How much of that is Neon Deion??
How much of that is Neon Deion??
Apparanetly Avery Jone hasn't been that good himself. That's the center that switched.We had a couple OL commits that we lost in the offseason. Those are hurting us big time now. I don’t remember the names, but I think center and tackle. Better NIL deals elsewhere iirc.
Lunney is NOT getting fired.Everything is calculated with how BB talks to the media. I love how he is a straight shooter, shows emotion and gets ticked off. My theory is Lunney Jr makes it until after the Wisconsin game at latest. Either fired after Maryland/Wisconsin and have a bye week after Wisconsin. Illinois remaining schedule is Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa and Northwestern. I have no problem with this but if firing 2 offensive coordinators in 3 seasons than it is mandatory for BB to nail the next offensive coordinator. If going by connections, Paul Chryst? Not a flashy name but need someone established on the offensive side. He is a special assistant on the Texas staff and grab him away to be OC. I think Henry has done a decent job but Paul Chryst at OC and Jim Leonard at DC have me more excited than what we have in the cupboard now.
OL has been one of the worst in the nation but a solid QB changes a ton of things. We got spoiled by one year of DeVito and went back to square one. If we are "developing players" than this coaching staff needs to hit the transfer portal harder this offseason.
Taking out the direct defensive TDs/safeties for points and this is what the offense has scored over the past few seasons.
2021 Tony Petersen 19.4 pts/game conference games 18.3
2022 Lunney Jr 22.6 pts/game conference games 22.0
2023 Lunney Jr 18.0 pts/ game conference games 13.0
Small sample size for this season but has been atrocious. 2021 the team couldn't move the ball but barely turned it over. 2022 the defense was electric, we controlled the time of possession but kicked way too many field goals and couldn't punch it in. 2023 the OL is horrible, we move the ball probably 50-70 yards more a game than the 2021 team but we also turn the ball over at an alarming rate. Not being able to put points on the board started halfway through last season and is glaring now that our D isn't as dominate and our offense turns the ball over.
Too much IMO.How much of that is Neon Deion??
I’m sure some of it is, but my guess is this is driven by more games being available across networks and streaming services.How much of that is Neon Deion??
Tight End CoachLunney is NOT getting fired.
Lunney was the first coach Bielema hired at Arkansas and stuck with him the entire tenure.
He is not going to cut bait mid-season on his buddy.
Is the problem with Lunney play calling? I know that is a major function of an OC but there is more to the job. Can that function be shifted to see what happens and let him still prepare the team?Tight End Coach
BB is not use to getting fired......might be the connection twice if BB keeps Lunney Jr on the staff for his entire tenure at Illinois
I have no problem if he doesn't cut bait on him mid-season. It was just my opinion I could see Lunney Jr getting canned after Maryland/Wisconsin with bye week. If BB is going to do it that would be the ideal time. Extra time to prepare and last part of schedule is not as strong. Big thing I see beyond performance is trying to sell offensive recruits to join this squad with Lunney Jr at the OC helm.
I’m not loving a lot of the calls Lunney’s made, especially that first goal line stand last game. But if we had an effective offensive line, almost every play he called would have worked. Without an effective OL, he has to find something else. There are no easy answers and the options are limited, but at least get the QB moving to create more time. The timing of our bye week is unfortunate. We need it now.Is the problem with Lunney play calling? I know that is a major function of an OC but there is more to the job. Can that function be shifted to see what happens and let him still prepare the team?
Even if you fire him who replaces him? After the season who do you get who is better? These are honest questions. Don’t assume we can get an upgrade just because you don’t like who we currently have
Completely agree. Cannot assess offense because oline is below competent.I’m not loving a lot of the calls Lunney’s made, especially that first goal line stand last game. But if we had an effective offensive line, almost every play he called would have worked. Without an effective OL, he has to find something else. There are no easy answers and the options are limited, but at least get the QB moving to create more time. The timing of our bye week is unfortunate. We need it now.
Is the problem with Lunney play calling? I know that is a major function of an OC but there is more to the job. Can that function be shifted to see what happens and let him still prepare the team?
Even if you fire him who replaces him? After the season who do you get who is better? These are honest questions. Don’t assume we can get an upgrade just because you don’t like who we currently have
Without knowing who will be available two guys come to mind right now with connections to coach and/or schoolEven if you fire him who replaces him? After the season who do you get who is better? These are honest questions. Don’t assume we can get an upgrade just because you don’t like who we currently have
Scheelhaase has been an OC for one year right? Iowa States offense isn’t breaking any records either.Without knowing who will be available two guys come to mind right now with connections to coach and/or school
Paul Chryst or Nathan Scheelhaase
I don’t disagree with your criticisms at all. I just think Bielema has shown that he wants to surround himself with people he’s familiar with even if they are less qualified than what’s typical for the salary level, and guys like that who prioritize comfort and familiarity aren‘t likely to make abrupt changes.Little add on to what I put above. This isn't just a few game thing but here are offensive points per game going back to just a year from now(last 14 games).
This includes offensive points per game(takes out defensive TDs/safeties for points/special teams TDs)
2021 Petersen all games 19.4 points per game
2021 Petersen conference games 18.3 points per game
Lunney Jr last 14 games 18.7 points per game
Lunney Jr 10 conference games in this time 18.3 points per game
Most offensive points scored in game is 27 vs Northwestern last season. Highest points scored this season is 23 three different times(all non-conference games)
I don't have a breakdown of names but Iowa State lost a ton of firepower before the season started due to that gambling ring. Starting QB, projected starting RB, OL, TE, etc. They are starting a RS Freshman at QB(10 TD 5 INT) with backup true Freshman. Top 3 RBs are two Sophomores and a Freshman. Top TE replaced by a FR and SR. Were they suppose to tear it up after all of that? Going 3-3 and 2-1 in conference is real good for the talent. They also have a tough schedule remaining, if they sniff a Bowl game this is a great season. Just because I mention names doesn't mean I said hire him. Due diligence should have a call to him and Chryst plus others.Scheelhaase has been an OC for one year right? Iowa States offense isn’t breaking any records either.
No doubtI don’t disagree with your criticisms at all. I just think Bielema has shown that he wants to surround himself with people he’s familiar with even if they are less qualified than what’s typical for the salary level, and guys like that who prioritize comfort and familiarity aren‘t likely to make abrupt changes.
Both are terrible.....think most get itI think a lot of you are underestimating how much the OL is limiting the offense. Yes Lunney's playcalling could be a lot better, but this team was only going to go as far as the OL could take us, which isn't very far.
You might want to compare who each team has played.Apparanetly Avery Jone hasn't been that good himself. That's the center that switched.