FB: American Southwest Conference

[Toby Taff]

Congratulations to the Cru for a great season. Very tough way to end.  Obviously, the west bracket was stacked from the get-go. There is no shame in losing to Linfield. IMO, UMHB's national reputation will be every bit as strong heading into next year. Congratulations to the Cru seniors. You had a GREAT 4 years! You will be forever known as helping form the foundation for one of the very strongest football programs in the nation.

I think you're spot on bleedpurple.  There should be a lot of talent returning next year, there are only 11 seniors on this years squad, and for the returners the last 2 years have brought a good deal of adversity and experience because of injuries and good playoff runs.  No one wants to stack the pads before Salem, maybe this year just makes them hungrier and harder working.  Thanks to the Seniors for some great memories. 

Up with the Purple!

[crudbdad]

Crudbdad,
  Thanks for hangin with us at our tailgate. I enjoyed our visit.  I really thought that this would be a pick-em game.   Your son did a great job today.  UMHB has a ton of talent, and they showed it early on.  I have to admit I don't understand the thought process on the 2QB system.  I know it has been working for the Cru, I just felt that the Cru were out of sinc in the second half. 
   Again Congrats on an awesome season, and thanks for trekking to the Catdome.

Phone it in
Gig Harbor Cat

[crudbdad]

Crudbdad,
  Thanks for hangin with us at our tailgate. I enjoyed our visit.  I really thought that this would be a pick-em game.   Your son did a great job today.  UMHB has a ton of talent, and they showed it early on.  I have to admit I don't understand the thought process on the 2QB system.  I know it has been working for the Cru, I just felt that the Cru were out of sinc in the second half. 
   Again Congrats on an awesome season, and thanks for trekking to the Catdome.

Phone it in
Gig Harbor Cat

Enjoyed meeting you, DOC and Wildcat11. Thanks for the NW hospitality. AS to the platoon you live by the sword and die by it. After the 1st fumble we were shocked to see him back in. Oh well, can't overcome that many turnovers. Thanks for the compliment on my son. Hope you go all the way now.

[umhb2001]

Congratulations to the Cru for a great season. Very tough way to end.  Obviously, the west bracket was stacked from the get-go. There is no shame in losing to Linfield. IMO, UMHB's national reputation will be every bit as strong heading into next year. Congratulations to the Cru seniors. You had a GREAT 4 years! You will be forever known as helping form the foundation for one of the very strongest football programs in the nation.

Well said! I appreciate the respect and the way you spoke it! I feel bad for the guys because it wasn't their best game! Hopefully, we can retool and come back strong next year.

[umhb2001]

Intersting article in today's Temple Daily Telegram about Coach Fred's response to Saturday's defeat. 

http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2009/12/1/62463

In response to decisions made in the second half, Coach Fred said "We have to make sure we identify and come to the realizatioin of why we did this and why we did that. We have to address those things."

--My response to this is, did he not know what the gameplan was for the second half?

Eric Drennan, the writer, says "Paramount in the coming months will be an inspection of UMHB's offensive philosophy, which has gradually evolved or devolved in recent years from the physical rushing attack...into a convoluted hybrid-the shotgun spread...blended with the smash-mouth style the Crusaders program was built on."

--I hope we don't get away from the run, but I wouldn't mind a more open approach as we saw this year to the pass.

Coach Fred said "They had a good crowd, but for the first two drives they were quiet...So if we would have just continued to do that, we would have been fine."

--Again, did he not know, or did they not talk about the game plan for the second half?

Finally, Coach Fred said "You start at the beginning of everything and look at your philosophy and your beliefs, all of those things come into question."

Eric Drennan said "He [ Coach Fredenburg] highlighted his plans to improve the program."

--I am interested in knowing what these plans are and how the philosophy might change.  I don't think much change needs to necessarily be had, but we definately need to look at having a single starting QB.  Choose one and stick with it. I don't know, any thoughts out there?

[crufootball]

It was an interesting story and you bring up some good points umhb2001. In response to your questions about the second half game plan, in a story on Sunday he said "I wasn't involved in (the halftime offense) discussion," Fredenburg said. "I was talking with the defensive coaches."

I definitely agree that we need to pick a QB and stick with him. This year I think I would have picked Noack and let Bailey learn the postion in games where the result was not in doubt. Then in the off season let Noack and Bailey battle it out for who get the position full time for next season.

The Killeen Daily Herald also had a similar story but had a section about Qunicy Daniels and his future.

Daniels' future

A big question surrounding UMHB is whether running back Quincy Daniels will return next season. The junior is scheduled to graduate in May but could play another season if he pursues a medical redshirt after missing nearly all of the 2008 with a knee injury.

"We need to sit down and just talk about it," Fredenburg said. "But I'm in no rush. I think there's a lot of things that have to be considered."

I really don't think QD is going to come back but it is intriguing that Coach acted like there was a chance.

[D O.C.]

Do we know if it was his knees that caused him to be less of a factor throughout the game?
I swear in the 1st 15 minutes we thought he was going to run to Corvallis (30 mi.) and then head back in the second quarter. I would like to see his first TD run again. Probably 14 hands on him but nobody was going to put a helmet on those thigh pads, or could at least, do not want to sell the 'CATS short.
If they wound up giving him something new to think about then that is an entirely different matter.

IMHO - 1 quarterback 2004
          1 quarterback 2009

[roocru]

Intersting article in today's Temple Daily Telegram about Coach Fred's response to Saturday's defeat. 

http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2009/12/1/62463

In response to decisions made in the second half, Coach Fred said "We have to make sure we identify and come to the realizatioin of why we did this and why we did that. We have to address those things."

--My response to this is, did he not know what the gameplan was for the second half?

Eric Drennan, the writer, says "Paramount in the coming months will be an inspection of UMHB's offensive philosophy, which has gradually evolved or devolved in recent years from the physical rushing attack...into a convoluted hybrid-the shotgun spread...blended with the smash-mouth style the Crusaders program was built on."

--I hope we don't get away from the run, but I wouldn't mind a more open approach as we saw this year to the pass.

Coach Fred said "They had a good crowd, but for the first two drives they were quiet...So if we would have just continued to do that, we would have been fine."

--Again, did he not know, or did they not talk about the game plan for the second half?

Finally, Coach Fred said "You start at the beginning of everything and look at your philosophy and your beliefs, all of those things come into question."

Eric Drennan said "He [ Coach Fredenburg] highlighted his plans to improve the program."

--I am interested in knowing what these plans are and how the philosophy might change.  I don't think much change needs to necessarily be had, but we definately need to look at having a single starting QB.  Choose one and stick with it. I don't know, any thoughts out there?

UMHB2001,

I completely understand your frustration.  I was frustrated too.  However, your remarks seem to suggest that Coach Fred was at fault for this loss and even suggest he was "clueless" about what went on in the second half.  Even if he was not involved with offensive discussions at half, that is normally what happens as he lets his offensive staff make those decisions every week. 

I perceive his remarks that you quoted to be referring to the the planning and analyzing for next year that I am sure has already begun at every level of the Cru coaching staff.  These are dedicated and successful coaches who are probably more disappointed than anyone except maybe the players themselves.  It is my opinion we need to give these men a little slack on comments made shortly after the game and back off on what seems to me to be a somewhat  personal attack.

If he does have thoughts regarding changes to be made I am sure he will not share those with you, me or anyone else not involved in the program.  I am also quite sure any changes will not be made because of posters and fans discontent, but will be made with careful consideration based on years of experience and with the input of his entire staff.

In summary, we can discuss options such as platooning QB's or not, and running more or less, but should not look for scapegoats.  If that was not your intention, then maybe a little less bolding on your remarks would seem to be appropriate.

[Toby Taff]

I too agree with the idea that there needs to be one starting QB.  At times the platooning worked great, but at other times it seemed to deflate the sails this season.  I like having an effective passing attack, but would never want to give up on good old fashioned smash mouth football, and I think part of the problem with giving Noack all the reps is that he doesn't run the option particularly well.  I'd like to see a Bailey/Noack hybrid, which may be what Bailey becomes with a little more experience.  He certainly has the arm to throw and the wheels to run, but my biggest issues with him this season were with the decisions he made, and hopefully experience will sharpen that process.

As for QD, I hope he comes back for another year so he can start the year @ full speed.  If he does, I think he'll own the UMHB record book.

[criswyly]

Personally, I would give coach Fredenberg a hugh benefit of the doubt....not to many coaches get their team to where UMHB has been for the last half dozen years.  You can probably count the number of coaches on about one hand.

[criswyly]

Teamski
I didn't see the game...but the report I got was that most of the turnovers where due to the solid headsup defense of the Cats....not sloppy ball handling by the Cru....Big difference there....Ya'll correct me if I'm wrong.

[Toby Taff]

Personally, I would give coach Fredenberg a hugh benefit of the doubt....not to many coaches get their team to where UMHB has been for the last half dozen years.  You can probably count the number of coaches on about one hand.

Coach Fred has plenty of latitude in my book.  He is  a huge asset and has done a remarkable job.

[umhb2001]

It was an interesting story and you bring up some good points umhb2001. In response to your questions about the second half game plan, in a story on Sunday he said "I wasn't involved in (the halftime offense) discussion," Fredenburg said. "I was talking with the defensive coaches."

I definitely agree that we need to pick a QB and stick with him. This year I think I would have picked Noack and let Bailey learn the postion in games where the result was not in doubt. Then in the off season let Noack and Bailey battle it out for who get the position full time for next season.

The Killeen Daily Herald also had a similar story but had a section about Qunicy Daniels and his future.

Daniels' future

A big question surrounding UMHB is whether running back Quincy Daniels will return next season. The junior is scheduled to graduate in May but could play another season if he pursues a medical redshirt after missing nearly all of the 2008 with a knee injury.

"We need to sit down and just talk about it," Fredenburg said. "But I'm in no rush. I think there's a lot of things that have to be considered."

I really don't think QD is going to come back but it is intriguing that Coach acted like there was a chance.

I have spoken to QD and when I talked to him, he didn't sound like he was going to pursue the medical redhshirt.  If that is what he wants to do, then buckle up and move on.  We can't think about what if. The thing is, he looks at it from a monitary point of view.  If he were getting a scholarship, like Shipley from Texas, then I think he would do it.

[umhb2001]

Intersting article in today's Temple Daily Telegram about Coach Fred's response to Saturday's defeat. 

http://www.tdtnews.com/story/2009/12/1/62463

In response to decisions made in the second half, Coach Fred said "We have to make sure we identify and come to the realizatioin of why we did this and why we did that. We have to address those things."

--My response to this is, did he not know what the gameplan was for the second half?

Eric Drennan, the writer, says "Paramount in the coming months will be an inspection of UMHB's offensive philosophy, which has gradually evolved or devolved in recent years from the physical rushing attack...into a convoluted hybrid-the shotgun spread...blended with the smash-mouth style the Crusaders program was built on."

--I hope we don't get away from the run, but I wouldn't mind a more open approach as we saw this year to the pass.

Coach Fred said "They had a good crowd, but for the first two drives they were quiet...So if we would have just continued to do that, we would have been fine."

--Again, did he not know, or did they not talk about the game plan for the second half?

Finally, Coach Fred said "You start at the beginning of everything and look at your philosophy and your beliefs, all of those things come into question."

Eric Drennan said "He [ Coach Fredenburg] highlighted his plans to improve the program."

--I am interested in knowing what these plans are and how the philosophy might change.  I don't think much change needs to necessarily be had, but we definately need to look at having a single starting QB.  Choose one and stick with it. I don't know, any thoughts out there?

UMHB2001,

I completely understand your frustration.  I was frustrated too.  However, your remarks seem to suggest that Coach Fred was at fault for this loss and even suggest he was "clueless" about what went on in the second half.  Even if he was not involved with offensive discussions at half, that is normally what happens as he lets his offensive staff make those decisions every week. 

I perceive his remarks that you quoted to be referring to the the planning and analyzing for next year that I am sure has already begun at every level of the Cru coaching staff.  These are dedicated and successful coaches who are probably more disappointed than anyone except maybe the players themselves.  It is my opinion we need to give these men a little slack on comments made shortly after the game and back off on what seems to me to be a somewhat  personal attack.

If he does have thoughts regarding changes to be made I am sure he will not share those with you, me or anyone else not involved in the program.  I am also quite sure any changes will not be made because of posters and fans discontent, but will be made with careful consideration based on years of experience and with the input of his entire staff.

In summary, we can discuss options such as platooning QB's or not, and running more or less, but should not look for scapegoats.  If that was not your intention, then maybe a little less bolding on your remarks would seem to be appropriate.

No personal attacks were being taken roocru, I just was confused on the article.  I totally understand the importance of Coach Fred and have been fortunate to have him as our coach. I have been following the Cru since day one, before they were The Cru and love them passionately. That is why I am on here. The bold print was me dividing my thoughts from the quotes, no higher importance, just dividing it up.

Ii don't put the onus on Coach Fred, obviously Linfield played a great game and we were a little sloppy; I was just confused about whether or not he was in on the discusions about the plan for second half.  I was under the impression that the head coach did those things. 

No bad feelings RooCru, just posing questions.

[crufootball]

So you say it's monitary...any UMHB fans out there want to chip in for a new scholarship fund for I am starting

Obviously just kidding, I totally understand QD's reasoning and wish him nothing but the best as his time at UMHB comes to a close. I am just surprised that it was even spoken about in the article.