It’s difficult to muster enthusiasm for a particular coach, despite his endearing qualities as a family man and seemingly kind individual. The recent string of losses is simply unacceptable. The defeats to Marshall and Stanford, a team that finished with a dismal 3-9 record, were bad enough. But the loss to Ohio State due to a mental error, having ten players on the field, was inexcusable. And now, the latest debacle against Northern Illinois has reached a new low.
The team’s effort this week was a far cry from their performance last week, leaving many scratching their heads. The youthful lineup, featuring new receivers, quarterback, and offensive coordinator, couldn’t excuse the embarrassing display against NIU. These elite athletes were outplayed in every aspect of the game, and it was evident from the start.
The offense, although young, should improve over time. However, it’s clear that this team is not living up to expectations. The lackluster effort and poor game plan made for a pathetic display. The quarterback’s performance, reminiscent of a struggling player from last season, was marred by late throws, accuracy issues, and a lack of anticipation.
In an ideal world, a loss to a Mid-American Conference team like Northern Illinois would be a season-ender. Finishing with a strong record shouldn’t overshadow such a disappointing defeat. However, the reality is that a playoff appearance could still salvage the coach’s job. It’s a sobering reminder of the flaws in the current playoff system.
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