If you really think about it....

[astonmartin708_rivals]

What have been this boards' biggest gripes with Monty since he got here?

A)Poor defensive showings - oversaw a complete overhaul of his defensive scheme which has been a net positive for us.

B) Ho-Hum play calling - I think this year's play calling has been opened up by our ability to finally pass the ball. It's still not perfect.... but it's better. At least it's tolerable this year as opposed to what we saw the last two.

C) Poor QB play - Monty went out and got his guy and so far he looks good. I think the fact that we just couldn't throw really effected us for the last two years. Monty just didn't trust the QB's he had... which isn't good but he's at least made steps in the right direction.

D) Poor WR play - Say what you want but Monty brought in Stokes + Robinson + Johnson (Iowa State) + JC Santana who all look like they can run the routes and run them crisply and quickly.

E) Poor Recruiting overall - I think the quality of the guys that Monty has recruited isn't poor, the problem has just been that a couple of key spots always seem to be missing. This year it's O-Line, Last year it was QB, the years prior were defense. We always seem to be playing catchup so when we fix one spot, another one breaks. I'm optimistic about this offense and defense this year, I think the offense could really grow into something special all through next season. The big problem is, a ton of our defensive guys graduate next season. I think that's the next thing to break.

 

[cmullinsTU]

The list is missing three of the biggest gripes:

1. Number of losses since Evans left
2. Consistently undisciplined play
3. Poor (or no) half time adjustments

 

[astonmartin708_rivals]

The list is missing three of the biggest gripes:

1. Number of losses since Evans left
2. Consistently undisciplined play
3. Poor (or no) half time adjustments

I don't think 2 and 3 are the biggest gripes, but sure they are gripes. We haven't had many coaches that make significant halftime adjustments. Graham was bad at that too.

 

[Gold*]

So you want to keep Monty. Good luck with that.

 

[drboobay]

I want to have a great season and compete for the division championship.

If that means we keep Monty fine. It will be the result of good performance.

 

[Gold*]

Well all want that. I wouldn’t buy stock in that. But we can dream.

 

[astonmartin708_rivals]

I'm just saying, Monty has at least tried to adapt. He has certainly changed his play calling overall, though it's left to be seen what that change will bring. He's recruited some talent, finding some diamonds in the rough like Collins, Edmiston, Brooks, etc... while finally landing on some highly touted guys like Smith, Crawford, etc...

 

[HuffyCane]

Creating a problem then wanting credit and attention for solving it is a mental illness.

 

[canefansincerhome]

The list is missing three of the biggest gripes:

1. Number of losses since Evans left
2. Consistently undisciplined play
3. Poor (or no) half time adjustments

When your offensive line has trouble with run and pass blocking . What adjustments would you make after half time ?

 

[astonmartin708_rivals]

Creating a problem then wanting credit and attention for solving it is a mental illness.

Every team has issues. Alabama has issues every so often.... and yes, coaches get credit for solving problems. Look at Mike Dantonio. He's been there forever. Sometimes MSU is REALLY good. Sometimes they're just OK.... but he gets credit for making them better.

 

[astonmartin708_rivals]

When your offensive line has trouble with run and pass blocking . What adjustments would you make after half time ?

You adjust your underoos because it's going to be a long game.

 

[TU_BLA]

You adjust your underoos because it's going to be a long game.

I thought Monty tried to make some changes on offense. More quick hitters, screens, slants, etc. What we didn't see, until the 4Q TD was a draw play. And even at that, it was more of a delayed hand off rather than a true draw play.

 

[HuffyCane]

I thought Monty tried to make some changes on offense. More quick hitters, screens, slants, etc. What we didn't see, until the 4Q TD was a draw play. And even at that, it was more of a delayed hand off rather than a true draw play.

It was more veer concept nonsense.

 

[cmullinsTU]

When your offensive line has trouble with run and pass blocking . What adjustments would you make after half time ?

Lots of short quick passes -- Wyoming was loading the box and blitzing nearly every play. Our OC/HC couldn't figure out how to adjust to it. But it is a continuous issue, he didn't make adjustments last year or the year before and we had great OLs. I know we didn't have great QBs, but that's on him as well.

 

[Hurricane Drummer]

Lots of short quick passes -- Wyoming was loading the box and blitzing nearly every play. Our OC/HC couldn't figure out how to adjust to it. But it is a continuous issue, he didn't make adjustments last year or the year before and we had great OLs. I know we didn't have great QBs, but that's on him as well.

They did start running multiple short quick passes and screens. Some of them worked. Some of them did not.

 

[Lumpuckeroo]

Lots of short quick passes -- Wyoming was loading the box and blitzing nearly every play. Our OC/HC couldn't figure out how to adjust to it. But it is a continuous issue, he didn't make adjustments last year or the year before and we had great OLs. I know we didn't have great QBs, but that's on him as well.

The difference between Smith and Boomer is night and day. Smith can really zip the ball on a line, if his line can improve at all TU can win six games . However, it’s. a big if

 

[TU_BLA]

The difference between Smith and Boomer is night and day. Smith can really zip the ball on a line, if his line can improve at all TU can win six games . However, it’s. a big if

Smith is a lot quicker with his decision making. Helps him deliver the ball on time. Boomer and Skipper second guessed the play causing late deliveries. Wonder why our WR screens never worked last year? Just count the number of pump fakes and late throws.

 

[HuffyCane]

Smith is a lot quicker with his decision making. Helps him deliver the ball on time. Boomer and Skipper second guessed the play causing late deliveries. Wonder why our WR screens never worked last year? Just count the number of pump fakes and late throws.

A lot of those were dummy moves trying to keep the safeties honest for later plays.

 

[TU 1978]

I remember when we could run the ball like this.

 

[lawpoke87]

Comes down to the Ws and the Ls. Pretty simple. Monty needs 6 wins this season imo. He should send Holgy a Xmas card this year.

 

[cmullinsTU]

I remember when we could run the ball like this.

Was there a better walk-on in TU's history than Watts? His punt return TD vs UCF is easily my favorite TU football play ever.

 

[hotterthanyourhusbandTU]

Lawpoke hit it - 6 wins will be needed, IMO.

Bowling has to happen.

 

[astonmartin708_rivals]

Well, we could have made it easier with a home OSU victory, but this season looks like 6 is possible though it wont be easy. I think Houston deciding to tank for draft picks probably helped Monty out a bit in that respect.

 

[cmullinsTU]

I think Houston deciding to tank for draft picks probably helped Monty out a bit in that respect.

I wonder if we could trade for King and move him to WR? If I was playing Madden, I would do it.

 

[Li'l Eric Coley]

His punt return TD vs UCF is easily my favorite TU football play ever.

This deserves its own thread but I'm too lazy to start it. I'd go:
1. Chris Penn against A&M
2. Big Play Clay against SMU
3. Caswell at OU
4. Milkman against UTEP

 

[TU_BLA]

This deserves its own thread but I'm too lazy to start it. I'd go:
1. Chris Penn against A&M
2. Big Play Clay against SMU
3. Caswell at OU
4. Milkman against UTEP

I like all 5 of those and witnessed all in person w/ the exception of the Penn TD vs A&M...hadn't ever stepped foot in Tulsa when that happened.

I'd like to add for consideration:

The Landrum Leap
Shawn Jackson pick 6 vs Notre Dame

 

[astonmartin708_rivals]

This deserves its own thread but I'm too lazy to start it. I'd go:
1. Chris Penn against A&M
2. Big Play Clay against SMU
3. Caswell at OU
4. Milkman against UTEP

Add in Ja'Terian Douglas's 75 yard run against Rice in 2012. Helped make that Trey Watts punt return possible.


Also, Dane's run to cap our biggest comeback ever against Fresno State in 2016.

 

[TU_BLA]

Add in Ja'Terian Douglas's 75 yard run against Rice in 2012. Helped make that Trey Watts punt return possible.


Also, Dane's run to cap our biggest comeback ever against Fresno State in 2016.

I had forgotten that Ja'terian run. That freaking thing was ridiculous...broken 7-8 tackles and run about 100 yds zigging and zaggin all over the place.

 

[Li'l Eric Coley]

Ole' JT never got enough credit.

 

[TU 1978]

And after Ja'Terian ran the ball we could let Alex Singleton run over people.

 

[astonmartin708_rivals]

I'm pretty sure Douglas trucked the Rice defender hard enough on that run that they could pick it up on a Seismograph in Houston.

 

[HuffyCane]

1. The first offensive play from scrimmage against Southwest Missouri State in 1991 when the huddle broke and we saw 1989 All American Dan Bitson in the lineup. Not a dry eye in the house. Men and women in the east stands were literally sobbing. Never seen anything like it.

2. The last play of the Burns era.

3. Charlie Davis’ crushing hit of a BYU WR on a crossing route in 2007. The offense announced to the nation that TU was going to be special. Charlie served notice to future opposing coaches and players watching film that even the smallest Tulsa player would not be intimidated.

4. Gus giving Bower a different jersey to disguise him (arguably against the rules then, very much against the rules now) and having him and Johnson line up at wide out with Whitmore in the wildcat to run that ridiculous double reverse where three men could have legit thrown the ball to a wide open Charles Clay in the end zone but the play was such a mess Bower just ran out of bounds.

5. The game where Killian nearly led the team in passing, rushing and receiving. (Hawaii?).

6. Josh Atkinson catching the pass in the Miami Beach Bowl to go over 1000 yards and break the record and his family going absolutely hysterical.

7. The “Fourth Down and Forever” touchdown catch of Trae Johnson at SMU to essentially clinch a win very much in doubt. The Gus Offense not even blinking at the idea of going for it on 4th with 33 yards to go in the fourth quarter while trailing 31-24.

8. The Roy Roberts decapitation.

9. Then walk on Rowdy Simon rushing for a touchdown against Memphis due to injury depletion and the bench going absolutely beserk.

 

[cmullinsTU]

Oh and I forgot the hit in the GMAC bowl on a punt returner that forgot to signal fair catch. I can't believe I forgot about that.

 

[Henry Kendall]

The fourth and like 31 vs. Norte Dame. Plus the Demaris punt return in the same game. The NBC announcers’ call when they realized he was going to break free was priceless.

 

[TULOYAL]

The last play of the Burns era.

Best play ever.!

 

[TUMU]

Troy DeGar's game winning TD pass to Michael Kedzior against OSU with about 10 seconds left in the game. 1995 at Skelly Stadium.

 

[dlsnid]

Jerry Rhome and Howard Twilley blowing out OSU 61 to 14. Loved every minute of it. We had the National champs that year Arkansas down 14 to 0 at one time Should’ve had two Heisman trophy winners off that team Rhome in 64 and Twilley in 65. They got robbed the winner in 65 was Huart from Notre Dame who had a losing record.

 

[Hurricane Drummer]

The fourth and like 31 vs. Norte Dame. Plus the Demaris punt return in the same game. The NBC announcers’ call when they realized he was going to break free was priceless.

Our scoring in that game was the most helter skelter thing I've ever seen for a complete game. Wasn't it like 1 offensive TD, a Pick Six, the punt return TD, 2 FG's, a missed extra point, and a blocked extra point returned for 2?

Bonus factoid on the announcers: After we played over their alma mater the guy says something like, "You can see the dejection etched on the players faces". Fast forward 5 years and he used the SAME line on the Russian women gymnasts when the US beat them out for gold ( if I remember right). Couldn't believe it when I heard it.

 

[Gold*]

Chris Penn. That was everything. I’ve never seen my dad so happy. I learned to hate A&M that day. That game is entirely the craziest thing that ever happened and it doesn’t get enough attention.

Trey Watts. I had to drive around for an hour decompressing. I sat at Weber’s with a root beer freeze listening to a radio broadcast that wouldn’t end. We don’t win many championships. That was magical.

The Miracle in the Snow. I think this was is slightly overrated. I also sat at Wendy’s for the field goal.

Paul Smith against San Jose. Killian gets hurt and Paul comes in after never playing to bail us out. We go to a bowl. That was everything. That season and that game changed a lot of things.

Ricky Johnson at Notre Dame. There were a lot of crazy things in that game. His catch on 3rd and a million after a bogus offensive pass interference call gets no mention. It changes that game and the program.

Worst loss:

The “put it in your pipe and smoke it” field goal. I’ve never seen the energy drain out of a stadium like that.

 

[Gmoney4WW]

1. The first offensive play from scrimmage against Southwest Missouri State in 1991 when the huddle broke and we saw 1989 All American Dan Bitson in the lineup. Not a dry eye in the house. Men and women in the east stands were literally sobbing. Never seen anything like it.