Did CCL throw an interception at the end of the first half that led to a 10 point turnaround for MO? Did CCL miss all the tackles on MO’s first TD? Did CCL drop any of the targeted passes that could have generated more offense? Did CCL fail to move the MO defensive front a few inches to make a critical first down at the end of the game which could have resulted in a win or OT? No, players did.
Did CCL and his staff make the requisite adjustments at halftime to allow their players to rally from a 17 point deficit to within inches of beating an SEC team favored to win by 14.5 points (and led Ga with 4 minutes to play) at its homecoming? Yes, and the players responded positively and did not quit.
It will take more than two years to overcome the culture and the talent gap inherited by this coaching staff. Most of the few successful VU coaches over my 54 years of being a fan were primarily looking at VU as a stepping stone to a better situation and had no interest in staying long term — i.e., Sloan, Dinardo, Franklin. CCL was raised and educated in Nashville (MBA and VU), was a VU player, has family in Nashville and has a very personal interest in making VU a competitive member of the SEC for the long term.
A fan, according to the American Heritage College Dictionary, is “an ardent devotee, an enthusiast.” I’m tired of reading constant criticism, many times personal, about the coaches and players. Do they make mistakes, of course, they’re human like all of us. Was the play call on 4th down a good call? Not in my opinion. How about a QB sneak with 2 TE’s as RB’s to push the QB a few more inches?
I understand constructive criticism but can’t we be fans that are supportive and enthusiastic? Playing and coaching football in the SEC is hard work and our players and coaches should be supported as they improve the culture, talent and competitiveness of VU football.
That’s my take. Anchor Down!
