FIRE BROCK SPACK

[Redbird]

I am not saying to fire during the season. Don’t twist things. This should be his last season he caught lightning in a bottle and that’s it. I know he is the best coach we have ever had. All of that can be true and still be time to go. He also can’t be happy with his performance since 2015 save for one season. It’s amazing to me the amount of people who want to hold on because of the unknown and a remembrance of two tremendous seasons. Everyone keeps talking about how he has risen the program to new heights; that is correct he has. Expectations are higher too. I said earlier this season if he finished 7-4 and we made the playoffs I am fine with him staying. This loss to Youngstown was inexcusable. We should have and could have won that game and his coaching lost it for us. We will now finish 6-5 AGAIN and miss the playoffs AGAIN!

 

[Redbird15]

They need receivers in my opinion. I like Sobkowicz and he had a solid game. Is he a "great" receiver? In my opinion, the answer is no. He is someone a team needs to make the tough catch and keep drives alive but he is not the type of receiver that changes games. Carr has had some really terrific plays this year but again, not a consistent game-changer. That is not a criticism of these players. They add value to the team but I don't see a receiver on this team like Anthony Warrum or Andrew Edgar. Sobkowicz reminds me very much of Kacper Rutkiewicz. I did not think Kacper was a game-changer either but when you needed a tough third-down catch he came through more often than not. Yep, I think the receiving corps needs some help.

The Birds had two receivers that caught passes yesterday. YSU had five players with receptions. The numbers and yardage were not that unequal overall until you see that one Redbird player accounted for 96 yards of the receiving yardage. Not exactly balanced. How much of a threat was the Redbird receiving corps to the Penguins? Granted a new QB may have impacted that as well.

ILS - Receiving

Player	Rec.	Yds.	TD	Long
Sobkowicz,Daniel	6	96	0	25
Deming,Bryson	1	7	0	7
Carr,Jalen	0	0	0	0
Buckner,Jerome	0	0	0	0
Wright,Wenkers	0	0	0	0
Totals	7	103	0	25

YSU - Receiving

Player	Rec.	Yds.	TD	Long
McLaughlin,Jaleel	3	46	0	39
Tomczak,Max	2	38	0	31
Oliver,Bryce	2	29	1	17
Serrano,Brandon	2	17	0	10
Fordham,Latrell	1	13	0	13
Rushton,Dra	0	0	0	0
Gillison,Trenton	0	0	0	0
Hensley,Luke	0	0	0	0
Totals	10	143	1	39

They need receivers in my opinion. I like Sobkowicz and he had a solid game. Is he a "great" receiver? In my opinion, the answer is no. He is someone a team needs to make the tough catch and keep drives alive but he is not the type of receiver that changes games. Carr has had some really terrific plays this year but again, not a consistent game-changer. That is not a criticism of these players. They add value to the team but I don't see a receiver on this team like Anthony Warrum or Andrew Edgar. Sobkowicz reminds me very much of Kacper Rutkiewicz. I did not think Kacper was a game-changer either but when you needed a tough third-down catch he came through more often than not. Yep, I think the receiving corps needs some help.

The Birds had two receivers that caught passes yesterday. YSU had five players with receptions. The numbers and yardage were not that unequal overall until you see that one Redbird player accounted for 96 yards of the receiving yardage. Not exactly balanced. How much of a threat was the Redbird receiving corps to the Penguins? Granted a new QB may have impacted that as well.

ILS - Receiving

Player	Rec.	Yds.	TD	Long
Sobkowicz,Daniel	6	96	0	25
Deming,Bryson	1	7	0	7
Carr,Jalen	0	0	0	0
Buckner,Jerome	0	0	0	0
Wright,Wenkers	0	0	0	0
Totals	7	103	0	25

YSU - Receiving

Player	Rec.	Yds.	TD	Long
McLaughlin,Jaleel	3	46	0	39
Tomczak,Max	2	38	0	31
Oliver,Bryce	2	29	1	17
Serrano,Brandon	2	17	0	10
Fordham,Latrell	1	13	0	13
Rushton,Dra	0	0	0	0
Gillison,Trenton	0	0	0	0
Hensley,Luke	0	0	0	0
Totals	10	143	1	39

ISU only attempted to throw the ball 14 times at YSU game yesterday. Look at the targets LOL. Which I have no issue with the offensive game plan to run the ball on a windy day, But we did not even attempt to throw many short routes even with the wind. Maybe the coaches were not comfortable with letting tommy drop back and throw because of his height. When he did throw he rolled out. A running game opens up a passing game. James Robinson is what made Brady and the Receivers above look good. Teams stack the box to stop him. Edgar is at NH with 3 catches in 8 games. Yes it would be nice to get a 6'4 or taller WR with 4.5 speed or lower but most of those guy that can produce are playing FBS ball and why would they come when we are a run pound the ball mindset team 75% of the time . Kacper & 2021 Receiver core was not lighting in a bottle and we actually had a good running game with a some questionable OC's. Bottom line we have a great QB ... If we can get a healthy a consistent OL with a few back ups ISU would have had a great season even without Muller. If we had him and a healty Wright we might be a 1L team.

 

[Virginia Redbird]

ISU only attempted to throw the ball 14 times at YSU game yesterday. Look at the targets LOL. Which I have no issue with the offensive game plan to run the ball on a windy day, But we did not even attempt to throw many short routes even with the wind. Maybe the coaches were not comfortable with letting tommy drop back and throw because of his height. When he did throw he rolled out. A running game opens up a passing game. James Robinson is what made Brady and the Receivers above look good. Teams stack the box to stop him. Edgar is at NH with 3 catches in 8 games. Yes it would be nice to get a 6'4 or taller WR with 4.5 speed or lower but most of those guy that can produce are playing FBS ball and why would they come when we are a run pound the ball mindset team 75% of the time . Kacper & 2021 Receiver core was not lighting in a bottle and we actually had a good running game with a some questionable OC's. Bottom line we have a great QB ... If we can get a healthy a consistent OL with a few back ups ISU would have had a great season even without Muller. If we had him and a healty Wright we might be a 1L team.

Edgar unfortunately had a bunch of injuries that severely impacted his ability to perform. I never thought Brady and his receivers looked good when JR was around. Lots of posts from back then about the inadequacy of the passing game and being one-dimensional.

We disagree about the receiving corps. I am not just talking about yesterday. I think it is an average group. Not bad but not great and no game-breakers at all. You see it differently...okay!

 

[Total Red]

We're not at a decision point so I'm not taking a position, but I would just like to point out that the keep/fire coaching threads focus almost exclusively on wins and losses. Fans will acknowledge that having players that go to class and stay out of trouble is important, but it is seldom discussed.

Coach Spack's players have done an outstanding job in the classroom with numerous players on the academic honor roll. His teams have also had very few off-field incidents. He's recruited players of quality character and he's encouraged them to do the right thing on and off the field. I would factor that in in his favor.

 

[Redbird15]

We're not at a decision point so I'm not taking a position, but I would just like to point out that the keep/fire coaching threads focus almost exclusively on wins and losses. Fans will acknowledge that having players that go to class and stay out of trouble is important, but it is seldom discussed.

Coach Spack's players have done an outstanding job in the classroom with numerous players on the academic honor roll. His teams have also had very few off-field incidents. He's recruited players of quality character and he's encouraged them to do the right thing on and off the field. I would factor that in in his favor.

Well Said ! Character Trumps All ! Yes we could go out and get more athletic kids but at same time who wants kids who can’t make it in class room or on the public spectrum

 

[Birgs]

Warrum was my fave WR, unless we're including TE's and, well, we know that answer.

Regarding overall offensive philosophy, sure weather comes into play.

Something Berry did well was take that into account...the opponent knew we can't throw in that empty Hancock canyon. Aveion Cason became an NFL back by creative PA schemes. JR is now a wealthy New Yorker not just because of his hard work and ability, but also utilization

Hancock's aerodynamics are a lot different than when I ran practice routes there.

Right-side deep throws can happen heading N. Otherwise, pound some ground.

I forget if it was Bayless or Telander... I despise both, FTR, but all "offensive coaches" are hired/fired for "defensive coaches" so I have a feeling a young hot-shot open trey swing T guy would fit picket-fence 'Stashe as a "need for change" to the resume of our hiring people.

 

[Redbird222]

I feel our offensive line is not as strong as it has been in the past and that has been thr biggest issue this year offensively. Like previous years, the talent at RB is still deep at good (remember we lost our starting RB the second series of rhe year). The talent and depth at QB is much better than recent years and overall strong enough to win games. Our TEs are good receivers. I like Carr and Sobkowicz as complimentary receivers but we could really use a #1 receiver and increase in depth.

Overall the team is improved from last year and hopefully headed back to better days.

 

[crazzymark]

I've been in the coaches corner for years, but that prevent offense they did in the 4th quarter was atrocious. This isn't the first game he did it; this is the third game where they had an opportunity to score and put it out of reach and they didn't .
That being said that I don't understand what they're thinking (the coaching staff) that is by not trying to get it first down and seal the game that made no sense. It's one thing trying to preserve a win it's another trying to prevent your offense from making a mistake that never works out.

 

[cubird]

Think he gets another year with finally an indoor practice facility. Also an older roster and year experience using the transfer portal. Save buyout money and pay the OC to stick around another year.

 

[jamminjamarsmiley]

I would like to add that while 6-5 may have been a great season when Spack arrived, FCS football has lost a lot of teams to the FBS levels and has become much more watered down. Making the playoffs nowadays is not nearly the accomplishment it was 5-10-15 years ago. No more App State, James Madison, Georgia southern etc

 

[redbirds2000]

I would like to add that while 6-5 may have been a great season when Spack arrived, FCS football has lost a lot of teams to the FBS levels and has become much more watered down. Making the playoffs nowadays is not nearly the accomplishment it was 5-10-15 years ago. No more App State, James Madison, Georgia southern etc

Good point. 5 teams from the 2014 bracket are now FBS.

 

[Redbird]

I would like to add that while 6-5 may have been a great season when Spack arrived, FCS football has lost a lot of teams to the FBS levels and has become much more watered down. Making the playoffs nowadays is not nearly the accomplishment it was 5-10-15 years ago. No more App State, James Madison, Georgia southern etc

I agree with that statement but making the playoffs is still the measuring stick for me because it gives us the chance to compete for a title, it keeps us relevant and gives us greater visibility.

 

[DaveBird10]

We're not at a decision point so I'm not taking a position, but I would just like to point out that the keep/fire coaching threads focus almost exclusively on wins and losses. Fans will acknowledge that having players that go to class and stay out of trouble is important, but it is seldom discussed.

Coach Spack's players have done an outstanding job in the classroom with numerous players on the academic honor roll. His teams have also had very few off-field incidents. He's recruited players of quality character and he's encouraged them to do the right thing on and off the field. I would factor that in in his favor.

And being the coach to really talk about and get an indoor practice facility that should be up by the spring.

 

[Redbirdwarrior]

What... um... do you think is going to happen to ISU if you fire Brock Spack in the middle of what will be a winning season?

The first thing you are going to get is 20-25 players hitting the transfer portal immediately- most of them on the defensive side of the ball.

The second thing will be quite a few season ticket holders deciding that money might be better used as a down payment on one of those weird electric trucks being produced down the road.

The third thing will be 3-4 years of a new coach coming in and trying to compete in the toughest conference in the FCS with what will be a bare cupboard, probably having a 7-15 record or so in those first two years, at which point you'll be back on here mashing your keyboard demanding THEY be fired and starting this whole process over again.

I think your problem isn't Spack. I think your problem is your OC. A few years ago, you had James Robinson to lean on, but no QB. Now you have a potential solid QB, but no RB. We have no offensive identity anymore, but our defense (where Spack focuses much more) is among the best in the country.

As a reminder, ISU WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE A WINNING TEAM THIS YEAR. And they will be and you still want to fire Spack. I don't get it.

 

[Birgs]

I would say he gets next year to try to get back to playoffs, and he probably deserves it. But he is spending the capital he built up over the years, he set the bar higher and hasn’t met it in a while.

One of the most intelligent posts ever on this board. Brilliantly presented. And firing Spack at this point in the season would be ridiculously detrimental. Put the the torches and pitchforks down. This is a very dissimilar situation to the Muller thing.

 

[Redbird15]

Some insight regarding injuries/players. I don’t necessarily say Spack needs to Go but but feel game coaching/strategy needs adjustments..But the tidbits of information in video gives us some insight into YSU game The Varsity Network

 

[Redbird15]

What... um... do you think is going to happen to ISU if you fire Brock Spack in the middle of what will be a winning season?

The first thing you are going to get is 20-25 players hitting the transfer portal immediately- most of them on the defensive side of the ball.

The second thing will be quite a few season ticket holders deciding that money might be better used as a down payment on one of those weird electric trucks being produced down the road.

The third thing will be 3-4 years of a new coach coming in and trying to compete in the toughest conference in the FCS with what will be a bare cupboard, probably having a 7-15 record or so in those first two years, at which point you'll be back on here mashing your keyboard demanding THEY be fired and starting this whole process over again.

I think your problem isn't Spack. I think your problem is your OC. A few years ago, you had James Robinson to lean on, but no QB. Now you have a potential solid QB, but no RB. We have no offensive identity anymore, but our defense (where Spack focuses much more) is among the best in the country.

As a reminder, ISU WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE A WINNING TEAM THIS YEAR. And they will be and you still want to fire Spack. I don't get it.

The Problem is no the OC . I don’t agree with firing Spack or OC. I don’t think that Spack has some hand cuffs on OC. But at same time as fans we don’t pick up all the OL injuries that have occurred.. That may fall back on recruiting more linemen on both sides of the ball or just practice/off season training regime wear and tear on the body of the linemen. Does not matter if we have a good RB,QB or WR if we don’t have good upfront personnel. The Varsity Network

 

[Redbirdwarrior]

The Problem is no the OC . I don’t agree with firing Spack or OC. I don’t think that Spack has some hand cuffs on OC. But at same time as fans we don’t pick up all the OL injuries that have occurred.. That may fall back on recruiting more linemen on both sides of the ball or just practice/off season training regime wear and tear on the body of the linemen. Does not matter if we have a good RB,QB or WR if we don’t have good upfront personnel. The Varsity Network

A very strong point. The injuries hurt for sure. We need to recruit a pile of heavies. One of the most underrated parts of ISU's 2014 season was the OLine opening giant holes in zone blocking.

 

[Redbird]

All of these problems you guys come up with all reside with a coach who has been here since 2009. We are the team he has built and that team is 33-31 (22-28 MVFC) in the last 6 seasons with 2 playoff appearances and 2-2 playoff record. 1 of those playoff appearances was a gift in 2016 riding off our recent success. We are the definition of mediocre. We had 1 great season in 2019. We lost our chance at the playoffs on Saturday with a poorly coached game. The buck must start and stop with him and no one is calling him to task on the direction we are going. He needs to be done at the end of this season.

 

[Redbirdwarrior]

All of these problems you guys come up with all reside with a coach who has been here since 2009. We are the team he has built and that team is 33-31 (22-28 MVFC) in the last 6 seasons with 2 playoff appearances and 2-2 playoff record. 1 of those playoff appearances was a gift in 2016 riding off our recent success. We are the definition of mediocre. We had 1 great season in 2019. We lost our chance at the playoffs on Saturday with a poorly coached game. The buck must start and stop with him and no one is calling him to task on the direction we are going. He needs to be done at the end of this season.

LETS SAY, for argument's sake, that you let Spack go and 1/3rd of the roster transfers out.

How many seasons of 4 or less wins do you give the next guy before you are calling for HIS head? Because it will be at LEAST 2 (I argue, probably 4) before there is a winning season.