MAILBAG: Questioning Neal Brown's Future, Hail Mary Defense, What Needs to Change + More

Q: Here’s a question: WHY!!

A: Sometimes, the best questions are the most simple ones. Everyone has the same thoughts running through their head. I'm not sure I've ever experienced covering a game where something like that happened. Pure chaos.

From @wvufan2023:

Q: What things need to change for us to beat Oklahoma State next week? I know we had a few key guys out, but I didn’t think we’d actually lose to Houston.

A: I don't think anything really needs to change, to be honest. It's just about playing with better technique defensively and playing more disciplined. Guys weren't fitting gaps and the secondary had a hard time keeping up with Houston's speed. I'm not sure they'll face another receiver group as talented as that the rest of the year, certainly not next week.

From @TomTheLoud:

Q: How much is the buyout going to cost?

A: I do not see Brown being fired. It would mean a complete disaster happens down the stretch. But just to answer your question, if Brown is fired prior to Dec. 31, 2024, he is owed 100% of his remaining contract. If he is canned at the end of this season, the buyout is approximately $13 million.

From @ScottGuenther93:

Q: What's the win total that keeps Neal his job?

A: I'm kind of with Wren Baker on this whole not putting a number on it thing. You would think that after a hot 4-1 start it would take a lot for Brown to lose his job and I still think it will. But finishing 6-6 or 7-5 after such a great start would put him in danger I would think. You can't win just two or three games from the middle of October on out, especially against a favorable schedule. You've got to find a way to stack wins down the stretch to show improvement.

From @timmyoff27:

Q: In the future do you think Coach Brown would use maybe Kole Taylor or Devin Carter (big-bodied players) on defense for Hail Mary situations? I know it may only come up once or twice a year but just a thought. i.e. the chiefs with Travis Kelce.

A: I would imagine so. I'm honestly shocked he wasn't on the field Thursday night for it. Everything about that final play was a mess. The coverage, the personnel, a linebacker spying...just a mess.

From @wi_thompson:

Q: Why didn’t coaches put Kole and verticals down at GL to knock the ball down? They had 2 or 3 LBs and 5’10” DBs in. Also, only 3 rushing? IT gave the qb extra time to roll out and then throw it deep.

A: I think you're fine to rush three. It doesn't matter if he gets the ball off because the chances of it being completed are slim to none. You need to drop as many players back into coverage as possible. It just so happens they didn't have the right guys on the field to defend it, nor were they in a position to make a play. And yes, Kole Taylor needed to be on the field.

From @Huddleston1138:

Q: Any rumors of other schools with interest in Brown (fingers crossed)?

A: There is not. Schools will not jump at Neal unless this team rips off six straight wins and goes 10-2. Even then, there may not be much interest in what could be viewed as an outlier of a season.

McAfee Asks the Question We're All Wondering

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