Step 4: We are the problem
Heartbreaking loss to TCU. I love to blame the other team, coaches, or refs on things. However, Step 4 tells us to look at ourselves and examine how we contributed to our own addiction; in this case, how we contributed to our own loss.
1. John Mayers missed the 46 yd field goal in the 1st quarter
2. Blake Shapen threw a pick in the end zone with 4 seconds before halftime
3. Blake Shapen missed a wide open Ben Sims to convert for a first down in the last possession/drive. (I haven't seen this one because it's hard to tell from TV. Based on other comments from fans/reporters present).
Things out of our control:
- FG substitutions that would have runoff the game clock.
- Was this a coaching error? Refs fault? NCAAF Guidebook (link below) says in Article 5, Section 2 the following:
- 1. Any number of legal substitutes for either team may enter the game between periods, after a score or try, or during the interval between downs only for the purpose of replacing a player(s) or filling a player vacancy(ies).
- 2. A legal substitute may replace a player or fill a player vacancy provided none of the following restrictions is violated:
- a. No incoming substitute shall enter the field of play or an end zone while the ball is in play.
- b. No player, in excess of 11, shall leave the field of play or an end zone while the ball is in play (A.R. 3-5-2-I).
In the end, we had chances to control the outcome of the game but missed it. Football is a game of inches and we are responsible for missing important inches from this game.
The QB decision is now showing to be questionable. The truth is that at least Bohannon could use his legs when he didn't like looks downfield.
Thankfully the CFP hasn't expanded to 12 yet. We have until then to be a contending team…grow the players in stressful situations, coaching staff on fast & hard decisions, and build identity as a program. 1 good year doesn't set things in stone. It's a blueprint for success, but doesn't mean things are handed to us.
Sources:
https://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/FR22.pdf 
