His unit has cost us a lot of games on what should be routine plays.

A legitimate argument can be made that the last 5 losses going back to 2020 are largely on the STs. And it is always the same problem, a successful snap and kick. How can he not have corrected that by now?

Why not have a backup QB or RB do the hold?

heartofthebear said:

---

A legitimate argument can be made that the last 5 losses going back to 2020 are largely on the STs. And it is always the same problem, a successful snap and kick. How can he not have corrected that by now?

---

He is not good at coaching?

If I performed as Ragle has at my job I'd never have another one in profession.

socaliganbear said:

---

heartofthebear said:

---

A legitimate argument can be made that the last 5 losses going back to 2020 are largely on the STs. And it is always the same problem, a successful snap and kick. How can he not have corrected that by now?

---

He is not good at coaching?

---

The excuse that he's a good recruiter is worn out.
Here's a thought, let's only hire folks that can do all aspects of coaching (means coaching + recruiting).
If Ragle is covering for other coaches that don't recruit, than all of them should be fired for failure to fulfill job duties.

heartofthebear said:

---

socaliganbear said:

---

heartofthebear said:

---

A legitimate argument can be made that the last 5 losses going back to 2020 are largely on the STs. And it is always the same problem, a successful snap and kick. How can he not have corrected that by now?

---

He is not good at coaching?

---

The excuse that he's a good recruiter is worn out.
Here's a thought, let's only hire folks that can do all aspects of coaching (means coaching + recruiting).
If Ragle is covering for other coaches that don't recruit, than all of them should be fired for failure to fulfill job duties.

---

And same thing the other way: If Ragle is a better recruiter than he is a special teams coach, other coaches on the staff need to pitch in on special teams. Our ST the first three years under Wilcox were not so hot, before turning downright bad last season. Send somebody to an off-season workshop or something! (That shoulda been done last season.)

We used to have a solid placekicking legacy Matt Anderson, Tavecchio, Brien, Frederickson. Way back Breech, Wershing. Decent punters. Problems kicking in the end zone ended with rules change.

Nowadays, placekicking spotty, kick coverage better overall, returns little production. But kick execution, protection, snaps, kick angle. . .all very weak. How can it all feel so unreliable?? Blocked kicks and rushed punts I see regularly it feels bizarro.

Longwell

One thing we do see pretty consistently is kickoffs into the end zone. Not long ago that was not the case.

We had a tradition of great punters in the American tradition of Ray Guy. Straight up and straight forward and high spirals. Then we got jealous of Utah and decided we needed to get Australian punters who run to the side and kick wobbly balls. It was a nice experiment. However, experiments only work if you are willing to look at the data and reach a conclusion. Any objective look at the data shows that punting average is down, hangtime is down, blocked kicks are up and field position is worse. BTW, the holder that dropped a perfect snap, letting it go through right through his hands on Saturday was our Australian punter. He was out there again on the next kick attempt.

I don't have anything against any country or nationality nor do I dislike any person just because of where they are from. What I don't like is culture getting in the way of success.

heartofthebear said:

---

We had a tradition of great punters in the American tradition of Ray Guy. Straight up and straight forward and high spirals.

---

Nick Harris. His near perfect punts repeatedly pinning the opponent inside the ten yard line were about the only "offense" we had.

JimSox said:

---

heartofthebear said:

---

We had a tradition of great punters in the American tradition of Ray Guy. Straight up and straight forward and high spirals.

---

Nick Harris. His near perfect punts repeatedly pinning the opponent inside the ten yard line were about the only "offense" we had.

---

Don't forget Anger!

Can someone confirm that he is a great recruiter? Who on this current team did he recruit that has been on any of the all-conference teams (1st, 2nd, 3rd)? I sure don't see any stand out players this year.

Our special teams look like they never practice. Got the tying XP stuffed by a high school play in the Big Game. Multiple dropped snaps of easy FG/XP recently. A number of muffed punts in the past few years.

Do other schools put better players on ST? Spend more time on it in practice? Or just have a better coach?

fat_slice said:

---

Can someone confirm that he is a great recruiter? Who on this current team did he recruit that has been on any of the all-conference teams (1st, 2nd, 3rd)? I sure don't see any stand out players this year.

---

Brett Johnson? (Not sure if he was totally responsible, but he is an Arizona guy).

I think an overall problem for the team is in game poise or composure. Wilcox pressers seem to suggest that mistakes are made in game that are not made in practice. This tendency is exacerbated on special teams as players play less and are further down in the depth chart suggesting confidence and composure are not their strengths.

Why this is happening could be depth. When players are unable to focus in game to play without mistakes, replacing them is the easiest way to send a message that in game focus and mistake free play are requirements for playing time. Without the sufficient depth, then you have to try to correct players without a stiff personal consequence for mistakes.

Another reason could be a lack of strong player leadership. Lacking a stand out, all conference performer who is willing to be a vocal leader and settle the team down when things go wobbly. Anyone who has ever played sports knows the effect of having a player like this. When momentum shifts and the team is back on their heels, the poise and leadership of this type of player are things that other players can feed off of to keep their composure.

It is frustrating that we were on the wrong side of 3 very close games. Sometimes I think the motto "Earn it," is misplaced with this coaching staff and the kids they are able to attract. Hard work doesn't seem to be the problem. I've never heard Wilcox comment that effort in games or practice was ever an issue. I think they've been successful at attracting players who really love football. It is easy to work hard when you love what you do. The thing this team needs to to relax, focus, and play confident. Then some of these bounces will start going our way. Hopefully enough to win a bunch of the remaining games and make this season a memorable one for all of the seniors and super seniors.

Go Bears!! Beat the Cougars!

fat_slice said:

---

Can someone confirm that he is a great recruiter? Who on this current team did he recruit that has been on any of the all-conference teams (1st, 2nd, 3rd)? I sure don't see any stand out players this year.

---

A list of ANY WILCOX RECRUITS AT ALL who have been named all-conference is going to be a pretty small list, sadly.

Big C said:

---

fat_slice said:

---

Can someone confirm that he is a great recruiter? Who on this current team did he recruit that has been on any of the all-conference teams (1st, 2nd, 3rd)? I sure don't see any stand out players this year.

---

A list of ANY WILCOX RECRUITS AT ALL who have been named all-conference is going to be a pretty small list, sadly.

---

Right!!! So why is this guy still part of the coaching staff? He is just outright bad ... That we play in a lot of close games magnifies our need for solid special teams play.

Wilcox just doesn't make moves fast enough ... Even after us fans have already seen the writing on the wall a year plus in advance.

evanluck said:

---

I think an overall problem for the team is in game poise or composure. Wilcox pressers seem to suggest that mistakes are made in game that are not made in practice. This tendency is exacerbated on special teams as players play less and are further down in the depth chart suggesting confidence and composure are not their strengths.

Why this is happening could be depth. When players are unable to focus in game to play without mistakes, replacing them is the easiest way to send a message that in game focus and mistake free play are requirements for playing time. Without the sufficient depth, then you have to try to correct players without a stiff personal consequence for mistakes.

Another reason could be a lack of strong player leadership. Lacking a stand out, all conference performer who is willing to be a vocal leader and settle the team down when things go wobbly. Anyone who has ever played sports knows the effect of having a player like this. When momentum shifts and the team is back on their heels, the poise and leadership of this type of player are things that other players can feed off of to keep their composure.

It is frustrating that we were on the wrong side of 3 very close games. Sometimes I think the motto "Earn it," is misplaced with this coaching staff and the kids they are able to attract. Hard work doesn't seem to be the problem. I've never head Wilcox comment that effort in games or practice was ever an issue. I think they've been successful at attracting players who really love football. It is easy to work hard when you love what you do. The thing this team needs to to relax, focus, and play confident. Then some of these bounces will start going our way. Hopefully enough to win a bunch of the remaining games and make this season a memorable one for all of the seniors and super seniors.

Go Bears!! Beat the Cougars!

---

I really agree with this, however, this year we have exceptional depth. And we have had great depth at certain positions for a number of years.

We have had above average depth at TE, LB and RB for several years. At TE, Reinwald and Moore have backed up Tonges and could play more than they do.

At LB, we had depth so that Tattersall, a talented 4th year player is just now getting full playing time. Others like Antzoulatos, Kyle Smith, Ryan Puskas, Miles Jernigan, Matt Horowitz, Orin Patu, and Braxton Croteau are all good enough to play more than they do but don't because of talent ahead of them this year and past years. Guys like Weaver and Tevin Paul and before that Kunaszyk were that much better.

At RB, Dancy hardly gets playing time even though he makes plays regularly and was the leading yards/carry cal for the first 2 years he was here. DeCarlos Brooks two highly touted RBs barely see playing time because Chris Brooks (formerly Chris Brown) and Damion Moore have formed a dynamic RB tandum.

Even our OL has depth right now, although much of it is being used because of attrition due to medical retirements. But we have some good young OLs that don't see the field much right now. Guys like Braydon Rohme, Bastian Swinney and Everett Johnson should become serviceable OTs more sooner than later but are stuck behind multi-year starters Craig and Daltoso.

Additionally, we are young but have a ton of potential at CB with lots of bodies. Anusiem, Drayden and Gamble are capable starters but guys like Hearns III, Branden Smith and Kaleb Higgins are also talented enough to play the position regularly.

I would say we have depth at WR right now. Remigio, Clark, Crawford and Hunter are all big time receivers. Additionally we have 2 highly sought after and consensus 4 star WRs as true frosh this season. Sprinkle in your Baker, Lee, Mangum and Christakos and there is definite depth here. All those last guys are young and not yet consistent, but good enough to make plays.

Where we lack depth is at DL, but we have been recruiting well there, especially at DE. So we won't have this issue in future years.

The main problem has been and continues to be QB depth and this will likely be our undoing. It harkens back to the days where Cal had great players and Zach Maynard at QB. Maynard wasn't bad but he wasn't good either and there was nobody to push him. Yeah we had 4 elite 11 QBs on the roster and all of them had major flaws. In those years Cal majorly disappointed and underperformed compared to expectations. Before that we had Kevin Riley, who was about as consistent as Chase Garbers is.

Where have all the Cal QBs gone long time passing?
Where have all the QBs gone, long time ago?
Where have all the QBs gone?
The SEC picked them every one...

heartofthebear said:

---

evanluck said:

---

I think an overall problem for the team is in game poise or composure. Wilcox pressers seem to suggest that mistakes are made in game that are not made in practice. This tendency is exacerbated on special teams as players play less and are further down in the depth chart suggesting confidence and composure are not their strengths.

Why this is happening could be depth. When players are unable to focus in game to play without mistakes, replacing them is the easiest way to send a message that in game focus and mistake free play are requirements for playing time. Without the sufficient depth, then you have to try to correct players without a stiff personal consequence for mistakes.

Another reason could be a lack of strong player leadership. Lacking a stand out, all conference performer who is willing to be a vocal leader and settle the team down when things go wobbly. Anyone who has ever played sports knows the effect of having a player like this. When momentum shifts and the team is back on their heels, the poise and leadership of this type of player are things that other players can feed off of to keep their composure.

It is frustrating that we were on the wrong side of 3 very close games. Sometimes I think the motto "Earn it," is misplaced with this coaching staff and the kids they are able to attract. Hard work doesn't seem to be the problem. I've never head Wilcox comment that effort in games or practice was ever an issue. I think they've been successful at attracting players who really love football. It is easy to work hard when you love what you do. The thing this team needs to to relax, focus, and play confident. Then some of these bounces will start going our way. Hopefully enough to win a bunch of the remaining games and make this season a memorable one for all of the seniors and super seniors.

Go Bears!! Beat the Cougars!

---

I really agree with this, however, this year we have exceptional depth. And we have had great depth at certain positions for a number of years.

We have had above average depth at TE, LB and RB for several years. At TE, Reinwald and Moore have backed up Tonges and could play more than they do.

At LB, we had depth so that Tattersall, a talented 4th year player is just now getting full playing time. Others like Antzoulatos, Kyle Smith, Ryan Puskas, Miles Jernigan, Matt Horowitz, Orin Patu, and Braxton Croteau are all good enough to play more than they do but don't because of talent ahead of them this year and past years. Guys like Weaver and Tevin Paul and before that Kunaszyk were that much better.

At RB, Dancy hardly gets playing time even though he makes plays regularly and was the leading yards/carry cal for the first 2 years he was here. DeCarlos Brooks two highly touted RBs barely see playing time because Chris Brooks (formerly Chris Brown) and Damion Moore have formed a dynamic RB tandum.

Even our OL has depth right now, although much of it is being used because of attrition due to medical retirements. But we have some good young OLs that don't see the field much right now. Guys like Braydon Rohme, Bastian Swinney and Everett Johnson should become serviceable OTs more sooner than later but are stuck behind multi-year starters Craig and Daltoso.

Additionally, we are young but have a ton of potential at CB with lots of bodies. Anusiem, Drayden and Gamble are capable starters but guys like Hearns III, Branden Smith and Kaleb Higgins are also talented enough to play the position regularly.

I would say we have depth at WR right now. Remigio, Clark, Crawford and Hunter are all big time receivers. Additionally we have 2 highly sought after and consensus 4 star WRs as true frosh this season. Sprinkle in your Baker, Lee, Mangum and Christakos and there is definite depth here. All those last guys are young and not yet consistent, but good enough to make plays.

Where we lack depth is at DL, but we have been recruiting well there, especially at DE. So we won't have this issue in future years.

The main problem has been and continues to be QB depth and this will likely be our undoing. It harkens back to the days where Cal had great players and Zach Maynard at QB. Maynard wasn't bad but he wasn't good either and there was nobody to push him. Yeah we had 4 elite 11 QBs on the roster and all of them had major flaws. In those years Cal majorly disappointed and underperformed compared to expectations. Before that we had Kevin Riley, who was about as consistent as Chase Garbers is.

Where have all the Cal QBs gone long time passing?
Where have all the QBs gone, long time ago?
Where have all the QBs gone?
The SEC picked them every one...

---

When we were getting a good QB every year many of the good/great teams were running teams. Good QBs didn't want to go handoff for four years. Now, all the good/great teams throw the ball. Maybe we should run the wishbone?

82gradDLSdad said:

---

heartofthebear said:

---

evanluck said:

---

I think an overall problem for the team is in game poise or composure. Wilcox pressers seem to suggest that mistakes are made in game that are not made in practice. This tendency is exacerbated on special teams as players play less and are further down in the depth chart suggesting confidence and composure are not their strengths.

Why this is happening could be depth. When players are unable to focus in game to play without mistakes, replacing them is the easiest way to send a message that in game focus and mistake free play are requirements for playing time. Without the sufficient depth, then you have to try to correct players without a stiff personal consequence for mistakes.

Another reason could be a lack of strong player leadership. Lacking a stand out, all conference performer who is willing to be a vocal leader and settle the team down when things go wobbly. Anyone who has ever played sports knows the effect of having a player like this. When momentum shifts and the team is back on their heels, the poise and leadership of this type of player are things that other players can feed off of to keep their composure.

It is frustrating that we were on the wrong side of 3 very close games. Sometimes I think the motto "Earn it," is misplaced with this coaching staff and the kids they are able to attract. Hard work doesn't seem to be the problem. I've never head Wilcox comment that effort in games or practice was ever an issue. I think they've been successful at attracting players who really love football. It is easy to work hard when you love what you do. The thing this team needs to to relax, focus, and play confident. Then some of these bounces will start going our way. Hopefully enough to win a bunch of the remaining games and make this season a memorable one for all of the seniors and super seniors.

Go Bears!! Beat the Cougars!

---

I really agree with this, however, this year we have exceptional depth. And we have had great depth at certain positions for a number of years.

We have had above average depth at TE, LB and RB for several years. At TE, Reinwald and Moore have backed up Tonges and could play more than they do.

At LB, we had depth so that Tattersall, a talented 4th year player is just now getting full playing time. Others like Antzoulatos, Kyle Smith, Ryan Puskas, Miles Jernigan, Matt Horowitz, Orin Patu, and Braxton Croteau are all good enough to play more than they do but don't because of talent ahead of them this year and past years. Guys like Weaver and Tevin Paul and before that Kunaszyk were that much better.

At RB, Dancy hardly gets playing time even though he makes plays regularly and was the leading yards/carry cal for the first 2 years he was here. DeCarlos Brooks two highly touted RBs barely see playing time because Chris Brooks (formerly Chris Brown) and Damion Moore have formed a dynamic RB tandum.

Even our OL has depth right now, although much of it is being used because of attrition due to medical retirements. But we have some good young OLs that don't see the field much right now. Guys like Braydon Rohme, Bastian Swinney and Everett Johnson should become serviceable OTs more sooner than later but are stuck behind multi-year starters Craig and Daltoso.

Additionally, we are young but have a ton of potential at CB with lots of bodies. Anusiem, Drayden and Gamble are capable starters but guys like Hearns III, Branden Smith and Kaleb Higgins are also talented enough to play the position regularly.

I would say we have depth at WR right now. Remigio, Clark, Crawford and Hunter are all big time receivers. Additionally we have 2 highly sought after and consensus 4 star WRs as true frosh this season. Sprinkle in your Baker, Lee, Mangum and Christakos and there is definite depth here. All those last guys are young and not yet consistent, but good enough to make plays.

Where we lack depth is at DL, but we have been recruiting well there, especially at DE. So we won't have this issue in future years.

The main problem has been and continues to be QB depth and this will likely be our undoing. It harkens back to the days where Cal had great players and Zach Maynard at QB. Maynard wasn't bad but he wasn't good either and there was nobody to push him. Yeah we had 4 elite 11 QBs on the roster and all of them had major flaws. In those years Cal majorly disappointed and underperformed compared to expectations. Before that we had Kevin Riley, who was about as consistent as Chase Garbers is.

Where have all the Cal QBs gone long time passing?
Where have all the QBs gone, long time ago?
Where have all the QBs gone?
The SEC picked them every one...

---

When we were getting a good QB every year many of the good/great teams were running teams. Good QBs didn't want to go handoff for four years. Now, all the good/great teams throw the ball. Maybe we should run the wishbone?

---

Actually Garbers runs a pretty good option play. He might be good in a wishbone offense. Good luck convincing Musgrave. Actually I like how Musgrave is using Garbers right now. He's letting him use his legs. Your not going to get the full Garbers experience unless he runs 5-10 times a game. You know he is going to be the leading Cal QB for rushing yards in history after next week's game.

heartofthebear said:

---

evanluck said:

---

I think an overall problem for the team is in game poise or composure. Wilcox pressers seem to suggest that mistakes are made in game that are not made in practice. This tendency is exacerbated on special teams as players play less and are further down in the depth chart suggesting confidence and composure are not their strengths.

Why this is happening could be depth. When players are unable to focus in game to play without mistakes, replacing them is the easiest way to send a message that in game focus and mistake free play are requirements for playing time. Without the sufficient depth, then you have to try to correct players without a stiff personal consequence for mistakes.

Another reason could be a lack of strong player leadership. Lacking a stand out, all conference performer who is willing to be a vocal leader and settle the team down when things go wobbly. Anyone who has ever played sports knows the effect of having a player like this. When momentum shifts and the team is back on their heels, the poise and leadership of this type of player are things that other players can feed off of to keep their composure.

It is frustrating that we were on the wrong side of 3 very close games. Sometimes I think the motto "Earn it," is misplaced with this coaching staff and the kids they are able to attract. Hard work doesn't seem to be the problem. I've never head Wilcox comment that effort in games or practice was ever an issue. I think they've been successful at attracting players who really love football. It is easy to work hard when you love what you do. The thing this team needs to to relax, focus, and play confident. Then some of these bounces will start going our way. Hopefully enough to win a bunch of the remaining games and make this season a memorable one for all of the seniors and super seniors.

Go Bears!! Beat the Cougars!

---

I really agree with this, however, this year we have exceptional depth. And we have had great depth at certain positions for a number of years.

We have had above average depth at TE, LB and RB for several years. At TE, Reinwald and Moore have backed up Tonges and could play more than they do.

At LB, we had depth so that Tattersall, a talented 4th year player is just now getting full playing time. Others like Antzoulatos, Kyle Smith, Ryan Puskas, Miles Jernigan, Matt Horowitz, Orin Patu, and Braxton Croteau are all good enough to play more than they do but don't because of talent ahead of them this year and past years. Guys like Weaver and Tevin Paul and before that Kunaszyk were that much better.

At RB, Dancy hardly gets playing time even though he makes plays regularly and was the leading yards/carry cal for the first 2 years he was here. DeCarlos Brooks two highly touted RBs barely see playing time because Chris Brooks (formerly Chris Brown) and Damion Moore have formed a dynamic RB tandum.

Even our OL has depth right now, although much of it is being used because of attrition due to medical retirements. But we have some good young OLs that don't see the field much right now. Guys like Braydon Rohme, Bastian Swinney and Everett Johnson should become serviceable OTs more sooner than later but are stuck behind multi-year starters Craig and Daltoso.

Additionally, we are young but have a ton of potential at CB with lots of bodies. Anusiem, Drayden and Gamble are capable starters but guys like Hearns III, Branden Smith and Kaleb Higgins are also talented enough to play the position regularly.

I would say we have depth at WR right now. Remigio, Clark, Crawford and Hunter are all big time receivers. Additionally we have 2 highly sought after and consensus 4 star WRs as true frosh this season. Sprinkle in your Baker, Lee, Mangum and Christakos and there is definite depth here. All those last guys are young and not yet consistent, but good enough to make plays.

Where we lack depth is at DL, but we have been recruiting well there, especially at DE. So we won't have this issue in future years.

The main problem has been and continues to be QB depth and this will likely be our undoing. It harkens back to the days where Cal had great players and Zach Maynard at QB. Maynard wasn't bad but he wasn't good either and there was nobody to push him. Yeah we had 4 elite 11 QBs on the roster and all of them had major flaws. In those years Cal majorly disappointed and underperformed compared to expectations. Before that we had Kevin Riley, who was about as consistent as Chase Garbers is.

Where have all the Cal QBs gone long time passing?
Where have all the QBs gone, long time ago?
Where have all the QBs gone?
The SEC picked them every one...

---

Garbers is a better QB than basically everyone on that list who is still playing for us is at their position. That's kind of the problem. There is not enough talent on the team to offset having a serviceable but flawed QB (or stated in the reverse, Garbers is not a good enough QB to elevate a mediocre team like say, Goff was).

No less a personage than Urban Meyer has some critical comments about Special Teams.

Urban Meyer evaluated opponents by how good their Special Teams were. If his opposition coach provided a fully prepared ST, Meyer knew he was facing a tough opponent. This would mean the opposing coach didn't focus on only one aspect of the team (Dykes), but covered each and every position in detail. The opposing coach refused to fail because an aspect of his team was weak in one of the three phases of football.

Meyer also has a rule that players must satisfy. No player qualifies for offense or defense, unless they have proved themselves on Special Teams. (I doubt that applies to quarterbacks.) Is this something Cal should consider?

Just as importantly we had a solid reputation for producing excellent long snappers. Dave Binn and LP Ladoucer were near perfect in the NFL. Who has succeeded them?

Bear8 said:

---

No less a personage than Urban Meyer has some critical comments about Special Teams.

Urban Meyer evaluated opponents by how good their Special Teams were. If his opposition coach provided a fully prepared ST, Meyer knew he was facing a tough opponent. This would mean the opposing coach didn't focus on only one aspect of the team (Dykes), but covered each and every position in detail. The opposing coach refused to fail because an aspect of his team was weak in one of the three phases of football.

---

Similar to what was espoused by his predecessor at Ohio State, "Tresselball" was not so much about defensive discipline as it was about having excellent punting, which for Jim Tressel was the most important part of football from his coaching angle. On the flipside, Philip Fulmer and Mack Brown caught lots of heat for not having dedicated special teams personnel later in their tenures at their respective "orange" schools and we all know how that turned out for them.

When Jahvid Best was a freshman (and maybe soph?) he was on special teams when cal kicked punts. Speedy guy to get right in the returners face when the ball arrived.