An Outsider's Take: Deeeep Breaths

[Shimmy24]

I get it, you guys are beyond frustrated. There have been some downright embarrassing results this year and you guys have been on the wrong end of some historic numbers. I would be frustrated too. Heck, I am frustrated. Maryland's offense has scored 13 points in the last three games combined and we haven't had the slightest chance to stay in any of the games. It's been ugly.

But Maryland aside for a second, I think you guys just need to take a deep breath and (in the wise words of Aaron Rodgers) R-E-L-A-X. Ash wasn't going to come in and immediately be competitive with Flood's leftovers. Anybody who had thought otherwise was being unrealistic – programs almost always goes through additional growing pains with a new coaching staff, outside of a few select (usually elite level) programs. So couple those growing pains + Flood's scraps + a first time head coach and much of his staff, and this is kind of just what you get.

And like I said, I understand the frustration. What I don't understand, though, is people already calling for Ash's head. Like I don't get it at all, and it's seemingly more than just a handful of y'all. Ash is, and always was, a long-term play. He's not at Rutgers to make them better in 2016 and 2017, he's there to change the culture and make them better for 2019, 2020, and onward, whether he is still there or not. And you guys owe him that chance more than anything. Despite the notable blowouts, his energy has been very good from what I have seen, the upcoming recruiting class looks strong, and he is making a footprint in the state of New Jersey, something that the program has had trouble with for years.

So anyway, I am here to talk you off the ledge. Unlike basketball where a new coach can change the mindset of an entire program in 1-2 years (see Pikiell's early success), it takes 3-4+ for football. At the very least, give Ash that chance.

And if it makes you feel any better, you are all but guaranteed to put up a bunch of points on us next weekend. Take the over.

 

[Proud NJ Sports Fan]

I thought last night's game went as expected.
If Pen St wasn't so sloppy in the first half, it should have been more like 56-0 which is what I had thought would happen.

There is a total talent mismatch between the teams and it starts on both lines.

Unfortunately Barchi and Flood set the program back and fans must give Ash some time to rebuild it the right way.

I am confident that he will, starting with a very good 2017 recruiting class.

 

[brgRC90]

Our fans used to have far too much patience for mediocre and crappy play on the field. now they're worse than Notre Dame fans, demanding almost instant results.

That being said, though our offense is definitely bereft of play makers and our receiving corps is horrible our offense should be doing better than it is. they literally can barely move the ball no matter who they are playing. every opponent can't possibly have the defense of the 1985 Bears.

 

[albanyknight]

You cannot win in the Big Ten without play-makers, depth and a decent QB. There is not a coach alive who could do much with this team. If people like Keith Hamilton have bought into Ash, his staff and his vision, then why would some fan who probably never played even high school football know better?

I think there were short term fixes that may have made us a little more competitive. Like for instance, using a pro-set (of which the players were recruited under) and as a result making the games a bit more competitive. But that while may have resulted in a additional win or the illusion that we are better than we really are, would only result in the program taking longer to build and get up and running.

This is a total tear-down, not a renovation and Ash told us it was going to be from day one.

 

[Nihilist Rodgers]

I get it, you guys are beyond frustrated. There have been some downright embarrassing results this year and you guys have been on the wrong end of some historic numbers. I would be frustrated too. Heck, I am frustrated. Maryland's offense has scored 13 points in the last three games combined and we haven't had the slightest chance to stay in any of the games. It's been ugly.

But Maryland aside for a second, I think you guys just need to take a deep breath and (in the wise words of Aaron Rodgers) R-E-L-A-X. Ash wasn't going to come in and immediately be competitive with Flood's leftovers. Anybody who had thought otherwise was being unrealistic – programs almost always goes through additional growing pains with a new coaching staff, outside of a few select (usually elite level) programs. So couple those growing pains + Flood's scraps + a first time head coach and much of his staff, and this is kind of just what you get.

And like I said, I understand the frustration. What I don't understand, though, is people already calling for Ash's head. Like I don't get it at all, and it's seemingly more than just a handful of y'all. Ash is, and always was, a long-term play. He's not at Rutgers to make them better in 2016 and 2017, he's there to change the culture and make them better for 2019, 2020, and onward, whether he is still there or not. And you guys owe him that chance more than anything. Despite the notable blowouts, his energy has been very good from what I have seen, the upcoming recruiting class looks strong, and he is making a footprint in the state of New Jersey, something that the program has had trouble with for years.

So anyway, I am here to talk you off the ledge. Unlike basketball where a new coach can change the mindset of an entire program in 1-2 years (see Pikiell's early success), it takes 3-4+ for football. At the very least, give Ash that chance.

And if it makes you feel any better, you are all but guaranteed to put up a bunch of points on us next weekend. Take the over.

Shimmy.. have watched a lot of UMD football this year and you guys seemed to quit post-PSU.. I'm not sure Durkin knows what he is doing at at all(ie Ash). Now you have discipline problems setting in.. MD has always had problems getting athletes who are head cases.. Your offense is horrible on QB bodies.. you simply beat them to death. Thoughts?

 

[rurichdog]

I'm sure you're excited as hell to notch your 6th win against us. Thanks for the kind words I guess.

 

[Shimmy24]

Shimmy.. have watched a lot of UMD football this year and you guys seemed to quit post-PSU.. I'm not sure Durkin knows what he is doing at at all(ie Ash). Now you have discipline problems setting in.. MD has always had problems getting athletes who are head cases.. Your offense is horrible on QB bodies.. you simply beat them to death. Thoughts?

Don't think it's totally fair to say that we quit post-PSU seeing as how we beat Michigan State two weeks later, but hard to disagree with the rest of what you said. Our only decent QB option right now is hurt, which has been a theme for us over the last 5-10 years. That said, I'm not remotely worried about Durkin, which was kind of the point of my OP. He has brought energy and respectability to the program locally, and that's the most important thing. You can't saying that "I'm not sure Durkin knows what he is doing at all" when he currently has the #15 recruiting class in the country and is a win away from making a bowl from a 3-win team from last year with Randy Edsall leftovers (and yes, I recognize that our OOC schedule was dog poo).

 

[tico brown]

:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

[cheers]

 

[rufeelinit]

Nice post. Very reasonable. I will be glad when this season is over as the cumulative beat downs have taken a toll.

 

[RedSpartan]

I get it, you guys are beyond frustrated. There have been some downright embarrassing results this year and you guys have been on the wrong end of some historic numbers. I would be frustrated too. Heck, I am frustrated. Maryland's offense has scored 13 points in the last three games combined and we haven't had the slightest chance to stay in any of the games. It's been ugly.

But Maryland aside for a second, I think you guys just need to take a deep breath and (in the wise words of Aaron Rodgers) R-E-L-A-X. Ash wasn't going to come in and immediately be competitive with Flood's leftovers. Anybody who had thought otherwise was being unrealistic – programs almost always goes through additional growing pains with a new coaching staff, outside of a few select (usually elite level) programs. So couple those growing pains + Flood's scraps + a first time head coach and much of his staff, and this is kind of just what you get.

And like I said, I understand the frustration. What I don't understand, though, is people already calling for Ash's head. Like I don't get it at all, and it's seemingly more than just a handful of y'all. Ash is, and always was, a long-term play. He's not at Rutgers to make them better in 2016 and 2017, he's there to change the culture and make them better for 2019, 2020, and onward, whether he is still there or not. And you guys owe him that chance more than anything. Despite the notable blowouts, his energy has been very good from what I have seen, the upcoming recruiting class looks strong, and he is making a footprint in the state of New Jersey, something that the program has had trouble with for years.

So anyway, I am here to talk you off the ledge. Unlike basketball where a new coach can change the mindset of an entire program in 1-2 years (see Pikiell's early success), it takes 3-4+ for football. At the very least, give Ash that chance.

And if it makes you feel any better, you are all but guaranteed to put up a bunch of points on us next weekend. Take the over.

 

[Mr Magoo]

So...we almost beat Minnesota, Indiana, and Iowa and we were outscored 224-0 vs. Mich., MSU, OSU, and Penn State (that's almost impossible to do). 224-0! Minnesota, Indiana, and Iowa scored points against these teams.

There is no way you can convince me that it's ALL due to lack of talent. There is a sizeable dose of "lack of coaching" sprinkled in there.

 

[Nihilist Rodgers]

Don't think it's totally fair to say that we quit post-PSU seeing as how we beat Michigan State two weeks later, but hard to disagree with the rest of what you said. Our only decent QB option right now is hurt, which has been a theme for us over the last 5-10 years. That said, I'm not remotely worried about Durkin, which was kind of the point of my OP. He has brought energy and respectability to the program locally, and that's the most important thing. You can't saying that "I'm not sure Durkin knows what he is doing at all" when he currently has the #15 recruiting class in the country and is a win away from making a bowl from a 3-win team from last year with Randy Edsall leftovers (and yes, I recognize that our OOC schedule was dog poo).

you will get a recruiting bump.. just like Edsall did. Durkin is a great recruiter.. but here is the problem. College football is all about offense.. and you are saddled with a D coach who is at the mercy of an OC hire. (same w RU) Friedgen is the best coach UMD has had by a mile... when you hire a coordinator you immediately waste 3 years while they learn to coach. If Durkin does not change this O or fire his OC your QB's will never make it thru a whole year. Also, the wins were pointless, you beat one decent non-conf team. I see you guys making another hire within 4 year, hopefully you didn't overpay for Durkin. In the end every Maryland guy I know watches football, but they live for hoops.. hoops will always take precedent at UMD.. which is tough cuz it's not half the revenue driver that football is.

An RU loss would be a disaster for you.. you would lose bowl practice time.. as PSU guy I'm all in for Rutgers... a loss could set you even further back.

updated.. JOSH KAINDOH to make official visit to PSU and prob other schools.. might be dumping MD-sg

 

[shields]

Agree with Shimmy and have watched what Virginia has done this year and they have same record as RU and lost to Richmond. No talent on team. Virginia has a new coach also.

 

[KevH]

So...we almost beat Minnesota, Indiana, and Iowa and we were outscored 224-0 vs. Mich., MSU, OSU, and Penn State (that's almost impossible to do). 224-0! Minnesota, Indiana, and Iowa scored points against these teams.

There is no way you can convince me that it's ALL due to lack of talent. There is a sizeable dose of "lack of coaching" sprinkled in there.

Most of the debate here is focused on one or the other, but you can't separate the two. Great talent can cover a multitude of coaching deficiencies because a superior athlete can always outperform a lesser athlete head-to-head. But, no scheme or coaching decision can make a slow player fast, a small player big, or give a weaker player added strength on game day.

75% talent issues
25% coaching

 

[Shimmy24]

you will get a recruiting bump.. just like Edsall did. Durkin is a great recruiter.. but here is the problem. College football is all about offense.. and you are saddled with a D coach who is at the mercy of an OC hire. (same w RU) Friedgen is the best coach UMD has had by a mile... when you hire a coordinator you immediately waste 3 years while they learn to coach. If Durkin does not change this O or fire his OC your QB's will never make it thru a whole year. Also, the wins were pointless, you beat one decent non-conf team. I see you guys making another hire within 4 year, hopefully you didn't overpay for Durkin. In the end every Maryland guy I know watches football, but they live for hoops.. hoops will always take precedent at UMD.. which is tough cuz it's not half the revenue driver that football is.

An RU loss would be a disaster for you.. you would lose bowl practice time.. as PSU guy I'm all in for Rutgers... a loss could set you even further back.

updated.. JOSH KAINDOH to make official visit to PSU and prob other schools.. might be dumping MD-sg

I refuse to turn this into a PSU thread but I would be shocked if Kaindoh ended up anywhere but MD, bowl game or not.

 

[koleszar]

I refuse to turn this into a PSU thread but I would be shocked if Kaindoh ended up anywhere but MD, bowl game or not.

Shimmy24 good rational thread you started, but please don't feed the psu troll. He's been lurking around here for the past week and he's a douche. He really needs to go back to dysfunctional land. Just ignore the obtuse imbecile and hopefully he'll go away.

 

[Knight Shift]

I get it, you guys are beyond frustrated. There have been some downright embarrassing results this year and you guys have been on the wrong end of some historic numbers. I would be frustrated too. Heck, I am frustrated. Maryland's offense has scored 13 points in the last three games combined and we haven't had the slightest chance to stay in any of the games. It's been ugly.

But Maryland aside for a second, I think you guys just need to take a deep breath and (in the wise words of Aaron Rodgers) R-E-L-A-X. Ash wasn't going to come in and immediately be competitive with Flood's leftovers. Anybody who had thought otherwise was being unrealistic – programs almost always goes through additional growing pains with a new coaching staff, outside of a few select (usually elite level) programs. So couple those growing pains + Flood's scraps + a first time head coach and much of his staff, and this is kind of just what you get.

And like I said, I understand the frustration. What I don't understand, though, is people already calling for Ash's head. Like I don't get it at all, and it's seemingly more than just a handful of y'all. Ash is, and always was, a long-term play. He's not at Rutgers to make them better in 2016 and 2017, he's there to change the culture and make them better for 2019, 2020, and onward, whether he is still there or not. And you guys owe him that chance more than anything. Despite the notable blowouts, his energy has been very good from what I have seen, the upcoming recruiting class looks strong, and he is making a footprint in the state of New Jersey, something that the program has had trouble with for years.

So anyway, I am here to talk you off the ledge. Unlike basketball where a new coach can change the mindset of an entire program in 1-2 years (see Pikiell's early success), it takes 3-4+ for football. At the very least, give Ash that chance.

And if it makes you feel any better, you are all but guaranteed to put up a bunch of points on us next weekend. Take the over.

Thank you for the kind words. As for people calling for Ash's head, it is only a few folks who wanted Al Golden (barf) or some out of reach coach like Mark Richt or Petrino when he was available. That was not going to fly here with our budget issues.

I thought last night's game went as expected.
If Pen St wasn't so sloppy in the first half, it should have been more like 56-0 which is what I had thought would happen.

There is a total talent mismatch between the teams and it starts on both lines.

Unfortunately Barchi and Flood set the program back and fans must give Ash some time to rebuild it the right way.

I am confident that he will, starting with a very good 2017 recruiting class.

Generally agree, but have a different take. We gave up to easy interceptions that could have made the game a bit more competitive last night. As one PSU fan said, they are a second half team. It could have been tied or in our favor in the first half if we had some decent play calling after the fumbled kickoff.

You cannot win in the Big Ten without play-makers, depth and a decent QB. There is not a coach alive who could do much with this team. If people like Keith Hamilton have bought into Ash, his staff and his vision, then why would some fan who probably never played even high school football know better?

I think there were short term fixes that may have made us a little more competitive. Like for instance, using a pro-set (of which the players were recruited under) and as a result making the games a bit more competitive. But that while may have resulted in a additional win or the illusion that we are better than we really are, would only result in the program taking longer to build and get up and running.

This is a total tear-down, not a renovation and Ash told us it was going to be from day one.

If Ash had pumped the brakes a bit and at least slowed down the offense from up tempo, RU would not have looked so inept. I get the long term goal, but what is the point when the team gets completely embarrassed four times in one year?

I'm sure you're excited as hell to notch your 6th win against us. Thanks for the kind words I guess.

Please. Maybe we could cancel the game and challenge them to a pillow fight. Expect next week to be an ugly game. Like our chances.

So...we almost beat Minnesota, Indiana, and Iowa and we were outscored 224-0 vs. Mich., MSU, OSU, and Penn State (that's almost impossible to do). 224-0! Minnesota, Indiana, and Iowa scored points against these teams.

There is no way you can convince me that it's ALL due to lack of talent. There is a sizeable dose of "lack of coaching" sprinkled in there.

Right.

 

[RU31trap]

I get it, you guys are beyond frustrated. There have been some downright embarrassing results this year and you guys have been on the wrong end of some historic numbers. I would be frustrated too. Heck, I am frustrated. Maryland's offense has scored 13 points in the last three games combined and we haven't had the slightest chance to stay in any of the games. It's been ugly.

But Maryland aside for a second, I think you guys just need to take a deep breath and (in the wise words of Aaron Rodgers) R-E-L-A-X. Ash wasn't going to come in and immediately be competitive with Flood's leftovers. Anybody who had thought otherwise was being unrealistic – programs almost always goes through additional growing pains with a new coaching staff, outside of a few select (usually elite level) programs. So couple those growing pains + Flood's scraps + a first time head coach and much of his staff, and this is kind of just what you get.

And like I said, I understand the frustration. What I don't understand, though, is people already calling for Ash's head. Like I don't get it at all, and it's seemingly more than just a handful of y'all. Ash is, and always was, a long-term play. He's not at Rutgers to make them better in 2016 and 2017, he's there to change the culture and make them better for 2019, 2020, and onward, whether he is still there or not. And you guys owe him that chance more than anything. Despite the notable blowouts, his energy has been very good from what I have seen, the upcoming recruiting class looks strong, and he is making a footprint in the state of New Jersey, something that the program has had trouble with for years.

So anyway, I am here to talk you off the ledge. Unlike basketball where a new coach can change the mindset of an entire program in 1-2 years (see Pikiell's early success), it takes 3-4+ for football. At the very least, give Ash that chance.

And if it makes you feel any better, you are all but guaranteed to put up a bunch of points on us next weekend. Take the over.

If you think season ticket holders are going to remain loyal through 2019 or 2020 your wrong. There will be some revenue loss after this year.
If there are similar results at the end of next year the losses will be significant. Now couple that with a new Democratic Governor who is most likely going to ask very tough questions about things that have transpired over the past 5 or 6 years and your going to have some very interesting articles to read in our S-L.

 

[RUScrew85]

If you think season ticket holders are going to remain loyal through 2019 or 2020 your wrong. There will be some revenue loss after this year.
If there are similar results at the end of next year the losses will be significant. Now couple that with a new Democratic Governor who is most likely going to ask very tough questions about things that have transpired over the past 5 or 6 years and your going to have some very interesting articles to read in our S-L.

I don't think we should be worrying about revenue anymore. Money's coming.

What issues do you think a new governor is going to raise?

 

[RUfromSoCal?]

Most of the debate here is focused on one or the other, but you can't separate the two. Great talent can cover a multitude of coaching deficiencies because a superior athlete can always outperform a lesser athlete head-to-head. But, no scheme or coaching decision can make a slow player fast, a small player big, or give a weaker player added strength on game day.

75% talent issues
25% coaching

zero points, ZERO points....... ZERO ............. coaching....

 

[Caliknight]

Unfortunately, patience and not being hysterical aren't traits found in abundance in NJ. The sky is always falling there.

 

[Nihilist Rodgers]

I refuse to turn this into a PSU thread but I would be shocked if Kaindoh ended up anywhere but MD, bowl game or not.

you might be "shocked".. look for a few other kids.. Harbaugh and Meyer will come knocking.. -sg

 

[rutgers4life11]

Sorry, but of course an MD fan wants us to have patience when we have glaring coaching issues.

When someone can give hope to these statistics, I'll listen:

Keep in mind that roughly at least 70 teams (of 128) have had worse recruiting hauls than us over the last 4 years.

 

[dconifer]

Just need to correct the record, because I've seen this a few times here now.

Ralph Friedgen is neither the best coach Maryland has had nor the winningest (he's third, to be exact). I know you guys dig him, so do I, but just want to set the record straight...

 

[TheB1GTerp]

you will get a recruiting bump.. just like Edsall did. Durkin is a great recruiter.. but here is the problem. College football is all about offense.. and you are saddled with a D coach who is at the mercy of an OC hire. (same w RU) Friedgen is the best coach UMD has had by a mile... when you hire a coordinator you immediately waste 3 years while they learn to coach. If Durkin does not change this O or fire his OC your QB's will never make it thru a whole year. Also, the wins were pointless, you beat one decent non-conf team. I see you guys making another hire within 4 year, hopefully you didn't overpay for Durkin. In the end every Maryland guy I know watches football, but they live for hoops.. hoops will always take precedent at UMD.. which is tough cuz it's not half the revenue driver that football is.

An RU loss would be a disaster for you.. you would lose bowl practice time.. as PSU guy I'm all in for Rutgers... a loss could set you even further back.

updated.. JOSH KAINDOH to make official visit to PSU and prob other schools.. might be dumping MD-sg

I'll break this down:

#1 Durkin hasn't lost any games due to his coaching, so I'm not worried he is going to learn how to coach on the job.
#2 The OC we have is pretty much a hot name and we're happy to have him for 3 years, our issue is lack of QB talent, it's not on the OC. His offense last year was #1 in the country. He took a QB staff that lead the country in interceptions and didn't turn the ball over for the first 5 games. So I'm not concerned at all here. His mentor at UNC is looking great and may leave UNC for a big time job like LSU.
#3 Fridge was awesome I agree, but we have had some great coaches come through Maryland from Bobby Ross and Jack Tatum (Hall of Fame).
#4 I will NEVER find wins pointless. No one cares at the end of the year that you played a harder schedule. They know who's bowling and who's not. The schedule matters if we were talking playoffs, but we are not.
#5 Durkin is going to be here for a while, his family has put down roots, UA is all behind him, they are building a 165 million football practice facility, this is long term hire. We are paying him 2.5 million a year which is not a lot, but we will probably have to pay him more. Which is a good problem to have.
#6 Yes, basketball is huge, mostly because we have been real good at it. However, prior to Left Driesel arriving Maryland was a football school without question. We regularly would schedule Miami, Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, etc. That is why Lefty saying he would make Maryland the UCLA of the East such a crazy proclamation. So I agree that yes Maryland right now is a basketball school, but it can be a football school rather quickly if it starts winning. This area doesn't support the Redskins and the Ravens because they don't like football. They just need a winner. We sold out for years under Fridge. We have the conference schedule to beat teams that matter.

Anyways I hope things turn around for Rutgers because the B1G would like for them to do well. I hope we win Saturday, I'm sorry but someone has to pay the piper.

P.S. We know Kaindoh is visiting PSU, you don't go after a 5 star while everyone just sits and lets you have him. We are going after other 5 star guys as well. I would say he is 50% MD and 50% FSU. I am not as worried about PSU as I am FSU. It's a battle, but I like being in the game.

 

[RU31trap]

I'll break this down:

#1 Durkin hasn't lost any games due to his coaching, so I'm not worried he is going to learn how to coach on the job.
#2 The OC we have is pretty much a hot name and we're happy to have him for 3 years, our issue is lack of QB talent, it's not on the OC. His offense last year was #1 in the country. He took a QB staff that lead the country in interceptions and didn't turn the ball over for the first 5 games. So I'm not concerned at all here. His mentor at UNC is looking great and may leave UNC for a big time job like LSU.
#3 Fridge was awesome I agree, but we have had some great coaches come through Maryland from Bobby Ross and Jack Tatum (Hall of Fame).
#4 I will NEVER find wins pointless. No one cares at the end of the year that you played a harder schedule. They know who's bowling and who's not. The schedule matters if we were talking playoffs, but we are not.
#5 Durkin is going to be here for a while, his family has put down roots, UA is all behind him, they are building a 165 million football practice facility, this is long term hire. We are paying him 2.5 million a year which is not a lot, but we will probably have to pay him more. Which is a good problem to have.
#6 Yes, basketball is huge, mostly because we have been real good at it. However, prior to Left Driesel arriving Maryland was a football school without question. We regularly would schedule Miami, Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, etc. That is why Lefty saying he would make Maryland the UCLA of the East such a crazy proclamation. So I agree that yes Maryland right now is a basketball school, but it can be a football school rather quickly if it starts winning. This area doesn't support the Redskins and the Ravens because they don't like football. They just need a winner. We sold out for years under Fridge. We have the conference schedule to beat teams that matter.

Anyways I hope things turn around for Rutgers because the B1G would like for them to do well. I hope we win Saturday, I'm sorry but someone has to pay the piper.

P.S. We know Kaindoh is visiting PSU, you don't go after a 5 star while everyone just sits and lets you have him. We are going after other 5 star guys as well. I would say he is 50% MD and 50% FSU. I am not as worried about PSU as I am FSU. It's a battle, but I like being in the game.

I wish we had your problems.

 

[Nihilist Rodgers]

I'll break this down:

#1 Durkin hasn't lost any games due to his coaching, so I'm not worried he is going to learn how to coach on the job.
#2 The OC we have is pretty much a hot name and we're happy to have him for 3 years, our issue is lack of QB talent, it's not on the OC. His offense last year was #1 in the country. He took a QB staff that lead the country in interceptions and didn't turn the ball over for the first 5 games. So I'm not concerned at all here. His mentor at UNC is looking great and may leave UNC for a big time job like LSU.
#3 Fridge was awesome I agree, but we have had some great coaches come through Maryland from Bobby Ross and Jack Tatum (Hall of Fame).
#4 I will NEVER find wins pointless. No one cares at the end of the year that you played a harder schedule. They know who's bowling and who's not. The schedule matters if we were talking playoffs, but we are not.
#5 Durkin is going to be here for a while, his family has put down roots, UA is all behind him, they are building a 165 million football practice facility, this is long term hire. We are paying him 2.5 million a year which is not a lot, but we will probably have to pay him more. Which is a good problem to have.
#6 Yes, basketball is huge, mostly because we have been real good at it. However, prior to Left Driesel arriving Maryland was a football school without question. We regularly would schedule Miami, Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, etc. That is why Lefty saying he would make Maryland the UCLA of the East such a crazy proclamation. So I agree that yes Maryland right now is a basketball school, but it can be a football school rather quickly if it starts winning. This area doesn't support the Redskins and the Ravens because they don't like football. They just need a winner. We sold out for years under Fridge. We have the conference schedule to beat teams that matter.

Anyways I hope things turn around for Rutgers because the B1G would like for them to do well. I hope we win Saturday, I'm sorry but someone has to pay the piper.

P.S. We know Kaindoh is visiting PSU, you don't go after a 5 star while everyone just sits and lets you have him. We are going after other 5 star guys as well. I would say he is 50% MD and 50% FSU. I am not as worried about PSU as I am FSU. It's a battle, but I like being in the game.

History says you will fail again.. and again. All the money in the world won't buy fan support. Rutgers surely loves their football more than the terps.. by every metric.. attendance, football gear sales.. Even if you succeed briefly, you most likely will have to do it with kids from Baltimore that PSU, Mich, and Bama won't touch due to character issues (look at your current BB gun situation already). Next year will be hell if you win 5 or less again, which is most likely gonna happen. Don't ever remember Maryland being good at football ever.. some mild success under Fridge? A few ranked teams w Bobby Ross that pitt the bed.. -sg

 

[BeantownKnight]

I appreciate the OP and the conversation in the thread. We've had this same conversation in a few other posts, for the last few weeks, and in particular since Saturday.

I am of the opinion that this is not JUST coaching. Sure, it's coaching. But, it's also talent. It's also ten other things. It would be easy to blame all of our ills on Ash but we had a number of these problems before Ash got here. (Hopefully, we won't still be having them after he's gone, however).

People like to talk about the team that Flood inherited, as well as the recruits, as being some kind of awesome. They were good. Let me rephrase, they were good by our own historic standards. But, they certainly weren't top 10 caliber. More so, they weren't championship caliber. That means, even after you get a great class, you have to follow that up with a few more great classes. And, you have to have the coaching in place that can develop those players and win, both on and off the field.

We're also playing a much more difficult schedule than we ever had before. And, yes - we have a former DC as our new HC, which - after one season - feels all too Schiano-esque. I wouldn't go jumping off any bridges just yet. But, like you - I'm none-too-pleased with how the season turned out. If history is any indicator, next season will be a 5-win season. The season after that 7 or 8 wins. Well, that's how seasoned/accomplished coaches (and their staffs) usually do it. I'm hoping Ash does that here, too. Otherwise, he'll get tossed (assuming we have money) and hire someone else.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

The amount of experience and former Head Coaches on Maryland's staff compared to RU's is alarming.....they have tons more experience and it's showing with a similar talent base they have to start with vs RU's .....having their recruiting class being 15th in the country is a concern (to me) as well.......

To finish up with a potential 6-6 finish this year is something I expected from RU's staff, since we had limited experience vs last year staff and improved by leaps and bounds in the off season conditioning along with the schedule we played this year (hosting Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, along with New Mexico etc.)....and I know people keep telling me we have no talent, but Maryland is not exactly miles ahead of RU on the field/talent the last 2-3 years......

At some point with similar talent levels, one team is a 14 point favorite over the other...and DJ Moore is a player as well. We have to improve our staff of assistants and coordinators quickly, or RU runs a risk of falling way behind in the Eastern Division.....and find a punter!!!

 

[urbanecane]

I think the fan base is fairly relaxed in regards to judging ash. However, even though it has only been 11 games, the performance of the offense is so alarmingly atrocious you have to panic at least somewhat. It's reached the point where something has to be done, whether it's promoting someone to go-oc or firing mehringer. 4 shutouts is just completely unacceptable no matter the level of competition.

 

[TheB1GTerp]

All the money in the world won't buy fan support.

Please see

Oklahoma State = T. Boone Pickets
Oregon = Phil Knight

Believe me a billionaire benefactor can put you on the map. Again, Maryland has unique factors for it and unique factors against it. The only time we had high funding for football was in the 40s and 50's when we had Bear Bryant and Jim Tatum and were a national power. We haven't had high levels of funding since, until now. So I am very optimistic.

As for Rutgers, I think it has so much potential, but money is going to be a problem as well as the brutal division. For UMD to rise someone has to fall, I thought it would be PSU, but looks like MSU this year. There are 7 spots, someone has to fall for you to rise, I don't want it to be us. So ideally a strong Rutgers hurts PSU, so I root for you in that sense.

Nothing is worse in this world than PSU winning.

 

[Knight Shift]

Please see

Oklahoma State = T. Boone Pickets
Oregon = Phil Knight

Believe me a billionaire benefactor can put you on the map. Again, Maryland has unique factors for it and unique factors against it. The only time we had high funding for football was in the 40s and 50's when we had Bear Bryant and Jim Tatum and were a national power. We haven't had high levels of funding since, until now. So I am very optimistic.

As for Rutgers, I think it has so much potential, but money is going to be a problem as well as the brutal division. For UMD to rise someone has to fall, I thought it would be PSU, but looks like MSU this year. There are 7 spots, someone has to fall for you to rise, I don't want it to be us. So ideally a strong Rutgers hurts PSU, so I root for you in that sense.

Nothing is worse in this world than PSU winning.

sg west is a PSU fan . . . .

 

[Nihilist Rodgers]

Please see

Oklahoma State = T. Boone Pickets
Oregon = Phil Knight

Believe me a billionaire benefactor can put you on the map. Again, Maryland has unique factors for it and unique factors against it. The only time we had high funding for football was in the 40s and 50's when we had Bear Bryant and Jim Tatum and were a national power. We haven't had high levels of funding since, until now. So I am very optimistic.

As for Rutgers, I think it has so much potential, but money is going to be a problem as well as the brutal division. For UMD to rise someone has to fall, I thought it would be PSU, but looks like MSU this year. There are 7 spots, someone has to fall for you to rise, I don't want it to be us. So ideally a strong Rutgers hurts PSU, so I root for you in that sense.

Nothing is worse in this world than PSU winning.

 

[koleszar]

Please see

Oklahoma State = T. Boone Pickets
Oregon = Phil Knight

Believe me a billionaire benefactor can put you on the map. Again, Maryland has unique factors for it and unique factors against it. The only time we had high funding for football was in the 40s and 50's when we had Bear Bryant and Jim Tatum and were a national power. We haven't had high levels of funding since, until now. So I am very optimistic.

As for Rutgers, I think it has so much potential, but money is going to be a problem as well as the brutal division. For UMD to rise someone has to fall, I thought it would be PSU, but looks like MSU this year. There are 7 spots, someone has to fall for you to rise, I don't want it to be us. So ideally a strong Rutgers hurts PSU, so I root for you in that sense.

Nothing is worse in this world than PSU winning.

Yeah B1GTerp sgoutwest is not a fan of RU like Knight Shift says. He came here about a week ago and for some damn reason never left. He's a douche and just here to stir the pot. Please don't feed the trolls. Hopefully he doesn't stick around for Christmas and goes back to Grinchville where all his buddy douchebags hang out.

 

[Knight Shift]

Yeah B1GTerp sgoutwest is not a fan of RU like Knight Shift says. He came here about a week ago and for some damn reason never left. He's a douche and just here to stir the pot. Please don't feed the trolls. Hopefully he doesn't stick around for Christmas and goes back to Grinchville where all his buddy douchebags hang out.

You will not be having him over for Thanksgiving turkey?

 

[BoroKnight]

Agree with Shimmy and have watched what Virginia has done this year and they have same record as RU and lost to Richmond. No talent on team. Virginia has a new coach also.

The difference is Virginia has a new head coach with years of experience running a big-time program. Ash should be given a chance to grow into the job while he's doing the things he already knows to do.

 

[koleszar]

You will not be having him over for Thanksgiving turkey?

Would love too. Just got on the farm, next years team of Kune Kune hogs. Those suckers can devour a human body in less than a day.:eek: Hey, I need to get them to market weight somehow.:)

 

[LotusAggressor]

History says you will fail again.. and again. All the money in the world won't buy fan support. Rutgers surely loves their football more than the terps.. by every metric.. attendance, football gear sales.. Even if you succeed briefly, you most likely will have to do it with kids from Baltimore that PSU, Mich, and Bama won't touch due to character issues (look at your current BB gun situation already). Next year will be hell if you win 5 or less again, which is most likely gonna happen. Don't ever remember Maryland being good at football ever.. some mild success under Fridge? A few ranked teams w Bobby Ross that pitt the bed.. -sg

Since 2001, Friedgen won an ACC title and 5 bowl games. He also won 10 games or more 3 times. That's not really mild success. It's also 3 times as many 10 win seasons as RU has had in the same period.

 

[Shimmy24]

In my short time here I've already learned not to respond to sg. Trolliest of the trolls.

 

[RUbacker]

I get it, you guys are beyond frustrated. There have been some downright embarrassing results this year and you guys have been on the wrong end of some historic numbers. I would be frustrated too. Heck, I am frustrated. Maryland's offense has scored 13 points in the last three games combined and we haven't had the slightest chance to stay in any of the games. It's been ugly.

But Maryland aside for a second, I think you guys just need to take a deep breath and (in the wise words of Aaron Rodgers) R-E-L-A-X. Ash wasn't going to come in and immediately be competitive with Flood's leftovers. Anybody who had thought otherwise was being unrealistic – programs almost always goes through additional growing pains with a new coaching staff, outside of a few select (usually elite level) programs. So couple those growing pains + Flood's scraps + a first time head coach and much of his staff, and this is kind of just what you get.

And like I said, I understand the frustration. What I don't understand, though, is people already calling for Ash's head. Like I don't get it at all, and it's seemingly more than just a handful of y'all. Ash is, and always was, a long-term play. He's not at Rutgers to make them better in 2016 and 2017, he's there to change the culture and make them better for 2019, 2020, and onward, whether he is still there or not. And you guys owe him that chance more than anything. Despite the notable blowouts, his energy has been very good from what I have seen, the upcoming recruiting class looks strong, and he is making a footprint in the state of New Jersey, something that the program has had trouble with for years.

So anyway, I am here to talk you off the ledge. Unlike basketball where a new coach can change the mindset of an entire program in 1-2 years (see Pikiell's early success), it takes 3-4+ for football. At the very least, give Ash that chance.

And if it makes you feel any better, you are all but guaranteed to put up a bunch of points on us next weekend. Take the over.

Thanks for your post. To many fans on here are not educated in football and in their minds expected a bunch of wins in year 1 , even though they all knew it was a long term deal. Those are the ones that have to be talked off the ledge. The realistic fans get it.