People calling for Ryan Days head need to calm down myself included.
I rewatched The Game 2 more times and past games and too be honest its not a Ryan Day Problem, even though i think he gets pass happy (more on that in a second) i think he coaches scared in big games and then coaches himself out of them and its because hes too pass reliant and he needs a kick in the ass to yell him you got bullies in that backfield run the air out of the ball.
And i looked back and though yes he was pass happy he also coached confidently and with purpose... BEFORE Stroud took over as QB1
Haskins had dawg in him
Fields had dawg in him
Both gave Ryan Day the confidence needed to be aggressive. Until Stroud came along. Who doesnt display a dawg mentality in the slightest. Hes baby food. And i think thats why Ryan Day gets scared and coaches himself out of games. HE DOES NOT TRUST STROUD.
Every QB Day has coached has put up huge numbers in his system, but they added something themselves to completely be able take over games, keep defenses guessing etc. Haskins arm but his ill grab 3-5 yards running up the middle he need to or bulldoze someone on the outside.
Fields had the arm talent and the pocket presence to look down field and drop a dime with a LB in his face, he would also scramble for 10-20 when needed so Day trusted those guys that if something happens they will do the right thing.
Stroud does not. He hates pressure, he will go right and force an incompletion rather than take the 6 yards+ in front of him, defenses dont hold back because they see this too. And thats why Day did not go for it in 4th and 5 with CJ begging for it on field because 4th and 5 the Defense will pin their ears back get to stroud and stroud would not do what it takes to get 1st down.
Is CJ a good QB yes. His arm talent is best in the nation.
His heart/willing to make a hard fought play himself never happening and that is why Day coached the way he did with Stroud. He did not Trust him.
Im on Days side of things now, this shit happens next year grab the pitch forks but if we have a QB willing to sacrifice for a first down or better next year. All will be good.
