MSU and NW look really good right now don't they?
The 1-12 stat is real, however, it has to be taken in context. We had a chance to win every one of those games in the 4th quarter, but didnt make it happen. So that tells me we are competitive with everyone, we just need to tweak some things rather than blow it all up.
I know Stanley has taken a ton of blame for all of it as well as Brian, but the common denominator in every one of those losses is we cant run the ball. At home, on the road, wherever, we cant run against really anyone and especially against anyone with a pulse on defense. It has been a long time since we have had an experienced and cohesive offensive line, and all the way back to Greene over a decade ago since we have had a bell cow back. Stanley would have been a great quarterback during his time if we had a competent running game. That is why Wisconsin is better right now, because their o line, blocking schemes and backs can run when everyone knows they are running. We cant do that and haven't in a long time.
To be better, we need to be bullies on the offensive line, something with our resources we are fully capable of doing. Polasek has had enough time to improve this but hasn't so he needs to go. We need some power in the backfield. Goodson will.be great but he needs to get stronger. We have missed a lot on the backs in recruiting and that has left us a gaping hole. Its unfortunate because I think Eno would have fit in nicely here.
I know it sucks to be patient, but the sky isn't falling. If we can go back to running the ball we can win a lot of those games. However, if ferentz doesn't make any changes in the off season it would be hard pressed to think we fare any better against the good teams.
On the other side, we have got to stop the run on these teams. We haven't been able to do that when it mattered in all these games even though the stats show we are a good run defense team.