Old School Guy

I know what you were saying...I just wanted to point out that Brown as a sr. was replaced by a freshman.

No, not really.

Didn't Carter replace Brown in 2015? Tillman was pretty good.

I know what you're thinking...Harris had a solid year last year...his jr. season with the aid of a much better front 7 than we have this year. but I'm going extrapolate and say, he too would have taken a couple of steps back this year. We keep using injuries as a crutch for the play this year. I disagree.

Okay, I'm going to ask an overhead question: Why have we started a true freshman at corner the last 4 years in a row? I will tell you why. Guys come into the system and show great promise and pretty good cover skills coming out of high school (that's why they are recruited and signed in the first place). They spend a year or two digressing in the system so the staff says, hey, lets replace them with a younger guy because he will play better than the upperclassmen. Then, the freshmen are ineffective, so they go and recruit another freshmen to take this year's freshmen place. I said it before, player development needs to improve also. I know its difficult to admit the system needs to be modified or improved. So I ask, is it just me or is there a pattern here?

we are compromised on the line, LBs, and secondary...that adds up to a defense that gives up 40 per game in loses. If we can fix 2 of the 3 next year....should be a much better year.

...but as a DB, sometimes you gotta win that battle even when there is no pressure. Its starts up front, I fully agree with that. It just seem like we never win the battle for the ball in the secondary unless its just a wayward pass.

Injuries combined with lack of girth and strength on the D line. When we can hold our own on the line, we do okay; but when we are getting pushed off the ball on offense and defense it amplifies other weaknesses.

They all have potential; he was beaten for big plays constantly in 2015, but he bounced back last year and had a much better year.. I think the pressure up front in 2016 made the back end look better than what they actually were.

Which means if UCF can swallow the buy out in his contract, he will be the next HC for the Gators.

I'd have to agree with geaux_sioux on this one. Harris was getting taken to the wood shed constantly in 2015. The Montana game and Idaho State games come to mind. But he was allowed to stay on the field the entire game.

I don't think UCF would be a good choice either. Scott Frost (former Husker QB) has them playing at a high level.

I agree, that's why I'd just go the beach...the game would be a beat down. If it does materialize, there are some lesser opponents that we could take on. But, messing with grown folks in Miami would not be a good way to end the season.

I'd be on the next plane smoking headed to South Beach if "The U" is added to the schedule.

Just sharing what I heard at the game yesterday...hence 'unconfirmed rumor'

I heard an unconfirmed rumor that a game may be added in place of the bye week. FBS teams who had to cancel due to hurricanes a few weeks back, are looking to make up games with opponents who have byes. Its been a rough season but we could use some more live game reps IMO.

I know I sound like a coach basher, but for our guys to loose the 50/50 battles as often as they do, I'm concerned with taught technique more than physical skill of our corners. As mentioned previous even when in good position, we don't make the play. Our guys don't trust what they see and appear to be so focused on the person they are covering, they forget all about tracking the ball. Playing corner is a multi-step process. You have to be able to see through the receiver to the QB to anticipate, locate the ball and ultimately run the route for the receiver. We don't seem to be able to execute all phases on the same play, consistently. I thought for sure Ty would break up or intercept a deep pass against Sac State and again yesterday in the end zone. When Hunt was scored on yesterday, the ball ended up being caught behind him because the didn't know where the ball was. Blubaugh simply panics when the ball in the air and defaults to a grabbing or throwing his hands up which did work once yesterday.

Vegas is 2.5 hours from Cedar City...should be a nice weekend, especially if we get the win.

Good things happen when you control the line of scrimmage, which we did yesterday on both sides of the ball. Throw in some solid special teams play and you will more often than not get the W in dominant fashion.

I don't think you fully understand what swagger is. Let me break it down. Swagger is a confidence and belief that a player (man or woman) has that is derived from hours of practice, training, film study, and a belief in one's ability to get the job done whether your opponent wants you to get the job done or not. Swagger is not verbalized or put on display for the outside world to see. Its like when you study for a test and you are ready to answer any and all questions, because you feel supremely prepared then you go and ace it. No yelling or chest thumping required. Swagger and thrash talking is two vastly different things. People with swag don't tell you what they can do, they just show you. You don't think Will felt that way when he walked on the field? I"ll bet he did. That's why he was so successful, and the NFL scouts came calling.

It was nice to see the big guys scoop and score. That's when you know the ball is bouncing your way for a change.

We just need the kicker to be the best kicker on the team.

IMO it goes back to the strength and conditioning as well. A player that has spent time in weight room doing meaningful work will have a swagger when they step off the bus looking for some butt to kick. I don't know if our S&C program is suited for that that style of play. We appear to be more finesse.

I've felt the past few years this team was missing some dawgs. I mean the kid that will impose his will on the opponent through physical play.

Just a matter of perspective. But I will say, all coaches need to know when to kick your players in the backside (not literally) and when to give them a hug (not literally). Depends on the situation.