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AD Whitman talks Lovie Smith
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<blockquote data-quote="FT35" data-source="post: 1350757" data-attributes="member: 10675"><p>Meh. Regardless of what people were saying, I remember walking out of Memorial Stadium after the loss to Louisiana Tech in 2012 feeling like this would be a dead program as long as TB was the head coach. I've never really felt that way with Smith as the head coach, in spite of the poor results. </p><p></p><p>I will say that the next couple of years exceeded my expectations. I expected 0 wins heading into 2013 and the ROT miracles of 2014 got us to a bowl game. 2014 especially looked like a lost cause after the loss to Purdue. We'll see what happens. </p><p></p><p>Quite frankly, people should be skeptical as this staff really has not shown us the finished product as of yet and won't for a couple of years. Until then, I hold reservations about whether or not they can turn this program around. </p><p></p><p>I at least like the way they are attempting to rebuild this program as opposed to TB's infusion of JUCO players into the program. If this staff can't get the job done, they are laying a foundation that will make the transition to another staff much easier. </p><p></p><p>I currently see a Big Ten defense on the field that will be better next year. The DTs, LBs and Safeties have been very impressive at times this year. </p><p></p><p>The offense HAS to improve, however. There's just no way we can expect more than a couple of wins next year if we don't see drastic improvements from the QBs, OL and TEs. I really don't see how the play from these positions could get worse so I can only hope they get better. I liked the improvement we had in WRs this year over 2016 but it's a much harder and slower process to fix problems with the QBs and OL. </p><p></p><p>If we're seeing the same offensive production next year then I would look for changes to the staff on that side of the ball. </p><p></p><p>Other than that, I'm content with Lovie staying as the Head Coach through the end of his contract. I do see players being held accountable for mistakes on and off the field. I also see players who continue to play hard regardless of the game situation.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="FT35, post: 1350757, member: 10675"] Meh. Regardless of what people were saying, I remember walking out of Memorial Stadium after the loss to Louisiana Tech in 2012 feeling like this would be a dead program as long as TB was the head coach. I've never really felt that way with Smith as the head coach, in spite of the poor results. I will say that the next couple of years exceeded my expectations. I expected 0 wins heading into 2013 and the ROT miracles of 2014 got us to a bowl game. 2014 especially looked like a lost cause after the loss to Purdue. We'll see what happens. Quite frankly, people should be skeptical as this staff really has not shown us the finished product as of yet and won't for a couple of years. Until then, I hold reservations about whether or not they can turn this program around. I at least like the way they are attempting to rebuild this program as opposed to TB's infusion of JUCO players into the program. If this staff can't get the job done, they are laying a foundation that will make the transition to another staff much easier. I currently see a Big Ten defense on the field that will be better next year. The DTs, LBs and Safeties have been very impressive at times this year. The offense HAS to improve, however. There's just no way we can expect more than a couple of wins next year if we don't see drastic improvements from the QBs, OL and TEs. I really don't see how the play from these positions could get worse so I can only hope they get better. I liked the improvement we had in WRs this year over 2016 but it's a much harder and slower process to fix problems with the QBs and OL. If we're seeing the same offensive production next year then I would look for changes to the staff on that side of the ball. Other than that, I'm content with Lovie staying as the Head Coach through the end of his contract. I do see players being held accountable for mistakes on and off the field. I also see players who continue to play hard regardless of the game situation. [/QUOTE]
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AD Whitman talks Lovie Smith
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