ADVERTISEMENT

Yes, Jim has lost the team. But I sort of get it.

andrewhfine

Heisman
Gold Member
Mar 1, 2006
18,297
22,643
113
I don’t think what is going on with this team is that complicated. They’ve packed it in. But I sort of get it.

I’m assuming what Jim sold this team on was a chance to play a shortened season under tough circumstances might be in our favor and that we could compete for a title. The team played well against Minnesota and looked excited for the season. In hindsight it was fool’s gold, but the energy was there.

Then they just laid an egg vs MSU. An awful loss to a rival that never should’ve happened. But sometimes those things do happen. And that took the wind out of our sails. Throw in a couple of injuries to key guys, and they started looking around the locker room and understood the reality of what could be accomplished. This wasn’t a championship team and they all knew it.

And at that point they basically packed it in on this. And I’m not sure I blame them.

What’s the logic on busting your ass for an abbreviated asterisk season? Sure, have more pride in yourself and pride in the school. But in reality, that’s really tough to do. Jim is doing an awful job of motivation, but this is also a really tough environment to coach in.

You also have to consider what these guys are dealing with, especially the young guys.

They’ve basically been isolated from the other students. Sent off to college to sit in a dorm, but you can’t meet new people or hang out, and now they’ve kicked everyone else out of the dorms and sent them home. Can you imagine how much that would suck? And you still have to go grind it out at practice for a season going nowhere. That’s tough for 18 and 19 year olds. Hell I know plenty of people much older than that who are struggling mightily to adjust to what 2020 has brought all of us. All that stuff might be easier to accept if you’re winning and still pointing towards your goals. But if you’re losing and just playing out the hand? That’s a tough beat.

Yes, Jim should be doing a better job of motivation. Yes, there are other issues with personnel that need addressing. But losing 49-11 to Wisconsin is more than that. It’s a team that has given up on a season. Normally I’d say that is inexcusable. But these aren’t normal times. Look at PSU - they are in the same boat as us. Frankly, 75% of the Big Ten looks like they don’t care.

So where does that leave us? The same place we started from in my opinion - recognizing that this is just a crappy situation for everyone. Some are dealing with it better than others. We’ve failed to handle this well. And that is disappointing. But while successfully managing it should earn increased accolades, I’m not sure failing to manage it should be a fireable offense.
 
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Go Big.
Get Premium.

Join Rivals to access this premium section.

  • Say your piece in exclusive fan communities.
  • Unlock Premium news from the largest network of experts.
  • Dominate with stats, athlete data, Rivals250 rankings, and more.
Log in or subscribe today Go Back