Question about "Effort"

[DiamondM]

Let me preface this by saying that I, too, was diappointed that we gave up over 600 yards to UNT, and that the game was so close. As I was commenting to hubby yesterday, it is not often that when SMU wins, it is actually a moral victory for someone else. We've got to get better. But honestly if we put up 45 points a game from here on out and give up 44 and win, ultimately I'll be pretty happy.

Okay, so now to my point. I hear lots of people talking about lack of "effort," but I sit 10 rows up from the SMU bench, and I really don't see evidence of the team not trying, or being disinterested. The kids are up on their feet, interested in the game, encouraging each other, trying to get the crowd in the game.

To me, lack of results is not necessarily evidence of lack of "effort." Maybe it's just me, but questioning whether our DBs should be playing a soft zone giving 10 yards of cushion on a 3rd and 8 is one thing (and believe me, I questioned it a bunch of times the past 2 weeks). But I don't really think what I was seeing was a lack of effort. Can someone tell me what exactly tells them the players (or coaching staff for that matter) aren't trying, as opposing to just not succeeding?

[me@smu]

Diamond - I honestly saw both sides against UNT. Prior to the McCray sack that dehatted their QB, I really believe that the players thought they could go through the motions and still win.

After that hit, the team just lit up and really began playing.

We are simply not a good enough team to beat anyone without giving it 100% and I was glad that the team seemed to realize that. Hopefully they put forth the same against Arky State this weekend.

[jtstang]

Like DM, I don't think there is a lack of effort there. I assume she is chalking up these astronomical offensive numbers to a disparity of talent on our D as compared with our opponents' offenses, and I do not see any way to disagree with her on that point.

I remain concerned about our defense.

[mrydel]

I remain concerned about our defense.

Please do not be concerned. Expect them to give up record numbers every game and be pleasantly surprised if they do not.

[abezontar]

I remain concerned about our defense.

Please do not be concerned. Expect them to give up record numbers every game and be pleasantly surprised if they do not.

classic

[MustangStealth]

I don't think it's a lack of effort on the players' parts. I think that on many plays they are being put in a position to fail, specifically with calls like soft zones on third and short.

[Pony4Life]

Diamond - I honestly saw both sides against UNT. Prior to the McCray sack that dehatted their QB, I really believe that the players thought they could go through the motions and still win.

After that hit, the team just lit up and really began playing.

We are simply not a good enough team to beat anyone without giving it 100% and I was glad that the team seemed to realize that. Hopefully they put forth the same against Arky State this weekend.

"Dehatted"???


It was not a lack of effort, at least not from where I sat. Aside from the actual sacks, we generated little rush, and that's going to hurt the secondary, of course.

One of many thoughts I had when leaving GJFord the other night was the fact that years ago, had we given up 600 freakin' passing yards, we would have lost by 50 points. We have a talented offense — an offense that needs to perform better, without question, but at least there's a lot of talent there — and bona fide special teams stars in Morstead and Henderson. This is a team that can win some games while the defense rounds into shape.

GO PONIES! BEAT ARKANSAS STATE!

[J.T.supporta]

I wouldnt call it a "LACK OF EFFORT" type of thing, more of a "NOT LEAVING IT ALL ON THE FIELD" type of thing.

hopefully that makes sense to people on this board.

GO HARD OR GO HOME!!!