We all knew this was a rebuilding year.Yale is not a big,talanted team.And injuries have killed us. But you can see players giving 100%effort on every play.We gotta be patient. Give Reno time to recruit and build.
Freshman quarterback Eric Williams, who has been the starter all season, tried to played Saturday. It was obvious he wasn’t healthy. After the game Reno said Williams wasn’t even 50 percent.
THE ABOVE AS WRITTEN IN THE NEW HAVEN REGISTER SHOULD BE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO GET TONY RENO FIRED FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING!
It would be great to hear Reno say he made some big mistakes that have cost this team their entire season. It would be better to hear Yale Athletics say they made a huge mistake in hiring Tony Reno.
Wow, I didn’t think it was possible but decisions are truly getting worse. Columbia game was bad enough but Brown was simply beyond belief. The Yale football situation has truly been ridiculous for weeks and is now just humiliating, really just humiliating. The number of indefensible decisions is too large to count, beginning with, why was Eric Williams ever allowed on the field this year?
I have a relative (a senior) on the team and he worked his rear off to get ready for his final season. He does play and he loves it, but he gets very few reps at his real position. I don't believe the coaches are very good at identifying the players who will play with that level of passion and heart, and who have worked hard for four years to finish their Bulldog career with a special senior season. I think it is telling when coaches essentially say to a senior: "We don't care what you've done for this program; we'd rather give those reps to younger guys who might be better than you someday." I think things like that have affected the entire team.
According to Jim Fuller, who originated this blog Brown, Georgetown head coach Kevin Kelly, Lehigh offensive coordinator Dave Cecchini were all offered the job. I Brown was "squashed by Levin" it was because he wanted more money than Levin was willing to pay. According to a Jan. 7 report on the National Football League’s website, Yale also "reached out" (using Jim's patented phrase) to former UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell.
I have been sending $$$ to support Yale football for many years. It's sad that it has come to this but I will be putting my check book away. My suggestion to get the changes we need....all parents boosters and Alum stop the flow of $$$ to the program.
Here's a thought... If Reno had A player that performed on the field the way Reno is performing as a coach The player would be benched or sent packing!
Even after Tom Williams was fired there were plenty of his assistants that were as qualified as Reno to coach this team some more so. Men that had nothing to do with Tom Williams troubles, men that had "History" with the Team men that were Respected and even loved by these boys and with a recruiting class already in the works. I can promise you this, had one of those men been named Head Coach you would have a different season this year not an ivy championship by any means but a winning season. The Best and most experienced players on the field A two deep chart with upperclassmen on it while the freshman "learn"... the way it should be and a QB.. do I need say it! I understand if the current Freshman Parents don't get what I'm saying but you will next season if Reno is still here and a 'New" incoming Freshman is put on the chart ahead of your son who has worked hard this year to "Earn" a spot. Get ready....
Reno has chosen to play his few recruits, leaving more experienced and talented players on the sidelines. There are upperclassmen who contributed their freshman and sophomore years who have not been given the opportunity to play. This is not a 2 and 6 team with regards to talent. I lay the blame at a divisive coach and his staff. The explanation that this is a "young team" is pure nonsense. Such an excuse is wearing thin. Does anyone think Yale would have had such a dismal record under Coach Williams?
These boys are scholar athletes. Many of them are very talented football players, but they are students first and foremost. They are not Division 1 football players who have to take classes in order to play.
The saddest part, in my opinion, is that most of them are not having any fun. Whether or not they saw playing time last year, they seemed to enjoy being part of this team. That is not the case this year. Talented players are quitting because it just isn't worth it.
Most of the comments hit the nail on the head...Reno just did not understand that the team he "inherited" (1) was a TEAM that had a vision for itself...they had experience with one another that would, without a doubt, have translated into wins -- the intangibles make a HUGE difference, and (2) deserved respect, but Reno, just because he wanted HIS guys, gave them none.
I don't think Coach Williams and his staff, for all the criticism given to them, did any worse than 5-5 on the season. AND...the boys felt respected...and (crazy thought) had FUN and enjoyed working hard for a common goal. This "next man in" philosophy only highlights Reno's mindset that the boys are just pawns in his scheme...whatever that scheme is...they are expendable.
Very sad. Our family has been impacted by this coaching staff to the extent that it squashed my son's love for the game...the idea that an ivy education coupled with a great football experience...one that valued the student/athlete...valued the tradition, the love of the game, the time and effort put into helping the team...lost with this coaching staff. SO SAD!
Parents and bed wetting alumni: Please cease the whining and arm chair quarterbacking. Let's rally around this team, with all its problems, these last two games. We should take a lesson from these fine young men who are playing hard every down and refusing to point fingers at one another.
you really missed the point. Read ALL the comments every one of them shows the support that every Alum and Parent has for the fine young men and "The Team" The comments also share some "inside" info that some of the "ARM CHAIR" quarterbacks get from Players that you obviously do not get. Not one young men on this team would ever play less than 100% regardless of who was their coach because they are "fine young men" at least you got that right. Fact is We have a clueless young head Coach that can't lead has no respect for the players. What coach puts a VERY injured young QB one that Reno himself said before the game was only 50% in the game to get hurt worse! Who does that? A coach that has no respect for his players the kid is just another guy but I bet Reno was thinking maybe this kid will make something happen and get ME out of the hot seat(it's all about ME) and thus the players have no respect for Reno and the decisions he makes. These players are very smart they know whats going on and when you don't have respect for your leader you won't "follow" you will hear comments like the guys have bought in to Reno's new plan well guess what they haven't. I'm not talking about a handful of players it's a majority. (that's more inside info for you) and some of that spills on to the field. I am confused that after the last 8 games anyone can even think it's going to get better. Reno has shown us his style, it clearly doesn't work he is young and does not know how to lead a team and that style won't change. Some men are born great leaders some learn from a great leader neither are true for Reno. As for the players.. They are and will always be "fine young men"
Would someone kindly name those current football players who believe that they are not receiving adequate playing time by the current staff. There are likely good reasons for their lack of participation.
As a former coach part of a great winning program is having strong support from alumni and parents. A coach has to earn that at the same time he/she is earning that from the players. Without that your destiny is failure.
Coaches who don't win games offer the following explanation: "Well, at least we played hard". Of course these kids play hard! No one faults the players. Bottom line, Reno is not prepared to be a head coach.
I said it before and I'll say it again. This is what ALL new coaches are. They make mistakes. But what possible evidence do you have that ". Reno has shown us his style, it clearly doesn't work he is young and does not know how to lead a team and that style won't change." even if it is true this year (which I don't agree with). Carm Cozza: two losing seasons before his first Ivy Championship. Jack Siedlecki - 2-8 in his first season (and he was an experienced college coach) Ivy Championship in 3rd season. Tim Murphy: 3 losing years followed by Ivy Championship. When you go to a new coach, this is what you ALWAYS get. Every single time. When you commit to a new young coach, you commit. And you have to let him do things his way, otherwise there is no chance he will learn, since otherwise he will just think that if only he'd gotten to do what he wants to do.... Some players will end up worse off for this. Tough luck. Others will come out better. Tough luck. Grow up. I think playing Williams last week was a terrible idea, but i'm not the coach, I wasn't there, and I won't secondguess until he proves he can't do it, which proof cannot be forthcoming until at least 2016 or so.
"Coaches who don't win games offer the following explanation: "Well, at least we played hard". Of course these kids play hard! No one faults the players."
Would you prefer the coach to say "These kids didn't win because they aren't good enough?" You fall back on coachspeak ("the kids played hard") when you don't want to criticise players publicly.
I am very sorry that I wasted time reading all these negative comments about the Yale coach and his staff. This was definitely not the place to read about a prospective football program.
at the expense of those affected by his boneheaded decisions...those who have committed their lives, made college choices and paid dearly in opportunity cost to "play" football at Yale
Sorry, but Yale is not the place for a head coach to learn the ropes. Go be a head coach in the NESCAC or in High School, then if you qualify, come knock on Yale's door. All of those on the search committee should be held accountable.
People, stop being retarded! The reason that the team is doing so poorly has nothing to do with coach Reno. Do you retards understand how many injuries we have ad how many players are playing with injuries? It's not as simple as plugging in another player and away you go. If this was the case there would be no point in practicing. I don't care what he sport, injuries will dictate your season's outcome. It is unfortunate that we have been dealt these cards this season but we will make the best of a bad situation and hope everyone is healthy for next year. Feel bad for the seniors but not as bad as I feel for the Hurricane Sandy victims! Just be thankful for what you have and stop being petty!
To bad Reno gets to learn how to be a head coach at the expense of a talented core of upper class men who get to observe his "learning curve" from the sidelines. Less not forget that the core group of the upper class men I am referring to has a win loss record of at least .500 since they have been there. So correct me if I am wrong, but are they people who are indicating that Reno needs a 3 year learning curve. He did not inherit losing talent, he has created a culture of losing at this point. Yale is at the bottom of the Ivy League. Better coaching makes talent even better, not worse. Unfortunately, the majority of talent from last years team is either watching the games from the sidelines or from their dorm rooms on Saturdays. I'm no ivy leaguer by any stretch of the imagination. But even Stevie Wonder can see what's going on here.
And let's not forget at The Ohio State, coach Jim Tressel won his only national title in his first year as head coach with basically his predecessor, John Cooper's players. Tressel was smart enough to accept Cooper's recruits were more experienced players. Tressel couldn't recruit like cooper and never won a title again. Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
To be kind, it appears many of you have an agenda. (1) Yale did not have championship quality players on Reno's arrival. There were good, solid players. They still have good solid players playing when they're not hurt. Yale football is not a lifetime committment. It's a privilege. And the coach determines who plays and who doesn't, for better or worse. (2) I love the Jim Tressel example. By all means, let's go with last year's players. Oh, there's no QB? Win anyway... Tressel did. (Wait, didn't he inherit a QB?) Oh, and let's not play Varga either... he's one of "Reno's recruits." (3) Is there any evidence... any at all, that Reno isn't playing the best players in the long-run interest of the program. Why wouldn't he? Unlike the players, he has the long run to consider. I await evidence, not disgruntled parental/alumi/player rumblings. Again, I don't think Reno is perfect. He's made a bunch of mistakes. that's what new coaches do. Big deal. When a new coach comes in, shit happens. get over yourselves.
For Everyone that is reading this and or leaving a positive comment about Tony Reno and this season. Please know that the comments left that are not positive have all been left by people that have "inside" information. Direct stories about how Reno interacts with the players, how he talks to and treats them. Parents and Alum that have reached out to Reno and been basically told Your a Dumb Ass. The stories would just make your skin crawl, they are so unbelievable your opinion might change. This is no way to Lead a team or win support for what your doing. If Tom Williams had nothing else he did have genuine feelings for the guys on his team ALL of them. He wanted to and got to know them and their families, he invited the players in small groups to his home so he could find out "what made them tick" they were not just "another man in" they were his team. A win or A loss Tom and his staff were out on the field after each game talking to parents Alum players young kids EVERYONE because what he was doing was positive. not the best but positive. That's one way to win support for what your doing and build a program and it brought Tom's team some success. Where is Tony Reno and his staff after the games? I haven't seen them out thanking people for coming or their support and shaking hands has anyone? Why? Because Reno has not created a POSITIVE atmosphere has very limited support if any and knows he CAN'T come out! That folks is sad. There have been many coaches that have taken over teams and been smart about moving forward and had positive results so all the excuses about inheriting a team hold no value for Reno. From Reno's first major decision to start a Freshman at QB when he had A vet that had learned From a very good Patrick Witt was an indication of what was coming. Its not about we lost almost all our games this season. It's about why. Poor Decision Making time after time after time! and the above mentioned A HUGE lack of respect for All around him and his I'm more superior than you attitude . Like one of the other comments said This level of College football is no place to learn what your doing. You should already know. I have to place the Blame on Tom Beckett for that. At the beginning of this season no one knew if Reno could handle being a head coach at this level. He was welcomed in with open arms but shut the door on all that welcomed him, created an extremely negative environment surrounding the team made poor horrible decisions one after another. It is now up to Tom Beckett to fix it and fast! This 3 years for a coach crap means nothing! If you hire a new CEO and he runs your company into bankruptcy in it's first year I guarantee you would fire them that fast!
Injuries? what injuries? Football is a tough sport and a tweak or knock is not in this sport considered an injury. Powers broke his arm but did play with a huge cast and moved around pretty good. freshman QB broken hand Didn't play anyway, Derek Russell shoulder hurt and a loss for sure at this point, several receivers out but didn't make much difference because our now after the Brown game REALLY hurt starting Freshman QB Williams can't pass 14 or 15 picks now? in 8 games! so explain all the injuries? It's poor decision making by the Coach plain and simple.
What is the liability for a coach playing an injured player? Yale should be on guard because it will be their problem. Also, this is a coach who was an assistant to an assistant (Reno was not even a coordinator). His decision making skills have never been tested under stress and they should have been (as a high school head coach or in D-3 prior to taking the this cherished position). Yale football has a grand tradition that is now going south very quickly. When a stock is a loser, it should be sold. We should cut our losses now and begin a search for a new coach (or consider entry into the NESCAC. The players, the students, alumni and donors deserve better.
With all due respect, when everyone posts anonymously, I have no confidence in "inside" information. I am a long-time fan, alumnus, season ticket holder, etc. Internal politics are always going to be messy. And I'm willing ot let Reno learn on the job. I realize for a current player that is difficult, since their Yale careers are so short, but it's just hte way it is. Get 40-50 years of Yale experience (like I have) [though why should you trust me? I'm anonymous too] and it all averages out. I am not an out-and-out Reno defender, but I think starting Williams over Whitesides was easily defensible, and, conversely, I think playing him last week was idiotic. But Tony Reno will account for all of his decisions in the fullness of time, by which I mean three years or so, unless, as Governor Edward Edwards of LA famously put it, he's caught with a dead girl or a live boy. As to Varga, the NCAA's decision that eh was not a freshman was a close, technical one, and ould have been made for whatever team was lucky enough to get him.
Wow, I will say the "insider" poster from a couple posts back has it exactly right. Reno has indeed created an atmosphere not conducive to any team sport I've ever heard of. It's clear he was unprepared for any leadership role and his results show it, on the field and in the locker room and it's a sad shame and I truly hurt for the upper classmen. To the "long time fan and alumnus" from the previous post, if you think Williams is a better quarterback than Whitelaw (not Whitesides) you've either never seen the two players in action or you don't know what a quarterback looks like. My goodness, Williams can't even throw, he's in desperate need of coaching.
Apologies to misremebering Whitelaw's name. I saw all four passes he threw last year -- even the eight yard completion. I would have seen the passes he was promised to have thrown against Georgetown if he hadn't quit. I would have seen the passes he threw after Williams got injured if he hadn't quit. I don't care how many QB skills you have... when you quit the team it's hard to impress anybody. And I apologize if those four plays last year were so awesome and I've forgotten.
To Mr. Season ticket holder Alum above... Were you A Yale team athlete? Probably not had you been you would know that Reno has not made these guys a "team" If you in fact have 40-50 years of Yale experience then you should know What A good coach one that has promise looks and acts like because in your 40-50 years of Yale experience you have no doubt seen some very good ones. Insider information.... FACT that's all there is to it FACT. Anonymous, yes all the inside info posts are from parents I suspect getting info from the players some that are actually starters and their spots on the team would be compromised if not posted anonymous. I get that. Learn on the job.. If you would turn the reins of your fortune 500 company that your family had been building for over 100 years over to a High School Senior then yes you can say you are good with your "willing to let Reno learn on the job". Williams over Whitelaw all that needs to be said here is 8 games 14 interceptions.... Like the other post said its not about the Win Loss record. It's how This team is being handled.
Out of pure respect to all the Good and Great coaches out there coaches that kids can look up to and learn from I have decided to refer to Tony Reno as just that Tony Reno he does not deserve the title of "Coach" That has to be earned and he is far from earning it.
Shouting FACT doesn't make things facts. I'm not saying you don't have inside information -- I'm saying anybody (say, Buddy Teevens) could write exactly what you're writing to sow dissent. If you're going to stay anonymous, there's no way you can convince anybody you know anything. Supporting Whitelaw really, really doesn't help your case. I've seen exactly four Yale football coaches, one of them for 8 games. Nobody can prove their competence or incompetence as a coach in 8 games -- not even a high school senior. Has Reno earned the right to be the coach? I believe he holds the Joel Smilow Chair -- that's all you need. Absolutely nothing more.
One more thing... I was speaking a couple of weeks ago to the parents of a non-Reno recruited starter and he says you're all a bunch of whining crybabies. FACT!
As an outsider but close observer, I have never seen such avid criticism of a first year HC and AD at this point in a season. One wonders if these two get any of this feedback, as some is quite valuable and predictive...and based on what we are seeing here, clearly some action of significance must be taken. Would Reno ever acknowledge his first, most fatal error....playing a Frosh QB over the established face of the team as a junior, knowing that the latter had no choice but to leave in disgust and disrespect...and reach back to mend fences and BEGIN to rebuild team morale and a positive, "gladiators at war together" mentality. Sounds like first order of business for 2014 starts right there?
That, sounds reasonable, 4:08 PM, except for the phrase :established face of the team." Whitelay had four throws in 2011 (and four shuns) that's eight plays. There have been plenty of times when a freshman got the start over a QB that inexperienced, if not at Yale, then elsewhere. If that's what this is about, it's a complete crock. Whitelaw was going to get a chance if he stayed, if for not other reason that you are all so convinced that Williams sucked. Leaving in "disgust" or from being "dissed" is more than alittle childish. I am impressed with Williams (subtracting out his performance last Saturday when he shouldn't have played) has he thrown too many interceptions? Absolutely. But so did Witt. So does any QB learning the job. And what makes anyone think Whitelaw would have thrown fewer?
I don't recall how many picks Witt Threw? But I do know this 14 in 8 games is way to many. As far as Whitelaw maybe he would not have done better than Williams on the field but he was bringing Maturity Leadership and team history to the table and that's half the battle. I'm sure Williams would have gotten a chance to play too had Reno done the correct thing and started Whitelaw and if Williams was that much better let everyone see that on game day at that point Reno has some credibility for starting a Freshman. At this point he has none.
One problem concerning the QB I just don't think it was thought out. If you want your Freshman to learn they have to have a teacher. Whitelaw maybe wasn't a star QB but he must have gained some knowledge playing behind Witt that he could have passed along so whatever ya have to do to keep him ya do If that means making him starter at the beginning of the season OK.
Someone asked about evidence. Well a number of key players from last season are no longer on the team or playing in a limited role currently. That collection of players won more games period! Those are indisputable facts. As far agenda is concerned, I would like to believe the only agenda would be to win games. And it should be if you are a fan and/or supporter of the program. Evidence shows the team on the field is horrible based on its record in an inferior football conference. So which came first, bad players or bad coaching? I'm not sure, but something is stinking up the field every Saturday. With regard to Tyler Varga, I believe he is a very good power running back; however, football is not an individual sport. It takes a collection of talent and team cohesiveness to accomplish a bigger cause. Which should be winning games and the head coach facilitates that. For example, Mordecai Cargill is a splendid all purpose back who is a fantastic compliment to Varga's power running. Actually averaging more yards per carry than Varga. I believe that combination is being underutilized, especially with a "green" qb. Good coaching takes identifying strengths and weaknesses. Making adjustments to minimize weaknesses and emphasize where you are strong. Might I mention they also have a very competent fullback on the team as well. Why no thoughts about the I formation? It's apparent they didn't have the personnel necessary to support a spread offense this season. Sounds like the coach was focused on fitting a square peg into a round hole in my opinion. Just fundamental football, no agendas here.
All of you obviously know nothing about the QB position. If I was the QB and had some 6'5" or speed burner receivers I would look good as a QB too. Fact is, the receivers with the best skill set are all out of action or injured. I doubt that Witt would have done significantly better if you took away his receivers last year! As far as assuming that the team would be better if only Sr and Jr players got to play ... well just because someone sat on the bench for the last three years certainly does not mean that he can play or is any good. Whitelaw quit the team. What kind of character is that. If he had any substance he would have stayed around, supported his team and worked hard to prove Reno wrong and by George I think he would have had his chance. Stop all the whining. You will all look foolish when this offense is healthy and lights up the scoreboard next couple of years.
3 guys did NOT turn the job down before they offered it to Reno. Brown was squashed by Levin and Reno was the 2nd guy in line. These are the facts! (same poster here)
Feel free to call the other candidates. Kelly pulled out, Brown was wacked and Ceccini was the #3. Believe what you want, these are the FACTS!
So which SR's should be playing that aren't? Anderson-hurt, Harris-very inconsistent, Hartwig-no, Jefferson-no, Morris-no, Perkins-no, Runk-no, Scott Williams-no. All the other SR's play to some degree. Where is the problem?
And Whitelaw, really? A guy who QUIT the Monday before the first game of the season because he wasn't named the starter? Could he have been more selfish? Hurt feelings, yes, but QUIT? Sorry, not a guy you want on your team. I don't care how much time you have put in or what you think you deserve, that was a selfish as it gets.
As it happens, Witt had 11 picks in his first 8 games. Pretty damn close. And there was similarly "old leadership" in Brook Hart. I don't think the Whitelaw backers have a whit of evidence to rely on. He had no experience. And none with this coach. He was, and is, nothing to rely on. And he took his ego and went home. Fine.
Why don't you all just SHUT UP! I have opinions and comments on everything you All have written and I guarantee WAY more perspective than ANY of you. It so happened I came upon this blog site and most of you obviously got beat up on the playground! SO just shut up!
Those saying that the returning QB should have been the starter because of all the learning he got from Witt don't seem to know very much about football.
We're all disappointed by this season, but let's give the new staff more than 8 games - EIGHT games! - before we run them out of town.
Again, the big picture is not the QB issue (although it's a problem) It's Reno he just can't lead a team cant make these guys a cohesive unit. Talent is not always the factor, heart and wanting to play hard and give 100% for your leader sometimes is worth it's weight in gold. This team we have has no leader they can or want to follow into battle. To many bad decisions, to much disrespect toward the players has been Reno's undoing so much so that if he is here for two more years he is going to have a very tough time.
So Reno said Williams was cleared by the medical staff to play in the brown game that his injury would not get any worse.... after the second play Williams was on the ground in pain. Reno continued to play Williams as we all witnessed. I'm sorry but a Monkey could have told you this Kid should not be in the game. Why did everyone including the TV announcers on YES all but Reno have that figured out after 10 plays? That is not a mistake on Reno's part that is just plain incompetence! If Yale were a big D1 school and covered by a big network like ESPN Reno's ass would be in a sling for that one. He just doesn't care about the good of 'THE TEAM" during the year many kids have gotten hurt in practice guys that maybe didn't play but were a part of the team just the same some needing surgery in many cases if not all there was not one coach including Reno that called or checked up on these kids to find out "are you OK?" These examples should say a lot for the kind of Coach Yale is wanting to put on Their Ivy Stage,
I agree with 8:05 the media can play a huge part in bringing things to light such as why did Reno play Williams and whats going on at Yale. It's really hard to believe that Reno doesn't get that his Freshman QB for what ever reason right or wrong is under fire. Letting him play in the Brown game as hurt as he was certainly didn't help Williams and really did more harm than good for Reno's claim as a coach. I can't help but feel bad for Eric Williams he's had a VERY rough first season, due to a thoughtless coach, he had to have felt utter humiliation after the brown game and I can't blame him if he did. A coach should always look for a way to bring the team and his players success in Eric Williams instance maybe more so than ever. Its time for Reno to take off his blinders and get down to business or get out!
Doesn't anybody remember the Penn game? A victory by two touchdowns over the second best team in the league? This is what the team can do when they start with healthy players, even though they were without their two best wide receivers.
Look beyond the trees! If Williams is going to be the QB and team leader for the next three years, as endorsed by Reno, showing leadership and toughness in the face of adversity is a good start. Would you prefer that he act like Whitelaw and desert the team? Would that be the kind of guy you want to follow?
I like what richardpatrick 57 said about the Penn game. Forget Williams (had his chance) and Whitelaw (gone). The other freshman QB, Scott, looked pretty darn good in his limited reps against Penn. I also heard that Russell might be back next year, a medical redshirt thing from his freshman year.
Point is Reno should never even thought about playing Williams in the Brown game. He was hurt,period. Leadership and foolishness are two different things.
I’m the mom of a player that graduated this spring and am no football expert. But I DO know that players read this blog and naming names in a derogatory fashion is just hurtful. A lot of these comments sure won’t help morale going into the last couple games.
Look there are lots of players playing banged up. Some more than others. There are guys wit casts on and playing. I am sure it was never the intent to have Williams run with the ball or sit in the pocket and take shots. Handing the ball off and throwing quick passes from the gun does not pose any serious risk. Even if he just threw the ball away every so often he would serve as a good decoy that might keep all 11 defenders out of the box! You have a better plan tat would keep your running backs from getting killed ... Mr. Team Player?
Furman is more than capable of handing off the ball to a running back and being a "decoy" he can also throw a short pass. With the type of shoulder injury Williams has it hampers his throwing motion long or short. That was even pointed out by the announcers on the YES network. plus there's never a guarantee of what can happen when the ball is snapped! one missed block on the blind side among other things and your QB is a sitting duck! Thoughts?
The real disgrace of Reno this season that has not even been mentioned is allowing the person who supposedly had his captain position taken away because of his behavior to effectively function as the captain all season including co-leading the bulldog walk, being the first person running onto the field at the start of games and at halftime, and mentioning him every week in the exact same spot that the captain is listed every week in Yale Football weekly releases.
Why would anyone on the team respect a coach who would do this? What message does it send? It is an embarrassment to the team and the University. Why has this not been reported on. It is a disgrace!
Coaching is horrible. Reno should be fired. That's all there is to it.
ReplyDeleteKilling the passion coach, killing the passion
ReplyDeleteWell, its not so easy to get a good coach. 3 guys turned down the job before they offered it to Reno.
ReplyDeleteReno should be fired if only because he kept trotting out QB Williams putting his long term health at risk.
ReplyDeleteReno is in way over his head.
We all knew this was a rebuilding year.Yale is not a big,talanted team.And injuries have killed us. But you can see players giving 100%effort on every play.We gotta be patient. Give Reno time to recruit and build.
ReplyDeleteFreshman quarterback Eric Williams, who has been the starter all season, tried to played Saturday. It was obvious he wasn’t healthy. After the game Reno said Williams wasn’t even 50 percent.
ReplyDeleteTHE ABOVE AS WRITTEN IN THE NEW HAVEN REGISTER SHOULD BE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO GET TONY RENO FIRED FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING!
It would be great to hear Reno say he made some big mistakes that have cost this team their entire season. It would be better to hear Yale Athletics say they made a huge mistake in hiring Tony Reno.
ReplyDeleteWWCCD
ReplyDeleteWhat Would Carm Cozza Do
Wow, I didn’t think it was possible but decisions are truly getting worse. Columbia game was bad enough but Brown was simply beyond belief. The Yale football situation has truly been ridiculous for weeks and is now just humiliating, really just humiliating. The number of indefensible decisions is too large to count, beginning with, why was Eric Williams ever allowed on the field this year?
ReplyDeleteTony Reno said this after the Brown game
ReplyDelete“It’s tough,” Yale coach Tony Reno said. “You have to be really inventive. It’s just the situation we’re in.
You have put the team in this situation and Yes you do have to be inventive! You and your staff ARE NOT!
I have a relative (a senior) on the team and he worked his rear off to get ready for his final season. He does play and he loves it, but he gets very few reps at his real position. I don't believe the coaches are very good at identifying the players who will play with that level of passion and heart, and who have worked hard for four years to finish their Bulldog career with a special senior season. I think it is telling when coaches essentially say to a senior: "We don't care what you've done for this program; we'd rather give those reps to younger guys who might be better than you someday." I think things like that have affected the entire team.
ReplyDelete3 guys did NOT turn the job down before they offered it to Reno. Brown was squashed by Levin and Reno was the 2nd guy in line. These are the facts!
ReplyDeleteCan anyone explain who makes the decision as to whether an injured player can play in the game? Is it the coach, the trainer or the medical doctor?
ReplyDeleteAccording to Jim Fuller, who originated this blog
ReplyDeleteBrown, Georgetown head coach Kevin Kelly, Lehigh offensive coordinator Dave Cecchini were all offered the job. I Brown was "squashed by Levin" it was because he wanted more money than Levin was willing to pay. According to a Jan. 7 report on the National Football League’s website, Yale also "reached out" (using Jim's patented phrase) to former UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell.
I have been sending $$$ to support Yale football for many years. It's sad that it has come to this but I will be putting my check book away.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion to get the changes we need....all parents boosters and Alum stop the flow of $$$ to the program.
Here's a thought...
ReplyDeleteIf Reno had A player that performed on the field the way Reno is performing as a coach The player would be benched or sent packing!
Respondent from10:52am. Where did you get those "facts"?
ReplyDeleteEven after Tom Williams was fired there were plenty of his assistants that were as qualified as Reno to coach this team some more so. Men that had nothing to do with Tom Williams troubles, men that had "History" with the Team men that were Respected and even loved by these boys and with a recruiting class already in the works. I can promise you this, had one of those men been named Head Coach you would have a different season this year not an ivy championship by any means but a winning season. The Best and most experienced players on the field A two deep chart with upperclassmen on it while the freshman "learn"... the way it should be and a QB.. do I need say it! I understand if the current Freshman Parents don't get what I'm saying but you will next season if Reno is still here and a 'New" incoming Freshman is put on the chart ahead of your son who has worked hard this year to "Earn" a spot. Get ready....
ReplyDeleteReno has chosen to play his few recruits, leaving more experienced and talented players on the sidelines. There are upperclassmen who contributed their freshman and sophomore years who have not been given the opportunity to play. This is not a 2 and 6 team with regards to talent. I lay the blame at a divisive coach and his staff. The explanation that this is a "young team" is pure nonsense. Such an excuse is wearing thin. Does anyone think Yale would have had such a dismal record under Coach Williams?
ReplyDeleteThese boys are scholar athletes. Many of them are very talented football players, but they are students first and foremost. They are not Division 1 football players who have to take classes in order to play.
ReplyDeleteThe saddest part, in my opinion, is that most of them are not having any fun. Whether or not they saw playing time last year, they seemed to enjoy being part of this team. That is not the case this year. Talented players are quitting because it just isn't worth it.
Most of the comments hit the nail on the head...Reno just did not understand that the team he "inherited" (1) was a TEAM that had a vision for itself...they had experience with one another that would, without a doubt, have translated into wins -- the intangibles make a HUGE difference, and (2) deserved respect, but Reno, just because he wanted HIS guys, gave them none.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Coach Williams and his staff, for all the criticism given to them, did any worse than 5-5 on the season. AND...the boys felt respected...and (crazy thought) had FUN and enjoyed working hard for a common goal. This "next man in" philosophy only highlights Reno's mindset that the boys are just pawns in his scheme...whatever that scheme is...they are expendable.
Very sad. Our family has been impacted by this coaching staff to the extent that it squashed my son's love for the game...the idea that an ivy education coupled with a great football experience...one that valued the student/athlete...valued the tradition, the love of the game, the time and effort put into helping the team...lost with this coaching staff. SO SAD!
Tony,
ReplyDeleteThe needs of the many (the team)
are greater than the needs of the one (you)
Parents and bed wetting alumni: Please cease the whining and arm chair quarterbacking. Let's rally around this team, with all its problems, these last two games. We should take a lesson from these fine young men who are playing hard every down and refusing to point fingers at one another.
ReplyDeleteyou really missed the point. Read ALL the comments every one of them shows the support that every Alum and Parent has for the fine young men and "The Team" The comments also share some "inside" info that some of the "ARM CHAIR" quarterbacks get from Players that you obviously do not get. Not one young men on this team would ever play less than 100% regardless of who was their coach because they are "fine young men" at least you got that right. Fact is We have a clueless young head Coach that can't lead has no respect for the players. What coach puts a VERY injured young QB one that Reno himself said before the game was only 50% in the game to get hurt worse! Who does that? A coach that has no respect for his players the kid is just another guy but I bet Reno was thinking maybe this kid will make something happen and get ME out of the hot seat(it's all about ME) and thus the players have no respect for Reno and the decisions he makes. These players are very smart they know whats going on and when you don't have respect for your leader you won't "follow" you will hear comments like the guys have bought in to Reno's new plan well guess what they haven't. I'm not talking about a handful of players it's a majority. (that's more inside info for you) and some of that spills
ReplyDeleteon to the field.
I am confused that after the last 8 games anyone can even think it's going to get better. Reno has shown us his style, it clearly doesn't work he is young and does not know how to lead a team and that style won't change. Some men are born great leaders some learn from a great leader neither are true for Reno. As for the players.. They are and will always be "fine young men"
Would someone kindly name those current football players who believe that they are not receiving adequate playing time by the current staff. There are likely good reasons for their lack of participation.
ReplyDeleteAs a former coach part of a great winning program is having strong support from alumni and parents. A coach has to earn that at the same time he/she is earning that from the players. Without that your destiny is failure.
ReplyDeleteCoaches who don't win games offer the following explanation: "Well, at least we played hard". Of course these kids play hard! No one faults the players. Bottom line, Reno is not prepared to be a head coach.
ReplyDeleteI said it before and I'll say it again. This is what ALL new coaches are. They make mistakes. But what possible evidence do you have that ". Reno has shown us his style, it clearly doesn't work he is young and does not know how to lead a team and that style won't change." even if it is true this year (which I don't agree with). Carm Cozza: two losing seasons before his first Ivy Championship. Jack Siedlecki - 2-8 in his first season (and he was an experienced college coach) Ivy Championship in 3rd season. Tim Murphy: 3 losing years followed by Ivy Championship. When you go to a new coach, this is what you ALWAYS get. Every single time. When you commit to a new young coach, you commit. And you have to let him do things his way, otherwise there is no chance he will learn, since otherwise he will just think that if only he'd gotten to do what he wants to do.... Some players will end up worse off for this. Tough luck. Others will come out better. Tough luck. Grow up. I think playing Williams last week was a terrible idea, but i'm not the coach, I wasn't there, and I won't secondguess until he proves he can't do it, which proof cannot be forthcoming until at least 2016 or so.
ReplyDelete"Coaches who don't win games offer the following explanation: "Well, at least we played hard". Of course these kids play hard! No one faults the players."
ReplyDeleteWould you prefer the coach to say "These kids didn't win because they aren't good enough?" You fall back on coachspeak ("the kids played hard") when you don't want to criticise players publicly.
I am very sorry that I wasted time reading all these negative comments about the Yale coach and his staff. This was definitely not the place to read about a prospective football program.
ReplyDeleteSorry... to correct myself, Siedlecki was 1-9 his first year. Pennlater had to forfeit its win to make him 2-8.
ReplyDeleteWhere is Tom Beckett in all this? Isn't he responsible for the hiring and firing of the football coach?
ReplyDeleteYes. Beckett is responsible. And he's doing the responsible thing -- giving Reno three years to prove himself, not 8 games.
ReplyDeleteat the expense of those affected by his boneheaded decisions...those who have committed their lives, made college choices and paid dearly in opportunity cost to "play" football at Yale
ReplyDeleteSorry, but Yale is not the place for a head coach to learn the ropes. Go be a head coach in the NESCAC or in High School, then if you qualify, come knock on Yale's door. All of those on the search committee should be held accountable.
ReplyDeletePeople, stop being retarded! The reason that the team is doing so poorly has nothing to do with coach Reno. Do you retards understand how many injuries we have ad how many players are playing with injuries? It's not as simple as plugging in another player and away you go. If this was the case there would be no point in practicing. I don't care what he sport, injuries will dictate your season's outcome. It is unfortunate that we have been dealt these cards this season but we will make the best of a bad situation and hope everyone is healthy for next year. Feel bad for the seniors but not as bad as I feel for the Hurricane Sandy victims! Just be thankful for what you have and stop being petty!
ReplyDeleteThe parents would like to see Mr. Beckett. Where are you hiding Tommy Boy! Leave Reno alone, it's Beckett who is a schmuck!
ReplyDeleteReno is fine other than he has to learn to stop making promises that he cannot keep. That is how bad feelings are created!
ReplyDeleteTo bad Reno gets to learn how to be a head coach at the expense of a talented core of upper class men who get to observe his "learning curve" from the sidelines. Less not forget that the core group of the upper class men I am referring to has a win loss record of at least .500 since they have been there. So correct me if I am wrong, but are they people who are indicating that Reno needs a 3 year learning curve. He did not inherit losing talent, he has created a culture of losing at this point. Yale is at the bottom of the Ivy League. Better coaching makes talent even better, not worse. Unfortunately, the majority of talent from last years team is either watching the games from the sidelines or from their dorm rooms on Saturdays. I'm no ivy leaguer by any stretch of the imagination. But even Stevie Wonder can see what's going on here.
ReplyDeleteAnd let's not forget at The Ohio State, coach Jim Tressel won his only national title in his first year as head coach with basically his predecessor, John Cooper's players. Tressel was smart enough to accept Cooper's recruits were more experienced players. Tressel couldn't recruit like cooper and never won a title again. Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
ReplyDeleteTo be kind, it appears many of you have an agenda. (1) Yale did not have championship quality players on Reno's arrival. There were good, solid players. They still have good solid players playing when they're not hurt. Yale football is not a lifetime committment. It's a privilege. And the coach determines who plays and who doesn't, for better or worse.
ReplyDelete(2) I love the Jim Tressel example. By all means, let's go with last year's players. Oh, there's no QB? Win anyway... Tressel did. (Wait, didn't he inherit a QB?) Oh, and let's not play Varga either... he's one of "Reno's recruits."
(3) Is there any evidence... any at all, that Reno isn't playing the best players in the long-run interest of the program. Why wouldn't he? Unlike the players, he has the long run to consider. I await evidence, not disgruntled parental/alumi/player rumblings.
Again, I don't think Reno is perfect. He's made a bunch of mistakes. that's what new coaches do. Big deal. When a new coach comes in, shit happens. get over yourselves.
For Everyone that is reading this and or leaving a positive comment about Tony Reno and this season. Please know that the comments left that are not positive have all been left by people that have "inside" information. Direct stories about how Reno interacts with the players, how he talks to and treats them. Parents and Alum that have reached out to Reno and been basically told Your a Dumb Ass. The stories would just make your skin crawl, they are so unbelievable your opinion might change. This is no way to Lead a team or win support for what your doing. If Tom Williams had nothing else he did have genuine feelings for the guys on his team ALL of them. He wanted to and got to know them and their families, he invited the players in small groups to his home so he could find out "what made them tick" they were not just "another man in" they were his team. A win or A loss Tom and his staff were out on the field after each game talking to parents Alum players young kids EVERYONE because what he was doing was positive. not the best but positive.
ReplyDeleteThat's one way to win support for what your doing and build a program and it brought Tom's team some success. Where is Tony Reno and his staff after the games? I haven't seen them out thanking people for coming or their support and shaking hands has anyone? Why? Because Reno has not created a POSITIVE atmosphere has very limited support if any and knows he CAN'T come out! That folks is sad. There have been many coaches that have taken over teams and been smart about moving forward and had positive results so all the excuses about inheriting a team hold no value for Reno. From Reno's first major decision to start a Freshman at QB when he had A vet that had learned From a very good Patrick Witt was an indication of what was coming. Its not about we lost almost all our games this season. It's about why. Poor Decision Making time after time after time! and the above mentioned A HUGE lack of respect for All around him and his I'm more superior than you attitude . Like one of the other comments said This level of College football is no place to learn what your doing. You should already know. I have to place the Blame on Tom Beckett for that. At the beginning of this season no one knew if Reno could handle being a head coach at this level. He was welcomed in with open arms but shut the door on all that welcomed him, created an extremely negative environment surrounding the team made poor horrible decisions one after another. It is now up to Tom Beckett to fix it and fast! This 3 years for a coach crap means nothing! If you hire a new CEO and he runs your company into bankruptcy in it's first year I guarantee you would fire them that fast!
Injuries? what injuries? Football is a tough sport and a tweak or knock is not in this sport considered an injury. Powers broke his arm but did play with a huge cast and moved around pretty good. freshman QB broken hand Didn't play anyway, Derek Russell shoulder hurt and a loss for sure at this point, several receivers out but didn't make much difference because our now after the Brown game REALLY hurt starting Freshman QB Williams can't pass 14 or 15 picks now? in 8 games! so explain all the injuries? It's poor decision making by the Coach plain and simple.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the liability for a coach playing an injured player? Yale should be on guard because it will be their problem.
ReplyDeleteAlso, this is a coach who was an assistant to an assistant (Reno was not even a coordinator). His decision making skills have never been tested under stress and they should have been (as a high school head coach or in D-3 prior to taking the this cherished position). Yale football has a grand tradition that is now going south very quickly. When a stock is a loser, it should be sold. We should cut our losses now and begin a search for a new coach (or consider entry into the NESCAC. The players, the students, alumni and donors deserve better.
With all due respect, when everyone posts anonymously, I have no confidence in "inside" information. I am a long-time fan, alumnus, season ticket holder, etc. Internal politics are always going to be messy. And I'm willing ot let Reno learn on the job. I realize for a current player that is difficult, since their Yale careers are so short, but it's just hte way it is. Get 40-50 years of Yale experience (like I have) [though why should you trust me? I'm anonymous too] and it all averages out. I am not an out-and-out Reno defender, but I think starting Williams over Whitesides was easily defensible, and, conversely, I think playing him last week was idiotic. But Tony Reno will account for all of his decisions in the fullness of time, by which I mean three years or so, unless, as Governor Edward Edwards of LA famously put it, he's caught with a dead girl or a live boy.
ReplyDeleteAs to Varga, the NCAA's decision that eh was not a freshman was a close, technical one, and ould have been made for whatever team was lucky enough to get him.
Wow, I will say the "insider" poster from a couple posts back has it exactly right. Reno has indeed created an atmosphere not conducive to any team sport I've ever heard of. It's clear he was unprepared for any leadership role and his results show it, on the field and in the locker room and it's a sad shame and I truly hurt for the upper classmen. To the "long time fan and alumnus" from the previous post, if you think Williams is a better quarterback than Whitelaw (not Whitesides) you've either never seen the two players in action or you don't know what a quarterback looks like. My goodness, Williams can't even throw, he's in desperate need of coaching.
ReplyDeleteApologies to misremebering Whitelaw's name. I saw all four passes he threw last year -- even the eight yard completion. I would have seen the passes he was promised to have thrown against Georgetown if he hadn't quit. I would have seen the passes he threw after Williams got injured if he hadn't quit. I don't care how many QB skills you have... when you quit the team it's hard to impress anybody. And I apologize if those four plays last year were so awesome and I've forgotten.
ReplyDeleteTo Mr. Season ticket holder Alum above... Were you A Yale team athlete? Probably not had you been you would know that Reno has not made these guys a "team" If you in fact have 40-50 years of Yale experience then you should know What A good coach one that has promise looks and acts like because in your 40-50 years of Yale experience you have no doubt seen some very good ones. Insider information.... FACT that's all there is to it FACT. Anonymous, yes all the inside info posts are from parents I suspect getting info from the players some that are actually starters and their spots on the team would be compromised if not posted anonymous. I get that. Learn on the job.. If you would turn the reins of your fortune 500 company that your family had been building for over 100 years over to a High School Senior then yes you can say you are good with your "willing to let Reno learn on the job". Williams over Whitelaw all that needs to be said here is 8 games 14 interceptions.... Like the other post said its not about the Win Loss record. It's how This team is being handled.
ReplyDeleteOut of pure respect to all the Good and Great coaches out there coaches that kids can look up to and learn from I have decided to refer to Tony Reno as just that Tony Reno he does not deserve the title of "Coach" That has to be earned and he is far from earning it.
ReplyDeleteShouting FACT doesn't make things facts. I'm not saying you don't have inside information -- I'm saying anybody (say, Buddy Teevens) could write exactly what you're writing to sow dissent. If you're going to stay anonymous, there's no way you can convince anybody you know anything. Supporting Whitelaw really, really doesn't help your case. I've seen exactly four Yale football coaches, one of them for 8 games. Nobody can prove their competence or incompetence as a coach in 8 games -- not even a high school senior. Has Reno earned the right to be the coach? I believe he holds the Joel Smilow Chair -- that's all you need. Absolutely nothing more.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing... I was speaking a couple of weeks ago to the parents of a non-Reno recruited starter and he says you're all a bunch of whining crybabies. FACT!
ReplyDeleteAs an outsider but close observer, I have never seen such avid criticism of a first year HC and AD at this point in a season. One wonders if these two get any of this feedback, as some is quite valuable and predictive...and based on what we are seeing here, clearly some action of significance must be taken. Would Reno ever acknowledge his first, most fatal error....playing a Frosh QB over the established face of the team as a junior, knowing that the latter had no choice but to leave in disgust and disrespect...and reach back to mend fences and BEGIN to rebuild team morale and a positive, "gladiators at war together" mentality. Sounds like first order of business for 2014 starts right there?
ReplyDelete2013, that is.
ReplyDeleteThat, sounds reasonable, 4:08 PM, except for the phrase :established face of the team." Whitelay had four throws in 2011 (and four shuns) that's eight plays. There have been plenty of times when a freshman got the start over a QB that inexperienced, if not at Yale, then elsewhere. If that's what this is about, it's a complete crock. Whitelaw was going to get a chance if he stayed, if for not other reason that you are all so convinced that Williams sucked. Leaving in "disgust" or from being "dissed" is more than alittle childish. I am impressed with Williams (subtracting out his performance last Saturday when he shouldn't have played) has he thrown too many interceptions? Absolutely. But so did Witt. So does any QB learning the job. And what makes anyone think Whitelaw would have thrown fewer?
ReplyDeleteI believe that the QB deal was a calculated but very poor decision on Reno's part he wanted an excuse to have to continue to play "his" Freshman QB.
ReplyDelete@4:43 Believe what you want. I'm certainly willing to hear evidence. You haven't provided any.
ReplyDeleteI don't recall how many picks Witt Threw? But I do know this 14 in 8 games is way to many. As far as Whitelaw maybe he would not have done better than Williams on the field but he was bringing Maturity Leadership and team history to the table and that's half the battle. I'm sure Williams would have gotten a chance to play too had Reno done the correct thing and started Whitelaw and if Williams was that much better let everyone see that on game day at that point Reno has some credibility for starting a Freshman. At this point he has none.
ReplyDeleteOne problem concerning the QB I just don't think it was thought out. If you want your Freshman to learn they have to have a teacher. Whitelaw maybe wasn't a star QB but he must have gained some knowledge playing behind Witt that he could have passed along so whatever ya have to do to keep him ya do If that means making him starter at the beginning of the season OK.
ReplyDeleteSomeone asked about evidence. Well a number of key players from last season are no longer on the team or playing in a limited role currently. That collection of players won more games period! Those are indisputable facts. As far agenda is concerned, I would like to believe the only agenda would be to win games. And it should be if you are a fan and/or supporter of the program. Evidence shows the team on the field is horrible based on its record in an inferior football conference. So which came first, bad players or bad coaching? I'm not sure, but something is stinking up the field every Saturday. With regard to Tyler Varga, I believe he is a very good power running back; however, football is not an individual sport. It takes a collection of talent and team cohesiveness to accomplish a bigger cause. Which should be winning games and the head coach facilitates that. For example, Mordecai Cargill is a splendid all purpose back who is a fantastic compliment to Varga's power running. Actually averaging more yards per carry than Varga. I believe that combination is being underutilized, especially with a "green" qb. Good coaching takes identifying strengths and weaknesses. Making adjustments to minimize weaknesses and emphasize where you are strong. Might I mention they also have a very competent fullback on the team as well. Why no thoughts about the I formation? It's apparent they didn't have the personnel necessary to support a spread offense this season. Sounds like the coach was focused on fitting a square peg into a round hole in my opinion. Just fundamental football, no agendas here.
ReplyDeleteAll of you obviously know nothing about the QB position. If I was the QB and had some 6'5" or speed burner receivers I would look good as a QB too. Fact is, the receivers with the best skill set are all out of action or injured. I doubt that Witt would have done significantly better if you took away his receivers last year! As far as assuming that the team would be better if only Sr and Jr players got to play ... well just because someone sat on the bench for the last three years certainly does not mean that he can play or is any good. Whitelaw quit the team. What kind of character is that. If he had any substance he would have stayed around, supported his team and worked hard to prove Reno wrong and by George I think he would have had his chance. Stop all the whining. You will all look foolish when this offense is healthy and lights up the scoreboard next couple of years.
ReplyDelete3 guys did NOT turn the job down before they offered it to Reno. Brown was squashed by Levin and Reno was the 2nd guy in line. These are the facts!
ReplyDelete(same poster here)
Feel free to call the other candidates. Kelly pulled out, Brown was wacked and Ceccini was the #3. Believe what you want, these are the FACTS!
So which SR's should be playing that aren't? Anderson-hurt, Harris-very inconsistent, Hartwig-no, Jefferson-no, Morris-no, Perkins-no, Runk-no, Scott Williams-no. All the other SR's play to some degree. Where is the problem?
And Whitelaw, really? A guy who QUIT the Monday before the first game of the season because he wasn't named the starter? Could he have been more selfish? Hurt feelings, yes, but QUIT? Sorry, not a guy you want on your team. I don't care how much time you have put in or what you think you deserve, that was a selfish as it gets.
As it happens, Witt had 11 picks in his first 8 games. Pretty damn close. And there was similarly "old leadership" in Brook Hart. I don't think the Whitelaw backers have a whit of evidence to rely on. He had no experience. And none with this coach. He was, and is, nothing to rely on. And he took his ego and went home. Fine.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you all just SHUT UP! I have opinions and comments on everything you All have written and I guarantee WAY more perspective than ANY of you. It so happened I came upon this blog site and most of you obviously got beat up on the playground! SO just shut up!
ReplyDeletethe author of this blog is a wimp
ReplyDeleteThose saying that the returning QB should have been the starter because of all the learning he got from Witt don't seem to know very much about football.
ReplyDeleteWe're all disappointed by this season, but let's give the new staff more than 8 games - EIGHT games! - before we run them out of town.
Again, the big picture is not the QB issue (although it's a problem) It's Reno he just can't lead a team cant make these guys a cohesive unit. Talent is not always the factor, heart and wanting to play hard and give 100% for your leader sometimes is worth it's weight in gold. This team we have has no leader they can or want to follow into battle. To many bad decisions, to much disrespect toward the players has been Reno's undoing so much so that if he is here for two more years he is going to have a very tough time.
ReplyDeleteSo Reno said Williams was cleared by the medical staff to play in the brown game that his injury would not get any worse.... after the second play Williams was on the ground in pain. Reno continued to play Williams as we all witnessed. I'm sorry but a Monkey could have told you this Kid should not be in the game. Why did everyone including the TV announcers on YES all but Reno have that figured out after 10 plays? That is not a mistake on Reno's part that is just plain incompetence! If Yale were a big D1 school and covered by a big network like ESPN Reno's ass would be in a sling for that one. He just doesn't care about the good of 'THE TEAM" during the year many kids have gotten hurt in practice guys that maybe didn't play but were a part of the team just the same some needing surgery in many cases if not all there was not one coach including Reno that called or checked up on these kids to find out "are you OK?" These examples should say a lot for the kind of Coach Yale is wanting to put on Their Ivy Stage,
ReplyDeleteI agree with 8:05 the media can play a huge part in bringing things to light such as why did Reno play Williams and whats going on at Yale.
ReplyDeleteIt's really hard to believe that Reno doesn't get that his Freshman QB for what ever reason right or wrong is under fire. Letting him play in the Brown game as hurt as he was certainly didn't help Williams and really did more harm than good for Reno's claim as a coach. I can't help but feel bad for Eric Williams he's had a VERY rough first season, due to a thoughtless coach, he had to have felt utter humiliation after the brown game and I can't blame him if he did. A coach should always look for a way to bring the team and his players success in Eric Williams instance maybe more so than ever. Its time for Reno to take off his blinders and get down to business or get out!
Doesn't anybody remember the Penn game? A victory by two touchdowns over the second best team in the league? This is what the team can do when they start with healthy players, even though they were without their two best wide receivers.
ReplyDeleteLook beyond the trees! If Williams is going to be the QB and team leader for the next three years, as endorsed by Reno, showing leadership and toughness in the face of adversity is a good start. Would you prefer that he act like Whitelaw and desert the team? Would that be the kind of guy you want to follow?
ReplyDeleteI like what richardpatrick 57 said about the Penn game. Forget Williams (had his chance) and Whitelaw (gone). The other freshman QB, Scott, looked pretty darn good in his limited reps against Penn. I also heard that Russell might be back next year, a medical redshirt thing from his freshman year.
ReplyDeleteWrite this season off, look forward to next year.
Point is Reno should never even thought about playing Williams in the Brown game. He was hurt,period. Leadership and foolishness are two different things.
ReplyDeleteI’m the mom of a player that graduated this spring and am no football expert. But I DO know that players read this blog and naming names in a derogatory fashion is just hurtful. A lot of these comments sure won’t help morale going into the last couple games.
ReplyDeleteLook there are lots of players playing banged up. Some more than others. There are guys wit casts on and playing. I am sure it was never the intent to have Williams run with the ball or sit in the pocket and take shots. Handing the ball off and throwing quick passes from the gun does not pose any serious risk. Even if he just threw the ball away every so often he would serve as a good decoy that might keep all 11 defenders out of the box! You have a better plan tat would keep your running backs from getting killed ... Mr. Team Player?
ReplyDeleteFurman is more than capable of handing off the ball to a running back and being a "decoy" he can also throw a short pass. With the type of shoulder injury Williams has it hampers his throwing motion long or short. That was even pointed out by the announcers on the YES network. plus there's never a guarantee of what can happen when the ball is snapped! one missed block on the blind side among other things and your QB is a sitting duck! Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteMaybe someone could talk Dez Duron into coming back to help out next season. He's amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe real disgrace of Reno this season that has not even been mentioned is allowing the person who supposedly had his captain position taken away because of his behavior to effectively function as the captain all season including co-leading the bulldog walk, being the first person running onto the field at the start of games and at halftime, and mentioning him every week in the exact same spot that the captain is listed every week in Yale Football weekly releases.
ReplyDeleteWhy would anyone on the team respect a coach who would do this? What message does it send? It is an embarrassment to the team and the University. Why has this not been reported on. It is a disgrace!
And the list goes on......
ReplyDelete