La Tech game thoughts

[SisyphusMiner]

Well, we looked like we belonged.  We gave them a fight, and the game was winnable even though I think La Tech is the better team.  I was only able to tune in midway through the 2nd quarter so I may have missed something

The defense looked really good again.  They are upper tier CUSA.  Praise is a beast.  The DC is able to make adjustments as the game progresses, and I think he's a keeper.  The D will give us a chance to win games, if the O can do their part.

The O obviously struggled.  Part of that was Hardison didn't have a great night.  The O line is maybe bottom couple teams of CUSA.  I don't understand why we used Hankins so sparingly and Fields so much.  If they thought speed was critical, why didn't they run to the outside?  Why do we never run to the outside for that matter?  Why not Awatt instead of Fields?

Special teams was a mixed bag.  A TD return, and a roughing the kicker.  You take that risk when you try to block the punt, and it was possibly an unnecessary risk as we had plenty of time left on the clock, if we had a functioning offense.  As we did not have a functioning offense, maybe it was a good risk.

As for coaching, maybe there just isn't a lot you can do when your line is this bad.  But it still feels like there is no offensive game plan, no rhythm, no flow.  At this point I really like the DC, I don't understand why we even have an OC if Dimel is calling the plays, and I feel like the jury is still out on Dimel.  I guess if I was the AD I would tell him he has to fire Canales and bring in a proven OC at some level and turn play calling over to him.

Right now I guess there are 3 winnable games left on the schedule.  We better win at least one of them.  One win in conference is a minimum to show progress.

[kyyote]

First thing is that the team played tech straight up. That is proof to me that this team is actually better.   A couple of things make me wonder. One is the offense. I see the offense as much different from the past two years. Why?  Why is Hardison given an offense that has a chance of working and the past two years were an offense that was stupid easy to defend against?  Also I have to disagree just a little with Sis in that the offense allowed the line to actually show some power to push the tech defense around. We could have been the winner of the game. I am ok with yesterday's game. I think we may win a few if we keep it up. Btw they mentioned all of the if transfers and evidently that was part of the "process " we were to trust in.

[Chanson]

Well, when the QB doesnt have a good night, the chances are likely you won't win. Yes, we look better than last year. No, I still am not bought in.

[SisyphusMiner]

one more thought.  I was afraid that the team would play scared when they got down.  They didn't, they fought the whole way. 

[UTEPDefense]

Frustrated to lose a game that we could have won with better execution/discipline.  Also frustrating to see Dimel waste a bye week and not use that time to upgrade some of his RB carries, to at least work in some of our RB?s with more potential.

When building a program, no program just automatically takes every step/leap forward, there are always a few steps back during the process as you learn how to win, but what is the overall trajectory of the program?  Overall, I think that the trajectory of our program is currently in a good position and we are definitely an improved football team.  Last year, we were not just a few adjustments/corrections away from winning a game against a solid team like La. Tech and now this year we are(even in a road game).

[SisyphusMiner]

UTEPD, I always appreciate your writeups, and it would be great if you would copy/paste over here the same thing you post on the other site -- or with your permission I would be happy to do the copy/paste and give you credit.  I specifically look for your assessment -- there's things I think I'm seeing, but you understand at a much deeper level and can explain it clearly as well.

[UTEPDefense]

Thanks Sis.  I enjoy reading your posts as well.  Yes, I will post my stuff over here and you also have my permission to repost anything of mine over here at any time.  Thanks again.

[Minermojo]

I saw the la tech game last night and I saw many good things from the offense. For one the receivers were receiving and the QB was throwing it well too. At times when there was opposition the receivers still tried their best to get the ball. There wasn't a lackadaisical attitude. It is obvious that Hankins is a much better runner and some of it is due to his size. Fields was just too slow and that surprised me, I thought he had better speed. Maybe Hankins was taken out because he was winded later in the game. People were getting cramps from the heat and humidity and that could be a reason. I was very surprised in a good way with how accurate our new QB is he is 100% better than last years who couldn't hit a barn.

The defense...wow, that's all I can say. Except when that time when two people missed the runner and he went for the td that's the only time I saw them screw up. But, all throughout the game they were getting to the La QB and no.23 is a beast. He was all over the field. He's a sophomore right? I can just imagine how better he will get. He's NoFunLeague material that's for sure. He reminded me of the Giants LB Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. He's that good.

I Definitely (with a big D) saw a much improved team from last year and I predict this is the year that we beat Enemas U. after what, 3 years of losing to them? This year we will win it. I don't know the rest of their schedule but it seems we can win with G5 opposition. It's true that the came out slow against FCS teams but it seemed with this game that they are getting it together.

[SisyphusMiner]

We don't play Enemas U this year.

[UTEPDefense]

I had some reliable info over the off-season, that Praise had mentioned to some people back home that he might be looking to transfer(either now or eventually as a Grad Transfer).  I was glad when I saw that he actually did return this year and I hope that we get to see him here all 5 years.  He is not the biggest DE, but pass rushing DE's are a top priority need for every college team these days and I could see a Big 12 team/family member at least trying to put a bug in his ear if he keeps putting up record numbers.

Dimel found Praise when nobody else did, Dimel then invested a redshirt year in him, took some bumps while letting him start as a freshman and Dimel should honestly probably be rewarded by getting to coach him once he becomes an experienced and mature Junior & Senior.

I personally think that Stewart has had the biggest impact on our defense, when considering both the running and passing game, but Praise is currently on pace to break the UTEP single season sack record(11), so there is no denying how good he has been either.

[Austintacious]

Humor him.  He's getting old and his mind is deteriorating.  He thinks he really owns a crystal ball.  Let him think we beat the Aggies this year.   

We don't play Enemas U this year.

[SisyphusMiner]

Sorry Mojo.  I meant to say we already beat them...

[Minermojo]

Bwahahaha, man, you guys are like the Demoncraps that hate Trump but I'm the object of your HATE. If we don't play Enemas U. this year then you didn't lose, technically, right? I don't have their schedule and I just go by the OPT on who we're playing. I don't even know who's our foe next week.

But, have your laugh on me. We need a little levity in our ChiFlu minds. That's what cabin fever does to people.

[SisyphusMiner]

We pretty much agree on all areas of life, the universe, and everything Moj.