II just re-read much of this thread. It's really sad. Much of our fanbase simply doesn't understand how little talent, how little depth, and how little experience at what we are trying to do was here in 2019. Stated otherwise, many folks don't understand P5 football generally or the state of this program specifically at the beginning of the 2019 season, or they just want to complain.
As I have stated before, look at the difference between Curry's third year and Ross' third year as compared to their first two years. It takes three years to change a culture and install offenses and defenses--and the change was a major change.
Listen to Patenaude's press conference from two days ago. He is giddy about having a QB with a year's experience in his system. He hasn't had that the last two years--but it hasn't stopped the criticism from ye who don't know football. He also will have an offensive line that is light years ahead of what he had 2 years ago, and a RB room that's as good as anyone's. In Thacker's press conference of yesterday he said that after 2 days of practice this offense is "exponentially better." He pointed out that it's better for the defense to practice against a better offense.
Thacker was much more subdued than Patenaude. But he did point out the improvement in talent at DE, and he is impressed with Eley's experience and athleticism at LB. He did not talk about DB's but Collins coaches those guys. We are young there, but we have talent. We don't have Clemson, ND or UGA talent on D, but it is much better than it was 2 years ago.
We are still a young football team with lots of transfers. Go to 247 and look at the scholarship distribution. It will take some time for this team to gel, but this year could be similar to 1988--although the schedule is tougher.
We have 14 HS 4 stars. Collins brought in 12 of them. If you can't see the talent improvement--or the necessity of recruiting at a higher level than prior years--then you just want to criticize the staff. And that is all many of you want to do.
The criticism of this staff in this thread is unfair, either due to personal agendas or ignorance of football generally or the Tech program specifically. And no, this isn't a great staff, but if you want a great staff then go check out the staff salaries at Clemson and put your money where you mouth is (or fingers are). But you will see an improved product on the field this year. No question about that.
