ScUM's win was big for them. They needed that or they were staring into an abyss where their season could have gone to a dark place. An infusion of belief and confidence was needed - and they got it.
But there are structural problems in how that program functions philosophically. The "develop players, run the ball, play disciplined, take care of the ball, and play great defense" is as old as football and is a proven way to win.
The problem is it creates a very narrow way to win games. The last 3 years hid this problem, especially last year, because a very mature team was able to execute it by imposing it on their opponents. But if your players are young, development changes because of coaching turnover, you can't throw the ball when the running game is limited, you turn the ball over, your defense gets worn out because the offense can't possess the ball, and/or you find yourself down 2 scores, you aren't built to win unless all or most of those factors go in your direction.
It's a way to play every game fairly close, but it is also a way to not be able to win games against teams that will not allow you to exert your will in those factors.
Coach Moore is in a tough spot. I think he is pursuing his only option. But if you are an elite WR or QB, why would you want to play in that offense? How a program of that stature ends up with Orji, Tuttle, and a walk-on JAG as their options is a consequence. They do have a promising true frosh, but who will he throw to? The only answer is "development", but it's a lot easier when a JJ Smith shows up almost fully developed.
Long-term, this is scUM's challenge.
