HOPE FOR THE ZIPS?

[ZipAnalyst]

"Sometimes you point at discipline," Brookhart said. "It's something we've worked hard on. We obviously need to do a better job with that." This is Brookhart's recognition that a number of the Zip footballers need to be reined in. Although it is hard to tell from a Steve French broadcast, it appears that there was way too much freelancing going on in the game.Freelancing is not being a team player. It is Brookhart's task to make gaining control of the team a top priority. This is his first stint in being a head coach. He is learning a hard lesson that success is not wrapped up exclusively in recruiting and knowing the x's and o's.A "team" composed of players that play for the team and not for individual revenge and individual stats is usually a team that wins and is enjoyable to watch.The win against Miami was a win. But it was an "ugly" win. The thing about ugly wins (turnover, penalty and stupidity laded) is to wonder how much progress is being made towards playing as a team.We know Brookhart recruits well. I suspect he and his staff know the x's and o's well enough. But what is unclear is his ability to command the attention of his players. It is good to see that Brookhart himself understands his obvious deficiency in getting his individual superb athletes to play for the good of the whole.When he masters this skill, then, and only then the Zips will become a quality football team!

[Ballingirl]

Totally agreed!! This whole process of gaining control needs to begin with standing his ground! To begin, Crouch and McPherson both quit the team this year. Answer me one question....why are they still playing? Crouch is backing starting. McPherson was not suited up last night, but was still on the sidelines. As a coach, why would you let players come back that choose to put themselves over the team, and throw a tantrum and quit when they don't get what they want. If they want to see the Zips on the field on Saturday evenings, they should have to do it from the stands. There are guys out there who work their butts off and are still there for the good of the team. And second, there should be punishment for the actions of guys on the field last night. Cobham for one, after his little stunt byt the sideline, I understand JD was in his face, but there better be some consequences, whether it be at practice or sitting out for games. The near-fights, penalties and overall attitudes were unacceptable last night. JD, if you realize there's a problem, let's do something about it! I've seen your children at games, and I can guarantee they wouldn't get away with that crap towards you and your wife. Let's use the same mindset with your team!

[zff]

If I was the coach Cobham would have been in the locker room for therest of the gane after that stupid play. The only way to get control is to bench their asses. And if they quit then guess what see ya!!!!!!

[Ballingirl]

Agreed zff......if it takes one person getting suspended for that behavior in order to make an example to the rest of the team, so be it! You make the mistake, you suffer the consequences!

[TXZipFan]

I'm with ya Ballingirl, these guys are representing our University and should check their egos at the door. JD needs to pull out the "iron fist" and lay down the law. JD needs to instill some class and sportsmanship to this team, and get them to realize nobody is above the team. He should put the "pre-madonnas" on the team in their place.

[UADavid]

I didn't see what he did, but I sure saw an animated Brookhart. Cobham was trying to walk away as JD was in his face and had to stop him by grabbing his face mask. They were nose to nose. What did he do, late hit?? Several years ago I saw a PSU player late hit someone in front of Paterno. He jumped all over him and sat the bench the rest of the game. A statement needs to be relayed to this team that we won't tolerate bad behavior.

[zff]

It was after a kick off. Cobham was hoding on to a Miami players leg and using him as a tackling sled. The side judge was right there blowing his whistle but He did not stop. He just keep pushing him until they went out of bounds. And the offical was trying not to throw the flag but finally he had to.