Yeeeaaah I don't think you're giving these players enough credit.
Starting quarterback is not healthy.
KJ Maye spit up blood on the sidelines with a bruised lung at CSU and Wolitarsky had a concussion, Gentry had a hamstring for alot of fall camp and the first 3 games.
Campion may not have his concussion anymore but he's not mobile enough to play LT which probably means he's got something else not reported. One starter practiced yesterday on the Oline, probably Mayes or Bobek. Pirsig has a shoulder injury bad enough the coaches have questioned if he's able to play and he has toughed it out.
We were down to our 5th string TE, we are now down to our 3rd string safeties and CB's.
None of those injuries are "boo boos".
Our whole program under Kill is based upon winning up front on the OL. It sets up the running game, the passing game, and keeps the D off the field. Right now because of the reality of injuries we cannot win up front.
No coach can simply throw out the playbook and "scheme" a brand new identity for the program.
I agree with most everything you say. Not diminishing the guys playing hurt at all. They are warriors but I also think most every other team has the same thing going on...don't you? For me it's about the focus...talk about the injuries after you go 7 and 5 why you didn't go 8 and 4 but don't sabatage the season giving people reasons or excuses why it's okay to come up short in the present. He keeps ringing the alarm bell...we are in trouble...sports is about mindset...how are the guys playing the game possibly going to be confident going into a game focusing on "the worst injuries in 32 years"? Versus..."we are fine...big opportunity for kids to step up...I'm excited to play Purdue...we got some kids who want to prove to me they should have been playing all along...haha...we're fortunate we have such a great walk on program and kids that prepare themselves to play each week without any fanfare...you all know we'll compete now!! Something like that versus all the negative....instead affirmation to everybody we are fine, it's all good, no worries. I'm not hearing that message.