P5 on their field? I can see why you are concerned about the competence of the coaching staff.

Yes, I am concerned. The fact that we are 4-0 despite giving up so many points on defense is a testament to how good our offense is. But that is not a sustainable model for winning long term. I honestly think Roof and Co. will find a happy medium between capitalizing on our skill guys and running his scheme, but to deny that there are some signs that our defense can cost us a game is crazy. Despite knowing more about what’s going on behind the scenes than most, I’m optimistic that Drink can have all three phases of this team working well soon. I just don’t want it to be too late and we put up an unnecessary L on the record.

No scheme is sustainable in the sense that it will be successful everytime. What we had the past few years was not perfect either. UMass and ULM. Ga Southern last year. The previous scheme had their fair share of unnecessary L’s. In my opinion, we need to shore up the red zone defense. Will they? We shall see. You are entitled to feel the way you want to feel about it, but I for one don’t see any value in walking around with my butt cheeks puckered waiting for something to happen that may or may not occur.

[appstatealum]

I know too much and I’ve seen too much. Trust me, I would trade what I know to just enjoy the ride. I had similar concerns with our offense last year, where if our defense couldn’t dictate a game, I was concerned that our offense couldn’t put up enough points. I’m not as “gloom and doom” as some think I am, I just had significant expectations for this season and wasn’t expecting this defense to play like this.

PS- My glutes are phenomenal

[NewApp]

PS- My glutes are phenomenal

Good one. LOL

[yosef69]

I know too much and I’ve seen too much. Trust me, I would trade what I know to just enjoy the ride. I had similar concerns with our offense last year, where if our defense couldn’t dictate a game, I was concerned that our offense couldn’t put up enough points. I’m not as “gloom and doom” as some think I am, I just had significant expectations for this season and wasn’t expecting this defense to play like this.

PS- My glutes are phenomenal

What is your feeling towards the ULL game? How is the team feeling? I'm thinking we leave with a 10 point W

[Rick83]

You know we've yet to go undefeated in Sun Belt play and it was even a rare occurrence to go undefeated in conference play when we were in the SoCon. I can't recall ever going undefeated over-all, came close in '06, and I'm talking about just the last 40 years or so that I've been following the team.
So, it'd be business as usual to drop a game or two this season.
Football is a highly complex game with an incredible amount of variables with even the smallest thing at times leading to a win or loss. I just feel like we're expecting to conquer the world, and we very well might, but if we don't, it's not going to be because of one individual. Let's just enjoy this awesome season.

[appstatealum]

I know too much and I’ve seen too much. Trust me, I would trade what I know to just enjoy the ride. I had similar concerns with our offense last year, where if our defense couldn’t dictate a game, I was concerned that our offense couldn’t put up enough points. I’m not as “gloom and doom” as some think I am, I just had significant expectations for this season and wasn’t expecting this defense to play like this.

PS- My glutes are phenomenal

What is your feeling towards the ULL game? How is the team feeling? I'm thinking we leave with a 10 point W

I watched quite a bit of Louisiana’s film last night after the TNF game, I posted my observations under the ”UL” thread

viewtopic.php?p=219572#p219572

The team feels like they still have a lot to prove, to us and themselves. The vibe I got was that they are hungry to put it all together (all 3 phases) for a game. Even with the points we have been scoring, I think we haven’t even seen the training wheels come off yet.

In my opinion, the defense is still struggling to find their identity. I think we would be seeing much more improvement if we weren’t dealing with as many injuries. There are some strong leaders in that locker room, and if they come into this game with intensity and patience, it could be bad for UL. From what I heard, there will be a better focus on gang tackling in this one. Swarming to the ball is a great defense to ULs strength, they have some great athletes in the backfield. If you watch the film from our game last year, our gang tackling was huge.

I know I give critical takes of the defense, but I believe there will be some better results when we start to see signs of cohesion with playcalling and capability.

[Black Saturday]

I know too much and I’ve seen too much. Trust me, I would trade what I know to just enjoy the ride. I had similar concerns with our offense last year, where if our defense couldn’t dictate a game, I was concerned that our offense couldn’t put up enough points. I’m not as “gloom and doom” as some think I am, I just had significant expectations for this season and wasn’t expecting this defense to play like this.

PS- My glutes are phenomenal

What is your feeling towards the ULL game? How is the team feeling? I'm thinking we leave with a 10 point W

I watched quite a bit of Louisiana’s film last night after the TNF game, I posted my observations under the ”UL” thread

viewtopic.php?p=219572#p219572

The team feels like they still have a lot to prove, to us and themselves. The vibe I got was that they are hungry to put it all together (all 3 phases) for a game. Even with the points we have been scoring, I think we haven’t even seen the training wheels come off yet.

In my opinion, the defense is still struggling to find their identity. I think we would be seeing much more improvement if we weren’t dealing with as many injuries. There are some strong leaders in that locker room, and if they come into this game with intensity and patience, it could be bad for UL. From what I heard, there will be a better focus on gang tackling in this one. Swarming to the ball is a great defense to ULs strength, they have some great athletes in the backfield. If you watch the film from our game last year, our gang tackling was huge.

I know I give critical takes of the defense, but I believe there will be some better results when we start to see signs of cohesion with playcalling and capability.

I hope we gang tackle well, because the only way they are gong to win is by running the ball and shortening the game. I have my doubts they can outscore our offense.

[ericsaid]

The issue people are having is with the scheme. The scheme has changed. That's a fact.

It's putting players into positions they weren't recruited for (i.e. corners on an island instead of zone or OLBs as mainly pass rushers instead of run support and coverage). That's a fact.

All through preseason camps, we ran essentially the same scheme as the previous years but was changed at start of season. That's a fact.

Sure, the loss of players will hurt any team. I think most people would be ok and know that. However, in this case, it isn't just the loss of players. It's the complete retooling of a scheme that didn't need to be retooled -- and wasn't retooled until season started.

FACT

We have been saying this, but I know some do not want to listen. I’ll add to it, I’m not even opposed to Roof changing the scheme. But you have to do that gradually and through recruiting. A drop off of from top 10 to sub 100 is insane. I can revive the horse and beat it again, but honestly, go pull up games from last year and games from this year and see the differences in base scheme. Then objectively look at the strengths and weaknesses of each of our 11 defenders and rotation guys. You will start to see that many of them were used in different ways last season, by a staff that SEEMED to better understand their strengths/weaknesses, and how that led to team success. I’m not doubting Roof has a lot of knowledge of the game, what I am doubting is his understanding of our personnel and how best to use them.

You can use the handle of a screwdriver to beat a nail into a piece of wood, but using a hammer would be more efficient and affective. You can hit a screw into a piece of wood with a hammer, but using a screwdriver would be a lot more efficient and affective.

So to summarize, you are concerned that we have coaches that are running a scheme with players that weren’t recruited to run said scheme and despite this major concern, we are 4-0 and beat an in state P5 on their field? I can see why you are concerned about the competence of the coaching staff.

Yes, I am concerned. The fact that we are 4-0 despite giving up so many points on defense is a testament to how good our offense is. But that is not a sustainable model for winning long term. I honestly think Roof and Co. will find a happy medium between capitalizing on our skill guys and running his scheme, but to deny that there are some signs that our defense can cost us a game is crazy. Despite knowing more about what’s going on behind the scenes than most, I’m optimistic that Drink can have all three phases of this team working well soon. I just don’t want it to be too late and we put up an unnecessary L on the record.

Did you not watch Oklahoma last season?

App's lead in games this season:

1. ETSU: 42-7
2. Charlotte: 42-20
3. UNC: 27-10
4. Coastal: 56-30

App's defense isn't what we've come to expect but scoring margin must be taken into account, as well as situational football. It still seems that much of App's issues stem from the requirement that inside linebackers press the line of scrimmage because there is no true anchor at the 0 tech since Stout's graduation. Stout could hold up a center and guard in run defense whereas Fehr is now having to fill a gap by taking on a guard. Whether that is through blocking schemes or not, i'm not sure, but it does seem to happen often.

Outside of one long run by Coastal, App held them to 3.26 yards per carry which is pretty extraordinary considering what it felt like. App's true fault is in the passing game and it seems to be because the outside guys are being asked to play man without safety help. App used to mix up zone coverage, almost exclusively, even when blitzing. This resulted in some chunk gains at times but it allowed the defensive backfield to read and react to what the quarterback was doing.

I expect you'll see improvements against Louisiana considering the improvements that were seen after the bye against UNC. Roof with more time may be able to scheme better and get players more familiar with what they are going to be asked to do.

[appstatealum]

As high as they are on their offense right now....they can be exploited and set up to turnover the ball. If we play clean on the offensive side, we should get their QB to cough up the ball atleast once or twice and our special teams should dominate. Even if we see similar issues with our defense that we have over last few weeks, we will still be in good shape to win by double digits. If UL plays clean, it may be closer than we want and our special teams could be the difference.

[appstatealum]

Did you not watch Oklahoma last season?

App's lead in games this season:

1. ETSU: 42-7
2. Charlotte: 42-20
3. UNC: 27-10
4. Coastal: 56-30

App's defense isn't what we've come to expect but scoring margin must be taken into account, as well as situational football. It still seems that much of App's issues stem from the requirement that inside linebackers press the line of scrimmage because there is no true anchor at the 0 tech since Stout's graduation. Stout could hold up a center and guard in run defense whereas Fehr is now having to fill a gap by taking on a guard. Whether that is through blocking schemes or not, i'm not sure, but it does seem to happen often.

Outside of one long run by Coastal, App held them to 3.26 yards per carry which is pretty extraordinary considering what it felt like. App's true fault is in the passing game and it seems to be because the outside guys are being asked to play man without safety help. App used to mix up zone coverage, almost exclusively, even when blitzing. This resulted in some chunk gains at times but it allowed the defensive backfield to read and react to what the quarterback was doing.

I expect you'll see improvements against Louisiana considering the improvements that were seen after the bye against UNC. Roof with more time may be able to scheme better and get players more familiar with what they are going to be asked to do.

Not a bad take. Overall, I agree with you. I don’t like the OU comparison, because while it made them relevant, they ultimately couldn’t outscore everyone, which supports my concern. “Bend don’t break” is just situational football, it’s not something you want to do all of the time. Having your CBs play on their heels all of the time also has an affect on the mentality of your defense. Last year, our defense was super aggressive. Teams would try to exploit that, especially with Duck, and he got burnt more than once. You can see this more clearly with the way Desmond has been playing, he had a solid year last year and made a lot of plays. But this year, he has more responsibility and his angles have been bad, his coverage has been spotty, and we haven’t seen that same player who can blow up a guy across the middle.

With the way our offense is playing this year, we should be making opposing teams so one dimensional, that our defense should be licking their chops at the idea of confusing a QB and getting him to throw some 50/50 balls. Instead, we are consistently blitzing and leaving easy lanes for QBs to do quick drop backs and slants. This style can be very discouraging for a defense.

[AppStFan1]

The issue people are having is with the scheme. The scheme has changed. That's a fact.

It's putting players into positions they weren't recruited for (i.e. corners on an island instead of zone or OLBs as mainly pass rushers instead of run support and coverage). That's a fact.

All through preseason camps, we ran essentially the same scheme as the previous years but was changed at start of season. That's a fact.

Sure, the loss of players will hurt any team. I think most people would be ok and know that. However, in this case, it isn't just the loss of players. It's the complete retooling of a scheme that didn't need to be retooled -- and wasn't retooled until season started.

Thank you for getting it. Many on here just have not. They keep making excuses. We have folks who think every coach our HC hires or any player they offer is great and makes every excuse. Drink has been great but made a mistake with Roof. The fact Roof did not keep the system the same has been my problem all along. Did I expect to give up just 15 a game again? No. Is losing Stout and the CBs alone worth 21 points? I don't think so. I was expecting about 21-24 points this year with the losses. Not giving up 35 or so a game.

It's actually 29 points per game to be precise.

That is if you include ETSU and I don't like to include those games because it is apples and oranges. They are FCS and if we had given up say just 20 points we all would have been mad so we can't include them in those defensive stats.

Georgia Southern was the only SBC team to score more than 20 points against us last year. Like I said, I expected us to give up some more points but not go from 16 to 36 in FBS play.

When you take the 3 FBS opponents we are actually giving up 36.3 per game and I rounded down to help him. Every FBS opponent has scored 31 or more on us so far.

Coastal got a TD in junk time with their starters against our 2's and 3's. If you are trying to split hairs.

They did but still they got 30 points against our starters and we are giving up 36 points per game to FBS opponents.

[ericsaid]

Did you not watch Oklahoma last season?

App's lead in games this season:

1. ETSU: 42-7
2. Charlotte: 42-20
3. UNC: 27-10
4. Coastal: 56-30

App's defense isn't what we've come to expect but scoring margin must be taken into account, as well as situational football. It still seems that much of App's issues stem from the requirement that inside linebackers press the line of scrimmage because there is no true anchor at the 0 tech since Stout's graduation. Stout could hold up a center and guard in run defense whereas Fehr is now having to fill a gap by taking on a guard. Whether that is through blocking schemes or not, i'm not sure, but it does seem to happen often.

Outside of one long run by Coastal, App held them to 3.26 yards per carry which is pretty extraordinary considering what it felt like. App's true fault is in the passing game and it seems to be because the outside guys are being asked to play man without safety help. App used to mix up zone coverage, almost exclusively, even when blitzing. This resulted in some chunk gains at times but it allowed the defensive backfield to read and react to what the quarterback was doing.

I expect you'll see improvements against Louisiana considering the improvements that were seen after the bye against UNC. Roof with more time may be able to scheme better and get players more familiar with what they are going to be asked to do.

Not a bad take. Overall, I agree with you. I don’t like the OU comparison, because while it made them relevant, they ultimately couldn’t outscore everyone, which supports my concern. “Bend don’t break” is just situational football, it’s not something you want to do all of the time. Having your CBs play on their heels all of the time also has an affect on the mentality of your defense. Last year, our defense was super aggressive. Teams would try to exploit that, especially with Duck, and he got burnt more than once. You can see this more clearly with the way Desmond has been playing, he had a solid year last year and made a lot of plays. But this year, he has more responsibility and his angles have been bad, his coverage has been spotty, and we haven’t seen that same player who can blow up a guy across the middle.

With the way our offense is playing this year, we should be making opposing teams so one dimensional, that our defense should be licking their chops at the idea of confusing a QB and getting him to throw some 50/50 balls. Instead, we are consistently blitzing and leaving easy lanes for QBs to do quick drop backs and slants. This style can be very discouraging for a defense.

App isn't playing that brand of defense. I'm convinced that they are playing "go big or go home (let them score a touchdown)" defense. Bend but don't break generally allows the team to operate from 20 to 40 and then locks down as the field shortens. App seems to blitz no matter the situation rather than waiting on the play to come to them, where you make plays on the ball or ball carrier to force a drop, tight windows, or turnovers.

I'd prefer to have bend but don't break back and then turn on the pressure if the team crosses the 40.

[AppStFan1]

As high as they are on their offense right now....they can be exploited and set up to turnover the ball. If we play clean on the offensive side, we should get their QB to cough up the ball atleast once or twice and our special teams should dominate. Even if we see similar issues with our defense that we have over last few weeks, we will still be in good shape to win by double digits. If UL plays clean, it may be closer than we want and our special teams could be the difference.

Luckily, our special teams is playing so well that I feel like they can put us over the top if the offense has a couple turnovers and the defense is not able to force some fumbles.

This is a very good ULL team and I hope all 3 phases play a clean game because they are good enough to kick butt if you make mistakes.

[ericsaid]

Thank you for getting it. Many on here just have not. They keep making excuses. We have folks who think every coach our HC hires or any player they offer is great and makes every excuse. Drink has been great but made a mistake with Roof. The fact Roof did not keep the system the same has been my problem all along. Did I expect to give up just 15 a game again? No. Is losing Stout and the CBs alone worth 21 points? I don't think so. I was expecting about 21-24 points this year with the losses. Not giving up 35 or so a game.

It's actually 29 points per game to be precise.

That is if you include ETSU and I don't like to include those games because it is apples and oranges. They are FCS and if we had given up say just 20 points we all would have been mad so we can't include them in those defensive stats.

Georgia Southern was the only SBC team to score more than 20 points against us last year. Like I said, I expected us to give up some more points but not go from 16 to 36 in FBS play.

When you take the 3 FBS opponents we are actually giving up 36.3 per game and I rounded down to help him. Every FBS opponent has scored 31 or more on us so far.

Coastal got a TD in junk time with their starters against our 2's and 3's. If you are trying to split hairs.

They did but still they got 30 points against our starters and we are giving up 36 points per game to FBS opponents.

App increased their scoring margin, with starters, by 10 points over a much improved Coastal Carolina football team. 56-30=26 whereas 23-7=16. It's all about perspective.

The Charlotte game was more disappointing to me but Healy was a new coach with not a lot of film to figure out what they were going to do. Same thing against UNC.

App actually went on a 27-3 run against UNC which no one mentions. That's pretty darn impressive.

[ericsaid]

As high as they are on their offense right now....they can be exploited and set up to turnover the ball. If we play clean on the offensive side, we should get their QB to cough up the ball atleast once or twice and our special teams should dominate. Even if we see similar issues with our defense that we have over last few weeks, we will still be in good shape to win by double digits. If UL plays clean, it may be closer than we want and our special teams could be the difference.

Luckily, our special teams is playing so well that I feel like they can put us over the top if the offense has a couple turnovers and the defense is not able to force some fumbles.

This is a very good ULL team and I hope all 3 phases play a clean game because they are good enough to kick butt if you make mistakes.

Three things Louisiana is bad at: Special Teams, Turnovers, and Penalties.

[JMappfan5]

You can listen to these "insiders" comments and get bent out of shape if you want, but I am enjoying watching a new Staff and players work through adversity, beat a P5 and stand undefeated after 4 games. It's obvious that these players trust and admire their Coaches! Calling for a Coach to be fired after 2 games was CHILDISH!!! I too hope to go undefeated but I expect that we may lose a game or two. Happened with Woody/Sloan & with Brown...we survived those defeats and had awesome seasons. I think this one will be the same. BEAT ULL

[appstatealum]

You can listen to these "insiders" comments and get bent out of shape if you want, but I am enjoying watching a new Staff and players work through adversity, beat a P5 and stand undefeated after 4 games. It's obvious that these players trust and admire their Coaches! Calling for a Coach to be fired after 2 games was CHILDISH!!! I too hope to go undefeated but I expect that we may lose a game or two. Happened with Woody/Sloan & with Brown...we survived those defeats and had awesome seasons. I think this one will be the same. BEAT ULL

We are all enjoying it, obviously. But as we keep winning, we are going to talk more and more about going undefeated. No hurt in discussing what it would take to do that. I think the "Fire Roof" people were a bit over the top, but I think they were juts speaking in jest and would be satisfied with an improvement week to week.

[NewApp]

You can listen to these "insiders" comments and get bent out of shape if you want, but I am enjoying watching a new Staff and players work through adversity, beat a P5 and stand undefeated after 4 games. It's obvious that these players trust and admire their Coaches! Calling for a Coach to be fired after 2 games was CHILDISH!!! I too hope to go undefeated but I expect that we may lose a game or two. Happened with Woody/Sloan & with Brown...we survived those defeats and had awesome seasons. I think this one will be the same. BEAT ULL

We are all enjoying it, obviously. But as we keep winning, we are going to talk more and more about going undefeated. No hurt in discussing what it would take to do that. I think the "Fire Roof" people were a bit over the top, but I think they were juts speaking in jest and would be satisfied with an improvement week to week.

It was obviously not in jest. Maybe a bit of hyperbole, but not jest.
As to blitzing that a few posters mentioned, it was just a couple or so seasons ago that the board was lit up with complaints about not blitzing enough and the lack of blitz packages. Some people just like to have something to complain about. H3LL if we won out and went to a NY6 bowl and won, some would complain that we didn't win by a large enough margin.