We choked

[ah59396]

We choked. I don’t use that term lightly. I think it’s thrown around a lot and it’s usually not true.

Had we exclusively lost the trenches battle tonight, I could live with the loss.

But I can’t stop thinking about the dropped passes and absolute garbage throws from Zac.

The only explanation I have for that many poorly executed plays is choking.

Zac throws a good pass, it’s dropped. Next play, Zac throws a ball 5 yards in front of a receivers feet. Also, poor handoff execution. So many of our running plays looked stuck in the backfield because of poor fluidity during the handoff. Did we forget how to do that?

We choked.

[WataugaMan]

After last year's result, let me throw in, no heart! Coaching staff didn't have this team prepared. Just hated it had to be The Stink, maybe next year??????????????

[Seattleapp]

We choked. I don’t use that term lightly. I think it’s thrown around a lot and it’s usually not true.

Had we exclusively lost the trenches battle tonight, I could live with the loss.

But I can’t stop thinking about the dropped passes and absolute garbage throws from Zac.

The only explanation I have for that many poorly executed plays is choking.

Zac throws a good pass, it’s dropped. Next play, Zac throws a ball 5 yards in front of a receivers feet. Also, poor handoff execution. So many of our running plays looked stuck in the backfield because of poor fluidity during the handoff. Did we forget how to do that?

We choked.

You aren’t wrong

[App91]

All I had heard is how bad our guys wanted it. Well that sure did not translate to the field. They were way better prepared. Hell looked like they liked the weather more than we. Complete and total ass kicking each man. O line was horrible and passes inaccurate. Worst part is I thought we saw an immature head coach from the start of the week presser and then we played in that mold. Still cannot believe he allowed a costume on a player on the sideline. That shows lack of discipline which is a good adjective to describe they play

[appstatealum]

Here are my observations after a miserable drive back down the mountain........

1. Drink got out coached. He underestimated this rivalry and how hard this team will come at us. Our guys came out flat and had no intensity. Drinks gameplan was awful and we all knew what the weather was going to be, so he should have prepared.

2. Jordan Fehr was hurt. He should’ve been pulled early in the game. He could barely run to tackle and he cost us early.

3. Dez Franklin needs to be benched. He has been a liability all year and his play tonight from the safety position was the last straw. He took bad angles, he read the wrong cues, he filled the wrong gaps continuously. Loved him last year, but we cannot count on him this year.

4. Zac has played two back to back terrible games. Do not get caught up in the stats, he has been bad. He played intimidated and he lacked the fundamentals needed to succeed. He stared down receivers all night, mainly Hennigan, and made regrettable throws. Why he continues to struggle to go through his progressions is a huge issue and he has regressed this year. Yes, we were undefeated to date, but game after game he misses wide open receivers because he does not go through his reads. He is a good QB with a good arm, and that bails him out often, but sometimes you have to make the easy reads.

5. Corey Sutton is the best offensive weapon on this team. He continues to make play after play when given the opportunity, but his opportunities aren’t enough. Because Zac can’t get his eyes off Henni, he continues to miss Corey open after Corey torches his defenders. If you are going to force the ball to someone, force it to the receiver who can make plays after the catch or win 1v1s. Henni is a great possession receiver, but should be a compliment to a #1 like Corey. I get the sense that a Corey will transfer out after he graduates this year and we would have wasted having a talent like his on our team.

6. Our defensive line and offensive line got abused. Evans had no where to run and we kept stretching and playing into GAS scheme of sliding the D-line. Bad playcalling, bad O line scheme. Our defensive line got manhandled.

Our season is not technically over, but it kind of is. We lost a divisional conference game and now we aren’t in control of our destiny, we will drop out of the top 25 and be lucky if we fall back in after Bowl season, we continue to miss the opportunity to prove we belong. This game hurt, bad, worst than my calves after walking up stadium drive tonight carrying my daughter. I’m still going to the USC game, the Georgia State game, and Texas State game, but this GAS game is going to burn for a looonnnngggg time.

[App91]

Here are my observations after a miserable drive back down the mountain........

1. Drink got out coached. He underestimated this rivalry and how hard this team will come at us. Our guys came out flat and had no intensity. Drinks gameplan was awful and we all knew what the weather was going to be, so he should have prepared.

2. Jordan Fehr was hurt. He should’ve been pulled early in the game. He could barely run to tackle and he cost us early.

3. Dez Franklin needs to be benched. He has been a liability all year and his play tonight from the safety position was the last straw. He took bad angles, he read the wrong cues, he filled the wrong gaps continuously. Loved him last year, but we cannot count on him this year.

4. Zac has played two back to back terrible games. Do not get caught up in the stats, he has been bad. He played intimidated and he lacked the fundamentals needed to succeed. He stared down receivers all night, mainly Hennigan, and made regrettable throws. Why he continues to struggle to go through his progressions is a huge issue and he has regressed this year. Yes, we were undefeated to date, but game after game he misses wide open receivers because he does not go through his reads. He is a good QB with a good arm, and that bails him out often, but sometimes you have to make the easy reads.

5. Corey Sutton is the best offensive weapon on this team. He continues to make play after play when given the opportunity, but his opportunities aren’t enough. Because Zac can’t get his eyes off Henni, he continues to miss Corey open after Corey torches his defenders. If you are going to force the ball to someone, force it to the receiver who can make plays after the catch or win 1v1s. Henni is a great possession receiver, but should be a compliment to a #1 like Corey. I get the sense that a Corey will transfer out after he graduates this year and we would have wasted having a talent like his on our team.

6. Our defensive line and offensive line got abused. Evans had no where to run and we kept stretching and playing into GAS scheme of sliding the D-line. Bad playcalling, bad O line scheme. Our defensive line got manhandled.

Our season is not technically over, but it kind of is. We lost a divisional conference game and now we aren’t in control of our destiny, we will drop out of the top 25 and be lucky if we fall back in after Bowl season, we continue to miss the opportunity to prove we belong. This game hurt, bad, worst than my calves after walking up stadium drive tonight carrying my daughter. I’m still going to the USC game, the Georgia State game, and Texas State game, but this GAS game is going to burn for a looonnnngggg time.

This 100% spot on. My sentiments exactly. Just can’t believe that I am sitting here after losing to these tools twice!

[diehardapp18]

Agreed entirely. Sutton’s lack of involvement on the offense is infuriatingly mind boggling. I was waiting all night for us to just throw one up to him to let him make a play

[The Rock]

Zac has thrown passes to the opposing team probably at least 6 times in the last 3 games that should have been intercepted, but dropped. There were at least 2-3 times in the ULL game alone.
I get what drink is trying to do with him, but I feel like it has limited him and changed his game.
If Coach roof had performed as poorly over the last few games as OC Drink has, we would be calling for his head. We have not played a good team well on the offensive side of the ball since UNC.
Evans has not had a great game since Charlotte. I get that he has elite speed, but I still don’t feel like he is our best running back. Williams only got on the field for very few plays last night.
We have not had a “trick” play work yet. The flea flicker last night was the closest, but Zac under-threw Sutton.
Last night was poor planning and worse execution. We knew it was going to be rainy and windy but yet our game plan didn’t adapt to that. The weather should have been our advantage, but GS made it theirs . That is inexcusable on our home field.
I can not believe after last year that we came out and looked as flat and unprepared as we did last night. We showed no signs of life until late in the 4th quarter

[BeauFoster]

Somewhat off topic, but maybe related to execution and game plan-anyone notice the circular marks on ZT’s throwing arm and neck? It looked like he possibly had some “cupping” therapy? Could he possibly be injured?

[ncman071]

you guys are crazy for thinking we choked....we lost by 3 to an improving ga southern team...in horrible conditions...we played a bad game and it happens....our players and coaches wanted to win this game just as bad as you couch coaches wanted to also. drink is a terrific coach and we still have a ton of football left. I personally think we are about to go to So. Carolina and get a win...contrary to being destroyed like you all think....we still have a chance at 12 wins...i mean my God get over it and stop being so damn pampered.

[The Rock]

you guys are crazy for thinking we choked....we lost by 3 to an improving ga southern team...in horrible conditions...we played a bad game and it happens....our players and coaches wanted to win this game just as bad as you couch coaches wanted to also. drink is a terrific coach and we still have a ton of football left. I personally think we are about to go to So. Carolina and get a win...contrary to being destroyed like you all think....we still have a chance at 12 wins...i mean my God get over it and stop being so damn pampered.

What do you think choking means??

[scatman77]

you guys are crazy for thinking we choked....we lost by 3 to an improving ga southern team...in horrible conditions...we played a bad game and it happens....our players and coaches wanted to win this game just as bad as you couch coaches wanted to also. drink is a terrific coach and we still have a ton of football left. I personally think we are about to go to So. Carolina and get a win...contrary to being destroyed like you all think....we still have a chance at 12 wins...i mean my God get over it and stop being so damn pampered.

You and I must be close to the same age and athletic mentality. Yeah we lost this game but I agree with everything you said. No one here will be upset If we win out and end up 11-1 with another bowl win. I know I won’t.

[mbnc]

appstatealum nailed it on all points.

Maybe they got caught up in the feel-good atmosphere this week. Maybe the CFB world gave us too much love. Maybe all the talk about an undefeated season went to their heads. I don't know. But for whatever reason, what we saw last night was a lack of intensity, insufficient preparation, and a failure to execute. It was all throughout the lineup. It's pretty simple - one team walked into the building ready to kick ass and take names. The other team didn't. That is never fun to see, but is especially tough to watch when it's at home in a rivalry game.

Can't blame it on the officials. They weren't great, but they were far from the worst I've seen. A stronger effort would have easily overcome that.

Can't blame it on the weather. Both teams had to play in it. GA Southern's missed FG was looking good until the wind kicked up and carried the ball across campus. Besides, we're the ones that are supposed to be used to it.

NY6 ain't happening this year. Just have to move on. Nobody likes scoreboard watching, but if GA Southern drops any of their next four, there's still the possibility of a conference title. But we have to put ourselves in a position to take advantage if they do. I'd certainly be happy with an 11-1 finish, and even happier with another conference championship and bowl win. It just stings when you see an effort like the one we saw last night.

[The Rock]

appstatealum nailed it on all points.

Maybe they got caught up in the feel-good atmosphere this week. Maybe the CFB world gave us too much love. Maybe all the talk about an undefeated season went to their heads. I don't know. But for whatever reason, what we saw last night was a lack of intensity, insufficient preparation, and a failure to execute. It was all throughout the lineup. It's pretty simple - one team walked into the building ready to kick ass and take names. The other team didn't. That is never fun to see, but is especially tough to watch when it's at home in a rivalry game.

Can't blame it on the officials. They weren't great, but they were far from the worst I've seen. A better effort would have easily made that a non-factor.

Can't blame it on the weather. Both teams had to play in it. GA Southern's missed FG was looking good until the wind kicked up and carried the ball across campus. Besides, we're the ones that are supposed to be used to it.

NY6 ain't happening this year. Just have to move on. Nobody likes scoreboard watching, but if GA Southern drops any of their next four, there's still the possibility of a conference title. But we have to put ourselves in a position to take advantage if they do.

It seems like these moments are always bigger than us. The Miami game, last year's GS game as a first time ranked team, this years GS game with media hype and NY6 attention.
I don't know how to get past that, but if we ever want to stay in the spotlight and truly be considered a top contender, we have to find a way to rise to the occasions, not shrink away from them.

[Longrifle28]

I don't think we necessarily choked. After stewing over it before posting any more I think it was pretty simple.

Lunsford knows this rivalry and the physicality needed. His game plan was to key on the run (especially Evans), keep everything in front of him, and make us beat him with the pass in adverse weather conditions.

I knew all week that the team that could establish the running game would probably win this game. In the second half our defense blew two plays for long touchdowns and that was really all their offense after halftime. We still had a chance to win it, but we only played physical and urgently for the last two minutes of the first half and the fourth quarter.

I think weather was a factor with some of our passes (not all). It was definitely a factor on their missed field goal.

I think the officials did influence some of the flow of the game and did not make calls evenly but they did not cost us the game.

I also think we got too caught up in being the media darlings and our ranking. To be honest I'm not sure our body of work put us in the top 20. Maybe 30 to 40? I know we have to play who is on our schedule, but no one we've played and beaten is remotely close. I enjoyed the exposure, but then we got exposed....

[WASU 93]

you guys are crazy for thinking we choked....we lost by 3 to an improving ga southern team...in horrible conditions...we played a bad game and it happens....our players and coaches wanted to win this game just as bad as you couch coaches wanted to also. drink is a terrific coach and we still have a ton of football left. I personally think we are about to go to So. Carolina and get a win...contrary to being destroyed like you all think....we still have a chance at 12 wins...i mean my God get over it and stop being so damn pampered.

You and I must be close to the same age and athletic mentality. Yeah we lost this game but I agree with everything you said. No one here will be upset If we win out and end up 11-1 with another bowl win. I know I won’t.

I won’t argue that GaSo dictated the game yesterday and appeared to be more fired up than our team.

I also agree that our hopes and expectations as fans are having to be re-calibrated after last night’s loss.

However, the game last night was played in horrific conditions for throwing the football. It may actually be an accomplishment that we completed 24 passes last night. And, that wind last night was not a constant, one directional wind. I am sure that ZT had to change his mechanics on every throw (nose up, nose down, how far to lead a receiver). Our receives were open on a lot of passes, but who knows how much the wind affected those throws.
GaSo’s offense is perfect for last night’s weather conditions (they only completed one forward pass). Kudos to them for getting out early, taking full advantage of the driving wind conditions in the first quarter and literally sucking the air out of KB last night.

I was there until the final play, but I’m not going to take a shot at anyone who didn’t show, who left early, etc. That was brutal weather to sit through for 3+ hours. (But, that’s Boone weather).

And, I’m not personally going to attack any of our players. We almost pulled out a game that we really had no business being in.

Finally, Lunsford did a good job of having his team prepared, but he didn’t coach a perfect game. He called a pass play that fell incomplete on their final drive of the 1st half and that game us time to score/saved us a timeout.

He called another pass play late in the game that was batted down, again preserving clock. For someone who had gone full conservative mode on both offense and defense, it was a bad play call.

We’re 7-1 and have a big game a week from Saturday.

[Appstrong]

Here are my observations after a miserable drive back down the mountain........

1. Drink got out coached. He underestimated this rivalry and how hard this team will come at us. Our guys came out flat and had no intensity. Drinks gameplan was awful and we all knew what the weather was going to be, so he should have prepared.

2. Jordan Fehr was hurt. He should’ve been pulled early in the game. He could barely run to tackle and he cost us early.

3. Dez Franklin needs to be benched. He has been a liability all year and his play tonight from the safety position was the last straw. He took bad angles, he read the wrong cues, he filled the wrong gaps continuously. Loved him last year, but we cannot count on him this year.

4. Zac has played two back to back terrible games. Do not get caught up in the stats, he has been bad. He played intimidated and he lacked the fundamentals needed to succeed. He stared down receivers all night, mainly Hennigan, and made regrettable throws. Why he continues to struggle to go through his progressions is a huge issue and he has regressed this year. Yes, we were undefeated to date, but game after game he misses wide open receivers because he does not go through his reads. He is a good QB with a good arm, and that bails him out often, but sometimes you have to make the easy reads.

5. Corey Sutton is the best offensive weapon on this team. He continues to make play after play when given the opportunity, but his opportunities aren’t enough. Because Zac can’t get his eyes off Henni, he continues to miss Corey open after Corey torches his defenders. If you are going to force the ball to someone, force it to the receiver who can make plays after the catch or win 1v1s. Henni is a great possession receiver, but should be a compliment to a #1 like Corey. I get the sense that a Corey will transfer out after he graduates this year and we would have wasted having a talent like his on our team.

6. Our defensive line and offensive line got abused. Evans had no where to run and we kept stretching and playing into GAS scheme of sliding the D-line. Bad playcalling, bad O line scheme. Our defensive line got manhandled.

Our season is not technically over, but it kind of is. We lost a divisional conference game and now we aren’t in control of our destiny, we will drop out of the top 25 and be lucky if we fall back in after Bowl season, we continue to miss the opportunity to prove we belong. This game hurt, bad, worst than my calves after walking up stadium drive tonight carrying my daughter. I’m still going to the USC game, the Georgia State game, and Texas State game, but this GAS game is going to burn for a looonnnngggg time.

I found myself repeatedly yelling at ZT during the game to be decisive with his decision making. Even on one of his qb runs in the 4th qtr he seemed hesitant to take off despite a wide open middle of the field and obvious opportunity at a 1st down.

[AtlAppMan]

We got outplayed for most of the game. They wanted it more than we did.

And we still had chances to pull out a win. We are out of NY6 run but if we win out we will still have a great year. Got to stay focused.

[WataugaMan]

On a positive note, our team did have the best Halloween Costumes.

[stevebnc]

Hate to lose to the stink! But I would rather be in our shoes with all the exposure we have had recently and at least being in the conversation for a short time for NY6.....than the stink. We overcame the P5 hump this year, hopefully next year we can get ranked again and win a rivalry game instead of choking. As Gillin has said, small steps.