August 31, 2007
Friday Open Thread: This weekend's games
Would love to get your thoughts, comments and insights on this weekend's college football games.
Here's the lineup:
Friday, August 31
7:30 PM ET Navy at Temple
8:00 PM ET Washington at Syracuse
Saturday, September 1
12:00 PM ET Appalachian State at Michigan (5)
12:00 PM ET Youngstown State at Ohio State (10)
12:00 PM ET Florida International at Penn State (18)
12:00 PM ET East Carolina at Virginia Tech (9)
12:30 PM ET Western Kentucky at Florida (3)
3:30 PM ET Western Michigan at West Virginia (6)
3:30 PM ET Nevada at Nebraska (19)
3:30 PM ET Washington State at Wisconsin (7)
3:30 PM ET UCLA (17) at Stanford
6:00 PM ET Baylor at Texas Christian (22)
6:45 PM ET Oklahoma State at Georgia (13)
7:00 PM ET Troy at Arkansas (20)
7:00 PM ET North Texas at Oklahoma (8)
7:00 PM ET Arkansas State at Texas (4)
7:00 PM ET Montana State at Texas A&M (25)
7:45 PM ET Kansas State at Auburn (14)
8:00 PM ET Tennessee (15) at California (12)
10:15 PM ET Idaho at Southern California (1)
11:59 PM ET Northern Colorado at Hawaii (24)
12:00 PM ET Alabama-Birmingham at Michigan State
12:00 PM ET Marshall at Miami
12:00 PM ET Northeastern at Northwestern
12:00 PM ET Colorado State vs Colorado
2:00 PM ET Connecticut at Duke
2:00 PM ET South Carolina State Bulldogs at Air Force
2:00 PM ET Virginia at Wyoming
3:30 PM ET Wake Forest at Boston College
3:30 PM ET Mississippi at Memphis
3:30 PM ET Missouri vs Illinois
3:30 PM ET Iowa vs Northern Illinois
3:30 PM ET Houston at Oregon
3:30 PM ET Georgia Tech at Notre Dame
4:00 PM ET Middle Tennessee St. at Florida Atlantic
5:30 PM ET Arizona at Brigham Young
6:00 PM ET Eastern Kentucky at Kentucky
6:00 PM ET Eastern Michigan at Pittsburgh
6:00 PM ET Villanova at Maryland
6:00 PM ET James Madison at North Carolina
6:00 PM ET Central Florida at North Carolina State
7:00 PM ET Gardner Webb Bulldogs at Ohio
7:00 PM ET Army vs Akron
7:00 PM ET UL Lafayette at South Carolina
7:00 PM ET Richmond at Vanderbilt
7:00 PM ET Central Michigan at Kansas
7:00 PM ET Central Arkansas at Louisiana Tech
7:00 PM ET Tenn. Martin at Southern Mississippi
7:00 PM ET Purdue at Toledo
7:05 PM ET Elon University at South Florida
7:07 PM ET Western Carolina at Alabama
8:00 PM ET Bowling Green at Minnesota
8:00 PM ET Nicholls State at Rice
8:00 PM ET Indiana State at Indiana
10:00 PM ET San Jose State at Arizona State
10:00 PM ET Sacramento State at Fresno State
10:00 PM ET New Mexico at Texas El Paso
Monday, September 3
8:00 PM ET Florida State (21) at Clemson
4:00 PM ET Texas Tech at Southern Methodist
Comments:
1st_and_NOLE
posted on August 31, 2007 10:23 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?
said:
LSU's offense was not impressive at all last night. The main reason LSU scored was the fact their defense got SIX ints. The only time LSU's offense put together good drives was when MSU's defense had thrown in the towel and was completely gassed. However, when MSU's defense was showing some life, LSU's offense couldn't get out of neutral. Matt Flynn looked really bad, he looked like Drew Weatherford. Seems like the LSU OL had a lot of problems too.
Wasn't very impressive. However, it's only the first game of the season and I'm sure they'll improve. Though, I do give VT much more of a chance then I originally thought. That will be a low scoring affair if the same LSU offense shows up.
GatorGreg said:
posted on August 31, 2007 10:38 AM — 24.250.236.220 — link — abuse?
@ Nole - Im with you on that one. LSU's offense looked terrible. I dont think Flynn is gonna be the bayou badass they've pinned him to be. As for good games, not much to choose from cept Ok St/Ga and Cal/Ten. Looking forward to Ten stompin the piss outta the Cal and exposing how sorry the Pac-10 is, making it 3 straight years. As for Ga, Stafford was too inconsistent last year to show me anything yet, still think the dogs will pull through
sirbigspur said:
posted on August 31, 2007 10:57 AM — 129.252.137.190 — link — abuse?
1st and Nole,
You are absolutely right. I think LSU is overhyped. They're good, but there offense was stagnant in the first quarter. Field position and defense gave them the win. Defense alone can't win them all. If South Carolina has a good offense going into Baton Rouge, they might surprise some people. Then again, LSU could have just been rusty like every other team.I mention this simply because I was hoping that the MSU might shock the nation last night by beating an overhyped team and give us something to talk about with all these crappy first week games. However, there are some games that I'm very interested in.
Louisiana-Lafyette vs. South Carolina-I'm going to the game. Enough said.
Tenn @ Cal-Good PAC-10-SEC matchup. I want Tennessee to win for sake of the SEC, but I think Cal wins this one.
FSU @ Clemson-Bowden bowls always interesting. I don't want Clemson to win, but I'm not buying in to the seminole hype.
Ga Tech-ND-Georgia Tech will win. Notre Dame will not decide on a quarterback.
OSU @ UGA-Georgia wins this one close, and loses to my Gamecocks next Saturday.
This is so South Carolina biased. Oh well.
gatorstud said:
posted on August 31, 2007 11:18 AM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
in lsu's defense it was the first game, nationally televised, horrible weather, and playing on the road....i am not going to read much into their performance last night..i still think they are a damn good team....
jmho
go gators...and hokies
1st_and_NOLE
posted on August 31, 2007 11:37 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
gatorstud #7:
I agree with that. I still think LSU is #2 in the nation. However, the play calling from LSU was simply AWFUL. In one situation, it was 3rd and 11 and LSU called a QB draw - Flynn was hit for a loss.
Flynn didn't look sharp throwing the ball. The OL certainly didn't dominate MSU at all physically.
LSU was handed that game on a silver platter by an abysmal MSU QB.
If LSU's offense doesn't get better before next weekend, they won't be undefeated IMO.
Nolen1999 said:
posted on August 31, 2007 11:57 AM — 207.203.238.6 — link — abuse?
As I've stated on another forum... from the looks of it, LSU's hurting from losing Jimbo Fisher to my Noles. I was not able to watch the game but from the stat's, I could tell that their offense was not impressive and struggling.
Imagine if MSU's QB had NOT thrown 6 INT's and he had a decent passing game???
Final score could have been:
LSU-21
MSU-17Then every analyst would call this years squad overrated.
Lennie Collins said:
posted on August 31, 2007 12:40 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Hey fellow college football fans, I going to give all "Ranked" teams a break including ut cuz it is the first "real" game. If this was week 4 in LSU played MSU like that I would agree with'cha but it was the first! Tennesse at California, Kansas State at Auburn, and Oklahoma State at Georgia are the games I am going to pay CLOSE attention to. I will be watching OU of course but we gone see have "tough" da SEC iz! Take care and remember to be carefull as well. This is the last "HOLIDAY" of the summer and don't drink & drive DOGGONE IT. Be wise and be safe! Let's enjoy dis game together!
Lennie Collins said:
posted on August 31, 2007 12:47 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Hey OU Ron...instead of Gene thinkin' on how ta put gold back in da Cyclones color scheme he should have been more focused on beating Kent State. Look's like Iowa State gone be the bottom dweller in the Big 12 this year!
pnut said:
posted on August 31, 2007 12:48 PM — 72.242.44.137 — link — abuse?
do any of you really think that LSU showed anything on offense? please. think about it, there's no way they wanted to show anything good for VT to look at. they half a$$ed it and still won 45-0. don't get me wrong, they really need step it up on offense and the o-line but i think there deffense is as good as advertised.
1st_and_NOLE
posted on August 31, 2007 1:31 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
pnut #12:
I personally don't buy that theory. Any OC worth his salt can come up with a different game plan each week to keep defenses off balance.
I mean, under your theory, won't LSU be screwed all year after the VT game? I mean, once they pull out all the stops after the VT game; then Auburn, UF, SC, Bama, Ark, & their opponent in the SEC-CG will know what their offense is all about after the VT game!
C'mon, the LSU OC should be able to put together a creative game plan to throw defenses off balance week after week. The game plan last night was awful.
OU-Ron
posted on August 31, 2007 1:42 PM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse? said:
@12 I don’t think they half a$$ed anything, either Miss St’s defense was damn good until they got winded, or LSU’s offensive line is not that good, either way the score looks like they rolled over them, I just didn’t get that feeling watching the game, time will tell.
pnut said:
posted on August 31, 2007 1:43 PM — 72.242.44.137 — link — abuse?
i'm not saying that after the VT game that they'd be screwed, but do you really and truly think they "pulled out all the stops" for MISS. STATE.
by no means am i saying the offense was clicking but they wen't out a got a shutout win on the road in the SEC, what more do you want?this is probably what they will do all year. wear you out with the deffense and hope the offense can put up enough points to get the win.
saban did the same thing on '03. once he got enough on the board, he'd turn it over to the D to get the win. ofcourse they need to get better, but it wasn't horrible for week 1Rammer Jammer said:
posted on August 31, 2007 1:58 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
Was it me, or did that Holiday kid (LSU) appear to have rockets fixed to his shoes. That guy is unbelievably fast, and small.
I couldn’t believe my eyes. I just had to see if anybody else noticed it.From the best I could tell; that Perriloux kid is pretty doggone good too. What a waste, with him sitting on the sideline and all.
All and all, I would say LSU has a good very good team. They were not jaw dropping impressive as I thought they would be. But, they will only improve.
My $.02
ROLL TIDE
1st_and_NOLE
posted on August 31, 2007 2:08 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
pnut:
How many total possessions did LSU have?
The reason I ask, is because LSU's defense forced SEVEN turnovers. LSU cashed in 38 points from the SEVEN TURNOVERS. That's what LSU is supposed to do, turn turnovers into points.
However, I'm sure LSU had much more then SEVEN possessions. Yet, in all the other possessions they only managed 1 TD against the MSU defense.
I'm sorry but, if you can only score one TD without getting an assist from the defense forcing a TO against MSU... your offense has several questions.
7 TOs = 38 points
All possessions from kickoffs/punts = 7 points.
Not impressive.
gatorstud said:
posted on August 31, 2007 2:45 PM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
with all that is being said about lsu's "first" game....i can't wait till all the week one games are final.....to see if the same people here doggin lsu will dogg their own team if they do not perform up to snuff.....
i am sure that lsu will be fine....until the florida game..then they will fall apart...lol
go gators...and hokies
1st_and_NOLE
posted on August 31, 2007 3:08 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
LSU is the #2 team in the country. They're going to be under a microscope. They better get used to it if they have more performances like that.
I do agree LSU will be fine in the long run.
I am simply saying they have a lot of work to do offensively.
JSTONE12877 said:
posted on August 31, 2007 3:11 PM — 71.40.67.90 — link — abuse?
LSU had a limited playbook lastnight, they didn't show alot of the new oc's spread sets b/c of the athletes that they are going to play from VT. They need to keep the Hokie defense guessing. Everyone needs to remember , LSU opened their season against a conference opponent from the best conference in the nation. MSU isn't elite, but they're not Troy State either!
geauxtigers0107 said:
posted on August 31, 2007 3:22 PM — 144.5.224.142 — link — abuse?
I was not very impressed with the O-lines performance last night. And I don't recall Miss St's D-line being that hyped though I have heard good things about Titus. So we obviously have some work to do. I do agree that it is the first game of the season, weather, blah blah blah, but with 87 highly rated running backs, you shouldn't be running your starting QB 15 times in a game. Dorsey was double teamed all night but still managed to put up good numbers. I honestly believe if this team performs the same next week against VT, we'll be in trouble. VT's defense finished ranked at the top last year in several categories with minimal losses to the draft. As far as Perilloux, he looked good but with 10 minutes left in the game and St's defense spending alot of time on the field (see int's), it's hard to say how he would've performed against a fresh D-line. And I don't buy into the "not showing the whole offense" theory either. Give him (OC) time and we'll see how it goes. Agree with the above post...a good OC will be able to adapt the game plan to a different team.
Geaux SEC
Geaux TigersNolen1999 said:
posted on August 31, 2007 3:24 PM — 207.203.238.6 — link — abuse?
We're not doggin' LSU... some of us just feel that they didn't play up to their ability. Some people feel that they're saving their offense for VT. Others are saying, LSU will suffer several losses by the end of this year if they keep playin the way they showed us last night.
The top 10 teams will always be under the microscope...
jstone12877 said:
posted on August 31, 2007 3:32 PM — 71.40.67.90 — link — abuse?
First of all Geaux Tigers! Second, if LSU plays offense like they did in the 1st 23 minutes of last night's game, we're screwed! But like I said before, MSU's defense is not that bad, They're line is big and physical. I'm glad we actually had to go against an semi-athletic D before next week. I think it will help adjust to VT's speed. If we would have played a 1-AA team, the hokies would have dominated our line from the get-go. But playing MSU helped get their feet under them and expose some problem areas so they can be worked on in practice.
Zac said:
posted on August 31, 2007 4:18 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Ya, know, guys, while I agree; LSU looked flat. They also looked incredibly relaxed, as if they didn't have a worry in the world. Their "D" was purely awesome. I felt terrible for Henig (MS St). It seemed that when he had time to throw, he had no one to throw to; when he had open receivers (a rare occasion), he was running for his life. Ya gotta feel for the dude. He's out there giving his all, taking shots, making poor decisions, knowing his team believed in him, and coming up empty. MS St's "D" gave it all they had, and as you've noticed, just ran out of gas. I don't think we've seen the best out of either team, but I do think we've gotten a glimpse. It'll be interesting when VA Tech shows up. It'll also be interesting to see if MS St can recover.
Tomcat said:
posted on August 31, 2007 4:29 PM — 207.193.30.194 — link — abuse?
I missed most of the first half, started watching at 3-0.I was impressed with Miss St O-line was blocking good.There defense was playing hard for the first three quarters.The Miss St Special teams did a good job on returns as well.
Was it first game jitters or the kid was just trying too hard or something.Three things can happen when you pass the ball and two of them are bad. They had trouble running against LSU's Defense, so they became more one dimentional.
They probably should have run more screen plays and crossing patterens instead of the bombs.
After about the 4th int looked like the team and the fans had just given up- Kind of a shame.
The Bulldogs looked purty good 6 ints= 1 L
Looking foward to Baylor at TCU
Sicem-Bears beat the FrogsJSTONE12877 said:
posted on August 31, 2007 5:05 PM — 71.40.67.90 — link — abuse?
The problem with running screens against LSU is their speed. Dixon did ok until Highsmith became his shadow. What does everyone thing of LSU's defense's conditioning. They never once looked winded. This D is gonna be the backbone of this team. All Flynn has to do is "not loose it for us"
T-Mac said:
posted on August 31, 2007 5:39 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
Let's not forget that Erik Ainge just broke a finger on his throwing hand this week in practice!
We will probably see a HEAVY dose of the running game from Tenn on Saturday at Cal.
This completely changes the complexity of the game!
T-Mac had it Tenn-28 Cal-27
T-Mac isn't so sure now!
*T-Mac approved this message.CUTotalTiger said:
posted on August 31, 2007 10:39 PM — 68.59.7.45 — link — abuse?
1st and Nole........... you are correct, you should never go against Vegas... But if you had the last three of four years you would be up. That is why i think FSU will win... can Vegas be wrong three times in a row and 4 of 5? i really do not think so. Smart play would be to give the points.
Ease up on LSU.... they scored 45 points and held Miss St to none. They were very vanilla on offense. If you have to point out a weakness, i would say the o-line. They blew quite a few blocking assignments.
Lennie Collins said:
posted on September 1, 2007 12:45 AM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Hey OU Ron, OU Fan, and all Sooners fans. Here is the lastest news on ut! Another ut players has made headlines this summer for da wrong reason. Billy Pittman used a friend's automobile all summer long. It violated NCAA rules. Whack Brown suspends him...but oh he has a separated shoulder and would have been out that long anyways! Wait tills he heals then suspend him. Gone on Whack Brown, yous keep layin' down da law! Let's see how ut fans respond to dat! Here comes the justifications & excuses.
Bleed Crimson said:
posted on September 1, 2007 1:11 AM — 130.160.147.104 — link — abuse?
Ill tell ya what to look for:
Georgia surviving a scare from Oklahoma State.Tennessee beating California by 3 scores.
Clemson shocking Florida State.
Alabama hanging triple digits on Western Carolina haha.
Eye of the Tiger said:
posted on September 1, 2007 2:43 AM — 138.163.0.41 — link — abuse?
Say what you want, but the only problem with LSU was play calling. All of the play makers made great plays and Flynn looked sharp. They need to seriously chill out on those QB draws though. I would also like to echo the fact that Miss St has a very big and fast defense. They are not your average Murray St, etc, etc. I liked what I saw with the exception of some of the play calls early on, but other than that I am impressed.
gatorhippy
posted on September 1, 2007 7:38 AM — 70.121.185.56 — link — abuse? said:
Could barely sleep last night...
TODAY IS GAMEDAY!!!
On my way out the door for a noon thirty in Gainesville...
Looks like there might be a bit of rain to cool it down a notch or two...
Beer at 8 AM tastes pretty good...
I'd almost forgot ho good...
gatorhippy
posted on September 1, 2007 7:39 AM — 70.121.185.56 — link — abuse? said:
Could barely sleep last night...
TODAY IS GAMEDAY!!!
On my way out the door for a noon thirty in Gainesville...
Looks like there might be a bit of rain to cool it down a notch or two...
Beer at 8 AM tastes pretty good...
I'd almost forgot ho good...
OU-Ron
posted on September 1, 2007 8:33 AM — 72.198.24.199 — link — abuse? said:
@33 Lennie, Stoops just kicked off two players from the team, seems like one of them needed gas for his car and wanted to get some without paying for it, and the other guy wanted to keep him company. Now they can Watch college football,together!!
jstone12877 said:
posted on September 1, 2007 10:05 AM — 71.40.67.90 — link — abuse?
It must suck that all your fans are such beer lightweights, that you schedule your games @noon. Tiger Stadium doesn't normally open until the sun goes down. That gives us all day to drink, then 3hours to sober up during the game and finish the night @ 6am sunday!
hrposon said:
posted on September 1, 2007 11:11 AM — 98.200.123.115 — link — abuse?
@41 jstone12877 - It's hard to believe that getting drunk before a football game is the best way to enjoy a college football game. Can you imagine having a National Championship season and not remembering what happened. The trick is to drink after the game.
1st_and_NOLE
posted on September 1, 2007 12:04 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
I just watched VT run onto the field with ECU to open the season... WOW... that's all I can say is... WOW.
I could feel the electricity from my living room. The crowd was on fire. Every single soul, student, past alumni, young people, old people, everyone in that stadium wasn't just standing up - they were all jumping.
It was a pretty powerful scene.
Way to go VT.
Get it done this season.
Bobby said:
posted on September 1, 2007 12:10 PM — 198.147.139.184 — link — abuse?
I think I'd have to kinda agree with both arguments I don't think LSU showed their entire hand but they did look flat. If not for Miss. St. turning the ball over six times they might would've had to let it all hang out to get by. I think IMO they would've pulled it off either way, but if I was an LSU fan I might be a little concerned with what I saw...I dunno maybe first game jitters or rust.
1st_and_NOLE
posted on September 1, 2007 12:44 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
If I were an LSU fan I'd really only be concerned with two things:
#1: Play calling. I personally don't buy the "not showing their stuff" excuse. I think any OC worth his salt should be able to come up with a creative game plan each week to attack opposing defenses. However, lets assume that's what LSU was doing, just not letting anything out of the bag. Either way, there's really no excuse to run so many damn QB draws with Flynn, especially on a 3rd and 11 like they did. If I was an LSU fan I'd be a little pissed about that. LSU has some GREAT RBs and Flynn is THE guy this year so I have no idea why you'd run him so much.
#2: The OL didn't really impress. I understand it's the first game and the OL is still building continuity. I also understand MSU's strength on the team is their DL. But, MSU's DL compared to other SEC teams is average at best. LSU's OL didn't physically dominate them. They got very little push and didn't look too aggressive. LSU lost a great OL coach and they may slip a little in that unit. Only time will tell.
Overall though, LSU is an awesome football team. They'll have a great season. We'll be able to tell a lot more after next week.
AUTIGERS03 said:
posted on September 1, 2007 2:27 PM — 74.239.251.222 — link — abuse?
Wow the #5 team in the nation getting an a$$ whipping from a 1-AA school. Maybe now everybody else will think that ESPN has to much influence on where people are ranked. Because no way did UM deserve that high of a ranking, not after what USC did to them last year and this team is almost the same team as last years.They suck worse than a three dollar street walker.
Lennie Collins said:
posted on September 1, 2007 2:28 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Hey 1st_and_Nole I guess you were right! Is this preformance gone help Virginia Tech fans forget the tragedy? No! It is going to make them mourn more. LSU and Virginia Tech next week? Maybe that won't be the game of the week!
OU Fan said:
posted on September 1, 2007 4:05 PM — 84.146.44.147 — link — abuse?
Michigan fans, just breathe and please do not commit any act of violence towards any person. Football is just a game. I know, it can determine how you feel for the rest of your work week, but you just have to breathe and try to sleep this loss off. App State is great team, regardless that their a Div 1AA team. They should be playing Div 1 football in my eyes. I thought Oklahoma losing to TCU and Boise State was bad, but losing your season opener at home to a Div 1AA school must really suck. And the Wolverines were ranked #5. Ouch. However, life will move on Michigan fans. This loss should be an eye opener for the Wolverines and you never know, Michigan might go undefeated after this loss. I better not speak too soon though because my beloved Sooners have yet to take the field. Good luck everyone and I'm saying this from Schmidmuhlen, Germany! BOOMER SOONER!!
Cane Mutiny said:
posted on September 1, 2007 4:26 PM — 65.12.247.141 — link — abuse?
Just got back from the Miami-Marshall game, and just heard about Michigan! Holy Canoli! My mom's a Michigan law school graduate, so I can't say much, but like I've said the whole off-season: The Big Eleven is WAY overrated. And VaTech didn't sound like it played too great against ECU either. I think this is gonna pan out to be a real interesting season...
Its GREAT to BE a Mi-am-i HURRICANE...Miami 31, Marshall 3
Lennie Collins said:
posted on September 1, 2007 5:00 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Dear Michigan,
Please do not be discouraged. It is nothing wrong with losing to a Division 1-AA school. Keep your heads to the sky and remember that there is 11 more games to be played. We know it hurts a lot more since you were the 5TH ranked team in Americia. Take care and keep moving straight ahead!
Sincerely,
Colorado, Mississippi State, and Stanford.
Mark said:
posted on September 1, 2007 7:06 PM — 75.181.77.18 — link — abuse?
Michigan/App State. We all just watched a Big 10 # 5 ranked team get handled in the first half, go into the locker room with the conference wondering if they would get beaten by 30 points unless someone in power sent an order downstream.
2nd half: App offense with # 2 nowhere to be found, and a confused #14 because of the play calling from his own coordinator. When that wasn't enough to get Mich back in it, the App defense began its stupidity of play calling. Being in pass defense when it was an obvious run play for Mich? What happened to 8 men in the box? As a former D1 college coach I was scratching my head at this point, but the feild goal with 30 sec on the clock confirmed it all. 1st down, 10 yrd line, left hash, down 1 pnt. Kick it? Are you kidding me?
Mark said:
posted on September 1, 2007 7:29 PM — 75.181.77.18 — link — abuse?
As a resident of North Carolina, and also an avid SEC fan, i must say I am so proud these App State boys pulled it off in the end. They would not be denied. However, the corruption of the Big 10 and or the Michigan athletic director himself, was just so obvious. Just follow the money. Going into half time this Mich team and the conference must have seen their futures about to implode. Watch the game after the half. These App kids were put in situations time after time that were the dumbest of play calling if your trying to win. Both sides of the ball. #14 was likely told to stay in the pocket. A freshman # 8 drops a touchdown pass. Where was # 2 the 2nd half? This was the best athlete on the field. Even with the App offense dysfunctional, Mich still couldn't get back in it. Then the App defense, who clearly stopped the run earlier, and totally broke the back of the Mich passing game, well, it began its stupidity of play calling. The only thing Mich could do at this stage of the game was to run # 20 off tackle. 8,10,12 times nearly in a row. So why is App St. In a 4-3-4 pass defense? Why were they not in double covereage during Michigans last 26 sec of the game after the App St field goal on 1st down, 10 yrd line, left hash, 30 sec left? Because Mich had to stay in this game! This would be tje biggest upset in history. Yet these App boys STILL found out how to win. I could go into the details of the unearned Mich touchdowns off of 1 sided Big 10 ref penalties, + many other botched App play calls, but the point I think has been made.
cmetalgator said:
posted on September 1, 2007 8:37 PM — 65.190.19.93 — link — abuse?
Turns out the best game this week, is the biggest upset in NCAA history Appalachian State over Michigan 34-32. Can anyone actually believe this? I cant believe it but I love it anyway. Anyone who has ever been to a college football game that was an upset knows the chant, "over-rated! Over-rated!" sing it with me now.
metalgator said:
posted on September 1, 2007 8:45 PM — 65.190.19.93 — link — abuse?
i saw the comment made by mark which hit on, among other things, bad reffering in the second half. on that subject i want to know did anyone else, not partial to VT, see the second half against ECU? at least three times in the second half i saw refs giving VT generous spottings of a yard or more resulting in first downs for VT on 3rd down cnv attempts. did anyone else see what i saw? or am i just going crazy? ECU was very much in this game till close to the very end. minus shotty spotting both ways, taking a yard at a time to the ECU Off, and giving them to the VT off, i think ECU would have walked away with the second biggest upset today
badgerballer said:
posted on September 1, 2007 9:05 PM — 71.34.156.237 — link — abuse?
#62 - "....but the point I think has been made."
HUH??
So basically you are saying that the Michigan AD personally offered App State's players and coaches some form of incentive to throw the game. They also got to the referees. And even with all of that corrupt help, Michigan still wasn't good enough to win a fixed game?
I assume you go to sleep at night wearing a tin foil hat.
metalgator said:
posted on September 1, 2007 9:25 PM — 65.190.19.93 — link — abuse?
never thought id say this but i agree with the nole fan. i just wanted so know if i was the only one that saw the bad reffing in the second half of that game. for example, when it was late and the pirates went for it on 4th down 10 in vt's territory they had that first they were ripped off by at least a yard and then when vt wanted to get a first to keep the last drive going to run the clock out they were given at least a yard on a 3rd down play to give them the first and the ability to run out the clock. i know vt now is the "pity-story" with the shootings and now the vt alum "issues" but thats no reason for this kind of BS. im personally not watching another VT game the rest of the season for health reasons i dont want to get an ulcer being pissed at that kinda crap. LSU look out they might steal a game from you guys next.
Regan said:
posted on September 1, 2007 10:02 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Is it possible for ESPN to talk-up Cal more? Don't get me wrong, I love sub-plots, but the sunshine they are blowing up that team is really getting excessive.
You'd think that Erik Ainge cut down their precious oak trees or killed their dog or last year, not just win a game by 17 points. Talk about an imaginary chip on your shoulder...
Regan said:
posted on September 1, 2007 10:49 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Yes. I'm watching it too...but listen to the guys in the booth.
I've been watching College Football for years, and the only time I have ever heard announcers talk up one team over the other more was the love-fest last year for Boston College at Miami.
Yeah, Cal's up...but they've been talking this way all WEEK. Now it's giving me a headache.
Lennie Collins said:
posted on September 1, 2007 11:32 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Hey Bobby I was WRONG! Prediction #1 texas 63 Arkansas State 3. Reality texas 21 Arkansas State 13. Prediction #2 Oklahoma 48 North Texas 10. Reality Oklahoma 79 North Texas 10. Hey Tomcat...You were right Sam Bradford will never put up Colt McCoy numbers. Well at least he won't as of Week 1. Sam Bradford - 363 yard & 3 touchdowns in one half. Colt McCoy - 224 yards, 2 touchdowns, & 2 interceptions the whole game! Did you see Whack Brown post game conference. What a JOKE! He stated he was hoping for a close game! I am more apt to believe O.J.'s innocence than that NONSENSE he is trying to put over on the sports world! I guess the motto for next week...Work 'em horns! ut looked good in spring practice. PRACTICE!...PRACTICE! I am talking about practice not a game. PRACTICE? PRACTICE? Let me hear da excuses longhorns nation! Let me hear the insults ut fans! But come with facts too!
Lennie Collins said:
posted on September 2, 2007 12:06 AM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Hey 1st_and_Nole...you maybe right but no one is gone be up to see it! I believe Hawaii can play with the Sooners, Trojans, Gators, and so forth but they play too far away to get most of these teams over there! I know USC was over there a couple of years ago in a blowout.
Gatorboy40 said:
posted on September 2, 2007 12:52 AM — 220.150.43.58 — link — abuse?
I can't believe that you all, appear off LSU. I am not a LSU fan by any means, but I think that it is too early to say that they won't live up to the hype. MSU is far better competition than most teams opened up with. Just because your team look really good against div 2 teams, don't mean much either (except fo Michigan,,,,OPPS). But, anyway I'd wait until at least week 3 or 4, before passing judgement.
Dman said:
posted on September 2, 2007 1:46 AM — 68.224.30.32 — link — abuse?
Gatorgreg, who was exsposed ???? Do you really mean that or are you just trying to act like an idiot ?? The Pac-10 has looked by far the most impressive this first weekend. I know it's only week 1 but don't go blowing the SEC's horn, that will come off as a sorry note.
Bobby said:
posted on September 2, 2007 8:46 AM — 198.147.139.184 — link — abuse?
No excuses this morning. That was a poorly coached team, they looked lost on the field. Ever since the K-State game they just don't play the same. Where's the fire, the urgency. The play calling was awful. Jamaal Charles is a world class sprinter and to keep doin' the draw play and hand it off to him standing flat footed is stupid. Why not toss it to him on the end and let him use his speed? Coach Brown's press conference was insulting, if we'd just gotten by Nebraska that would be one thing, but Arkansas St? I think livin' in Austin too long is starting to wear off on Brown. The always be positive approach is gettin' old this is football. I wanted to hear, "we were undisciplined, poorly coached, uninspired, and we looked like a deer in the head lights." They have alot to fix the next seven days. Our inexperience on both sides of the ball was painfully obvious, and we HAVE to get better linebacker play. I probably just pissed off some Longhorn fans with what I just said, but if you watched the game there is no way you could come away thinking we looked good or even ok. All I could think was oh crap! It's far too early to throw in the towel but by the looks of things it might be a long season. Next weeks prediction Texas 10 TCU 6.
Rtpayton said:
posted on September 2, 2007 8:46 AM — 74.129.69.31 — link — abuse?
Pac-10 has gotten a lot better....IMO..SEC still a top power conference...
BigEast would be better if it had more than just UofL and WV...Rutgers is still riding last years wave...and South Florida has been decent...
Big 12...has had a nice showing thus far
Then the Big Ten.... is a joke......OSU's embarrassment in the title game last year after they were supposed to crush Florida...and then Michigan losing to App State at HOME...they really need to get their stuff together..
and Hawaii won't get anything for winning..their schedule is creampuffs...
C-NC said:
posted on September 2, 2007 9:24 AM — 24.74.145.70 — link — abuse?
I am agreement with Mark with respect to the Mich, App St game, AD's sipping cokes in the press box, after the 2nd qtr, Mich AD tells the App St AD, "this is not why we invited you up here!" Big Ten conf. is flushed for the year. If Mich can somehow beat OSU during the season, the conf has a big stamp of "overrated". The App St players executed what the coaches told them to do. App St handled Mich in the 1st half, and it wasn't so much Mich was making a boatload of mistakes, they were just outplayed. 2nd half, totally diff team/game plan steps on the field in the Big House. When the dust settles, there is crap all over this one and it just smells stinky. Kudos to the App St players. Very good team who could probably play with about anybody now!
Tomcat said:
posted on September 2, 2007 10:52 AM — 69.148.173.234 — link — abuse?
Hey Bobby and Lennie Ya yall are right, looks like the Horns might finish the season 2-10.
They have Rice at home other than that these really nothing positive to say.
Nebraska and K state both looked good in their openers.TCU and Baylor both looked slopy in their game,so maybe the Horns can beat one of those teams.
UCF beat NC St and the Horns play them in a couple of weeks at UCF.Looks like a long season for the Horns, they are way overated and will be lucky to finish 4-8 with improvement.
If they cant stop Ark state what are they gonna do against Neb, K State,TTech and OU.
K state looked really good even though they lost their game and Nebraska is running the ball again.
Fundamentaly the two things you,ve got to have to be successful on the feild are O-Line and defense.
On the positive side, after a losing season maybe they will get new coaches.Greg Davis has always been way too conservitive. I really like the way Ron Prince runs his offense and I like Gary Patterson's defense.
P.S. I thought that G Tech looked real good in their opener
hrposon said:
posted on September 2, 2007 11:53 AM — 98.200.123.115 — link — abuse?
@#50 Lenny - It wasn't a prediction, just a no win situation. Michigan didn't start their season yesterday, they ended it. They can start it next week. You tend play down to level of your competition, and they did just that. What do they do next year to prevent such embarassment, schedule the Girl Scout team? A hundred years from now they will still be referring to this joke. I hope the Michigan fans call for the firing of the Athletic Director for not scheduling a D1 opponent.
Lennie Collins said:
posted on September 2, 2007 12:02 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Hey hrposon...Coach Carr just called and said can you hook him up with a job. He said around Christmas he will be able to work. I disagree with ya, Michigan did not play down to the level of the competition, they did not show up at all! Oh...Coach Whack Brown of ut said leave the predictions to the pros. That Arkansas State team is a possible National Title contender!
Lennie Collins said:
posted on September 2, 2007 12:14 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Hey OU Ron, OU Fan, & OU Nation...It goes both ways! Yeah ut looked terrible in their play against Arkansas State & OU looked great against North Texas. But it was North Texas. Miami is going to be a lot better on defense and offense. OU need not to think Miami is going to be a 60+ points win. TCU is going to be a little bit better than Arkansas State so both teams NEED to get WEEK 1 behind them and get their minds set on PRACTICE! PRACTICE? PRACTICE? Did I say PRACTICE? I am not even mentioning the next game I am mentioning PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
Zac said:
posted on September 2, 2007 1:46 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?
Where's M Go Blue when you need him? For that matter, where's Tommy Trojan? I don't figure we'll hear from Irish JT for a while. Interesting 1st week to be certain, and it's not over yet. To be fair to MI, they did play a re-peat National Champion, one that was well coached and poised for this upset, of sorts. Remember, it was only a so-so MT St that beat CO last year. So, by comparison, this shouldn't be that big a surprise.
If ECU can get their offense going, they could be decent this year. I think VA Tech would still have beaten them, but it was a bone-head play from ECU's own end-zone that just about sealed it.
KS looked great against one of the MAC's better teams. KS St looked decent against Auburn. Or, was Auburn looking ahead to S FL's visit next week? If KS St can continue to improve, the Big 12 South might be up for grabs. If Auburn plays S FL the way they played KS St, S FL will leave with their 3rd signature win in as many years.
GA Tech/ND: I think we all picked this one, except for Irish JT, of course. I wasn't expecting it to be as dominant. Did the Irish even gain 200 yards in offense? Were it not for at least 3 poorly thrown passes to open receivers in the end-zone, the score could have been a lot worse.
Cal/TN: Cal earned the win, but lest put this one into perspective. Last year TN lead by a score of 35-0 before Cal finally scored. This game was still winnable for TN; they just didn't get the job done.
As for the rest, given the teams many of the top 25 played, it's way too early to tell. Guess we'll just have to see what happens during the rest of the season. What a shame.
Lennie Collins said:
posted on September 2, 2007 2:20 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Hey OU Ron...I think Whack Brown should give dat pay raise back and apologize to ut fans. The AD should apologize as well. Next year you gone have a 90,000 seat joint and you gone ask the fans to pay crackhead prices ta see Florida Atlantic, Rice, Central Florida, UTEP, & Mississippi! But then again that tells you sumthin' bout ut fans! OU is gone have a stadium expansion soon but the AD gone ask crackhead prices to see Notre Dame, Tennessee, Florida State, and probably some other decent teams. ut fans have the courage to talk about OU overrated. ut fans think before ya speak! Like James Brown would say..I got the feeling TCU gone upset texas. I can't say I am 100% but I am at 75% on this one. Take care!
Bobby said:
posted on September 2, 2007 3:32 PM — 198.147.139.184 — link — abuse?
Lennie did you watch the game? It didn't look like the players were even playing to their strengths. Of course there were to many Arkansas St. players in the backfield to really get a play off. Jeff Ketchum interviewed Brown and he said that Brown said that until the BCS changes he doesn't find it necessary to schedule tough teams. Change what..he didn't say, and you would ask ..what about the fans they pay good money for games ...didn't answer that either. I doubt they are real focused on that right now anyway . Well Texas has been up for a while they were due for a down season there is just too much inexperience everywhere, not saying that this season is doomed but man that was scary last night. hold strong Longhorn Nation this too shall pass..we need to get these boys some experience and some other things....I agree TCU could very possibly beat TX but I say UT still pulls it off. ou watch out NT and UM are two different animals but I say ou by 2 touchdowns. Kirby Freeman then Brownwood, TX native had a hard game from what I've heard.
soonerfanatic28 said:
posted on September 2, 2007 3:40 PM — 64.136.49.227 — link — abuse?
Tomcat #86 geeze man don't take it too hard on yourself regardless of wether i'm an ou fan or not, I know texas will be better than what they played yesterday.Relax Tomcat you guys won. Look forward to next week and be happy you were'nt Michigan. LOL
sooner for lifeLennie Collins said:
posted on September 2, 2007 3:54 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Hey Bobby I did not watch the ut game. You know what I did not watch the OU game while we talkin'. My friend wanted to watch the game cause he has Direct TV and has to pay for FoxSW(What a rip off Direct TV). But I watched Tennessee at California with him instead. I knew OU was going to blow 'em out but not by that much. I looked at News 8 Austin interviews and Colt McCoy looked drained and Whack Brown and most of the ut players were talking more nonsense than a crackhead and a drunk trying to have an intelligent conversation! I don't like ut but I wanted them to be at least 4 and 1 when they played OU but they might lose to TCU and KSU. But as an ut fan you gots to be unhappy with ut's future non-conference schedules. A win is a win but I know deep down inside 90% of ut's fan base is worried about how ut played against Arkansas State. Whack Brown is a lying to ALL ut fans when he said he wanted a close game. It looks like OU has move on from Boise State but I don't know if ut has moved on from Kansas State and Texas A&M. WE all will see 09/08! I do not know how the alumni and boosters can be happy with this non-conference schedule. You yourself heard it from Whack Brown himself. He is going to schedule these weak teams to pad his victory totals and the sports announcers can praise ut for being a "GREAT TEAM". Hey I know TULSA and UTAH STATE are NOT GOOD TEAMS! I am unhappy with North Texas, Tulsa, and Utah State on OU's 2007 schedule. I hate it, PERIOD! Be cool!
cock'n'fire south carolina 101 said:
posted on September 2, 2007 4:04 PM — 96.10.98.113 — link — abuse?
what a great first week, i liked just about every game i saw
michigan getting upset by app state
my team getting a decent win over ULL without revealing too much of the playbook to georgia
but i have to say virginia tech had a handicap or something in that game because i saw an ECU team that was a good bit better than that VT team
also i think tennessee should have beat cal but cal played good and they won so they deserve it
notre dame i watched that while tailgating and it was great watching the most overrated team get crushed
last i have to talk about is wake forest and boston college that i also watched while tailgating, i expected it to be within a feild goal but boston college came on top and beat the defending acc champs
then coming up is clemson and florida state which i think florida state will pull it out by a few tds
good week 1
Regan said:
posted on September 3, 2007 12:27 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Zac: (#92):
Thank you for being the first one I've seen so far to state the Cal/Tennessee outcome in normal context. I swear I have heard far too much of Cal's perceived 'grudge redemption' for last year's 17-point 'blowout of hatred'.
Cal beat the Vols straight up; but geez I heard far too much hype from the ABC crew.
Tennessee had a young, green defense capped by a few strong veterans. The Vols' young WR's had a total of 12 career catches combined; having lost their 3 top receivers last year.
Tennessee will be twice the team they were Saturday at the end of the season; too bad we won't get to have another go then.
Not taking anything away from the Golden Bears; they got a great win and deserved to party all weekend for it - but CONTEXT, everyone - CONTEXT... :-)
T-Mac said:
posted on September 3, 2007 11:52 PM — 66.78.139.117 — link — abuse?
T-Mac doesn't think this is an upset at all!!!
In the discussions on Fanblogs in the spring T-Mac said that Clemson should be improved and to watch out for them!!!
Clemson is a balanced football team.
Sem Nation???
T-Mac will post when he can.
*T-Mac approved this message.1st_and_NOLE
posted on September 4, 2007 1:14 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
Well, 3 things stood out to me:
#1: Tonight Clemson was the better overall football team. We didn't show up at all the 1st half and it looked like the game was on the verge of a blow out. Our new offense was simply stuck in neutral against a great Clemson defense.
#2: I love the half time adjustments made. While they may not have been about to pull out of a 21 point hole, there were many positives. The offense put together some good drives in the second half and kept Clemson a bit off balance. I believe FSU scored TDs on two consecutive possessions. The defense was NOT impressive in the first half. Again, half time adjustments were made and they stood strong in the second half giving up 0 points.
#3: At least I'm not a Michigan fan.
Overall, despite the loss I can hold my head up high because I saw a different Noles team in the 2nd half. The first half Noles looked like WF all over again. The 2nd half Noles looked like a team playing with pride. I could see the team improve as the game went on. The main thing FSU was missing was execution.
Obviously the OL still needs quite a bit of work but I guess that's to be expected at this point.
Clemson played a great game and I thought their OC did great calling plays in the first half.
Overall, to grade my team:
Offense: C+ They looked lifeless in the first half but showed mental toughness and bounced back in the second half. For a brand new offense going against a top defense, they did some good things but obviously there's still plenty to be desired.
Defense: B- They gave up 24 points in the first half. Ouch. They had a strong 2nd half showing and I believe held Clemson to under 300 yards of offense. They also held Clemson scoreless in the 2nd half. I didn't like the # of big runs and plays Clemson had though. Still a work in progress.
Special Teams: B In the first half FSU couldn't return a kick off to save their life. The kick cover was awful also. The 2nd half both improved dramatically. FSU also blocked a punt. Still need to work on kick off coverage and returns because that killed us in battle for field position in the first half.
I think we'll improve as the year progresses. I saw some things that showed promise. I think we'll be in much better shape as the OL continues to improve.
My hats off to Clemson. They hit us in the mouth in the 1st half ans came up with big plays on both sides of the ball we they needed them. Kudos to Clemson for the victory.
OU Fan said:
posted on September 4, 2007 3:39 AM — 139.139.51.70 — link — abuse?
c-dogg post #100, Miami should have their hands full this weekend. Yes, Oklahoma destroyed an extremely weak North Texas team, but I was highly impressed with the way Oklahoma played football. Sam Bradford was outstanding. And not only was Bradford outstanding, but he is only a freshman. But like I said earlier, the Sooners have only played North Texas and Miami will be a much stronger and faster opponent. I would like to see how Bradford handles constant pressure from an opposing defense, but I highly believe that he will not be taking too many sacks this year, and that credit goes to the Sooners offensive line. And to me, Bradford has the potential to be as good if not better than Josh Heupel and Jason White, both former OU quarterbacks as you know. And from what I observed this past Saturday, Miami's defense looked great but their offense struggled at times. I believe Oklahoma will win this weekend, but the win won't come easy. I hope the Sooners get their revenge from what Miami did to them in the 80's. What are your thoughts? BOOMER SOONER!
Zac said:
posted on September 4, 2007 8:34 AM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Games like Clemson/FL St are the reasons I'll never be an expert at this. I figured Clemson to do about the same this year as they did last year. I picked FL St to crack the Top 10. While it could still happen, now I’m no so sure. Interesting game: a tale of 2 halves. With the exception of one bright moment for FL St, Clemson owned the 1st half. In the 2nd, the teams swapped uniforms, or, at least, that's what it looked like.
I agree with 1st & Nole. There are plenty of positives to take from the game. Not to mention, opening at Clemson is a tall order. I would tend to grade FL St's "O" a C-; they can't wait until the 2nd half to get it going; they had the opportunities in the 2nd half & didn't get it done. The "D" gets a C+; lousy 1st half, but they didn't fold. Though they allowed Clemson to recover in the 2nd half & run some clock, they still shut out the Tigers in the 2nd half.
Now for the best part: It's on to week #2!!!!!!!!!
c-dogg said:
posted on September 4, 2007 8:41 AM — 76.188.187.94 — link — abuse?
(#103) OUFan,
You are the one Oklahoma fan on here that has had respectful conversations with me concerning this game. Yes I am concerned about Miami's offense. I hope that our OC was holding back against Marshall so that Oklahoma had nothing to study on film. Time will tell. It should be a good, close game. My prediction?
Miami- 20
Oklahoma-17.......In overtime! :O)Enjoy the game OU fan. You want revenge from the 80's, I want revenge from the 2000 season. Miami deserved to play you guys over Florida State.
Regardless of the outcome of the game, I can not blog about it until I get back in town. I'm going to a Ohio Northern Univ. football game to see my friend play. I'm taping the Miami game.
Go Canes!
OU-Ron
posted on September 4, 2007 10:38 AM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse? said:
@105 c-dogg You might point one out, but I don’t think I have ever been disrespectful to you or Miami, I have said all along that this game will be close. Usually the only team that I pound on is Texas, after their game with Ark St, I kind of felt sorry for them, so I guess I will leave them alone, anyway I look forward to the game this week with Miami, you guy’s have a very good defense, it will be a big test for both teams.
Go Sooners
c-dogg said:
posted on September 4, 2007 12:24 PM — 76.188.187.94 — link — abuse?
(#106) OU-Ron,
You claimed that you have never been disrespectful to Miami. Do me a favor and read your post#5 under the thread "North Texas Drops Miami, Will Start With LSU".
Is that you or someone else? OU Fan and I understand that from week to week ANYONE can loose ANYGAME. We respect each other's teams. That Texas comment was silly, especially since we can not play them on the field this year. After seeing Texas' first game, are you sure they can beat Miami?
Check the Cotton Bowl archives to see what happened the last time they played THE U.
Good luck to Oklahoma this week.....I'm looking forward to the game. Regardless of the outcome, I commend Oklahoma for playing us. Notre Dame and Texas turned down our offers over the last 2 years.
Lennie Collins said:
posted on September 4, 2007 1:31 PM — 68.93.134.47 — link — abuse?
Hey even my man c-dogg knows why texas and Notre Dame refused to play Miami! Those teams are overrated and don't want to play a team they know they can't just BLOWOUT. I hope Coach Shannon can bring Miami back to a being a good team! I hope OU & UM will play A WHOLE LOT MORE in the future. I would love to see OU put Florida, USC, Ohio State, Louisville, and West Virginia on the schedule!
hokie4life said:
posted on September 4, 2007 2:03 PM — 216.89.164.100 — link — abuse?
FSU fans: Hate to say I told you so... but here goes, I told you so. Getting a few new coaches has meant nothing! Your coaching changes are still just changes. I thought the heroes Trickett and Jimbo were supposed to have that FSU offense whipped into shape? Not a 7-6 team anymore now a 7-7 team until they prove something. Sorry FSU fans look like another rough season is on. I think my 4 year old daughter could have blocked better than that O-Line. I thought the O was the bread and butter this season? Kidding and smack aside, we still have a long long season to play.
sean said:
posted on September 4, 2007 3:28 PM — 209.82.168.215 — link — abuse?
Have to agree with hokie4life.
We saw it in Miami at the end of the '05 season. Coker needed to go, instead he fired the others that didn't need to go. Brought in all new coaches, and we had a worse year. Seems like this might be gonna happen to FSU.
Go canes - Beat OK1st_and_NOLE
posted on September 4, 2007 3:53 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse? said:
hokie4life: Funny. Your team's offense looked just as bad if not worse. We actually played a top 15 defense.
Listen, they are new coaches - not miracle workers. Last I checked, none of them walk on water.
FSU has the talent. If you look at the roster, most of these guys are 3, 4, and 5 star recruits. If you look at the NFL Draft over the past few years, FSU has still been pumping in players. Look at Leon Washington, his career @ FSU was sub-par. Yet, last year as a rookie for the Jets he had a great year and will only get better this year. Now, why is it an FSU player would have a less then stellar college career but be successful in the NFL?
The answer is simple. FSU has the TALENT. The problem has been, the talent hasn't been developed at FSU. Players haven't been coached up to their potential or put in positions to succeed. A big problem has been FSU players have been allowed to get out of shape and have had no toughness.
When the new coaches were hired, what's one of the first things we heard? How much weight players lost and how out of shape they were by the new coaches standards. Just think about this for a moment: During summer workouts, half way through, Todd Stroud (S&C Coach) had the team running TWICE as many wind sprints as the team has been used to running at the END of summer workouts over the past few years.
The FSU offense was a total wreck when the new coaches took over. They were poorly coached, out of shape, didn't do the fundamentals well, had no attitude or toughness, and didn't execute.
The new coaches have literally start from scratch. Before they could even teach the new offense or scheme they had to get the players in the proper conditioning required to be successful. They had to lay the most basic of foundations to build on.
This won't be an overnight job. There's still plenty of work to do and a long way to go. I'm not sure what most people expected but it probably wasn't realistic. This was a brand new offense, in it's very first game, against a top 15 defense, on the road, in the loudest stadium in the country, and you expected... what exactly? Probably nothing realistic.
We've got a ways to go and we're improving. Hell, last season against Clemson, FSU averaged 2.7 ypc and Clemson averaged 5.4 ypc. On Monday, FSU upped it's average ypc to a respectable 4.1 and Clemson's was 3.1 ypc. Despite the OL still needing plenty of work, we ran the ball effectively.
I saw positive signs of life from the offense and the team in the second half. We made improvements and adjustments at half time the old staff wouldn't have been able to make. If the second half Noles can show up for 4 quarters, we'll be alright.
Make no mistake, it'll be a long process, we have a ways to go still, but we will improve and we are improving. We improved at half time and we'll continue to improve as the year progresses.
Zac said:
posted on September 4, 2007 5:49 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
I'm not an FSU fan, but I am a Bowden family fan. No matter how you slice it, in Bowden Bowl, one of them has to loose. I'm just not used to seeing FSU dominated in a half they way they were. The 2nd half was more to what I'm used to where they're concerned.
As I said, I had picked FSU to flirt with, if not crack the Top 10. The season is still young; only one game has been played. Like Appy/MI, the Clemson/FSU game represents only ONE loss for the Noles. They may be 7/7 over 2 seasons now, but they still could be 17/9 over 2 seasons by the end of this one. It's not out of the question.
As for Miami/OK, C-Dogg, I've struggled with this one. You know, I think Miami will score 30 pts. I'm afraid OK, will score 31, and I think that'll be in regulation. Of course, I picked FSU over Clemson, so take some solace in that.
What ever happens this weekend, everyone enjoy as best as you can.
Bobby said:
posted on September 4, 2007 6:43 PM — 70.112.114.73 — link — abuse?
I haven't seen anything about it so I'll say it. I think Clemson looked really good, if their QB had more experience that could be a downright dangerous team. FSU had a high ranked defense and the Clemson running game wore them out. It's still early in the season but looking at their schedule and the way they played Clemson could climb into the top 15 or even 10. If James Davis and C.J. Spiller return next year along with that QB they will be dangerous, and their wideouts looked good. Clemson and VT looks to be a real good game.
Eye of the Tiger said:
posted on September 4, 2007 7:02 PM — 138.163.0.41 — link — abuse?
Bobby,
Like you said it's still early, but from the looks of last night VT will be in trouble when they go up against Clemson. I think Clemson could be more dangerous than WVU be/c they have the whole passing element down not to mention the 1-2-3 punch from Davis, Spiller, & Ford.
Eye of the Tiger said:
posted on September 4, 2007 7:10 PM — 138.163.0.38 — link — abuse?
In Michigan's defense they were playing a team that is much better than at least half of the teams in Division 1A. A few years ago when LSU had JR, Bowe, Landry, and all the boys they still only managed to beat that team 24-0. Hats off to APP St.
hokie4life said:
posted on September 5, 2007 10:04 AM — 216.89.164.100 — link — abuse?
@ 115 Agreed. I was surprised by the play of Clemson. I picked FSU to win. Our offense sucked Saturday against a decent ECU defense. Was it strategy to keep LSU guessing or did we just play that flat? If we don't get production from the offense this year we could be in for a disappointing season! MAybe we just played to ECU's level? We'll see this week in Baton Rouge. I think the VT Clemson game will be good. Clemson always starts out strong then toward the end of the season they slack off. Can they turn in a total season? We'll see. I think the depth, defense, and talent of VT this season will prevail at Clemson. VT 24 Clemson 17
bob said:
posted on September 16, 2007 12:08 PM — 195.189.52.11 — link — abuse?
somestrangetextvista http://peace.com
OU-Ron
said:
posted on August 31, 2007 8:46 AM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse?The best Big 12 game will be Oklahoma State/Georgia, hope the Pokes are ready to play. I think OU/TEXAS/NEB/MO will be blowouts, but then again I thought Iowa St would beat Kent, bet Iowa St fans want their old coach back.
Go Sooners