I'm noticing a trend with these posts. People appear to be saying many of the same things that were said the last 3 years. And, in each of those 3 years, YSU failed to do what it took to make the playoffs, and also to finish in the top 2 of the MVFC. Several players have come and gone. Assistant coach's have been replaced. So, to me, it loks like a question of whether or not Wolford is up to the task of being the HC of a top 2-3 team in what is arguably the best FCS Conference in the country.
I'm a bit skeptical of all the glowing comments. One reason is that there has been a severe drop-off for YSU at the QB position. Some will say Hess was a "system QB", but it is hard to deny he was one of the best QB's to ever play for YSU.
Also, under Wolford, scoring points has never been the problem. The problems have been defense, special teams, clock management, halftime adjustments, converting on 3rd or 4th down on key possessions. For at least the last 3 seasons, on paper, YSU has had the talent to compete with any team in FCS. They proved that in 2011 by giving NDSU their only loss that season, and doing so in Fargo in game #10. Then, YSU promptly returned home, and lost to a Missouri State team that entered the game 1-9/1-6, costing the team a playoff berth.
In 2012, YSU started the season with a win at PITT. That was not a great PITT team, but they did play in a bowl game. YSU started the season 4-0, and beat UNI. Yes, that was a sub-par UNI team. But, it was the first win over UNI since 2000. The team then proceeded to lose all 4 games they played in October. YSU finished with a record of 7-4/4-4 and 6th place in the MVFC.
Last season, YSU was 8-1/5-0 entering a game at UNI. The Panthers were a team decimated by injuries, and a team which had lost their first 5 MVFC games. They entered the game with a record of 4-5/0-5. YSU led 14-3 at halftime and 14-6 after 3 qtrs, only to lose 22-20. UNI drove 56 yards in 15 plays, using up the final 4:41 of the game, and kicking the winning FG on the final play of the game.
The following week, YSU lost at home to NDSU by a score of 35-17. The loss set up what was essentially a playoff game, at home, against SDSU. A game that YSU lost 42-13
After 4 games, and given the teams YSU has played, it is hard to get a good gauge on this team. However, it appears that ALL of the same issues with regards to Wolford on game day are issues again this year. It also appears that once again, YSU has an offense with enough weapons to score 20-30 points per game. And, it appears once again, the team has a pass defense that cannot stop any team with a decent QB and at least 1 quality receiver. YSU is going to face several teams that have shown an ability to pass the ball effectively, and put points on the board. And, the worst defense YSU will face over the next 8 games will be better than the best defense YSU has faced the last 3 weeks. So, please exscuse me if I am taking a "wait and see" attitude as the team prepares to start play in the MVFC. We have witnessed this script before, under both Wolford, and EVERY time, the story has not ended well for YSU.
