Bears will turn to Zach Smith at QB, Matt Rhule announces

ranchtx said:

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About damn time..!!!!!!

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Just 2 games late coach

LOL! My son texted me a Trump meme of "You're Fired" about Anu. He was going ballistic out at his duty station about how bad Anu was. When Anu got sacked instead of throwing to a WIDE OPEN ish late in the game, I was all aboard the "Fire Anu" train Zach throws that ball, and it's good for at least 20 yards if Ish doesn't plow over some guys to the end zone

Hey branch. I don't think we need an uptempo team. But players need to play fast and with urgency. They seem tentative and hesitant. They need to play with speed. It wouldn't be bad to switch the tempo up either to keep defense off balance. You can still control time of possession while picking your spots to go uptempo.

CoachHBU2008 said:

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Hey branch. I don't think we need an uptempo team. But players need to play fast and with urgency. They seem tentative and hesitant. They need to play with speed. It wouldn't be bad to switch the tempo up either to keep defense off balance. You can still control time of possession while picking your spots to go uptempo.

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Tempo Shmempo! We have about as much as a Charles Barkley golf swing Our defense is "Steelesque" at this point. Unless the tooth fairy grants us the wish for the '85 Chicago Bears D, we will not win a game this year. Hell, we scored 45 in the first game: and LOST!!! I'm thrilled Zach will get a chance to do the unthinkable, like beat a heavily favored Boise State, but if he is able to go out and produce 45 points, we're screwed, 'cause the Dukies will hang 56 on our defense. I know D is a secondary concern (excuse the pun) in the Big XII, but holy begeebers! Our-current-defense-is-abhorent.

"To be, or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them. To dieto sleep,
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep, perchance to dreamay, there's the rub:
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pausethere's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life...."

I like it

CoachHBU2008 said:

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D. C. Bear said:

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Mr. Goodbear said:

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D. C. Bear said:

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ScottH said:

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This "experiment" shows why the 5th year graduate transfer is a questionable proposition. You cannot bring in a kid from another system with just 1 year left and expect the chemistry to develop in a manner equal to another, albeit younger, player that has extensive experience and chemistry with the team, as a whole.

It looks good on paper and good in theory; but, rarely works in application...esp. at the quarterback position where everything is dependent on chemistry, timing and real game experience.

BU has lost 2 complete recruiting classes and it will take the 2017 season to acclimate the guys on the field right now to playing at the D-1 level...coupled with another strong recruiting class. For those of us that started watching BU football in Baylor Stadium in the early-1960's, an 8-4 or 9-3 season with a bowl game is a wonderful thing. Support the kids and cheer their development. We could be Tech or Vanderbilt or Rice or UNT and just have "Welcome" on the front of our jerseys.

BU Football will be back in very, very short order.

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No, we didn't lose two complete recruiting classes.
Yes, Rhule will get Baylor back to winning football.

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define winning....10-2? 9-3? 6-6?

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9-plus wins.
He'll be able to win at the level of Kansas State at a minimum.

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Easy. He'll be able to do with KState does at minimum. Upside is he can potentially make us playoff contenders if his transition to a hybrid pro style attack comes to fruition. Time will tell. I'm willing to give him a shot.

We need size and talent at the end of the day. The reason why he doesn't want to scrap the pro style attack is because he believes this is what is going to bring in Bama and USC style talent. It could very well be the quickest way to replenish the team, but we're going to have to start winning games or at least be competitive in big games this season.

I understand the infatuation about a spread attack, but not just anyone can run it. Not all spreads are the same. Truthfully the reason why we were so good at it was because of Briles and the attitude and confidence he brought with it. He just instilled it in the players.

It's not the offensive style that's the problem. It's the lack of confidence in the players. We need to build them back up and have their backs. They've been through a lot.

But let's keep things in perspective. How many teams in the Big XII run a great uptempo spread attack. Probably 3 in OU, OSU and Tech. Not sold on Texas yet and Hermans version of it is not uptempo and heavy on run game. So the idea that we must be an uptempo spread offense is not quite accurate. Coaches need to be who they are and run what they are confident in running.

I think the thing that Rhule messed up in was not starting Zach from the jump and just doing what he knows best. Trying to run 3 offenses is ridiculous. Run your pro style sets. Mesh plays from the old offense that players know and love and can confidently execute. Play fast. Play physical. Be creative. If you do that it doesn't matter if you're in gun or under center. That's a winning recipe.

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I'm curious to know what exactly you have seen thus far that gives you enough confidence to say this? Before the season I would have agreed but today, for me at least, it's very much in doubt.

I played in the Guy Morris era. He was a nice man but disengaged from the team. Rhule seems to be a coach that is very intentional.

I also don't think this team is as bad as they played. If you watch the games, they are thinking way too much and lack confidence in themselves. If they can stop thinking and just play and trust that they are being placed in the right direction they will be fine.

They have the want to be a lunch pale team. They have good not great but good talent still on the roster. I think when you drop a game like Liberty, it puts a lot of pressure on you to not choke against UTSA. And they played tight, coached tight and performed not to lose instead of to win. It's a confidence thing. It's an attitude. It's not necessarily ability. That's why I referenced KState.

But in order to get their confidence back they need a strong fan base to see them through and have their back. I know it sounds corny but it's true. They need fans to be supportive. Not delusional. They stunk it up. They know. Not even appeasing. If you have a critique that's ok. But we have to help provide an environment where their confidence can build. We also need to remember how the fans treat the team matters some to recruits. Not as much as winning but it takes a piece of the pie. A lot of my confidence is anecdotal, I know. But I just believe in the energy of the staff and the kids. And I am seeing enough on tape to know that this is all confidence or the lack their of. Defense wasn't nearly out of position like the last game. Offense on the other hand needs some work. To many offensive schemes are being ran. But if we minimize the playbook and tell these boys just go out there don't worry about making the mistake. Play hard, play physical, play fast. They will be alright.

Love Smith staring but it's only going to get more frustrating cause Rhule won't call plays suited to Smiths skill set. He will call them same crap that were in the prior two games. It's Rhule's way or the highway, results be damned.

bmili34 said:

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Love Smith staring but it's only going to get more frustrating cause Rhule won't call plays suited to Smiths skill set. He will call them same crap that were in the prior two games. It's Rhule's way or the highway, results be damned.

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Rhule doesn't call plays, does he?

You don't think he tells his OC or sets the agenda of what scheme to run?

bmili34 said:

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You don't think he tells his OC or sets the agenda of what scheme to run?

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I would assume he has the final say on what scheme to run. I was specifically talking about calling plays during the game, not game planning. I don't know if they script plays or not. Would be a good question to ask.

Come on folks---the offensive profanity is inappropriate

I personally think going with Zach almost ensures we are going to go more run heavy and pro style in out attack. We'll see. But I'm thinking more tight sets mixed with some gun action that Zach is comfortable with. Short passing to get the ball out quick and some veer shoot action from last year. Remember, Anu doesn't know last year's system.

Hopefully it wil generate a spark. At this point I just want them to be competitive and have energy. The thing I noticed in last week's game was UTSA seemed more excited to be there than Baylor. They had energy and enthusiasm. Their offense was pro style and basic from under center stuff. But they believed in what they were doing and executed with vigor and confidence. That's what we need to bring to the table. No more feeling sorry for ourselves. We have a huge opportunity to rebuild this thing the right way. In our play let's honor the past and build towards the future. But let's start by scrapping the Chip Kelly outside zone offense. Trying to stretch outside the tackles doesn't work and is counter to what Rhule wants us to become. Let's run it up the gut like we used to and force the action.

CoachHBU2008 said:

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I personally think going with Zach almost ensures we are going to go more run heavy and pro style in out attack. We'll see. But I'm thinking more tight sets mixed with some gun action that Zach is comfortable with. Short passing to get the ball out quick and some veer shoot action from last year. Remember, Anu doesn't know last year's system.

Hopefully it wil generate a spark. At this point I just want them to be competitive and have energy. The thing I noticed in last week's game was UTSA seemed more excited to be there than Baylor. They had energy and enthusiasm. Their offense was pro style and basic from under center stuff. But they believed in what they were doing and executed with vigor and confidence. That's what we need to bring to the table. No more feeling sorry for ourselves. We have a huge opportunity to rebuild this thing the right way. In our play let's honor the past and build towards the future. But let's start by scrapping the Chip Kelly outside zone offense. Trying to stretch outside the tackles doesn't work and is counter to what Rhule wants us to become. Let's run it up the gut like we used to and force the action.

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Great word coach. Thanks.

Quote:

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Quote:

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This "experiment" shows why the 5th year graduate transfer is a questionable proposition. You cannot bring in a kid from another system with just 1 year left and expect the chemistry to develop in a manner equal to another, albeit younger, player that has extensive experience and chemistry with the team, as a whole.

It looks good on paper and good in theory; but, rarely works in application...esp. at the quarterback position where everything is dependent on chemistry, timing and real game experience.

BU has lost 2 complete recruiting classes and it will take the 2017 season to acclimate the guys on the field right now to playing at the D-1 level...coupled with another strong recruiting class. For those of us that started watching BU football in Baylor Stadium in the early-1960's, an 8-4 or 9-3 season with a bowl game is a wonderful thing. Support the kids and cheer their development. We could be Tech or Vanderbilt or Rice or UNT and just have "Welcome" on the front of our jerseys.

BU Football will be back in very, very short order.

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I hope so. I have faith in the process right now, but I have to start seeing some improvements and soon. I hope this is what Zach has been waiting for and lights it up, but that O-line depth is concerning with his lack of mobility. Maybe he has gotten some better legs on him over the offseason. I do believe Zach's deep ball should be better and maybe that opens some things up for us.

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Considering he led the team to victory in a bowl game everyone was predicting us to lose--and with a bum ankle, there are signs of hope. But the OL has to step up big time.

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This guy is a real genius. He figured out in 2 games what most of us had figured out after the first 2 series against Liberty. We have put Zach in a hole with 2 losses to pansies, but the kid is a damn good quarterback and it is high time for us to see what he can do. I made the trip to Phoenix last year and it was well worth the trip. Just remember that Zach was recruited by someone who actually knows quarterbacks.

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Yes. I do not understand why Zach did not at least go in during the 3rd quarter in each game. I understand giving Anu a chance but if he cannot score enough points in 2 quarters to give us a solid lead, then it's time to try something different. That said, I still think our problems are deeper than QB play or coaching.

Forest Bueller said:

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ScottH said:

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BU Football will be back in very, very short order.


Scott, I sure hope you are right.

If not BU will be in the Mountain West in very short order.

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I'm going to assume you're not mocking anyone and are sincere because I like the attitude and genuinely agree.

Shakesbear said:

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CoachHBU2008 said:

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Hey branch. I don't think we need an uptempo team. But players need to play fast and with urgency. They seem tentative and hesitant. They need to play with speed. It wouldn't be bad to switch the tempo up either to keep defense off balance. You can still control time of possession while picking your spots to go uptempo.

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Tempo Shmempo! We have about as much as a Charles Barkley golf swing Our defense is "Steelesque" at this point. Unless the tooth fairy grants us the wish for the '85 Chicago Bears D, we will not win a game this year. Hell, we scored 45 in the first game: and LOST!!! I'm thrilled Zach will get a chance to do the unthinkable, like beat a heavily favored Boise State, but if he is able to go out and produce 45 points, we're screwed, 'cause the Dukies will hang 56 on our defense. I know D is a secondary concern (excuse the pun) in the Big XII, but holy begeebers! Our-current-defense-is-abhorent.

"To be, or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them. To die to sleep,
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep, perchance to dream ay, there's the rub:
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life...."

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Love the Hamlet!!

Hopefully, it's not too appropriate and our football program is not on the verge of suicide.

BearPa said:

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Wikstr9 said:

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Hey No. Thule won't ever win more than 8 games in a season at Baylor. A 500 record is unacceptable.

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Pay attention now....R H U L E.
See? Not so difficult.

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I spell it Thule for a reason. Dumbass.

Nice to see Sicem365 deletes post as well. 2nd try.

Thickey said:

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Come on folks---the offensive profanity is inappropriate

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The defensive profanity has arguably been worse.

CoachHBU2008 said:

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I personally think going with Zach almost ensures we are going to go more run heavy and pro style in out attack. We'll see. But I'm thinking more tight sets mixed with some gun action that Zach is comfortable with. Short passing to get the ball out quick and some veer shoot action from last year. Remember, Anu doesn't know last year's system.

Hopefully it wil generate a spark. At this point I just want them to be competitive and have energy. The thing I noticed in last week's game was UTSA seemed more excited to be there than Baylor. They had energy and enthusiasm. Their offense was pro style and basic from under center stuff. But they believed in what they were doing and executed with vigor and confidence. That's what we need to bring to the table. No more feeling sorry for ourselves. We have a huge opportunity to rebuild this thing the right way. In our play let's honor the past and build towards the future. But let's start by scrapping the Chip Kelly outside zone offense. Trying to stretch outside the tackles doesn't work and is counter to what Rhule wants us to become. Let's run it up the gut like we used to and force the action.

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I agree. On Madden '17 I would definitely go in the I formation more and/or do quick slant passes and pound the ball. I'd try to milk the clock for as much time of possession as possible. We have to keep the D off the field and fresh.

Why aren't we talking about the pitiful defensive game. Both Liberty and UTSA went through our defense like water thru a sive. The offense scored nought points I f the defense could have stopped both of them. I think we have a larger problem on the defensive end!

Better arm than Anu, that's for sure. Hope he can take the coming beating though.