College football

College football

Coaches assailed for performances to date

Fanfare:

I’ve been a vocal critic of both Heacock coaches involved in YSU and Ohio State football for quite a few years now. The last few games are proving my point that they should be removed from their positions.

Let’s start with YSU. We were very blessed to have Jim Tressel as our head coach for so long. We were also spoiled. One would think that there would be some sort of improvement over the last 7 or 8 years with Jon Heacock at the helm. There has not been one iota of change here. Every year has been disappointment after disappointment along with a declining fan base.

And along with that comes a decline in talented student athletes. It’s showing so this year. Yes, no one expected them to beat OSU but there wasn’t even a sign of competitiveness in the team and that has to start at the top.

Yes, there is a new offensive system this year and a need to get used to that system. But there is also this system called fundamentals and technique, and you have to have these down before you can run plays. There is no sign of fundamentals on this team.

The feeling I got after viewing Heacock’s interview the Monday after the South Dakota game was one of boredom.

As for OSU, I know Tressel is loyal to his coaches as should be. But just like in some marriages, sometimes it’s better to leave and grow than die and wither together. After two big losses in the national championship game maybe it’s time for Tressel to “divorce” himself of Jim Heacock.

Though ‘ol Jim is set in his ways on calling offensive plays, he has a way of getting out of sluggish play from his offense.

Every team playing football nowadays is “infatuated” with this spread offense. But, as in the pros, it’s starting to fade as every defensive coordinator is finding ways to interrupt the play of the spread. Simple bump and run coverage and delayed blitzes to disrupt the timing is one way to go.

Here’s a clue for Jim Heacock — why not get game film of the teams that are successful against the spread and teach and coach these defenses?

Wise up Jim Tressel and Ron Strollo — it’s time to find new people.

John Mirto

Hubbard