All good points here, I think the heart of the issue (besides the current schemes are not suitable to this roster) is that the juniors and seniors are not able to help teach and pass down scheme and techniques to the younger players. Every program with rare exception suffers the same during the first year of a coaching change. Nick did, Kirby did (almost lost to Nichols St at home), Jimmy did, etc. You must have a program where the older players are able to help the younger guys adapt and learn the system.
Here, Mario has none of that. Older players are barely understanding what is going on, and are in no position to provide help in that regard. You have so little time as a staff to implement new schemes and practice (per NCAA rules), you really need your leaders to augment the process. Here we have kids who were recruited by Manny, played under that ****amamie defense and barely have any idea what they are doing schematically. Watching our safeties and linebackers basically looks like rec league defense, with guys just wandering and meandering. They only know man and blitz techniques (barely) and are helpless in any zone coverage. Just a car crash to watch on tape.
On offense, TVD has Lashlee's system in his brain and this Gattis power spread stuff slow paced grind and pound is something he can't manage. Further, his lack of mobility and moments of inaccuracy are not helpful. Oline play simply blows, and it is a waste of effort to try and make 3 and 4 yr olineman who have been schooled on finese offense for 3-4 yrs to now be a BIG 10 power mauler-type line. Won't happen and can't happen.
This is a 2-3 yr rebuild until Mario has his structure and guys in place. The current upper classmen are good kids, but I doubt any play on Sundays.
