JD on the hot seat

[ZachTheZip]

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/others/0-0-131/...e-hot-seat.htmlThis time according to ESPN's non-BCS coverage. I want him to stay until his contract is up, but I'm not sure if that will happen. I simply can't see him keeping his job if the Zips finish last in the MAC East. We can't afford to have a new coach trying to break in a new system as we open the stadium. It would be a disaster.Everything hinges on how well his QB plays this year. Let's hope that JD can work his magic on the Offense like he did on special teams last year.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I simply can't see him keeping his job if the Zips finish last in the MAC East.

If he finished last in the MAC East with the talent he presently has, I'm sure JD would even admit he's got to go. BTW - No way in hell we finish in last.

We can't afford to have a new coach trying to break in a new system as we open the stadium. It would be a disaster.

If we finished dead last in the MAC East in 2008, I think a lot of people would be willing to take their chances with a new coach. 5-6, followed by 4-8, followed by "dead last" ain't the progression you'd like to see if you want to pay off a new 60million dollar stadium.

Everything hinges on how well his QB plays this year.

You are dead-nuts on.

[Dr Z]

I remember reading in the PD last year that Romeo was on the hot seat and the writer predicted Bill Cowher was coming to Cleveland. Anybody know how that turned out?I agree that everything hinges on the QB play, because that's how the spread offense works. It goes as your QB goes. You better have a good one.Anyone find it odd that we change a whole defense scheme because "it's hard to recruit DL", but we are trying to run the spread offense with average (at best) QB play and unproven wide outs, when most agree that our most talented and deep position is RB? Just a thought.

[ZachTheZip]

I remember reading in the PD last year that Romeo was on the hot seat and the writer predicted Bill Cowher was coming to Cleveland. Anybody know how that turned out?I agree that everything hinges on the QB play, because that's how the spread offense works. It goes as your QB goes. You better have a good one.Anyone find it odd that we change a whole defense scheme because "it's hard to recruit DL", but we are trying to run the spread offense with average (at best) QB play and unproven wide outs, when most agree that our most talented and deep position is RB? Just a thought.

Maybe we should run a wishbone offense this year, like Army is doing. Speaking of which, how well do you think the 3-3-5 would do against a wishbone? My guess is that it won't be pretty.

[johnnyzip84]

Excellent points all around. While I agree to a certain extent about the heightened importance of a good QB in the spread, I also cannot ignore the old FB adage of the game being won at the line of scrimmage. And this is where the 2008 Zips have a chance to shine IMO. I see this as the main reason this team cannot possibly finish last in the East (barring a horrible string of injuries, over and above what is typical). And if they DO, I agree it's over for JD. BUT, if that were to happen, I still believe the overall talent in place could become a big winner IMMEDIATELY with the right HC hire.

[RootforRoo44]

Excellent points all around. While I agree to a certain extent about the heightened importance of a good QB in the spread, I also cannot ignore the old FB adage of the game being won at the line of scrimmage. And this is where the 2008 Zips have a chance to shine IMO. I see this as the main reason this team cannot possibly finish last in the East (barring a horrible string of injuries, over and above what is typical). And if they DO, I agree it's over for JD. BUT, if that were to happen, I still believe the overall talent in place could become a big winner IMMEDIATELY with the right HC hire.

Amen, finally someone who agrees with me on here. I don't see where everyone is getting all this negativity about how we are going to win 2 or 3 games this year. We have some decent to above average talent at most every position. And the positions that we have very good to great talent at are some of the most important in the game. Or defense looks pretty darn good up front along with the offense front. Basically, if we are fine at QB, WR and Linebacker....we will win some games. We are fine everywhere else already.

[g-mann17]

Excellent points all around. While I agree to a certain extent about the heightened importance of a good QB in the spread, I also cannot ignore the old FB adage of the game being won at the line of scrimmage. And this is where the 2008 Zips have a chance to shine IMO. I see this as the main reason this team cannot possibly finish last in the East (barring a horrible string of injuries, over and above what is typical). And if they DO, I agree it's over for JD. BUT, if that were to happen, I still believe the overall talent in place could become a big winner IMMEDIATELY with the right HC hire.

Amen, finally someone who agrees with me on here. I don't see where everyone is getting all this negativity about how we are going to win 2 or 3 games this year. We have some decent to above average talent at most every position. And the positions that we have very good to great talent at are some of the most important in the game. Or defense looks pretty darn good up front along with the offense front. Basically, if we are fine at QB, WR and Linebacker....we will win some games. We are fine everywhere else already.

Well it's because way too much credit is being given to teams like Temple (4-8) [the next team to join the Big East, except they were the last team kicked out of the Big East]; Buffalo (5-7); Can't State (3-9). The problem is that right now the MAC is a grab bag conference. Anyone who has a little luck *CoughMIAMI2007* *CoughAKRON2005* can win their division. Yes BGSU will probably be pretty tough. Outside of them (and we don't have to play Miami this year) we have Temple; Buffalo; Can't; and Ohio. Two hype teams that are really not any good and then Can't and Ohio. Anyone who doesn't see that we will not do any worse then last year (4-8) which was just simply a chaotic offensive year that lacked any kind of identity, is the one with the issue. Not to mention we have the new worst team in the Big East on our schedule in Syracuse; and an Army team that should consider being a FCS team. Because this is football and anything can happen (ask Michigan) we can be anywhere from 10-2 realistically and 4-8. But if we finish any worse then 4-4 in the MAC (which is what matters right now) then JD needs to be seriously re-evaluated. Remember we have loads of talent on this team, just a lot of it is inexperienced. Also with a blue chip running back (and yes Torrence should be a running back we have plenty of LB depth) that will be chomping at the bit, a proven quality back in Allen (who will probably see a lot of slot work), Kennedy, the intangible in Johnson, and an offensive line full of experience and talent, we damn sure better find a way to run the ball. Which takes all the QB questions and throws it out the window. If you can run the ball, anyone can throw the ball ask Anderson or Roethlisberger.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Yes BGSU will probably be pretty tough.

Didn't they lose 65-0 in their 2008 bowl game? And they lost about half their defense to arrests in the off-season. I see BG scoring some points this year, but not near enough to match what their defense will yield. They'll suck.

[lovezips]

Yes BGSU will probably be pretty tough.

Didn't they lose 65-0 in their 2008 bowl game? And they lost about half their defense to arrests in the off-season. I see BG scoring some points this year, but not near enough to match what their defense will yield. They'll suck.

How can you say they suck? They killed us last year.

[ZachTheZip]

Yes BGSU will probably be pretty tough.

Didn't they lose 65-0 in their 2008 bowl game? And they lost about half their defense to arrests in the off-season. I see BG scoring some points this year, but not near enough to match what their defense will yield. They'll suck.

How can you say they suck? They killed us last year.

They do suck. We just sucked worse.

[Lee Adams]

while QB play must improve...IF the O-line plays up to its apparent capabilities...and the running backs are as good as advertised, the key to the season will be the DEFENSE...AGAIN, IF the defense can come together quickly...the front 6-7 appear solid, the secondary will be the key here...if the offense doesn't have to score a ton of points and can play some ball control for a change, they might be OK...put CJ in situations where he can take care of the ball and not have to be THE playmaker, the offense will do...hell miami got to the MAC Championship last year with a QB who couldn't find his buttcheeks with both hands...the D will be the key...6-6 JD keeps his job...otherwise....

[Captain Kangaroo]

How can you say they suck? They killed us last year.

1.) Fumbles McLollypop is now gone.2.) Like I said, half of BG's starting defense is in jail. And they sucked. How bad are the guys behind those sucky starters? I look forward to finding out. I just hope CJ11 doesn't get suspended before the game like he did last season.