I realize I'm an outlier in PJ's popularity.
Every year I buy the line that he's going to unleash Air Fleck and never does, so our offense is mired in the 1960's.
Let me give three examples of his coach not to lose philosophy:
Two or three years ago, we're leading a BIG opponent at home with just under two minutes in the half, and have the ball at our own forty something.
Rather than trying to extend a 7 point lead, we run the ball three times to run out the half. A lot of fans booed as we left the field.
PJ's justification was we were up by 7 and got the ball to start the second half.
Last year in Iowa City we're up 1 or 2 with two minutes to play. Ferentz does something that you probably wouldn't do with two minutes to play and trailing at your own 40 yard line; he punts! He knew PJ would run it three straight times and he'd get the ball back with at least one timeout left. He was right, and his punt returner's touchdown run was negated by the returners own misplay.
Thursday night in the first quarter, we faced first and goal at the NC ten yd. line in a 0-0 game.
We pass on first down, but under throw the the open receiver. We run the next two downs, and miss a short field goal.
Pj justified the two running plays from the 10yd. line by saying it was a close game and he wanted the points. As Dr. Phil would say, "how did that work out for you?"
His play not to lose philosophy has worked for the most part-- until last season.
Get a lead in the fourth quarter and sit on it ,depending on the defense to hold on.
This leads to my final rants . After the buildup on how much our linebackers had improved in the off season, our middle LB misses at least five tackles.
Same guys who played last year folks. Did you really think they took Miracle Tackle pills and got better?
I wonder if the staff noticed that Brosmer's last drive was impressive with the handcuffs off of him.
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