BoFlex

August 30th, 2017 at 7:07 AM ^

I never quite understood coach's stance on the roster. I mean the depth charts, sure there's a minor competitive advantage for withholding that information, but why a general run-of-the-mill roster?

Joined: 05/30/2011

MGoPoints: 5276

CarrIsMyHomeboy

August 30th, 2017 at 7:21 AM ^

I think his take has one more layer than that. And the other layer is the bigger one.

The first small layer has to do with, yeah, competitive advantage. To never reveal one's hand unless the opponent does too, and even then show as little as necessary. Since this isn't actually a big deal, I think that is much more-so a matter of the principle than any kind of anxiety.

The second layer seems to animate him much more. That's the idea that published rosters and two-deeps are antiquated ideas. That any opponent can with a small amount of effort compile an "educated guess"  roster and 2-deep on the basis of (a) game film, (b) incoming recruiting class size, and (c) online hubbub. The information is out there. And when properly executed that educated guess could be so close as to be indistinguishable from the real roster/depth chart. So, he thinks the tradition of formally forking it over is anticompetitive and utterly unnecessary.

We might disagree with him. (We certainly know that NJ.com and Brian do.) But his take is nonetheless cogent -- Polarizing and abrasive, sure, but not illogical.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 7324

Yo_Blue

August 30th, 2017 at 8:07 AM ^

The idea of starters has run its course.  Are the "starters" the 11 on the field for the first snap?  No.  They are just the 11 that fit the scheme being run for that play.  Besides QB and the 5 OL, everyone else is there because they fit the play design.  There are wholesale changes from play to play on both offense and defense.  That's why the notion of losing so many "starters" from last year is not as bad as it sounds other than losing a ton of experience.

Joined: 08/24/2010

MGoPoints: 102592

Mr. Yost

August 30th, 2017 at 8:35 AM ^

I wouldn't say wholesale...but yes I agree. With what you're saying. Number of snaps is far more important than who physically was on the field for the first play of offense and defense. Especially early in the year when coaches are mixing and matching. AND coaches are rewarding guys for a strong fall camp even if we know the real "starter" is behind them. But hey...did you know we only return 1 starter on defense?! /ESPN analysts

Joined: 07/25/2011

MGoPoints: -9898220

Clarence Beeks

August 30th, 2017 at 9:50 AM ^

There is a third layer (which is the important one, because I think it's actually the root of the NJ writer's efforts): this was all about whether one specific player was actually on the roster or not.  I think that's absolutely not ok, so I'm 100% on board with Harbaugh doing this like he's done.  It's not fair to that player.  I also don't like that no one else in the media has called it out for what it is.

Joined: 09/06/2008

MGoPoints: 22733

TrueBlue2003

August 30th, 2017 at 3:38 PM ^

as mentioned, it's not that hard to figure out who is playing/starting by doing a little research (plus, you have to do that to figure out starters anyway).

The issue for the media is and always will be trying to determine whether players have been booted so they can try to figure out why.  Disciplinary issues are always a bigger story than anything else that happens off the field and the media is gonna dig for those things.

Joined: 01/05/2010

MGoPoints: 38075

reshp1

August 30th, 2017 at 8:39 AM ^

Also, walkon spots are determined after camp. There's roster size restrictions during camp, so student body try outs are not conducted until fall camp closes. Coach was not untruthful that the roster can not actually be published until the 30th (if a bit disingenuous).

Joined: 10/31/2011

MGoPoints: 34177

Glennsta

August 30th, 2017 at 11:39 AM ^

Over and above keeping UF in the dark about the depth chart,  I'd think that it might be confusing for UF if they didn't know who was wearing what number (noyt to mention the broadcasters).  Only a guess on my part.

Joined: 01/28/2011

MGoPoints: 4887

corundum

August 30th, 2017 at 7:29 AM ^

Drake Harris nabbed Keith Washington's number. I wonder if that was part of the meritocracy where Harris had passed him on the depth chart before he transferred.

Joined: 05/10/2012

MGoPoints: 47323

BeatOSU52

August 30th, 2017 at 9:53 AM ^

... I heard some rumors  (not through premium boards but through a source that knows the family.  Maybe it was posted on premium boards too, though, I don't know) about Harris being in the dog-house  (like completely) , at least last week I heard that.    He's a good kid but needs to man-up is all I'll say.  

Joined: 11/13/2011

MGoPoints: 14554