we could very well be a better team next year and it still may not show. i'm betting that k-state will be improved...texas will be improved...iowa state seems to have a good coach that did more with less this year and knocked off oklahoma (something we've yet to do) and tcu so they are getting better. i'm not going to get hung up on wins and losses so much as the progress of the team...are we tackling any better or are we still grab-assing and whiffing? is our d line getting blown back into the backers and safeties? are we able to cover when we drop 8 or 9 and, if not, why the hell do we keep doing it? is our o line getting molested again or will our qb keep running for his life? will we diversify our running game? realize that these bigger kids you recruited as a "tight end" actually have value or do we even know what to do with them? will we actually formulate a game plan and set up plays or do we continue with our tourettes offense and chuck 40 yard bombs every other play? if we can somehow eliminate even half of our mistakes, play more physical, and focus on running the ball again the wins will come.
I agree with about 85% of your post.
I think DH wants to run the ball. His entire attack is based on being able to run the ball. Those quick passes out to the flats are in a way DH running the ball. If you notice Grier will always fake the ball out to the flat to open up the Deep ball. Similar to a playaction pass. This type of offense only works when Grier is healthy and between the 20's.
I heard in three or four different previews about DH wanting to run the ball. I am sure he is taking this offseason to prepare the Oline to run the ball next year. He was trying to prepare the team for Texas and OU. You can't fault him for this. Sometimes our best plans fall flat.
Like I said watch during the spring game and see if you see a change in philosophy because that will give you a hint on what next season has to offer.
On defense West Virginia lacks the overall speed, size and athletic ability. This comes with better recruiting.
Not saying WVU doesn't have some good players on D. I see two potential NFL players but it lacks overall depth at every position. West Virginia may have to move some of these new recruits to the defensive side.
We all have different ideologies about football but in Texas now most coaches are thinking knout stopping someone instead of outscoring them so the better athletes are going to the defensive side of the ball.
Defense is all scheme though. West Virginia needs better corners so they can play Man to man on the outside and bring pressure with their linebackers and safties.
You cannot drop 8 and rush 3 and think you will stop more experienced QBs.
Gibson is a decent D.C. And I saw that in a few games as he brought unique blitzes a few different times.
Even ones similar to Texas with the two deep safties and bringing the LBs.
Problem with that is I do not think your corners are big and fast enough to cover good to great WRs man to man.
You saw that in the Oklahoma State game.