So your summary of "boneheaded play calling" is the short kick?
No. It is not a summary. As noted this point is rehashed continually. I don't feel compelled to make this any longer by listing every single play I disagree with. I just wanted to list one that was completely overt and costly.
If it had been executed correctly they likely have the ball on the 20/25 yard line with 1 minute left. Otherwise the defense completely shut down the Stanford offense, the offense moved the ball with high efficiency against a stout defense, 28 points were scored against said stout defense, and a fake punt would have been the key to a win (but if it had failed you no doubt would be telling us it was boneheaded).
At that point UW needed to do something. Whether it was a fake punt there or something I don't know. Clearly what Sark called worked so good for him. He did it at an appropriate time though. I gave an example of when the short kick would have been a good play call. It is timing, not just the play itself.
I have been as frustrated with the one step forward, two steps back progression of Sarkisian and the Husky program and agree there was definitely some "on the job training". However, you even admit, he has recruited a deep and talented roster on both sides of the ball, has hired a talented staff in most every area, including the aforementioned recruiting, and has the team clearly progressing to actually competing (and nearly winning) against a top 5 team (and not a fluke win like the Stanford game last year).
Yes. I definitely said and agree with those points. My only caveats would be on both offense and defense lineman recruiting has been inadequate. In terms of coaches I noted that most are excellent but I still think there are a couple of duds on the staff.
The penalties are completely unacceptable, but if there is one issue you should be able to point to players for accountability it would be penalties.
Sark sets the tone. Everything goes to the head coach but some things go through assistants. This is not one of those things. It is up to Sark to instill discipline and hold the team accountable. The head coach can not let the team throw away a hundred yards a game. Just because the players have to not commit penalties does not mean that ultimately reduction of penalties is not Sark's responsibility.
