Now that the regular season is officially in the books I figured I'd share my thoughts on the season so far. It was huge to get the win today and make it back to a bowl game, otherwise all the momentum we'd built from 2012-2015 would have been lost. 5 bowls in 6 years now after 2 in the previous 51, not bad.
However, even though most of us predicted a record of around 6-6 going into the season, and I am thrilled that we reached that mark, it does feel like a bit of a disappointment. This team had the talent to win at least 8 and possibly even 10 games had the breaks gone our way. The Pitt and Army losses were disgusting, UVA and FSU were unfortunate but not terrible, while Miami and VT were expected.
The coaching and execution on the offensive side of the ball was atrocious during the six game losing streak. Didn't play to our strength, running the football with Brown and Wilson, and passed way too often, putting an excessive burden on our future first round NFL QB. Zac Roper was a liability calling plays. I don't think its a coincidence that the offense averaged 37 a game after Cut supposedly got more involved in the play calling, after having averaged 11 a game during the losing streak. He needs to be gone, and the WR and OL coaches (both first-time, former graduate assistants) probably should be let go as well as both positions also struggled mightily.
Not many complaints about the defense, it was probably the best it's been in the Cutcliffe era. Only gave up more than 30 points once while dealing with an impotent offense for much of the year. Special teams were a mixed bag. Field goal kicking was actually solid after being an utter disaster last year, but punting and punt returns were both bad. Need significant improvement there going forward.
Winning the AutoParts Bowl in Detroit in front of 7,000 people to end the year on a three game winning streak would provide another nice boost. I do think the program is in a good place (couldn't say that two weeks ago), with lots of talent returning on both sides of the ball. With a few staff changes, another year of improvement from Jones, and some receivers who aren't slow and/or saddled with penis fingers, next year could be really good. Or could end 4-8 with Cut retiring.
