Mid Season Review

[bearcatrunner]

I have to say, I’m shocked that we’re 5-1. I honestly thought we were just riding this season out to get through the coach’s contract. But I’m starting to really enjoy what this team brings to the field.

They do the things I love to see in a football team: they fight for extra yards without turning the ball over. Sure, they get some questionable calls against them, but even the penalties they do earn—I can live with. They catch the ball when it’s reasonable to expect a catch. And we’re making field goals! That’s such a luxury. I used to hope we’d go for it on 4th down because I was pretty sure our kicker would miss. Not this year.

Every couch coach wishes for different play calls, but overall, I can live with the decisions. I’m not a fan of the bend-don’t-break defense—I wish they’d play that way on first and second down, then clamp down hard on third. See? Couch coaching in real time.

I think we have to give the coaching staff a lot of credit. But I’m still frustrated with the administration for turning our home game against Nebraska into an away game. That was a winnable matchup. We could be 6-0 right now.

Lets go Cats

[bearcatbret]

Here is a midseason review of the contenders and pretenders. I like that UC is currently in the contender category.
https://www.heartlandcollegesports.c...ClT6VJoXJ5UddA

[Bearcat93]

I agree - I have been won over by Sorsby's progress - we saw flashes last year, but too often offset by questionable decisions. While I do still wish we had that INT back at the end of the Nebraska game, he's made so many clutch plays since and for having a whole new stable of WR's, they have gelled into a really balanced collection of talent. Our Walker and Pryor are a great complimentary 1-2 punch as well. I'm only concerned about our defense - is it the 3-3-5 that's making us so soft against the run? I worry a bit about how we'll fare against a really talented team - so far, we haven't really played one as ISU was so depleted.

[swilsonsp4]

I agree - I have been won over by Sorsby's progress - we saw flashes last year, but too often offset by questionable decisions. While I do still wish we had that INT back at the end of the Nebraska game, he's made so many clutch plays since and for having a whole new stable of WR's, they have gelled into a really balanced collection of talent. Our Walker and Pryor are a great complimentary 1-2 punch as well. I'm only concerned about our defense - is it the 3-3-5 that's making us so soft against the run? I worry a bit about how we'll fare against a really talented team - so far, we haven't really played one as ISU was so depleted.

At least 10 teams in the B12 run some version of 3-3-5. It's quite prevalent throughout college football now. These schemes were developed in response to the development of spread offenses with RPO principles. The 4th DL or LB were being abused by QB's keying on them, knowing that, in most cases, they and their options were quicker. The defender committed and the QB acted accordingly. The 3-3-5 puts a quicker player, with better coverage skills on the field.

Tradeoffs exist with every defensive alignment. The IA State version of 3-3-5, most of which Tyson Veidt brought with him, is of a "bend but don't break" mindset. Yes, the Bearcats give up yardage, but the opposing teams have to grind out drives, which increases their chances of making mistakes. In the UCF game, the Knights had two long, unproductive drives. One lasted 17 plays, gaining only 40 yards (a couple UC penalties thrown in), leading to a punt.

The defense has allowed 12 TD's thus far through 7 games, which is well better than average. Opponents have made 17 trips into the Red Zone, resulting in only 8 TD's. While it's frustrating to see the defensive players on the field so long, that's unlikely to change. Veidt runs players in and out constantly, at all 3 levels. They have excellent depth everywhere except CB.

[bearcatlifer]

Thanks swilsonsp4. That gives me a better understanding of what is going on. In this light this defense is a success so far.

[swilsonsp4]

At some point, whether it be in B12 play (maybe TTU) or postseason, the Bearcats are going to run into superior personnel across the board. At that point, the old adage applies: "It's not the X's & O's, but the Jimmies and Joes."

[bearcatbret]

At some point, whether it be in B12 play (maybe TTU) or postseason, the Bearcats are going to run into superior personnel across the board. At that point, the old adage applies: "It's not the X's & O's, but the Jimmies and Joes."

UC does not play Tech this year unless BYU gets two loses between now and the end of the season. If BYU loses two and UC wins out, then UC will meet Tech in the Big 12 championship (if Tech wins out). There are still a lot of games to be played and I see only two or maybe 3 more wins for UC. It is too bad that we did not get WVU this year.

[swilsonsp4]

UC does not play Tech this year unless BYU gets two loses between now and the end of the season. If BYU loses two and UC wins out, then UC will meet Tech in the Big 12 championship (if Tech wins out). There are still a lot of games to be played and I see only two or maybe 3 more wins for UC. It is too bad that we did not get WVU this year.

That's why I mentioned TT. I'm more optimistic and believe the Bearcats have a legitimate shot at playing in Dallas.

[Greg7173]

How things have changed. I would have been happy for a bowl game this year but now talking about a shot to get into the B12 championship.

[D.A.H.]

How things have changed. I would have been happy for a bowl game this year but now talking about a shot to get into the B12 championship.

i think that the schedule gets a little tougher. i wish it wasn't, dallas may be a little too far away, this year.

[Bearcat93]

For me, I have zero interest in any non-CFP post season any longer. Those bowl games aren't what they once were - it'll be a bunch of opt outs. I'm thrilled that we're even having a "what if" discussion this year of being in the B12 Championship. I'll take road wins at Kansas and a strong outing at Utah. Hosting what could be a top 10 BYU at home to end the regular season? Heck year. Even if we trip up against one of the other games we're favored, it'll be a much, much better season than I ever expected.

[swilsonsp4]

For me, I have zero interest in any non-CFP post season any longer. Those bowl games aren't what they once were - it'll be a bunch of opt outs. I'm thrilled that we're even having a "what if" discussion this year of being in the B12 Championship. I'll take road wins at Kansas and a strong outing at Utah. Hosting what could be a top 10 BYU at home to end the regular season? Heck year. Even if we trip up against one of the other games we're favored, it'll be a much, much better season than I ever expected.

BYU is the last home opponent. The Cats have to travel to Ft. Worth the following Saturday to play TCU.

[bearcatrunner]

They have already exceeded my expectations so I would be happy with competitive football and going 3-2 in the last five games to make us 9-3 for the season. Now I would prefer they go 5-0 but one game at a time. I just enjoy that this is an actual team. Now if basketball can learn this from the football team we could be looking at two great seasons from both our two big sports. No I didn't forget about baseball but you can just look at attendance and know who the big two sports are.

[D.A.H.]

i think that coach bishel has baseball on the right path - that team will be making some major noise going forward.

[bearcatbret]

Midseason coaching hot seats:
Big 12 Football Coaches Hot Seat Rankings at Midseason (2025)