I just watched the first quarter of the TCU game, and I saw some things that I think can make a huge difference that are relatively simple fixes:
Offense:
Brayden Willis isn't a good blocker.
Often he was getting blown up into the RB.
The rest of the time, he just basically put his hand on the defender and stood there.
Find a different H-back that can block better, or just quit using him in that role.
The OL busted on a few assignments. That is inexcusable, honestly.
The OL struggled to get to the second level in the run game, this allowed LBs to run free and get shots at the RB at or behind the L.O.S.
OL were getting extended in the passing game.
On one play, Raym was almost parallel to the ground he was so extended and was just basically thrown down.
I agree Gabriel's footwork needs work, and he isn't great at rolling to his right.
Defense:
Play fast, but you can't just run upfield.
Break down at the L.O.S. and use your eyes to see what's happening.
Set the edge
Dugan's long TD run was because Kani Walker stuck his head inside and pursued the RB.
Walker did a better job keeping his head outside but was just "little kidded" often. Not sure if he isn't strong or isn't tough, but he isn't something.
DB's have to track the ball.
I know it's been said a lot, but there were 3-4 PI's and the DBs weren't really in that bad of a position they just took the easy way out because they didn't find the ball.
On many run plays, TCU just beat the blitz.
On, I think, the last rushing TD, they ran trips over (I think), and Stutsman blitzed to the opposite A-gap. This put a huge strain on the rest of the defense to that side when they ran the ball right where he was.
Hat's off to them on recognizing those tendencies or just getting lucky.
I am by no means an expert in all things football, and I have coached at least at the HS level, but I think these are easy coaching things to address. I am not checking it in this season, and I do think this team is salvageable. I think they can win most, if not all, of the remaining games. They just have to keep improving, and the kids must be coachable.
