[Row80Critic]

A broken clock is correct two times a day.  When all the stars align, Shaw's system is very good -- not yet championship good, but very good.  The problem seems to be how the team looks when all the stars don't align just right for his preferred system and players.  To be a great coach, especially in college, a coach needs to make the most of the players he has in any given year. That means staying flexible.  Shaw can and has adapted in the past, but he'd be a better coach if he were quicker at finding effective adjustments when his preferred personnel and approach just aren't working (at all).  And the predictability of the offense is just painful to watch when things aren't working.  It was fantastic when we could line up, point to a hole, and then run Gerhard right through it.  But those days are gone for now.  When Chryst comes in a "package" play, half my section groaned about the inevitable go-nowhere QB run we were about to see.  The wildcat isn't much better.  Shaw can fix this, but he has to think bigger and broader.  Occasional package plays and hail Mary's aren't going to get it done.

[Row80Critic]

A broken clock is correct two times a day.  When all the stars align, Shaw's system is very good -- not yet championship good, but very good.  The problem seems to be how the team looks when all the stars don't align just right for his preferred system and players.  To be a great coach, especially in college, a coach needs to make the most of the players he has in any given year. That means staying flexible.  Shaw can and has adapted in the past, but he'd be a better coach if he were quicker at finding effective adjustments when his preferred personnel and approach just aren't working (at all).  And the predictability of the offense is just painful to watch when things aren't working.  It was fantastic when we could line up, point to a hole, and then run Gerhard right through it.  But those days are gone for now.  When Chryst comes in a "package" play, half my section groaned about the inevitable go-nowhere QB run we were about to see.  The wildcat isn't much better.  Shaw can fix this, but he has to think bigger and broader.  Occasional package plays and hail Mary's aren't going to get it done.