iCoach is OK

[cornbread]

What I saw.

1) Bad Zips defense

2) Pretty good zips offense, putting our team in a position to win.

3) New coaches making mistakes

4) A pretty awesome Gardner-Webb offense.

What I am advocating

1) More intelligent approach to iCoach and his tenure. He is going o be here for awhile.

2) Coaches need time to gel too. Trial by fire these first 4 games.

3) ROI

Most of us have been around football for awhile and can recognize the "any given sunday," factor when two teams meet. But for some it may seem like things aligned for this 0 - 2, soon to be 0 - 4 start. Maybe you feel strongly that your previously held convictions are being vindicated about iCoach, this team, and administration.

I don't have a lot to say that hasn't been said elsewhere. I wanted to touch on playcalling and experience.

iCoach and his coaches have meetings inside of meetings about their gameplan and what they want to do in a game. Just like a team, this kind of thing needs practice.

They outline situations, like 3rd and short on this section of the field in these situations etc. Then put all their notes together and then call the game as they see it using those as a reference. Playcalling is not this instinctual THING that some men are born with, or acquire over time. It is a lot of work throughout the offseason getting to know your team, hours of film getting to know their team, and being able to put in all together on gameday.

These are all younger coaches in new jobs and I imagine they feel the same way I do after I take on a home improvement project and realize exactly what I got myself into. These guys are standing in a flooded basement, with ruined drywall and a soggy carpet, pulling their hair out. Glaring problem areas that a more seasoned contracter would have spotted mile away.

It is all about trying to do the most with your money. ROI. Our AD hired a guy with NO head coaching experience and a GREAT pedigree for success because he wanted the most bang for his buck.

There are many tracks to being a successful head coach. Some prove it at the lower levels and work themselves up, while others show great aptitude in VERY important areas like recruiting.

And iCoach can recruit. It will take AT LEAST 3 seasons to see his guys on the field at the important positions. So cut him some slack while he learns about the rest of the job. We all want to win ASAP. Well so does iCoach. He is still upbeat and positive, the things Rasor was talking about. Plus he is recruiting where we see problem areas, and doing it better than the rest of the MAC.

AND... i am glad our obviously bad defensive gameplan against spread offenses got exposed against Gardner-Webb and not in our MAC schedule. Nothing like a learning opportunity that dones't count against your conference record.

tl&dr

iCoach is in over his head... but who doesn't do that? That's how you learn. So stop being assholes.

[UAZipster0305]

This is the same kind of complacency and wait and see approach that got us a loss at home against a very mediocre I-AA team. The complacency was apparent to the players and influenced their performance.

We have standards. Regardless of a new coach, they should never fall below the threshold of accepting a loss to a I-AA school. They also should not include accepting poor discipline (i.e. careless penalties) or not expecting a week to week improvement just because these aren't the players iCoach recruited

Shame on you for cutting him such a break! Other than OSU, this region hasn't had a winner in nearly 50 years! There is opportunity for us to fill that niche albeit never to the extent that OSU does. That doesn't happen by making excuses or taking a wait and see approach. That is what got us into trouble opening a new stadium with JD's regime still at the helm. Now we will be rebuilding for three straight years after opening that gorgeous stadium.

I didn't expect this team to win the MACC or even the MAC east this year. However, being competitive, playing hard and disciplined football, and continuing to improve is not too much to ask for. If iCoach can't do those things with these players, he will never be able to develop talent or get the team to perform even if he lands some big name recruits. Games are played on the field as a TEAM, not on the recruiting trail. As I said before, the facilities should sell themselves and the University. iCoach needs to build a program that has some character before there is anything else to sell and that depends on the performance standards I just mentioned.

Getting thumped by two BCS schools the next two weeks won't tell us much. Though, if this crap continues through the MAC schedule and we end up 0-12, he deserves to go. The MAC is a terrible I-AA level conference and we should be able to win at least a couple of those games.

iCoach has been handed a healthy salary and a great opportunity. Let's see what he does with it. No more excuses!

[g-mann17]

"I went 1-11 my first season." - Al Golden

[RACER]

i was dssapointed in the defense.the offense scored enough points,and were able to run the ball.

i thought our defense was going to be a decent mac defense.i thought aainst cuse they just were tired.

i am not so sure now.RI needs to go find a kicker next season even if it means giving the guy scholly.

you can't miss short fg,and get extra points blocked.some of that might be the line not blocking also.

we really need a kicker for next year.does anyone know what's going on with eric howard.

is he in school? if RI can get good high school players than it should not take more than two years.

the third season we should be a contender for the mac title.if not then it will never happen.

[cornbread]

iCoach is plan B

Plan A included an up-and-coming coach, new stadium on campus, etc... That experiment is over.

Plan B needs time. Sorry, but that is the lipstick on the pig.

[ditchrider1]

we really need a kicker for next year.does anyone know what's going on with eric howard.

is he in school?

eric Howard went to a prep-school and won't be a Zip

[xu9697]

I am not giving up on Ianallo or the coaching staff yet. But I do wonder if they are struggling to recognize lower FBS talent vs. the higher FBS talent they are used to. This is a different pool of players, and if they are looking at them through "BCS glasses", it might take a bit more time to adjust. I know, I know...NFL coaches drop down to college, college coaches might move down to HS at times, and "talent is talent". But it still might be another adjustment in transferring from BCS schools/talent to MAC schools/talent.

If we are building a "championship program" without worrying about a "championship team", why are we not seeing a few more freshmen? Or will it just take a few weeks?

Jalil Carter= some have said it already= he needs to move back. I know Russel had a catch and some time, hopefully that will continue. I just don't understand how their can't be one or 2 other WRs that could play out of the Greenwood (I know, listed as DB), Schrock, Sconiers, etc. PLENTY of programs go with lots of young WR. Sometimes you just need to throw them out there!!!

I think this D still has lots of potential. Putting Carter back there would help solidify that unit so we could at least POTENTIALLY count on one unit week in and week out.

As for Special Teams...unfortunately, I thought this was the one area that could lead us down a bad road (from my 6-6 prediction). I know other things did not go well, but a better kicking game would have one this one for us.

[skip-zip]

Here's how I'm feeling today:

Coach: I'm not wasting my time debating whether he should be fired, because it's not going to happen. But I am VERY concerned about what I've seen from him, and I don't think Akron should be an "on the job training location" for college coaches.

Offense: I'm feeling slightly better about them after Week 2, mainly because of the effectiveness of the running game, and because we completed some passes. I figure, at least they can move the ball against somebody this year, even if its an average I-AA team. It's at least better than I felt after week one.

Defense: I'm feeling even worse after the 2nd game. How can you feel any better? I'm looking for something positive, and I can't find it anymore.

Kicking Game: Making a 48 yard field goal, and missing a short field goal, and having an extra point blocked in the same game? What can you say? It's a complete guess on how things will be executed every time they step on the field.

[Hilltopper]

we really need a kicker for next year.does anyone know what's going on with eric howard.

is he in school?

eric Howard went to a prep-school and won't be a Zip

No he didn't. He is not playing anywhere.

Fork Union Roster

[johnnyzip84]

It is extremely unlikely that iCoach will get fired after only one season, let alone during this season, unless he does something to shame himself and/or the university OFF of the field (see Mike Price at Alabama). Shameful on-the-field behavior is, unfortunately, in play. That’s why many of us find ourselves revisiting the original hiring decision: we know, deep down, he’s here for a while regardless of the results. It’s also particularly hard to stomach a long rebuilding process, when I don’t recall Rob claiming this to be HIS perception of the situation at ANY time since he was hired.

Now that win-loss expectations have been lowered considerably, I merely ask the staff to “throw us a bone” from week to week. I define “bone” merely as the slightest indication (during that week’s game) that we shouldn’t expect 3 long seasons followed by yet another head coaching search. During and after the Syracuse game, I was somewhat content to chew on the aggressive 4-3 defense “game bone” to tide me over. But those blasted Runnin’ Bulldogs ran away with our bone this week!! What could the Kentucky “bone” be? How about a clean slate on special teams? Or a big pass play downfield? Or a freshman making a big play when given the chance? BTW Rob, it’s OK to throw MULTIPLE bones too.

Go Zips!!!

Go Wayne St Warriors!

[cornbread]

BTW Rob, it’s OK to throw MULTIPLE bones too.

hahaha

Hopefully, first bone of many... The Akron Zips will receive the ball in at least one half of every ball game under iCoach from this point on.

[johnnyzip84]

BTW Rob, it’s OK to throw MULTIPLE bones too.

hahaha

Hopefully, first bone of many... The Akron Zips will receive the ball in at least one half of every ball game under iCoach from this point on.

I call that one, the "Wishbone"

[skip-zip]

BTW Rob, it’s OK to throw MULTIPLE bones too.

hahaha

Hopefully, first bone of many... The Akron Zips will receive the ball in at least one half of every ball game under iCoach from this point on.

It's unfortunate that I have to say this. But. That would be a good start.

[Dr Z]

And iCoach can recruit. It will take AT LEAST 3 seasons to see his guys on the field at the important positions. So cut him some slack while he learns about the rest of the job. We all want to win ASAP. Well so does iCoach.

I agree, BUT...here are a few things I would like to see. Give PN7 more options in the passing game. I hate seeing only one or two guys in route. We had more than one option in a few plays and it worked. Safety help, something has GOT to change back there, these guys are struggling. I hate the fact that the extra point is part of football. It's even worse that we have nobody to do it and it costs us games because of it. Practice harder. Learn the defer rule, especially if you are a captain. Find a receiver, are we that devoid of talent in this area? Can junior college transfer Suel help out? Schrock?

[Lee Adams]

What I saw.

1) Bad Zips defense

2) Pretty good zips offense, putting our team in a position to win.

3) New coaches making mistakes

4) A pretty awesome Gardner-Webb offense.

What I am advocating

1) More intelligent approach to iCoach and his tenure. He is going o be here for awhile.

2) Coaches need time to gel too. Trial by fire these first 4 games.

3) ROI

Most of us have been around football for awhile and can recognize the "any given sunday," factor when two teams meet. But for some it may seem like things aligned for this 0 - 2, soon to be 0 - 4 start. Maybe you feel strongly that your previously held convictions are being vindicated about iCoach, this team, and administration.

I don't have a lot to say that hasn't been said elsewhere. I wanted to touch on playcalling and experience.

iCoach and his coaches have meetings inside of meetings about their gameplan and what they want to do in a game. Just like a team, this kind of thing needs practice.

They outline situations, like 3rd and short on this section of the field in these situations etc. Then put all their notes together and then call the game as they see it using those as a reference. Playcalling is not this instinctual THING that some men are born with, or acquire over time. It is a lot of work throughout the offseason getting to know your team, hours of film getting to know their team, and being able to put in all together on gameday.

These are all younger coaches in new jobs and I imagine they feel the same way I do after I take on a home improvement project and realize exactly what I got myself into. These guys are standing in a flooded basement, with ruined drywall and a soggy carpet, pulling their hair out. Glaring problem areas that a more seasoned contracter would have spotted mile away.

It is all about trying to do the most with your money. ROI. Our AD hired a guy with NO head coaching experience and a GREAT pedigree for success because he wanted the most bang for his buck.

There are many tracks to being a successful head coach. Some prove it at the lower levels and work themselves up, while others show great aptitude in VERY important areas like recruiting.

And iCoach can recruit. It will take AT LEAST 3 seasons to see his guys on the field at the important positions. So cut him some slack while he learns about the rest of the job. We all want to win ASAP. Well so does iCoach. He is still upbeat and positive, the things Rasor was talking about. Plus he is recruiting where we see problem areas, and doing it better than the rest of the MAC.

AND... i am glad our obviously bad defensive gameplan against spread offenses got exposed against Gardner-Webb and not in our MAC schedule. Nothing like a learning opportunity that dones't count against your conference record.

tl&dr

iCoach is in over his head... but who doesn't do that? That's how you learn. So stop being assholes.

you are right...hc in over his head...then why not hire someone with experience as a hc?...too late isn't it?...you're limited ability to use appropriate english does not give you the liberty of classifying everyone in the category of human being to which you might belong...fool me once shame on you...fool me twice...

[GP1]

a GREAT pedigree for success

Please demonstrate this to the board. What is his pedigree? Why is it important? Why is it GREAT? When will we see the success based upon his great pedigree?

[johnnyzip84]

you are right...hc in over his head...then why not hire someone with experience as a hc?...too late isn't it?...you're limited ability to use appropriate english does not give you the liberty of classifying everyone in the category of human being to which you might belong...fool me once shame on you...fool me twice...

Oh Zipmeister........here Zipmeister......another possible nominee for the irony award?

[Lee Adams]

you are right...hc in over his head...then why not hire someone with experience as a hc?...too late isn't it?...you're limited ability to use appropriate english does not give you the liberty of classifying everyone in the category of human being to which you might belong...fool me once shame on you...fool me twice...

Oh Zipmeister........here Zipmeister......another possible nominee for the irony award?

irony is so...well ironic...especially when the word is used in the incorrect context...the context here is vulgarity on this site..please enlighten the great unwashed...

[johnnyzip84]

you are right...hc in over his head...then why not hire someone with experience as a hc?...too late isn't it?...you're limited ability to use appropriate english does not give you the liberty of classifying everyone in the category of human being to which you might belong...fool me once shame on you...fool me twice...

Oh Zipmeister........here Zipmeister......another possible nominee for the irony award?

irony is so...well ironic...especially when the word is used in the incorrect context...the context here is vulgarity on this site..please enlighten the great unwashed...

Psssst....hey Lee, check the BOLD TYPE

[cornbread]

you are right...hc in over his head...then why not hire someone with experience as a hc?...too late isn't it?...you're limited ability to use appropriate english does not give you the liberty of classifying everyone in the category of human being to which you might belong...fool me once shame on you...fool me twice...

No one likes that many trailing periods. Finish your thoughts.

My inner Grammer Nazi is bigger than yours.

[cornbread]

a GREAT pedigree for success

Please demonstrate this to the board. What is his pedigree? Why is it important? Why is it GREAT? When will we see the success based upon his great pedigree?

• Successful recruiting in the midwest.
  
• Some stuff about Tate and Samardzija
  
• Learned under Barry Alvarez and Charlie Weis
  

I know Chucks stock is down right now, but it is hard to deny that the guy knew football. I would guess that Lee Adams and Spin would think he may make a better soccer coach, but I digress.

You may have a different definition of what makes a great head coach, but most agree recruiting is a large part of the equation, and iCoach is a great recruiter.

When?

I think he has a good chance to turn it around next season. He should know what to throw at opponents and be aware of all rules and regulations by that point. Pushing the east division for a MAC championship taste would be awesome.

[Zipsrifle]

Why do I want to give this guy 3 years of on the job training? IF things click in the 3rd year, this guy is gone at his first chance and we're starting over, again. IF things don't click, we're starting over again.

Things are really bad right now, and I mean 1994 bad. I'm sick and tired of losing. We have the best facilities in the MAC and a huge market we can tap into. Get someone in here who doesn't need training and lets turn this turd around! In 5 years, the Info will be your average, run of the mill MAC stadium, if the MAC exists!

[g-mann17]

Why do I want to give this guy 3 years of on the job training? IF things click in the 3rd year, this guy is gone at his first chance and we're starting over, again. IF things don't click, we're starting over again.

Things are really bad right now, and I mean 1994 bad. I'm sick and tired of losing. We have the best facilities in the MAC and a huge market we can tap into. Get someone in here who doesn't need training and lets turn this turd around! In 5 years, the Info will be your average, run of the mill MAC stadium, if the MAC exists!

That is true, but it takes time to get players from that market.

When was Ianello supposed to turn things around? Hell he only has 4 of his own recruits in the first recruiting class.

A "turn around" takes time, it doesn't happen over night.

[skip-zip]

I see a lot of talk about talent and recruiting. YES, I agree that a BIG part of the equation is having the best talent. But that also presents the biggest question mark about iCoach: If he effectively recruited at ND, does it mean he can effectively recruit for a MAC school?

[cornbread]

This is the time for excuses.

We had many chances to be 2-0 at this point. Why aren't we?

Offense?

Sucked against 'Cuse -> Better against GW

Defense?

Ok against 'Cuse -> Exposed against a 1-AA spread offense

General playcalling/ Coaching?

blah against 'Cuse -> Better against GW... although the kickoff fiasco will be with me forever.

Special teams?

We can't rely on our kicking game still

If these were stocks, after this past game we would have 2 green up arrows, 1 red down arrow, and an entire division of our company is ready to be sold off for a minor boost in capital. The bigger picture is not so bad.