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Oct 20, 2014
3:59:22pm
Shades of Crowton, but there is some hope
While watching the Nevada game, even after the team was up by two touchdowns, I still had that nagging feeling that somehow the team was going to botch this win. A feeling very reminiscent of the Crowton years. So when Houk fumbled, and Stewart fumbled, and Stewart fumbled again, I was not surprised. Bummed, but not surprised. And because I had mentally prepared myself for such an occurrence, I accepted the loss. I did turn to a source of solace though. Texas fans turn to beer, I turn to Hearthstone.

Anyway, one of the things this team lacks is the belief that they can win. They had that with Taysom, but now he's out for the season. There are parallels to the 2005 team, especially a 3 game losing streak. It took John Beck engineering a comeback against New Mexico in 2005 before the team changed its mindset. Against USU, it felt like that mindset returned, and we might see a few more losses until the team mentally turns the corner.

The difference though, is that the Crowtonism I see in the team is on the defensive side, not the offensive side. It's that feeling that somehow, the defense will stub its toe and do something stupid. Unnecessary roughness penalties. Pass interference when the pass hasn't a chance to be completed. 3rd down and 18 and Pikula misses the sack. Sure, the Offense had 3 fumbles last game, but 35 points should be enough to win any game.

The good news is the defense is fixable. Bronco has done more with much less before, and if he takes the reigns again, the defense will recapture some of that killer attitude (i.e., 2012 goal line stand against Boise). The bad news is that Nick Howell either gets demoted or loses his job, and we're back at square one with Bronco trying to figure out a succession plan. Also, there is a disturbing pattern of the Peter Principle with Bronco's promotions and I don't know if that is fixable.
This message has been modified
Originally posted on Oct 20, 2014 at 3:59:22pm
Message modified by Jennerstein on Oct 20, 2014 at 4:08:29pm
Message modified by Jennerstein on Oct 20, 2014 at 4:25:13pm
Jennerstein
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Jennerstein
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