Originally posted by Geeked:
I was listening to the USC podcast and they were giving Herm props. Everyone is admitting they had his hiring all wrong (including myself). It doesn't matter because I don't mind eating that type of crow. Love seeing kids succeed.
They were talking about how he got in and basically weeded out all the kids that didn't want to commit to the program. And it worked. I see the needle pointing north. Soon, ASU will be competing in LA for the same kids as SC and UCLA. And that soon, may be this year.
As far as SC fans booing Sears, I felt they were booing Helton and Tee's play calling. It may appear they're booing the QB but the guys I sit with at the watch party didn't have anything troubling to say about the kid. Now, as far as the guys calling plays and running the team... Ya, were rough.
We've probably lost about 10 players since Herm took over. It's a bit tough to tell his vision since its his first year and he's been out of coaching so long and out of college entirely. So how much is his long term vision, and how much is him experimenting.
I definitely think he wants a run-oriented offense. Our RB Eno Benjamin is on pace to have the 5th best rushing season all-time at ASU. You have to go back to Frank Kush era (60's and 70s) for the last time we were so committed to a bell-cow RB. But he's also been an aggressive playcaller, which is a big surprise. He goes for it on 4th down and makes crazy calls like Manny's keeper on 3rd and 1.
Manny however has been a big disappointment overall. USC game was probably his best this year (and he only threw for what, 160?). He normally makes multiple horrible throws this year. I was shocked he was mostly on target.
Defensively, its a new system. The 3-3-5. And Todd Graham's players are just so soft on D lol. I don't really think we will see "Herm's Defense" until year 3. Its just such a major rebuild. TG's defense in the past 3 years was 100th ranked, one of the worst in all college ball. TG's philosophy was either get a turnover or let them score. Basically the opposite of bend and don't break.
Our defense's top 5 tacklers against USC were sophmores or younger (and top 7 of 8 were sophmores or freshman). So its definitely a promising young defense.
. Dude is a 3rd stringer, lol. Cut him some slack. Boo your defense giving up 185 yards to Eno. Not to mention Sears actually outplayed our QB, lol. Manny was awful (outside his 3rd down run).
