UMGriz75 said:I noted at the time that letting go of one of the conference's most successful DC's, who generated unparalleled loyalty and respect from players made no sense in the context of replacing an experienced D-1 level DC with an inexperienced D-II level DC whose motivational skills are, at best, pedestrian. Those just aren't reasonable or rational decisions.getgrizzy said:No, the Cat D couldn't have been much worse, but they finished the year as one of the best defenses in the league and no one expected that. Not even PR or 75.
2015 - MSU was 8th in points allowed, last in total defense, second to last in rush D, and 10th in pass defense.
2016 - 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 2nd in those categories.
There was no way, at the time, that the decision made any sense, although commentators here claimed that Stitt would be liberated by having his own complete staff in place.
I also remarked on the genius level strategic brilliance of letting a key motivational coach go, to be scooped up by the in-state rival on the look-out for exactly that kind of experience and talent and who knows how we train, the playbook, all of the strong and weak points.
Well, the results are in. The Griz were "liberated" mainly from having a highly motivational experienced, D-1 DC. First time I have ever heard game-play commentators refer to the Grizzly D as "in chaos." It's been a long time since a Grizzly Offense was so completely stymied by a Cat D. All very "liberating."
I have the sinking feeling we are going to be paying a painful price for that "staffing decision" for a while to come.
Ty's rubbing our noses in it, in a minor "rivalry" way. Sure. He earned it.
Welcome back...great response.