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Possible defense of Ricker

Posted on 10/14/15 at 10:20 pm
Posted by wubilli
Columbia
Member since Apr 2014
5517 posts
Posted on 10/14/15 at 10:20 pm
quote:

?GD: I'm going to do a story on this very subject, hopefully for Wednesday. I'll do the Cliff's Notes here. In 2011, Mizzou got McGovern, McNulty and Chappell, all of whom have played and been starters at times. The latter two haven't played great, but they've played. Overall, that's a serviceable OL class. In 2012, you listed the two they got. The Tigers offered 18 linemen in that class. At one time, both Simon Goines and Germain Ifedi were committed to Missouri and it seemed they had a pretty decent shot at Jake Meador. Those players ended up at UCLA, Texas A&M and Wisconsin. How different does the line look if Missouri gets one or two of those guys? I'd say a good amount. In 2013, the Tigers got three linemen, but only one (Alec Abeln) has seen significant time on the field. Jake Campos and Dan Skipper were among offers that Missouri had a good shot at that went elsewhere. And then there are Brian Wallace and Roderick Johnson in 2014. So, yeah, I agree with your premise, that three-year period of offensive line recruiting is the biggest reason we're seeing the struggles this year. - See more at: LINK


That s a lot of misses along the line that occurred prior to Ricker joining the staff.

Just having gotten one of Ifedi, Campos, or Johnson would allow McGovern to play guard. That would then be a good line.
Posted by JesusQuintana
St Louis
Member since Oct 2013
33369 posts
Posted on 10/14/15 at 10:57 pm to
An old recruiting adage, it doesn't matter who you miss. It matters who you get.

I'm more concerned with why a guy like Clay Rhodes hasn't developed. The guys we have gotten simply were not that good, haven't developed quickly enough, or aren't being allowed to play behind more experienced players.

I think getting some of the younger guys some snaps would be prudent.

Look at it this way. If we stay status quo this year we go into next year with only Abeln and Crawford as guys who have played. We also don't open with a FCS opponent next year. On the road at WVU in fact.

So what's your OL and how do you know who can really play or not if you have no game film? Maybe the guys we have playing now aren't even the "best 5" they always preach.

All I know is it's pretty sad. We should not be this bad.
Posted by notsince98
KC, MO
Member since Oct 2012
22617 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 7:46 am to
There is no defense of Ricker when guys are flat out not blocking defenders. It isn't a lack of talent at this point it is a lack of coaching. If our guys couldn't handle the defenders and were getting run over, then talent would obviously be an issue.

Right now, when I watch the OL I see two things:
1) When they block a guy, they are doing fine. They are strong enough and physical enough to get the job done.
2) They make way too many incorrect pre-snap reads, don't know where they are going, or something similar as too many guys are getting through the line untouched and it happens as much when there is no blitz as it does when there is a blitz. This is a sign to me of communication/coaching breakdowns.
Posted by Mizzou Mule
St. Charles County, Missou-rah
Member since Sep 2014
3138 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 9:30 am to
I'll add to your OL analysis:

3) They miss assignments.
4) They many times do not finish blocks.
5) I see a general lack of aggressiveness/follow-thru.
6) Boehm has been hobbled in several games.

This is basically the same line from LAST year. Yes, there are some position changes. The line last year finished strong and has experience. To hell with baby recruiting excuses, each are SEC-level O-Linemen on scholly. Physically, they have the size. I say man-up and block your arse off on every play. Players, Ricker, Henson and Pinkel are all responsible.
This post was edited on 10/15/15 at 11:26 am
Posted by wubilli
Columbia
Member since Apr 2014
5517 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 10:35 am to
The line would be way better with McGovern next to Boehm, playing Guard.

Way more of the breakdowns are there.
Posted by TigerCruise
Virginia Beach, VA
Member since Oct 2013
11898 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 10:47 am to
Chappell at LT?
This post was edited on 10/15/15 at 10:48 am
Posted by Tackle74
Columbia, MO
Member since Mar 2012
5517 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 10:58 am to
Lets not coddle these players or Coaches they are playing D-I and need to perform to their salary or scholarship. There are probably 2 NFL players on this line (Boehm & McGovern) and loads of experience the level they have played at has been horrid. As stated by many on here missed assignments are all over the place, unblocked DT's are a particular cancer. As well there is some really poor footwork and technique by some of the players especially Abeln and Chappell. Both have been exposed many times. I also fault the idea of having to use McGovern as a LT when he is a Guard. Hell we have at best an average LT with him there but lose on of the best road graders that Pinkel has ever had without him at Guard, dumb move. Also note that this is not a talent only issue the same thing happened vs a FCS team in SEMO a Sunbelt Juggernaut in (ASU), vs UConn (AAC) and the mighty Kentucky defense. This group does not lack talent they lack cohesion, understanding of scheme, understanding of adjustments to movement and communication. That my friends all equates to a shitty job being done by the OL coach and secondarily the OC.
Posted by surgicalvenom
Omaha
Member since Jan 2014
6863 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 11:05 am to
The OL is about technique. Ask Arkansas about recruiting big 4 star recruits and not knowing how to coach them up. Their OL struggles are similar to ours.

Besides, no one is asking for a top 5 OL, just competence.
Posted by JesusQuintana
St Louis
Member since Oct 2013
33369 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 12:22 pm to
I would actually put Crawford at LT, Chappel at RT and novice McGovern back inside.
Posted by Literalist
Minnesota
Member since Oct 2014
3651 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 12:58 pm to
quote:

Lets not coddle these players or Coaches they are playing D-I and need to perform to their salary or scholarship.


Tackle74 brings up a good point. Sometimes I tend to excuse things by thinking, "They're just 19 year-olds...blah, blah."

But the fact is, Pinkel is making 4-million $ (and the arse'ts are making a handsome salary) to field a winning football team, not the performances we're seeing...and the players are "supposed" to be D-1, SEC players. And by the way, tickets to see this stumbling show ain't 5-bucks a seat.

So maybe it's time to demand a better showing. I don't feel too bad being pissed about the direction this team is going.
This post was edited on 10/15/15 at 12:59 pm
Posted by TigerTalker16
Columbia,MO
Member since Apr 2015
11533 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 1:24 pm to
...Fire AJ Ricker ASAP.
Posted by JesusQuintana
St Louis
Member since Oct 2013
33369 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 1:33 pm to
Unless you are the truly elite. You have down years. We are having one.

We won 23 games the past two years, and this year we have our youngest two deep ever under Pinkel and a cluster at QB.it is what it is. We'll be back.
This post was edited on 10/15/15 at 1:34 pm
Posted by Tackle74
Columbia, MO
Member since Mar 2012
5517 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 1:40 pm to
No doubt in my mind we will be back BUT..the issue is not the young defenders or even the young receivers or Freshman QB it is the Senior laden offensive line that is sabotaging this season.
Posted by JesusQuintana
St Louis
Member since Oct 2013
33369 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 1:45 pm to
Oh, I agree. The offense being THIS bad is simply not excusable.

If Ricker found his way out of here and we grabbed a "co-OC" (new play caller) with Henson shifting his focus back to the OL , I'd be very pleased.

We'd be a legitimate East contender this year if we had even an average offense. We need some new blood, I think.
Posted by surgicalvenom
Omaha
Member since Jan 2014
6863 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 1:57 pm to
The answer is currently at aTm. Bring back Christensen as OC/OL coach.
Posted by Mizzou Mule
St. Charles County, Missou-rah
Member since Sep 2014
3138 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 2:42 pm to
quote:

surgicalvenom


I'm in agreement. But you know loyal-to-a-fault HCGP...WDWWD.

I'd go as far as ALL offensive coaches. MAJOR blood-letting. It should help with recruiting and Pinks can retire in glory.
Posted by spytiger
Right Behind You
Member since Aug 2015
568 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 3:23 pm to
quote:

I'd go as far as ALL offensive coaches. MAJOR blood-letting. It should help with recruiting and Pinks can retire in glory.


So the recruits being recruited now by those coaches will be happy they are fired? One year removed from winning the SEC East. Yeah, that doesn't scream of desperation.

Am I on Tigerboard?
Posted by Mizzou Mule
St. Charles County, Missou-rah
Member since Sep 2014
3138 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 3:43 pm to
What ever it takes as long as it's legal. Desperation? I don't call it that. I call it a big fix. How did the O do in the 2014 SECCG? The D has carried this team for two years.

TWO (2) rushing touchdowns in SIX games. And we're talking SEMO, Arky State, UConn, UK, USCe and UF. Just the facts. Yes, UF has a salty D...but only TWO TD's.

HCGP is going nowhere. All new O coaches would maybe the equivalent of a new HC hire? Hire the best coaches/recruiters. Make a BIG splash (not mid-season) at end of season. I bet it would get the attention of new recruits.

Not a TB'er.
This post was edited on 10/15/15 at 3:53 pm
Posted by 50CalMG
The Mountain Top
Member since Jun 2012
476 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 3:48 pm to
The ubiquitous answer to any shortcomings of "Fire 'em" is extremely short-sighted. Changes are absolutely needed to the OL, but any random firing is not a cure all strategy. Firing someone, especially mid-season, is a giant Red Flag stating that Pinkel is clueless. Pinkel is not clueless and will make the appropriate changes, regardless of the typical fan's impatience.
Posted by wubilli
Columbia
Member since Apr 2014
5517 posts
Posted on 10/15/15 at 3:54 pm to
quote:

The ubiquitous answer to any shortcomings of "Fire 'em" is extremely short-sighted


Great way to put it.
This post was edited on 10/15/15 at 3:55 pm
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