[slide]

BC -- agreed OL did not look good.  Rouse in particular struggled all day.  ref probably has a bad wing now due to how many flags he threw on Rouse.

qwerty -- Sinclair struggled speed wise at LB, or at least trying to match up one-on-one with TEs.  if my read is accurate, he'd really struggle at S

our D really struggles to set edges and our DL struggles at penetration and/or show any semblance of pass rush moves.

Shah has mucked up previous QB decisions so I expect no difference here between West and McKee.  btw 86.5 is not West's worst game rating as a starter.  

a couple bright spots.  Kelly looks to be a good CB.  I like the combo of Humphreys and Tremayne at WR.  Manley in spot duty looked good at times.  Sanborn probably offensive MVP.  I just hope he doesn't get a tired leg.

[slide]

BC -- agreed OL did not look good.  Rouse in particular struggled all day.  ref probably has a bad wing now due to how many flags he threw on Rouse.

qwerty -- Sinclair struggled speed wise at LB, or at least trying to match up one-on-one with TEs.  if my read is accurate, he'd really struggle at S

our D really struggles to set edges and our DL struggles at penetration and/or show any semblance of pass rush moves.

Shah has mucked up previous QB decisions so I expect no difference here between West and McKee.  btw 86.5 is not West's worst game rating as a starter.  

a couple bright spots.  Kelly looks to be a good CB.  I like the combo of Humphreys and Tremayne at WR.  Manley in spot duty looked good at times.  Sanborn probably offensive MVP.  I just hope he doesn't get a tired leg.

[steinerwj]

Didn't see much, but saw more than I needed. Deja vu from the last few seasons. Enjoyed the run while it lasted. It's a faint memory at this point, and I don't see a new run anywhere on the horizon. Now waiting on WBB. Scary thought that Tara is reaching the end.

[steinerwj]

Didn't see much, but saw more than I needed. Deja vu from the last few seasons. Enjoyed the run while it lasted. It's a faint memory at this point, and I don't see a new run anywhere on the horizon. Now waiting on WBB. Scary thought that Tara is reaching the end.

[Goose]

I mean, I don’t know why people get all bent out of shape about saying we didn’t execute. In my mind, it’s the coaches’ job to get our players to execute, so saying “we didn’t execute” (and Shaw usually says “we”) is taking ownership.

It’s also true. We executed poorly. Different play calling would not have led to a different result.

BC

Totally agree. I think the defense actually played pretty well, given our low expectations. The offense did nothing, so it was all up to the defense. I think going into this game most of us would have said that is Kansas State only scored 24 points we had a pretty good shot at winning. With 39 yards rushing, that wasn't happening. The OL didn't block anybody in the run game and pass blocking wasn't great either.

[Goose]

I mean, I don’t know why people get all bent out of shape about saying we didn’t execute. In my mind, it’s the coaches’ job to get our players to execute, so saying “we didn’t execute” (and Shaw usually says “we”) is taking ownership.

It’s also true. We executed poorly. Different play calling would not have led to a different result.

BC

Totally agree. I think the defense actually played pretty well, given our low expectations. The offense did nothing, so it was all up to the defense. I think going into this game most of us would have said that is Kansas State only scored 24 points we had a pretty good shot at winning. With 39 yards rushing, that wasn't happening. The OL didn't block anybody in the run game and pass blocking wasn't great either.

[Giants]

Team speed - not fixable
Poor OL play - possibly fixable
Indecision by QB’s - definitely fixable

The team speed on defense is a major concern.  With no WR’s capable of separating on O, the QB’s are forced to throw to the TE’s.  The D knows it and covers accordingly.  This appears to be an issue only correctable by recruiting faster players.  

The OL needs a lot of work.  Part of the problem is the need for them to give the QB’s more time because the QB’s are so inexperienced.  That part of the equation will improve as the season unfolds and QB’s get rid of the ball more quickly.  The blocking for the RB’s is problematic, not sure of the solution.   

McKee is obviously more talented, start him and let him play through his mistakes.  By mid-season, he will be fine.

[Giants]

Team speed - not fixable
Poor OL play - possibly fixable
Indecision by QB’s - definitely fixable

The team speed on defense is a major concern.  With no WR’s capable of separating on O, the QB’s are forced to throw to the TE’s.  The D knows it and covers accordingly.  This appears to be an issue only correctable by recruiting faster players.  

The OL needs a lot of work.  Part of the problem is the need for them to give the QB’s more time because the QB’s are so inexperienced.  That part of the equation will improve as the season unfolds and QB’s get rid of the ball more quickly.  The blocking for the RB’s is problematic, not sure of the solution.   

McKee is obviously more talented, start him and let him play through his mistakes.  By mid-season, he will be fine.

[BigEasyCard]

Pass receiving was a bright spot.  No drops that I recall.  Four receivers caught every pass thrown to them, and some catches were spectacular.

Geaux Cardinal!

[BigEasyCard]

Pass receiving was a bright spot.  No drops that I recall.  Four receivers caught every pass thrown to them, and some catches were spectacular.

Geaux Cardinal!

[Row80Critic]

This game was 100% Shaw's fault, again, and it just didn't need to be this way, again.  Under all the right circumstances, Shaw can look like a 'good' coach, but 'great' coaches don't field unprepared teams like he did today.  And they don't needlessly platoon QB's, especially when one is obviously better.  And the don't run up the middle on 3rd and long, over and over.  And the don't waste time-outs with overly complicated (and equally unproductive) systems that have the team constantly on the brink of too much time penalties.  And they don't have systems that keep the most talented players on the bench for years.  And their systems actually work.  And they teach their players where the line of scrimmage is.  And they don't have QB's who only run one play.  And they recruit better/more consistently.  And, and, and....   Arggg......

[Row80Critic]

This game was 100% Shaw's fault, again, and it just didn't need to be this way, again.  Under all the right circumstances, Shaw can look like a 'good' coach, but 'great' coaches don't field unprepared teams like he did today.  And they don't needlessly platoon QB's, especially when one is obviously better.  And the don't run up the middle on 3rd and long, over and over.  And the don't waste time-outs with overly complicated (and equally unproductive) systems that have the team constantly on the brink of too much time penalties.  And they don't have systems that keep the most talented players on the bench for years.  And their systems actually work.  And they teach their players where the line of scrimmage is.  And they don't have QB's who only run one play.  And they recruit better/more consistently.  And, and, and....   Arggg......

[MV72018]

Minimal chance but why not go for 2? Pretend we want to win this game.

I agree. The chances of us tying the game and sending it into OT were remote, but why make them zero?

BECAUSE HE'S DAVID SHAW AND WILL NOT ALLOW HIS JUDGMENTS TO BE QUESTIONED.

[MV72018]

Minimal chance but why not go for 2? Pretend we want to win this game.

I agree. The chances of us tying the game and sending it into OT were remote, but why make them zero?

BECAUSE HE'S DAVID SHAW AND WILL NOT ALLOW HIS JUDGMENTS TO BE QUESTIONED.

[Snorlax94]

K State looked like they were preparing for their bowl game and Stanford looked like it was halfway through Spring practice.

What is the biggest gripe? The scheduling, the worsened OL play, the lack of preparation, the offensive playbook and gameplan, the constant churning of QBs, or the porous defense. It's a bad sign when it's hard to pick.

But Stanford can come out of this -- 2015 started out with a similar thud.


Shaw doesn't have to get everything right the first time, but he needs to learn from his mistakes, and:
1) The scheduling of faraway non-conference games is clearly problematic. I read in Troy's article that Shaw was "furious" about the 9am kickoff time, yet he seems perfectly fine scheduling Big 10 and ACC out-of-conference games. But we live on the west coast, so 9AM games are just going to be part of flying so far east. It's a direct result of it. You can't support playing in Texas then complain about the kickoff time in that time zone.

2) He's gotta be more willing to replace personnel if it's not working out. I've  defended Tavita Pritchard for many years but he's got about 4 games and then it may be time for him to work on his resume.

3) Shaw needs to pick a QB and help them step it up. Learn how to groom a QB and give them command and swagger.  There's a mental/emotional side that I felt Harbaugh got from being a former QB.

4) The preparedness was not even close. Power 5 football is a cruel job and the demands are super-human and unreasonable, but so is the pay. Does Shaw still have enough fire in his belly?

[Snorlax94]

K State looked like they were preparing for their bowl game and Stanford looked like it was halfway through Spring practice.

What is the biggest gripe? The scheduling, the worsened OL play, the lack of preparation, the offensive playbook and gameplan, the constant churning of QBs, or the porous defense. It's a bad sign when it's hard to pick.

But Stanford can come out of this -- 2015 started out with a similar thud.


Shaw doesn't have to get everything right the first time, but he needs to learn from his mistakes, and:
1) The scheduling of faraway non-conference games is clearly problematic. I read in Troy's article that Shaw was "furious" about the 9am kickoff time, yet he seems perfectly fine scheduling Big 10 and ACC out-of-conference games. But we live on the west coast, so 9AM games are just going to be part of flying so far east. It's a direct result of it. You can't support playing in Texas then complain about the kickoff time in that time zone.

2) He's gotta be more willing to replace personnel if it's not working out. I've  defended Tavita Pritchard for many years but he's got about 4 games and then it may be time for him to work on his resume.

3) Shaw needs to pick a QB and help them step it up. Learn how to groom a QB and give them command and swagger.  There's a mental/emotional side that I felt Harbaugh got from being a former QB.

4) The preparedness was not even close. Power 5 football is a cruel job and the demands are super-human and unreasonable, but so is the pay. Does Shaw still have enough fire in his belly?

[ADPinWDC]

Unfortunately, our Secondary will get shredded by the Trojan Air Raid and ace slinger Kedon Slovis next week. 
I predict 350+ yards passing by USC and 4 TDs.
By Q4 Slovis might have to put ice on his arm.
We don't have any explosive punch -- like we use to with McCaff or Bryce Love, or Andrew Luck to Coby Fleener.
Where were the Tight Ends today? We tried to throw to Yurocek 3-4 times -- nothing.

[ADPinWDC]

Unfortunately, our Secondary will get shredded by the Trojan Air Raid and ace slinger Kedon Slovis next week. 
I predict 350+ yards passing by USC and 4 TDs.
By Q4 Slovis might have to put ice on his arm.
We don't have any explosive punch -- like we use to with McCaff or Bryce Love, or Andrew Luck to Coby Fleener.
Where were the Tight Ends today? We tried to throw to Yurocek 3-4 times -- nothing.

[teejers1]

K State looked like they were preparing for their bowl game and Stanford looked like it was halfway through Spring practice.

What is the biggest gripe? 
2) He's gotta be more willing to replace personnel if it's not working out. I've  defended Tavita Pritchard for many years but he's got about 4 games and then it may be time for him to work on his resume.

I have no idea if Tavita is good, bad or somewhere in-between, because he is OC in title only (Shaw carries the Denny's Menu and has the headset and calls all plays on O).  It certainly appears, however, that QB development (which occurs mostly M-F) is no great shakes under Tavita.  But I submit it's really hard to know because the entire O scheme needs to be replaced.  The much-referred-to 300 page playbook needs to be scrapped.

[teejers1]

K State looked like they were preparing for their bowl game and Stanford looked like it was halfway through Spring practice.

What is the biggest gripe? 
2) He's gotta be more willing to replace personnel if it's not working out. I've  defended Tavita Pritchard for many years but he's got about 4 games and then it may be time for him to work on his resume.

I have no idea if Tavita is good, bad or somewhere in-between, because he is OC in title only (Shaw carries the Denny's Menu and has the headset and calls all plays on O).  It certainly appears, however, that QB development (which occurs mostly M-F) is no great shakes under Tavita.  But I submit it's really hard to know because the entire O scheme needs to be replaced.  The much-referred-to 300 page playbook needs to be scrapped.

[lex24]

K State looked like they were preparing for their bowl game and Stanford looked like it was halfway through Spring practice.

What is the biggest gripe? 
2) He's gotta be more willing to replace personnel if it's not working out. I've  defended Tavita Pritchard for many years but he's got about 4 games and then it may be time for him to work on his resume.

I have no idea if Tavita is good, bad or somewhere in-between, because he is OC in title only (Shaw carries the Denny's Menu and has the headset and calls all plays on O).  It certainly appears, however, that QB development (which occurs mostly M-F) is no great shakes under Tavita.  But I submit it's really hard to know because the entire O scheme needs to be replaced.  The much-referred-to 300 page playbook needs to be scrapped.

I’m out of town and didn’t see a second of the game.  Glad for that.  Problem is bigger than Shaw, the OC, playcalling etc. What needs  to be asked is does the University care about football anymore. I’ve always felt that losing Bowlsby was bigger than losing Harbaugh.  Bowlsby cared about football. And got the Admin to buy in.  At least that is my belief.  Between the pandemic, head injuries and student apathy, there has never been a better time to emphasize football.  If they have no Administrative support, forget it.  And I question if that is where they are heading.

As for the game - I saw the stats and they are brutal.  I can’t stand alternating QBs. All it means is they couldn’t make their mind up.  Unsure if its the flipping playbook garbage or if there simply isn’t much to separate the two. But it never works.  Pick a guy and go with him. Also saw they couldn’t run. Not good. 

Maybe a long year ahead. If they go 2-10 and nothing changes ( I’m talking assistants, not Shaw.  A couple 2-10’s and then maybe…) you probably have your answer vis a vis the Admin.

[lex24]

K State looked like they were preparing for their bowl game and Stanford looked like it was halfway through Spring practice.

What is the biggest gripe? 
2) He's gotta be more willing to replace personnel if it's not working out. I've  defended Tavita Pritchard for many years but he's got about 4 games and then it may be time for him to work on his resume.

I have no idea if Tavita is good, bad or somewhere in-between, because he is OC in title only (Shaw carries the Denny's Menu and has the headset and calls all plays on O).  It certainly appears, however, that QB development (which occurs mostly M-F) is no great shakes under Tavita.  But I submit it's really hard to know because the entire O scheme needs to be replaced.  The much-referred-to 300 page playbook needs to be scrapped.

I’m out of town and didn’t see a second of the game.  Glad for that.  Problem is bigger than Shaw, the OC, playcalling etc. What needs  to be asked is does the University care about football anymore. I’ve always felt that losing Bowlsby was bigger than losing Harbaugh.  Bowlsby cared about football. And got the Admin to buy in.  At least that is my belief.  Between the pandemic, head injuries and student apathy, there has never been a better time to emphasize football.  If they have no Administrative support, forget it.  And I question if that is where they are heading.

As for the game - I saw the stats and they are brutal.  I can’t stand alternating QBs. All it means is they couldn’t make their mind up.  Unsure if its the flipping playbook garbage or if there simply isn’t much to separate the two. But it never works.  Pick a guy and go with him. Also saw they couldn’t run. Not good. 

Maybe a long year ahead. If they go 2-10 and nothing changes ( I’m talking assistants, not Shaw.  A couple 2-10’s and then maybe…) you probably have your answer vis a vis the Admin.

[82lsju]

I’m out of town and didn’t see a second of the game.  Glad for that.  Problem is bigger than Shaw, the OC, playcalling etc. What needs  to be asked is does the University care about football anymore. I’ve always felt that losing Bowlsby was bigger than losing Harbaugh.  Bowlsby cared about football. And got the Admin to buy in.  At least that is my belief.  Between the pandemic, head injuries and student apathy, there has never been a better time to emphasize football.  If they have no Administrative support, forget it.  And I question if that is where they are heading.

As for the game - I saw the stats and they are brutal.  I can’t stand alternating QBs. All it means is they couldn’t make their mind up.  Unsure if its the flipping playbook garbage or if there simply isn’t much to separate the two. But it never works.  Pick a guy and go with him. Also saw they couldn’t run. Not good. 

Maybe a long year ahead. If they go 2-10 and nothing changes ( I’m talking assistants, not Shaw.  A couple 2-10’s and then maybe…) you probably have your answer vis a vis the Admin.

and don't forget John Hennessy and John Etchemendy, both seemed to care more about the football team (and athletics in general) then their successors...

[82lsju]

I’m out of town and didn’t see a second of the game.  Glad for that.  Problem is bigger than Shaw, the OC, playcalling etc. What needs  to be asked is does the University care about football anymore. I’ve always felt that losing Bowlsby was bigger than losing Harbaugh.  Bowlsby cared about football. And got the Admin to buy in.  At least that is my belief.  Between the pandemic, head injuries and student apathy, there has never been a better time to emphasize football.  If they have no Administrative support, forget it.  And I question if that is where they are heading.

As for the game - I saw the stats and they are brutal.  I can’t stand alternating QBs. All it means is they couldn’t make their mind up.  Unsure if its the flipping playbook garbage or if there simply isn’t much to separate the two. But it never works.  Pick a guy and go with him. Also saw they couldn’t run. Not good. 

Maybe a long year ahead. If they go 2-10 and nothing changes ( I’m talking assistants, not Shaw.  A couple 2-10’s and then maybe…) you probably have your answer vis a vis the Admin.

and don't forget John Hennessy and John Etchemendy, both seemed to care more about the football team (and athletics in general) then their successors...

[winflop]

Quotes from Shaw's postgame presser, per Murky News:

re QB play
- “Felt both guys played solid but not near the way that they practiced and not near the way we need them to play for us to win,” WHAT GAME WERE YOU WATCHING COACH? NOT THE SAME ONE I WAS.
- “Opportunities were there. We hit a couple of them. We didn’t hit enough of them. So chalk it up to some inexperienced quarterback play and a couple times we got rushed (and) had to get the ball out of our hands.” SO IT'S ALL ABOUT 'POOR EXECUTION' AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU AND PRITCHARD'S FAILURES AS COACHES????

re OL issues
- “False start, holding call, went backwards too many times,” Shaw said. “It’s hard to play quarterback when you get in those negative plays. Right now, I’m chalking it up to being the first game.” THIS WASN'T THEIR FIRST RODEO. YOU HAVE THREE RETURNING STARTERS ON THE OL.

overall comment
“Well, for us, really, it’s not about the schedule. It’s about our execution. You know, we seem disjointed. We had opportunities. … We’re going to have a hostile environment. And if we can handle that, we’ll give ourselves a chance to play because I really like where we are and like what we have. We just didn’t play well. We have to play better.” THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A COACH WHO IS TAKING ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR TODAY'S DEBACLE. THAT SOUNDS LIKE A COACH WHO IS THROWING HIS TEAM UNDER THE BUS - YET AGAIN

When is someone in the press going to ask Coach Shaw directly when he's going to stop blaming his players and be accountable as the head coach? Might be the last time they ever get to ask him a question but that question needs to be asked. It's happened way too many times.

[winflop]

Quotes from Shaw's postgame presser, per Murky News:

re QB play
- “Felt both guys played solid but not near the way that they practiced and not near the way we need them to play for us to win,” WHAT GAME WERE YOU WATCHING COACH? NOT THE SAME ONE I WAS.
- “Opportunities were there. We hit a couple of them. We didn’t hit enough of them. So chalk it up to some inexperienced quarterback play and a couple times we got rushed (and) had to get the ball out of our hands.” SO IT'S ALL ABOUT 'POOR EXECUTION' AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU AND PRITCHARD'S FAILURES AS COACHES????

re OL issues
- “False start, holding call, went backwards too many times,” Shaw said. “It’s hard to play quarterback when you get in those negative plays. Right now, I’m chalking it up to being the first game.” THIS WASN'T THEIR FIRST RODEO. YOU HAVE THREE RETURNING STARTERS ON THE OL.

overall comment
“Well, for us, really, it’s not about the schedule. It’s about our execution. You know, we seem disjointed. We had opportunities. … We’re going to have a hostile environment. And if we can handle that, we’ll give ourselves a chance to play because I really like where we are and like what we have. We just didn’t play well. We have to play better.” THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A COACH WHO IS TAKING ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR TODAY'S DEBACLE. THAT SOUNDS LIKE A COACH WHO IS THROWING HIS TEAM UNDER THE BUS - YET AGAIN

When is someone in the press going to ask Coach Shaw directly when he's going to stop blaming his players and be accountable as the head coach? Might be the last time they ever get to ask him a question but that question needs to be asked. It's happened way too many times.

[BigJohn043]

Didn't see much, but saw more than I needed. Deja vu from the last few seasons. Enjoyed the run while it lasted. It's a faint memory at this point, and I don't see a new run anywhere on the horizon. Now waiting on WBB. Scary thought that Tara is reaching the end.

Volleyball team is pretty fun to watch.  Big match tomorrow at Texas!

[BigJohn043]

Didn't see much, but saw more than I needed. Deja vu from the last few seasons. Enjoyed the run while it lasted. It's a faint memory at this point, and I don't see a new run anywhere on the horizon. Now waiting on WBB. Scary thought that Tara is reaching the end.

Volleyball team is pretty fun to watch.  Big match tomorrow at Texas!

[BostonCard]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/AJTarpley/status/1434203279806713862?s=20[/tweet]

This is an indictment on the coaching, but it is not something that is fixed by changing the playcalling.

BC

[BostonCard]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/AJTarpley/status/1434203279806713862?s=20[/tweet]

This is an indictment on the coaching, but it is not something that is fixed by changing the playcalling.

BC

[martyup]

Really looking forward to WBB this season.

[martyup]

Really looking forward to WBB this season.

[Spiny_Norman]

Stanford - boy, we really laid an egg today.

Washington Huskies - hold my beer.

Final score in Seattle - Montana 13, UW 7

The P12 North is a mess.

[Spiny_Norman]

Stanford - boy, we really laid an egg today.

Washington Huskies - hold my beer.

Final score in Seattle - Montana 13, UW 7

The P12 North is a mess.

[winflop]

I mean, I don’t know why people get all bent out of shape about saying we didn’t execute. In my mind, it’s the coaches’ job to get our players to execute, so saying “we didn’t execute” (and Shaw usually says “we”) is taking ownership.

It’s also true. We executed poorly. Different play calling would not have led to a different result.

BC

I respectfully disagree. At best it's unclear. At worst he's throwing his players under the bus. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle

A good, strong leader takes clear ownership for the bad and gives credit to his people for the good. Shaw needs to say something equivalent to "This loss falls first and foremost on me and my coaching staff. We didn't do a good enough job getting this team ready to execute the game plan." After that he can talk all he wants about execution issues.

You can say it's a style issue and that's fine. Shaw's style is not one of a good leader.

[winflop]

I mean, I don’t know why people get all bent out of shape about saying we didn’t execute. In my mind, it’s the coaches’ job to get our players to execute, so saying “we didn’t execute” (and Shaw usually says “we”) is taking ownership.

It’s also true. We executed poorly. Different play calling would not have led to a different result.

BC

I respectfully disagree. At best it's unclear. At worst he's throwing his players under the bus. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle

A good, strong leader takes clear ownership for the bad and gives credit to his people for the good. Shaw needs to say something equivalent to "This loss falls first and foremost on me and my coaching staff. We didn't do a good enough job getting this team ready to execute the game plan." After that he can talk all he wants about execution issues.

You can say it's a style issue and that's fine. Shaw's style is not one of a good leader.

[DC 86]

Stanford - boy, we really laid an egg today.

Washington Huskies - hold my beer.

Final score in Seattle - Montana 13, UW 7

The P12 North is a mess.

And Cal lost to Nevada while WSU lost to Utah State, both playing at home.

[DC 86]

Stanford - boy, we really laid an egg today.

Washington Huskies - hold my beer.

Final score in Seattle - Montana 13, UW 7

The P12 North is a mess.

And Cal lost to Nevada while WSU lost to Utah State, both playing at home.

[Giants]

Stanford - boy, we really laid an egg today.

Washington Huskies - hold my beer.

Final score in Seattle - Montana 13, UW 7

The P12 North is a mess.

And Cal lost to Nevada while WSU lost to Utah State, both playing at home.

…and Nevada visits K-State in a couple weeks…..

[Giants]

Stanford - boy, we really laid an egg today.

Washington Huskies - hold my beer.

Final score in Seattle - Montana 13, UW 7

The P12 North is a mess.

And Cal lost to Nevada while WSU lost to Utah State, both playing at home.

…and Nevada visits K-State in a couple weeks…..