I hate to agree somewhat with marco baldi, but a little blame always has to be put on the staff when you blow leads like the last 2 games.
Once they started beating the press, changes should have been made sooner, and this has been a recurring theme throughout the season.
That said, no matter what d is being played, no one, esp seniors, should give up a 21 pt lead. The loss is more firmly on the players shoulders, but lav can't just be absolved of everything he does or doesn't do.
He has a free pass as for this season, but I will wipe that slate clean at years end. Within this season, improvements and adjustments need to be made to try to win.
I have said this a bunch on the redmen board, but infusing players with a new culture, dedication, and system takes a long time.
Notre dame football got waxed by navy, and lost to tulsa, in large part bc of a bonehead call by brian kelly.
Then november came, and their defense plays like world beaters, and offense, esp the running game, is much improved, despite injuries to 3 of their 4 biggest weapons on offense!
It took months before those players rid themselves of charlie weis' smug, lazy, slow ways, and incorporated kelly's hard nosed tough as nails, confident approach.
I hope it doesn't take until feb with us, but teaching guys who have learned a certain way for 3 years an entirely new mentality and approach to the game is harder than it sounds.
I expect we will be happy w lavin THIS year.