Really good observations. Nice analysis. I will say though that for the remaining coaching staff to recognize the limitations of their players and the possible weaknesses of their opponent, and then gameplay the way they did by simplifying everything demonstrated a lot of awareness. They did have nothing to lose so they could afford any risks that they took. It may only happen once, but the coaches and players deserve lot's of credit for pulling it off. They were not just lucky. Kudos to Skipper for getting them to believe they could do it. I like Jerry a lot, and I agree with you that the best thing for him would be to go spend time in another quality program. Penn State has a really good offense, I think even though our defense isn't very good that we have a chance to outscore some people. If our opponents game plan to stop Nico from running, it will open up some other things. You are correct, in the big picture it does not change or address any of the existing issues with the program except maybe we'll be able to keep some players who may have left, especially if we make a really good hire.
The win was stunning and certainly lifted the morale of the players, coaches and the Bruin faithful. That being said, Penn State had a dismal performance by their coach and most of their players. Perhaps they figured it would be a walk over (as did everyone else) and were already preparing for the "Big Boys" in the Big Ten?. So I am waiting to see the Michigan State game before proclaiming that UCLA has turned around their play and will be competitive the rest of the season. The Spartans are a 8.5 favorite at home so the odds makers must think that UCLA has improved--we shall see.
I have to give the o-line a shout out. They kept Nico alive to run more than once that's what I noticed.
That’s a bit harsh giving them a Final Grade of F after a hard fought game. ;)
I’d give them a 3.54 or bottom of the A- rung for the Final Grade.
Haha, I knew I missed something. And, funnily enough, calculating the GPA did come out to a 3.54 exactly.
Really good observations. Nice analysis. I will say though that for the remaining coaching staff to recognize the limitations of their players and the possible weaknesses of their opponent, and then gameplay the way they did by simplifying everything demonstrated a lot of awareness. They did have nothing to lose so they could afford any risks that they took. It may only happen once, but the coaches and players deserve lot's of credit for pulling it off. They were not just lucky. Kudos to Skipper for getting them to believe they could do it. I like Jerry a lot, and I agree with you that the best thing for him would be to go spend time in another quality program. Penn State has a really good offense, I think even though our defense isn't very good that we have a chance to outscore some people. If our opponents game plan to stop Nico from running, it will open up some other things. You are correct, in the big picture it does not change or address any of the existing issues with the program except maybe we'll be able to keep some players who may have left, especially if we make a really good hire.
The win was stunning and certainly lifted the morale of the players, coaches and the Bruin faithful. That being said, Penn State had a dismal performance by their coach and most of their players. Perhaps they figured it would be a walk over (as did everyone else) and were already preparing for the "Big Boys" in the Big Ten?. So I am waiting to see the Michigan State game before proclaiming that UCLA has turned around their play and will be competitive the rest of the season. The Spartans are a 8.5 favorite at home so the odds makers must think that UCLA has improved--we shall see.
Go Bruins!