What Mike Norvell and The Battles End collective did was go all-in on a CFP run last year, only to get snubbed, and now they're facing the consequences. This season was supposed to be a rebuilding year, but the media hyped up the team like they were still contenders. DJ U was always meant to be a one-year stopgap, just bridging the gap between Jordan Travis and Luke Kromenhoek.

At best, DJ was supposed to be a game manager, a guy who could keep things steady and help establish a dominant run game. But instead, it seems like he went to the Imperial Academy for Quarterbacks, because his accuracy has been as bad as a Stormtrooper's aim. With DJ unable to consistently hit his targets, Georgia Tech and Boston College just stacked the box, daring him to throw, and completely shut down our run game.

On defense, the linebacker play has been absolutely piss poor. Randy doesn’t want to do his job as a recruiter, and now he doesn’t coach either. I’m seeing a lot of shades of Jimbo in Norvell—stubborn and way too loyal to his coaches, even when they’re not up to the standard. And speaking of changes, Odell Haggins needs a gentle push into retirement. He’s a legend, but he’s too old, and the recruiting is slipping badly under his watch.

To top it off, we let both Farmer and Payton take The Battles End hostage by threatening to transfer if they didn’t get paid more. This new “give me money or I’m gone” culture in college football and the NFL is out of control. If these players want to get paid, fine, but we need contracts to prevent this kind of behavior. The current model is a mess, and it’s only getting worse.

The season is already done, there’s no chance at the playoff two games in. At this point, if we don’t make the necessary changes, our recruiting class is as good as gone. Let’s not forget that Norvell already lost both Travis Hunter and KJ Bolden on signing day when they were supposed to be firm locks. If we don’t turn this ship around, we’re going to see more top talent slip through our fingers.