[NU Sports] End of season thoughts (fwd)

[Michael Vance]

I guess I should have phrased it better.  "Discipline" and "consistency on 
special teams" weren't two separate things.  My single gripe is with 
"discipline and consistency" on special teams.  Our woeful kick coverage, 
the frequent penalties on returns, and our occasionally frightening 
blocking at the line on punts are always frustrating.  And what can 
possibly be the problem with a FG unit that can boot it through the 
uprights from 50 in practice, but struggles with 25-yarders in game 
situations?  Concentration and discipline.

That's the only thing I really miss about the GB era.  We've discussed 
before how GB made it an honor to be selected for special teams, and the 
team bought into that idea.  In six years, I've never seen that on one of 
our Walker-coached clubs.  So many games can turn on special teams 
play.  dOSU was in that game at the end because we allowed a punt return 
for a TD.  We gave up a PR for TD to Hawaii.  Breaston took one back in the 
Michigan game, granted after that game was pretty much over.  Many other 
games it seemed that we just giving up way too much field.  I would love to 
see Walker come out and at least acknowledge that there's been a problem 
and say he's going to do something about it.

-Michael

At 1/9/2005 08:37 PM, Mike Nolan wrote:
> > I agree with Eric's general sentiments about RW.  As for the comparison to
> > Beamer, I just wish that we could be half of what VaTech is on special
> > teams.
>
>I think most teams in college football might make the same wish.  VT's
>emphasis on special teams is rare.  Given their success on special teams
>I'm not sure why more teams haven't take that page from their playbook.
>
>Discipline is not a RW trademark, and that's not just on special teams.
>
>I wonder if NU got called for more 15 yard penalties, especially
>unsportsmanlike conduct, than any other team in the Big 10 this year or
>if it just seemed like it?
>
>OTOH, what teams come to mind when you say 'disciplined'?  I can't think
>of any.
>--
>Mike Nolan
>
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