2011

[psax889906]

Where does this program go from here? I am still behind Coach Jones but games like the one today and the one versus Syracuse are hard to defend... obviously this year is a wash now, what approach do you take to these final three games? Frankly if it's me I make some wholesale changes and put even more youth in, experiment with some things I otherwise would have had to wait for spring ball to play with, etc...

It's hard to believe how quickly the pendulum can swing... two time defending Big East Champions and now, likely that the 'Cats finish dead last this season. Someone talk me off the ledge, please?...

 

[Thegreatone]

I will not be renewing my season tickets if Butch is the coach next year.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

I will not be renewing my season tickets if Butch is the coach next year.

Come on now, got to give the guy at least one year to get the team on his page. I'm interested to see how this team comes out next year. If they look lost still then I will join you in calling for Jones head. (I won't give up my seats though.) The players don't like Jones and they aren't playing hard for him. The team is lost. I'll give them this year to transition and I expect next year to be what we can expect year in year out for Butch. He will essentially return the entire team so no excuses. I'm not saying I expect them to be great (although they should be good at least), but I do expect effort, discipline and execution.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

Where does this program go from here? I am still behind Coach Jones but games like the one today and the one versus Syracuse are hard to defend... obviously this year is a wash now, what approach do you take to these final three games? Frankly if it's me I make some wholesale changes and put even more youth in, experiment with some things I otherwise would have had to wait for spring ball to play with, etc...

It's hard to believe how quickly the pendulum can swing... two time defending Big East Champions and now, likely that the 'Cats finish dead last this season. Someone talk me off the ledge, please?...

To answer the original topic, the rest of the season isn't lost because a bowl game is still possible. No matter what bowl it might be if you got a chance to get bowl dollars you have to play for that. Now I don't think they have any chance of winning three straight, but until they lose again you have to play for this year still. With another loss then I agree you play for next year and get guys in that you expect to get next year's minutes.

 

[nparker1]

This season has been tough as a fan. I think I was spoiled with Brian Kelly and his success. The more I thought about it, this team, who is very young, had some really big shoes to fill. Has the season been disappointing, most definitely, but I do feel as though the future still has some bright spots. As I said before, this team is very young. Next year they will be a year more mature and experienced. Also, Butch Jones has proven he can coach throughout his career. I have faith that he will capture this team and their efforts. This season may be lost, but I am optimistic for the future. So for the rest of this season, I hope the boys can find a way to gel and grow together.
Go Bearcats!

 

[rustyroyse]

Come on now, got to give the guy at least one year to get the team on his page. I'm interested to see how this team comes out next year. If they look lost still then I will join you in calling for Jones head. (I won't give up my seats though.) The players don't like Jones and they aren't playing hard for him. The team is lost. I'll give them this year to transition and I expect next year to be what we can expect year in year out for Butch. He will essentially return the entire team so no excuses. I'm not saying I expect them to be great (although they should be good at least), but I do expect effort, discipline and execution.

I completely agree.....I am not the biggest Butch Jones fan but I am willing to concede one year to have him get his team together. No more than that though. If we are still floundering next year then a change needs to be made fast. It would be all too easy for mediocre seasons to destroy where this program could be headed. To start pulling in the recruits we want and need we need to win.....bottom line.

 

[cincycpaw]

I will not be renewing my season tickets if Butch is the coach next year.

I find this to be amazing especially considering the leash that most here give Cronin.

1 year...really...don't let the turn style hit you on the ass on the way out.

 

[JasonS]

I find this to be amazing especially considering the leash that most here give Cronin.

1 year...really...don't let the turn style hit you on the ass on the way out.

Yeah, that is a bit of a quick hook. I think this team will be competing for the Big East title next year. There is no depth on this team and there were far too many injuries for this team to handle. You lost Hazelton who was supposed to be the best reciever on the team. You lost Thompkins (because Tennessee wouldn't let him out of his LOI) who many believe is even better than Hazelton. Pead was hurt for 2 games. Darrin Williams has been out for several weeks and has been lost for the year. Collaros was hurt for a game plus a key drive against South Florida.

You have the youngest defense in FBS football with zero seniors starting. There have been injuries on that side of the ball too. Look, I still think the future is bright and to not renew your tickets because of one lousy season is really too bad. The last couple of seasons have been an absolute blast and I think next year will be much better.

 

[JasonS]

Come on now, got to give the guy at least one year to get the team on his page. I'm interested to see how this team comes out next year. If they look lost still then I will join you in calling for Jones head. (I won't give up my seats though.) The players don't like Jones and they aren't playing hard for him. The team is lost. I'll give them this year to transition and I expect next year to be what we can expect year in year out for Butch. He will essentially return the entire team so no excuses. I'm not saying I expect them to be great (although they should be good at least), but I do expect effort, discipline and execution.

This is simply not true. By all accounts the players really like Butch Jones and have a great relationship with him. I agree with the rest of your statement with the exception of calling for his head if they aren't good next year. I think you have to give him 3 years or half of what you have to give Mick. There is a new system, they lost a lot of senior leaders and they battled injury issues. I thought this year would be much better than it has but unless the team goes 2-10 or 3-9 next year, I don't think you can fire Butch. I expect this team to compete for the Big East title next year. If they get on a bit of a roll these last few games it could go a long way towards next year.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

This is simply not true. By all accounts the players really like Butch Jones and have a great relationship with him. I agree with the rest of your statement with the exception of calling for his head if they aren't good next year. I think you have to give him 3 years or half of what you have to give Mick. There is a new system, they lost a lot of senior leaders and they battled injury issues. I thought this year would be much better than it has but unless the team goes 2-10 or 3-9 next year, I don't think you can fire Butch. I expect this team to compete for the Big East title next year. If they get on a bit of a roll these last few games it could go a long way towards next year.

I've heard that players aren't happy with all the practices Jones puts them through especially compared to what Kelly did. They weren't happy in the Fresno game when Jones and other coaches conceded the loss before it was truly decided. Also they are not happy with the losing. This team had it easy under Kelly. He ran easy, quick practices. Butch pushes them hard every day and they practice long hours. This team clearly isn't giving their full effort out there, their performance the last two weeks was embarrassing. They are 19-20 year old kids forced to work alot harder than they are used to. They're pouting. They loved Jones in the beginning but as the season wears on and the losing is setting in they are frustrated. I'm not saying it is right. I think next year they will come in and know what to expect.

I'll agree next year might be a little too early to call for his head. My point was that I expect by next year that Butch will have this team on his page and under his control. Thus I expect to be able to see what he can do with this team.

 

[DMoney1080]

I think that this goes to prove that the "player's coaches" don't work out in the end. I still have hope that Butch can pull it off, but I think the players hated Kelly because of his business like attitude and not being a player's coach. It was he's the boss, and there is no other way but my way. He was the boss and playing football was a job. Now it's the complete other extreme, where the players loved the coach and the family atmosphere, but when they get pushed and things start going downhill, there is nothing but resentment and blame to go around. It's like when most kids in their teens told their dad off because they knew more than he did. Look at it know.


I think Butch needs to put the accountability back in this team and if they screw up, bench them. I understand why Bones was benched while Kelly was coaching. The guy takes plays off. That was never allowed under Kelly, but now under Butch, he's starting.... It's a small example but typlifies the season for me. As far as I'm concerned play more underclassmen. Put Clung and Woodward as receivers and start building for next year. If Binns and Barnett want to sit and watch, put them on the bench. If guys want to stomp other people after plays, bench them. Teach them who's boss.

Guys at this stage need discipline not another buddy.

 

[JasonS]

I think that this goes to prove that the "player's coaches" don't work out in the end. I still have hope that Butch can pull it off, but I think the players hated Kelly because of his business like attitude and not being a player's coach. It was he's the boss, and there is no other way but my way. He was the boss and playing football was a job. Now it's the complete other extreme, where the players loved the coach and the family atmosphere, but when they get pushed and things start going downhill, there is nothing but resentment and blame to go around. It's like when most kids in their teens told their dad off because they knew more than he did. Look at it know.


I think Butch needs to put the accountability back in this team and if they screw up, bench them. I understand why Bones was benched while Kelly was coaching. The guy takes plays off. That was never allowed under Kelly, but now under Butch, he's starting.... It's a small example but typlifies the season for me. As far as I'm concerned play more underclassmen. Put Clung and Woodward as receivers and start building for next year. If Binns and Barnett want to sit and watch, put them on the bench. If guys want to stomp other people after plays, bench them. Teach them who's boss.

Guys at this stage need discipline not another buddy.

I get your point and I can't say that I completely agree or disagree. I think Butch can be successful and I think you are right about needing to be able to sit guys down that are taking plays off. I think Butch is a little stuck due to the depth on this team, especially at WR. Bones was going to basically be the 5th receiver on this team before Hazelton went down and Thompkins was ruled ineligible. As this team builds some depth, I think things will improve. I think Binns has been very good this year after a slow start and Woods has made a lot of mistakes but has always played hard. Collaros never quits and you have to love that about him. I think sometimes the defense is on the field so much they get tired. Without the proper depth to spell guys, especially on the line, you start to see lethargy set in. I believe it is the product of being tired as opposed to not wanting to play hard. I think things will improve for sure but I can't disagree with most of what you wrote. Good first post.