[lex24]

On the plus side, TCU's top back only averaged 4.1 yards per carry. Of course, everyone knows that a Sonny Dykes team is going to be much better at passing than running. Overall, I am encouraged by the defensive showing tonight. We knew going in that the Stanford secondary was relatively better than the front seven, but I think we learned tonight that the Stanford secondary will compete and not get manhandled against good receivers/good QB, even if they are going to give up some big plays.

I just don't know if the relative success against the run tonight is more about Stanford's defensive improvement or the opponent's shortcomings...

As far as the offense, the playcalling was hyperbolically aggressive, with Stanford attempting *five* fourth-down conversion attempts and several misdirection/unconventional play calls. The results weren't great, and even when things worked--the 3rd-and-11 running play in the first half that gained a first down--the choices were very questionable to us fans given down, distance and scoreboard. 

OTOH, overall I like having an aggressive mindset as a big underdog going into the first game (recall the first play was a deep shot to Ayomanor). I've been as big a critic of TT as anyone, but coaches need some time to learn the hard truths about their team's limitations and how to play to a team's strengths. It is only game one, so I am hopeful that TT will get a better handle on what the team's true strengths are. But, yes, the "win rate" for offensive plays tonight was very disappointing, and TT has to shoulder more of the blame for that in his second season.

ONE MORE THING: Checked the stat sheet, TCU had 10 TFLs tonight. That's the key stat if you really want to worry that TT is in over his head.

10 TFL’s is also a big stat if you want to worry about the o-line being overmatched.  Which, imo, is the bigger issue. Daniels was running for his life all game. No holes in run game. Certainly play calling matters. But if you get slaughtered up front - and they did - it’s a major problem no matter who is calling the plays.

---

Are we moving from Shawbashing to TTbashing?  

If so, what is the benchmark for this team to be considered successful?  Given the very much below average talent?  A circumstance certain to continue unless Stanford joins the new world order…..

Quibble all we want on play calls etc. But seriously what can you do when you are overmatched talent wise in most games.

Truth be told, Stanford should have lost be at least 17. TCU gave them the first TD, had several dumb penalties that helped Stanford significantly and dropped a bunch of passes.

When they needed the TD late 4th, they went through the defense like sh-t through a goose. It was stunningly easy.

It’s hard to criticize the kids. They played hard. But it’s tough when your administration decides that you are going to ignore reality. Unless and until Stanford opens up more to transfers and shells out big money NIL, they are not going to be able to compete.

[lex24]

On the plus side, TCU's top back only averaged 4.1 yards per carry. Of course, everyone knows that a Sonny Dykes team is going to be much better at passing than running. Overall, I am encouraged by the defensive showing tonight. We knew going in that the Stanford secondary was relatively better than the front seven, but I think we learned tonight that the Stanford secondary will compete and not get manhandled against good receivers/good QB, even if they are going to give up some big plays.

I just don't know if the relative success against the run tonight is more about Stanford's defensive improvement or the opponent's shortcomings...

As far as the offense, the playcalling was hyperbolically aggressive, with Stanford attempting *five* fourth-down conversion attempts and several misdirection/unconventional play calls. The results weren't great, and even when things worked--the 3rd-and-11 running play in the first half that gained a first down--the choices were very questionable to us fans given down, distance and scoreboard. 

OTOH, overall I like having an aggressive mindset as a big underdog going into the first game (recall the first play was a deep shot to Ayomanor). I've been as big a critic of TT as anyone, but coaches need some time to learn the hard truths about their team's limitations and how to play to a team's strengths. It is only game one, so I am hopeful that TT will get a better handle on what the team's true strengths are. But, yes, the "win rate" for offensive plays tonight was very disappointing, and TT has to shoulder more of the blame for that in his second season.

ONE MORE THING: Checked the stat sheet, TCU had 10 TFLs tonight. That's the key stat if you really want to worry that TT is in over his head.

10 TFL’s is also a big stat if you want to worry about the o-line being overmatched.  Which, imo, is the bigger issue. Daniels was running for his life all game. No holes in run game. Certainly play calling matters. But if you get slaughtered up front - and they did - it’s a major problem no matter who is calling the plays.

---

Are we moving from Shawbashing to TTbashing?  

If so, what is the benchmark for this team to be considered successful?  Given the very much below average talent?  A circumstance certain to continue unless Stanford joins the new world order…..

Quibble all we want on play calls etc. But seriously what can you do when you are overmatched talent wise in most games.

Truth be told, Stanford should have lost be at least 17. TCU gave them the first TD, had several dumb penalties that helped Stanford significantly and dropped a bunch of passes.

When they needed the TD late 4th, they went through the defense like sh-t through a goose. It was stunningly easy.

It’s hard to criticize the kids. They played hard. But it’s tough when your administration decides that you are going to ignore reality. Unless and until Stanford opens up more to transfers and shells out big money NIL, they are not going to be able to compete.