Curious about play calling in certain situations I decided to track the play calling in this game. The results are pretty ugly. 11 First downs (three on the last drive when the game was over) that’s 35 first downs in three games. That has to be a record in futility. The first three drives with Darnell resulted in three and out. On the first play of the game Darnell skipped a five-yard out to Smith. It’s the easiest pass in football and it wasn't even close. He's had a hard time making that play all year. There is the Lee Groscup award for the best qb in the nation. I'm for giving the Darnell Arceneaux trophy for qb futility.

In total we had 52 offensive plays. 29 passes (includes four sacks), 33 runs. Four first downs in the first half, four first downs in the second (not including the last drive). One of six on third down efficiency in the first half zero for seven in the second half, 1-13 total. Not including the last drive, on first down we ran 11 times and threw 10 times. Steve Smith had 11 plays called for him (included passes caught, incomplete, and two reverses). After reviewing the play chart I honestly don't think play calling was the biggest problem. Rice missed several opportunities in the Red Zone and we got the ball to Smith several times. As much as it hurts to say this I have to agree that plays weren't made in key situations. However, one has to consider the Offensive philosophy. There were several situations that only two people were running routes. The commentators made several remarks about that and the fact that we never have a safety value in the qb gets in trouble. When Rice entered the game we started doing the things that we should of been doing for Darnell (rollouts, rolling pockets, etc..) that I will never understand. The coaches can't be allowed to hide behind the cliché of "players aren't making plays". Responsibility must be taken at the end of the year.

Our Defense was excellent but lets be honest, New Mexico knew they had enough points to win the game when they got their first TD. Their play calling, as was CSU's, was to be conservative and force our offense to win the game. We are still plagued by stupid penalties. On the coaches show Mac defended Olevao and Smith for there personal fouls. Olevao's was questionable but still over aggressive. Mac basically condoned the penalties. We wonder why we have discipline problems. Memo to the coaching staff, if the refs throw a flag it’s a penalty even if you disagree.

Grades
OL-- D. Poor run blocking, poor pass blocking (four sacks on Rice).
RB-- C. Nothing on the ground.
WR-- C. Smith, Christensen, and Lyman played well.
QB-- D. Darnell should never see the field again. Rice will get better, he missed two open people for TD's. Its still nice to see a qb not give up on a play and stay in the pocket. Tommy Lee still needs to go, enough is enough. We need a new plan/concept, formations, and a fullback.

Dl-- A. stopped the run pretty well. Garrett Smith and Maake played great. Smith picked up his 6th personal foul in 8 games.
LB-- B. Let the RB get to many yards.
DB-- B. Were never tested

Special teams- F. That blocked punt was a joke. The guy came up the middle untouched. McNabb should also go.

The saddest thing about this season is how the offense is stealing every minute there all on scholarships. We are wasting great effort from our defense. This may be a better D then what we had in 94.

We need to put in all the underclassman and prepare for next year. The coaches must take accountability for this offense.

I don't think enough people are pointing out that the offensive line is not very good. Sure, Crosheneaux sucks and Tommy Lee can't run an offense, but the OL was snowed under today. They hardly opened a hole today, and the QBs never had more than 2 seconds before the dogs were on them. Today does not make me mourn for this season as much as it does for the seasons in the near future, when we actually have decent QBs in the stable (allegedly).

Lance Rice:

- Definitely not this season's savior.

- At least he hit a couple of receivers downfield, which is more than Crosheneaux has shown. Plus he found receivers in areas of the field Crosheneaux never does (i.e. down the middle, out patterns on the sidelines, etc.)

- The play book opened up for Rice. The coaches say that they tend to "simplify the playbook" for Darnell.

- If we play Rice for the rest of the season, at least we'll have someone with experience in the stable next year.

Offense - D- The offensive line is terrible, the play calling is as bad.

Defense - B+ They played very well. Considering our offense left them on the field all day - I have changed my mind to A-.

Special Teams - D+ Another easy field goal missed, no great returns, bone headed mistakes like # 49 on the last kickoff return. What in the heck was he thinking. Also allowing a blocked punt when a sub missed his block.

I was happy that Mac/Lee finally gave Rice a chance. I am just listening to the radio and Rice was not happy with his performance. Considering he has not played in at least 4 years, he was playing against a very good defense, he played in the rain most of the day and he was not given much in the way of field position - he was not bad. But, he certainly was not good either. Keep him in the rest of the season. Might as well give him some experience.

It us really sad for the the defense. They have played well enough to win the conference. The only reason we are not getting blown out is because of a great defensive effort.

No, I haven't heard this YET but I have a strong hunch that his comments will go something like this:

"Well, sure, it was a tough loss. If we won that game we would have been in control of our MWC destiny. We were really only one or two plays away from winning this one. Hey, if you look at the stats, we had more passing yards than they did and our defense was great! We just came up a little short."

Sound familiar? It is one thing to lose and another to not draw accountability where it is deserved. Is it possible that mac became fat, dumb and happy after his big contract? (Before you accuse me of calling a ute names, understand that this is merely an expression and not personal name calling). With such high expectations and to see mac rarely taking action or responsibility, undoubtedly the organization needs "new blood". Hopefully that kind of new blood will work out well for the Cougars next year!!!

First of all, Lance Rice did OK for his first actual game. The INT hurt, but he's still more accurate than Arceneaux and Croshaw combined.

Steve Smith's mouth has caught up to him. Did you see how many times UNM players were piling on at the end and getting in his face? I would have loved to have been able to hear what they were saying to him. I wish he'd just play and shut his mouth.

Whoever that jackass was on special teams who knocked the ball out of bounds ought to have slivers shoved under his finger nails. That bone-headed play cost Utah about 17 yards of field position.

The ESPN guy made the most profound statement of the day after the last 3rd down play where Lyman dropped it on the sideline. He said that all Utah had done all day was send to guys deep and when they did they didn't leave the QB an outlet to dump it off to.

One final thought. I hope mac and tl have been in touch with a real estate agent because they both will need one! I haven't been this depressed about a Utah team ever.

I'm struggling to make ends meet as it is, but I'll be the first guy to throw in $100 to get Dirk Koetter (or anyone else) if any of you would like to contribute as well.
 

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