For the last couple of days, there have been quite a few posts discussing the complacency of the current program. Though I do agree that is true for segments of the Hokie Nation (mainly, some of the fans), I actually do not believe that the staff or even the team is complacent.
To me, it all boils down to risk aversion. I mean, look at how the team has been built over the last decade; ball control offense, strong defense, opportune special teams. This is all calculated and not really that risky.
Now when that product is successful (10 win seasons), it is really hard to let go of what you have been doing. Basically what it boils down to is that it seems we are coaching/playing not to lose; not specific games per se, but as a general attitude. As many others have said, maybe having a mediocre season will be good for us. Maybe it'll allow us to free ourselves up from the burden of this streak.
Look, I'm just a fan who loves this team and will never pretend I know how to dissect a game as well as any coach (or really a lot of the members here), but this is what I see right now. Feel free to disagree.
Cheers.
Comments
Two sides of the same coin?
I would argue that we're talking about the same thing. Complacency breeds an aversion to risk. If you're complacent, you're going to take less risks (eg: keep the status quo) because everything is hunky-dory in your mind.
Also, I do not think "complacent" is accurate description of the fan base. I think we're heading toward apathy.
From dictionary.com:
com路pla路cen路cy [kuhm-pley-suhn-see]
noun, plural com路pla路cen路cies.
1. a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.
ap路a路thy [ap-uh-thee]
noun, plural ap路a路thies.
1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
IMHO, the coaching staff exhibits symptoms of complacency and the fanbase is exhibiting symptoms of apathy. Neither of which are good.
I think apathy is a good word for it. Our fanbase has seemed to be apathetic and it's very frustrating to see people leaving games so early. I'm majoring in Aerospace Engineering and still find a way to go to ever damn game. I don't want to hear the "I have too much work excuse" while you're busy getting drunk every night. Get to the game and support the team, because although people might not realize it, football is this schools identity. It built this school.
As for this years team, they seem to lack heart. We had the ball with 4 minutes left down 4 and there was absolutely no sense of urgency. Yea, we ended up scoring and that's all fine and good, but where was the urgency? Why were our offensive players looking to the sidelines on every play and running the play clock down to 5 seconds? Get to the line and know what you're doing, if our coaches don't have enough faith in LT3 to run a hurry up offense on his own then he shouldn't be our quarterback. Then he's not the answer and we need to figure out who is.
Speaking of Apathy
Whatever happened to the mascot mock!