Making the case for Andy Ludwig
by JazzyUte on Nov 26, 2007 1:02 PM MST
in Football
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PrintI think it's pretty clear where I stand on the whole Andy Ludwig situation. While I don't think he's done enough bad to be fired, I would not be opposed to him leaving the program for another gig. But I also know there are some out there who support Ludwig and believe he should be given another year to prove his worth. Since I want to cover all sides, I'm going to play a little Devil's advocate.
Utah's offense has struggled the past three years, but it also has seen near unheard of turnover. In three years, three different quarterbacks have started for Utah, one played the entire 2006 season. They lost a 1,000 yard rusher, had injured receivers and replaced key components of the offensive line, either because of graduation, or injury. And yet, Utah still managed to finish with a winning record in each of those seasons, while twice winning 8 games.
This year, however, has been far more taxing on the offense. The Utes lost an offensive lineman before a down was ever played, watched as their starting running back went down minutes into the season and then had to deal with losing their quarterback not even a quarter later. Even though Brian Johnson wasn't lost for the season, three of Utah's losses during their 1-3 start came with him playing either none of the game, or no more than a half. With Brian Johnson starting, Utah's gone 7-1. But beyond the Johnson injury, the Utes lost Brent Casteel, a receiver who the offense heavily relied on.
Even though Brian Johnson returned, it's clear he played every game less than 100% healthy. His distance on passes was far from decent and he was tentative when running with the ball. That undoubtedly handicapped the offense and is a possible explanation to the poor production in some games.
With all that offense returning next year and a healthy Brian Johnson, Ludwig will finally have the consistency he needs to put together an impressive and explosive offense. There really is no excuse for Utah to struggle next year on offense like they have this season. But the problems they have seen this year may just be a direct result of injury instead of coaching. If it is coaching, next year Utah blows a great opportunity to make noise nationally with all the talent they have returning.
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Let me save you the trouble.
I usually don't harp on playcalling. Coaches know a heck of a lot more about playcalling than I do. They watch countless hours of film for days on end trying to figure out exactly how to exploit the upcoming opponent. I normally have faith that there is a reason for every play that is called. However, when an offensive coordinator insists on not only running inordinant numbers of screen passes but running them on back to back plays, my faith begins to bottom out. In a 2004 game against Washington, Andy Ludwig called screen passes on back to back plays on three seperate occasions. Yes, we won the game 31-6 but it was no thanks to one of the weakest offensive outputs in UO history. He was in a similar spot after three years at Oregon as he is now at Utah. He wasn't horrible enough to get fired, but he saw the writing on the wall and left UO for the job at Utah. His general incompetence was exposed when Gary Crowton came in the very next year and led the same offense Ludwig had to the number one total offense output in the Pac-10. Oregon had the talent to be explosive. Ludwig didn't capitalize. There isn't a point in waiting till next year to figure out he isn't as good as he looked with Fresno State when he had David Carr. Utah would be smart to just ditch him now.
by oregon4life on Nov 26, 2007 1:27 PM MST reply actions
I pretty much agree.
During the BYU game Utah ran a triple reverse that cost them five yards. If it had been a double reverse, it would have worked out, as the player had nothing but green in front. But when they reversed it again, UGH.
Good post, but not convincing
The triple reverse in the BYU game had to be perhaps the most ill-concieved play call all season from Ludwig, BYU has a great defense with impressive speed and is not easily fooled by those kinds of plays. The same goes for the reverse play against Air Force that ended up costing 10 yards instead of the few that were needed for a first down.
Also, what was he thinking of only getting Mack the ball 13 times against BYU? I do agree that we were having some issues running the ball, but Mack also broke several runs for significant yardage and in my opinion could have reached the 100 yard mark again if he had got 5-7 more carries for the game.
All in all, I think we were spoiled with Sanford as our offensive coordinator and we have been greatly let down by Ludwig's attempt at trickery rather than solid offensive plays. I would not let Ludwig coach a pee wee team, let alone call plays for a Div 1 school.
by fireludwig on Nov 26, 2007 1:34 PM MST reply actions
Don't Wait
I disagree, Utes go undefeated and they're in.
Undefeated = BCS
Now about Ludwig... I have calmed down so im not going to be as irrational as I was earlier.
Look We all jumped on Kyle earlier this season, and if he would have been let go what a huge mistake that would have been he is a great coach. I hope he sticks around for 15 20 years I really do. So I am just going to trust that Kyle and Dr. Hill will be able to figure out the correct solution after we win our bowl. If it is axing Andy or keeping him at this point I'm going to let the professionals handle it
Me Too
As for your schedule, you proved in 2004 that you can get to the BCS without playing competition all season long. Hawaii is a classic example of that this year. Look at all the great things Alex Smith has amounted to since his pathetic pro career.
Trust me, you want to keep Ludwig calling the plays. Those triple reverse retard plays are really working out just fine.
by cougar1011 on Nov 26, 2007 9:58 PM MST reply actions
Fuck the Cougars
by cougarkiller on Nov 26, 2007 10:04 PM MST up reply actions
How Can byu speak of weak schedules?
Injuries are part of the game
However, injuries are part of the game. Granted, Utah suffered more than its fair share in the first game and before the season ever started. But we should always expect there to be some injuries. Ludwig can't use that excuse every year. Besides, this is the college game. A coordinator should expect that he will have to work with a new quarterback on a regular basis.
Also, injuries or no injuries, being shutout by UNLV is NEVER acceptable.
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