Evaluating Muschamp tenure at the helm so far

[$Billz]

at some point, item 1 has to cause you to question item 2. 

 The only reason I go back and forth with my thinking is we did give up 21 points due to bad special teams play. Our defense had nothing to do with those points. But on the other hand we were getting burned in the passing game. Same with the Flawda game except we were handing them a good ass whipping until 8 minutes before the game was over and poof, flawda's offense looked like klempzuns. Makes no sense

 

[carolina_corpsman]

I really think not yet anyhow more Sparky maybe, but anyhow with the 20M he is due if let go early. That said he has next year regardless as things stand. Less someone is willing to pay the 20M owed him. 

Yeah, there is no real choice, he knows he has at least one more year as head coach, or he takes $20m and becomes a DC somewhere else. Way to go Ray!

 

[FeatheredCock]

  If there was to be a change at the OCs position there would be one call I would make. Hugh Freeze. I still think our defense is in good hands but theplayers are not making plays and it does seem we do not making adjustments to the offenses we are playing.  Lets face it, we made another mediocre QB look like a Heisman contender and Callaway and Jennings bore us a new one. Hell even Shrout (or whatever his name is) torched us for a couple of big plays because they got Jennings or Callaway one on one with Ibe. Just really strange to me we didn't do something scheme wise to help defend properly. I know our coaches can coach but it is just puzzling how we play defense from week to week. 

Hugh Freeze would have an upside for sure. DC I am not sold yet he needs to go. Why I feel some of the problem still fall back on having enough healthy players on the field. Case in point the weak play of the secondary and Linebacker play. 

 

[carolina_corpsman]

Hugh Freeze would have an upside for sure. DC I am not sold yet he needs to go. Why I feel some of the problem still fall back on having enough healthy players on the field. Case in point the weak play of the secondary and Linebacker play. 

I would love to see a dynamic play caller like that. I agree give the DC another year or so, there is a lot of talent on Defense, but they are young and will improve. Hopefully an offense that can sustain a drive and score points will take some pressure off the D. 

 

[crowcutta]

we knew our passing game was bad, but its historically bad even for us.  you have to go back to 1999 to the last time our leading passer averaged less yards per attempt than the 6.1 ryan is currently averaging.  we only have one player averaging over 12 yards per reception, and thats barely over at 12.2.  those are the worst usc receiving marks since at least 1979, once i reached 1980 it got to be too depressing.

the crazy thing is last year we were productive in the passing game aside from some turnover issues.  deebo sat out the last 6 quarters and suddenly our passing game grinded to a halt.  this year obviously things havent gotten much better no matter the qb. 

 

[Mr Ed]

we knew our passing game was bad, but its historically bad even for us.  you have to go back to 1999 to the last time our leading passer averaged less yards per attempt than the 6.1 ryan is currently averaging.  we only have one player averaging over 12 yards per reception, and thats barely over at 12.2.  those are the worst usc receiving marks since at least 1979, once i reached 1980 it got to be too depressing.

the crazy thing is last year we were productive in the passing game aside from some turnover issues.  deebo sat out the last 6 quarters and suddenly our passing game grinded to a halt.  this year obviously things havent gotten much better no matter the qb. 

Those are eye-popping stats for sure.  Good research.  And I agree that the loss of Deebo continues to leave a huge void and outside of Edwards nobody has stepped up.  

Four issues causing this: Poor pass protection; Freshman QB; Extremely difficult schedule; Weak receiving corp.  

Did anyone notice at the end of the Tennessee game when UT stopped bringing pressure Ryan was throwing darts down field.  He’s got an arm and good accuracy, he just needs more time to set his feet and throw.  

 

[Sporkgod50]

Those are eye-popping stats for sure.  Good research.  And I agree that the loss of Deebo continues to leave a huge void and outside of Edwards nobody has stepped up.  

Four issues causing this: Poor pass protection; Freshman QB; Extremely difficult schedule; Weak receiving corp.  

Did anyone notice at the end of the Tennessee game when UT stopped bringing pressure Ryan was throwing darts down field.  He’s got an arm and good accuracy, he just needs more time to set his feet and throw.  

I don't think our receiving Corp is extremely weak (e.g. Shi Smith has definitely shown flashes) and I think coaches are responsible for developing talent and getting kids to execute, but otherwise I agree with you.

 

[78Gamecock]

Food for thought.

First thing, what would be a good short-term outcome if a new guy comes in? The 2020 schedule is again brutal, with a road game at LSU replacing Alabama on this year’s slate. There are three easier non-conference games, but expecting a bounce-back to much better than six or seven wins would be a bit much. Lets go a little further now,  In 2021, Gamecocks gets Auburn, along with the usual top-end cast of four teams: Clemson, Georgia, Florida and Texas A&M. Even if the Gamecocks takes that big step forward in a coach’s second year  and assuming Tennessee is still struggling — it’ll be a fight to get to eight or nine wins.

Here’s the thing of it: In many cases, a coach hanging on at the end means a decay of sorts. Lack of long-term faith erodes recruiting. Theoretical momentum stalls. But with a Muschamp staff, that hasn’t proven to be the case here with him and this staff. He’s got the Gamecock roster in better shape. Things seem to be going well on the classroom and character side of things. He left a talented base at Florida, one that won a pair of SEC East titles in a weak division. The Gamecock  roster is different from what he inherited, one with almost nothing proven at the skill positions, a mess on the offensive line and a defense in bad need of development.

And one more year probably won’t change that. He’d bring in running back Marshawn Lloyd and quarterback Luke Doty in the next recruiting class, and he’d create a more solid base for whatever the future brings. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that his players strongly went to bat for him and families of players and recruits are behind him as well..

But any change likely wouldn’t be one that produces a start at South Carolina like the Muschamp era has had. Chances are with whatever is inherited, it would be a reset of the just the hope clock,  again just granting a few years of leeway as someone new tries to build their program. But the clock is ticking for the next ray of hope for the fans and programs future.

Really well put. Personally I am pulling for Muschamp, since from recruiting to the non-football aspects of the job, I think he represents the university well, but so did Sparky Woods. At the same time, Muschamp has not been able in his head coaching tenure to produce a scoring offense that was even close to acceptable. Pease, his OC in year 2 and 3 at Florida was solid as the Boise State OC under Peterson,  but under Muschamp he got fired. Roper was good at Duke, but once again scoring under Muschamp was a struggle at USC and he was gone. BMAC is learning, but seems to be following in the footsteps of his predecessors. It's hard to get away from feeling like the common denominator in the Offensive woes for both Florida and USC seems to be the head coach.

On both the offensive and defensive sides, there is something out of synch with a program when you have lapses in performance as bad as North Carolina, Missouri, and Tennessee. It is also a major defensive concern when you repeatedly see little of no adjustments, and we continually make the other teams QB's look like Heisman contenders. You cannot say "we couldn't cover #1 or #15 all game". That was not an acceptable answer.

I think Muschamp is probably going to be good for another year, unless there is a total meltdown against Vandy and Appalachian State, but the coordinators fate will depend on how well they finish and if their respective charges look like they are progressing. I'm hoping the Tennessee debacle will get a fire lit under the team and staff and we could end up in a bowl, showing us faithful, that there truly is hope. Because if the OC and DC do not put them in the right places to execute, and they cannot show that the Georgia game wasn't a fluke, then i'm sure Tanner will have to be at least one head on a plate, since I doubt he got the same buyout as Muschamp. 

 

[Sporkgod50]

Food for thought.

First thing, what would be a good short-term outcome if a new guy comes in? The 2020 schedule is again brutal, with a road game at LSU replacing Alabama on this year’s slate. There are three easier non-conference games, but expecting a bounce-back to much better than six or seven wins would be a bit much. Lets go a little further now,  In 2021, Gamecocks gets Auburn, along with the usual top-end cast of four teams: Clemson, Georgia, Florida and Texas A&M. Even if the Gamecocks takes that big step forward in a coach’s second year  and assuming Tennessee is still struggling — it’ll be a fight to get to eight or nine wins.

Here’s the thing of it: In many cases, a coach hanging on at the end means a decay of sorts. Lack of long-term faith erodes recruiting. Theoretical momentum stalls. But with a Muschamp staff, that hasn’t proven to be the case here with him and this staff. He’s got the Gamecock roster in better shape. Things seem to be going well on the classroom and character side of things. He left a talented base at Florida, one that won a pair of SEC East titles in a weak division. The Gamecock  roster is different from what he inherited, one with almost nothing proven at the skill positions, a mess on the offensive line and a defense in bad need of development.

And one more year probably won’t change that. He’d bring in running back Marshawn Lloyd and quarterback Luke Doty in the next recruiting class, and he’d create a more solid base for whatever the future brings. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that his players strongly went to bat for him and families of players and recruits are behind him as well.

Note of importance that should not get lost here is that year 4 historically hasn’t been kind to Gamecock coaches:

▪ Steve Spurrier had one of the best, a 7-6 campaign with a Week 2 loss to Vanderbilt and a three-game losing streak to close the season.

▪ Lou Holtz went 5-7.

▪ Joe Morrison went 3-6-2 before rebounding for two 8-4 years.

▪ Jim Carlen went 5-5-1, making bowls the next two years.

▪ Paul Dietzel did win the ACC his Year 4, but he turned around for a losing season the next year.

 Two things can happen here, one is things turn sour in a big way, and the need for a change becomes obvious or thing two the Gamecocks get one more upset and salvage a very strange but acceptable season.

But any change likely wouldn’t be one that produces a start at South Carolina like the Muschamp era has had. Chances are with whatever is inherited, it would be a reset of the just the hope clock,  again just granting a few years of leeway as someone new tries to build their program. But the clock is ticking for the next ray of hope for the fans and programs future.

Nice post. All I would add is that the comments from feaster are concerning. Also fat Brad went 5-6 in year 4, I think.

 

[FeatheredCock]

Nice post. All I would add is that the comments from feaster are concerning. Also fat Brad went 5-6 in year 4, I think.

Yep Fat man did. Question on Feaster on his concerning commits? If you can tell me your take on why you think that way or any other members here?  

 

[Pitchcock]

we knew our passing game was bad, but its historically bad even for us.  you have to go back to 1999 to the last time our leading passer averaged less yards per attempt than the 6.1 ryan is currently averaging.  we only have one player averaging over 12 yards per reception, and thats barely over at 12.2.  those are the worst usc receiving marks since at least 1979, once i reached 1980 it got to be too depressing.

We don’t have any breakaway type of WR’s who have the capability of taking it to the house every time they touch the ball. We simply don’t have an explosive Pharoah/Deebo type of guy who can take that 6.1 yard pass and take it 80 yards.

 

[Pitchcock]

I don't think our receiving Corp is extremely weak (e.g. Shi Smith has definitely shown flashes) and I think coaches are responsible for developing talent and getting kids to execute, but otherwise I agree with you.

With all due respect our receiveing corps is weak.

The only WR we have who would start on SOME of the teams we’ve played is Edwards. 

Shi shows flashes, he wants to be that guy, but he’s inconsistent.

The rest of our guys either struggle getting open or drop easy passes.

We desperately need for some of our guys to step it up.  Haven’t seen much of anything from Legette and Tyquan, both guys were said to be playmakers when they came in.

 

[Sporkgod50]

Yep Fat man did. Question on Feaster on his concerning commits? If you can tell me your take on why you think that way or any other members here?  

His comments have to make you question whether Champ is building/has built a winning culture and also how much this contributes to the team's inconsistencies. 

 

[Sporkgod50]

With all due respect our receiveing corps is weak.

The only WR we have who would start on SOME of the teams we’ve played is Edwards. 

Shi shows flashes, he wants to be that guy, but he’s inconsistent.

The rest of our guys either struggle getting open or drop easy passes.

We desperately need for some of our guys to step it up.  Haven’t seen much of anything from Legette and Tyquan, both guys were said to be playmakers when they came in.

I would probably give you that the WRs are a weakness, but "extremely weak" seemed a step too far for a corp that includes a man that just had 11 receptions for 156 yards and a TD, plus Edwards.

 

[Mr Ed]

With all due respect our receiveing corps is weak.

The only WR we have who would start on SOME of the teams we’ve played is Edwards. 

Shi shows flashes, he wants to be that guy, but he’s inconsistent.

The rest of our guys either struggle getting open or drop easy passes.

We desperately need for some of our guys to step it up.  Haven’t seen much of anything from Legette and Tyquan, both guys were said to be playmakers when they came in.

Shi is an average SEC wide receiver imo.  He might start for bottom tier SEC opponents but no way he steps on the field for anyone else.  

Team speed is an issue at wide receiver and in our defensive secondary.  It’s killing us right now.  We can’t get open against top tier defenses or threaten them deep, and we can’t cover speedy receivers.  We are simply too slow.

 If we had Deebo I bet we are at least 6-2 right now.  Deebo never had the benefit of a run game like this.  He would’ve really opened up our offense.  We need to recruit better at the WR and safety positions pronto.  

 

[crowcutta]

definitely agree with your sentence.  it probably wont be a cure all but right now we have a line that whiffs too much, blows too many protections and a qb who cant avoid pressure to not max protect or roll out often.  i want to see dak regardless but if we obviously need a spark and he doesnt get any action, i give up. 

 

[TKE226]

What am I missing with Dak? I saw nothing yesterday that got me excited. It was clear that they weren’t going to let him throw down the field. And is he still injured because he didn’t show elusive speed.

 

[Ironfan]

FSU didn't play with Taggart, unlike Us. It gonna take 7+ losses in a row  to Clemson before our AD wakes up?

 

[Ironfan]

What am I missing with Dak? I saw nothing yesterday that got me excited. It was clear that they weren’t going to let him throw down the field. And is he still injured because he didn’t show elusive speed.

There is a reason no other school offered him at QB

 

[FeatheredCock]

 DAVE CLAWSON head coach at Wake Forest. A school that is very hard to get recruits and has done an excellent job. 6-1 this season and he knows how to build a program. If Boom goes next year. This guy would be an excellent choice. Sometimes the best coaches are right under your nose. Maybe this guy their Offensive Coordinator/ QB, Warren Ruggiero to replace Bmack.  High power offense he runs. Seems like the only big-name coach we had any luck with was the Ole Ball Coach. Need a guy like this to make his mark here not at another school. We get these old guys instead or from programs that said goodbye to them recycle coaches. JUST MY :twocents:  

Dave Clawson bio

Warren Ruggiero bio