Great game coming up vs UK....

[Houston Eagle]

I really look forward to the season opener vs UK. Scheduling this game was a major coup for my alma mater as this is the first SEC team to The Rock outside of MS. I know UK people are proud of their stadium expansion, and I also think it looks great.

That being said, UK will face a talented USM team that only lost to MSU, NU, Washington, Marshall, and WKU last year. What I expect to see is a battle in trenches as USM faces SEC sized lineman. I don't think we'll see that kind of talent until LSU. If UK wins, it will be because they took the "Bama" strategy of running the football a lot(USM lost a lot of close games to Bama that way). If USM can snatch a W, it will be because of play along the corners, and Nick Mullens' high powered offense. I see similarities between UK and Washington, so the key to the game is line play.The game could go either way, so we'll see what happens. Vegas favors UK by 7.

 

[Chimaera717]

Expect to take a major step back on offense this year, even if you've got more talent and more experience - just like UK did last year, because Dawson couldn't coach his way out of a cardboard box. The man single handedly cost us two wins last year, and nearly gave away a couple more.

Honestly, nobody here has any idea what to expect from UK. On paper, the offense is extremely talented and the defense is anchored by some truly exceptional defensive backs. But in reality...well, most UK fans have given up predicting what the hell will actually happen.

 

[sparky59]

......welcome to the board....we look forward seeing you at CWS in a couple of weeks. But with all do respect ...do you know what to expect with your new OC ? Maybe he works out better for you than us but if you get down inside the 5 yard line....Id be worried. His play calling there is suspect at best. That's as polite as I can be about it.

 

[Houston Eagle]

My alma mater made a series of monumental errors that led to the hiring of ELLLLLLLLLLLLOS Johnson in 2012, which took a 12-2 team from 2011(should've beaten UAB to play Michigan in the Sugar Bowl) to an unthinkable 0-12 record in 2012. If things don't work with Dawson, the fanbase will push for a quick change. I trust Coach Hopson to be able to make adjustments as needed.

USM has only played UK once back in 1986, with UK giving a Bama like smashing. I expect a far different game which should be a lot more fun to watch.

 

[TuckyFB]

My alma mater made a series of monumental errors that led to the hiring of ELLLLLLLLLLLLOS Johnson in 2012, which took a 12-2 team from 2011(should've beaten UAB to play Michigan in the Sugar Bowl) to an unthinkable 0-12 record in 2012. If things don't work with Dawson, the fanbase will push for a quick change. I trust Coach Hopson to be able to make adjustments as needed.

USM has only played UK once back in 1986, with UK giving a Bama like smashing. I expect a far different game which should be a lot more fun to watch.

I like your optimism. I'm not going to bring you down from it.

I wish you all the luck in the game but like the 2 posts above us said, Shannon Dawson is the worst strategic OC ever.

 

[Houston Eagle]

If he even has the appearance of doing what ELLLLLLLLLLLLOS Johnson did, the fanbase will call for his head. Our HC's contract is structured that his pay is extremely incentive based. The HC during the 2012 season had a very high base salary that did not hold him accountable to results. and cost the university millions(thank you Nebraska for picking up the tab, which cost USM its home game with them).

I would like to see more games with SEC teams that are willing to come to The Rock. I expect a great if not record crowd for next year's game.

 

[TuckyFB]

If he even has the appearance of doing what ELLLLLLLLLLLLOS Johnson did, the fanbase will call for his head. Our HC's contract is structured that his pay is extremely incentive based. The HC during the 2012 season had a very high base salary that did not hold him accountable to results. and cost the university millions(thank you Nebraska for picking up the tab, which cost USM its home game with them).

I would like to see more games with SEC teams that are willing to come to The Rock. I expect a great if not record crowd for next year's game.

I'll give you an example.

We're in the red zone on the 1-2 yard line and we're about to score on Vanderbilt and instead of running the ball down their throat and getting into the endzone.

Guess what Dawson does - calls a fade route to the corner of the endzone and it gets picked off.

 

[Houston Eagle]

I expect to see UK do a lot of running the football against USM this year, if UK takes a common SEC approach to winning a game. The question is can USM score enough points? We'll see...

 

[JasonS.]

I expect to see UK do a lot of running the football against USM this year, if UK takes a common SEC approach to winning a game. The question is can USM score enough points? We'll see...

I think that goes for both teams. We have a serviceable SEC secondary now, but our front seven (i.e., ability to stop the run) is a total mystery. Could be okay, maybe even good. But could be a disaster.

 

[DACats86]

Thanks for coming over to talk some football. USM is a scary game for UK. And you're right, to win UK needs to control the ball and keep your great QB and high powered offense off the field. Hope you can make it up so we can show off our fancy new digs.

 

[bratboy]

If USM scares us we are in deep trouble against SEC teams. They are respectable and cannot be overlooked but are no match for UK. Both teams will score points but it will be a fairly easy win for the Cats.

 

[DACats86]

USM is better than at least three SEC teams on UK's schedule.

 

[TuckyFB]

USM is better than at least three SEC teams on UK's schedule.

Yep.

SC, Missouri and Vandy

 

[Your worst nightmare]

I'll give you an example.

We're in the red zone on the 1-2 yard line and we're about to score on Vanderbilt and instead of running the ball down their throat and getting into the endzone.

Guess what Dawson does - calls a fade route to the corner of the endzone and it gets picked off.

Yes but to be fair Vandy had stopped UK up the middle 4 straight times from the one yard line earlier. Last down UK even tried a quick count with a QB sneak and Vandy stuffed it. Will be interesting to see what Dawson does with a year to prepare for his 'ol pal Stoops.

 

[bratboy]

Yep.

SC, Missouri and Vandy

Disagree..would not win a game in this confrence

 

[Shipwreck Kelly]

Saw USM last year in person against WKU and was impressed. Gave WKU a very hard time in the first half. Dynamic offense and good size on both sides of the ball. UK will have to play very well and control the ball to come away wit a win.

 

[Houston Eagle]

UK will be the toughest game for USM this year save LSU. I would love to make a trip to CWS(or USM for that matter) but family obligations keep me here in Houston. That being said, I'll definitely try to make next year's game in Hattiesburg(which I suspect may end up being part of season ticket package....pure speculation on my part, but this will be a high profile game). These are the types of SEC games USM has tried to scheduled over the years, but has failed except for the yearly games versus Bama. There was a time that USM would play 3 or 4 SEC games a year( and won some). I am hoping to get back to those days of winning again.
Speaking of UK, when I was still at USM, it was fun watching Jared Lorenzen(sp?) make seemingly impossible plays. There was one game vs Arkansas in particular when he was running like a diesel truck to get first downs.

 

[ukalumni00]

UK will finally field a lot of experienced talent that should have a big chip on their shoulders. Their pride and manhood is being tested right now. They better come out and take it to USM or it's going to be another long season. I expect the defense to give up some yards but hold up in the redzone. My guess is Gran tests USM in the middle early since UK's biggest strength on their Oline is C and Guards. Hopefully, we see UK's Special Teams finally make some bigger plays. Maybe I am being too optimistic but I just have a feeling UK wins by 14-17. Won't be a pretty victory since it's the first game of the year against a good opponent but UK does enough to get some separation and gets out feeling good about themselves going into the UF game.

 

[ukalum1988]

My alma mater made a series of monumental errors that led to the hiring of ELLLLLLLLLLLLOS Johnson in 2012, which took a 12-2 team from 2011(should've beaten UAB to play Michigan in the Sugar Bowl) to an unthinkable 0-12 record in 2012. If things don't work with Dawson, the fanbase will push for a quick change. I trust Coach Hopson to be able to make adjustments as needed.

USM has only played UK once back in 1986, with UK giving a Bama like smashing. I expect a far different game which should be a lot more fun to watch.

Now that you mention it, I remember attending that game in '86 - I think the score was 35-0 or 35-6 or something like that.

Not sure what you're gonna get from Dawson as your OC. For about 2.5 quarters in the opener against ULL last year, we looked like a well-oiled machine on offense. We ended up holding on for dear life for the win. For the most part the offense never looked that good again the rest of the season.

 

[Houston Eagle]

USM will be a great test for UK going into SEC play, and this will tell how well USM can steam roll their conference games. I am glad that this game is being played at the beginning of the year and not at the middle or end. When USM has defeated big time opponents, it occurred at the beginning of the season(FSU 1989, NU 2004(I was there), Bama 2000, UGA 1996,etc).

I would say USM would have a shot against a few teams in the SEC last year/this year. Next year with a new qb, it could be dicey. I didn't like that the Tennessee game next year was moved to November, but money talks. This year's LSU game had been moved literally since around 2002. Alas that is the world of college sports, especially for the G5.

 

[Dakota25]

USM is a very good team and I expect it to be a high scoring competitive game that can go either way. UK needs to win just to have a chance at a bowl game. I don't think UK will be able to out score a very good USM offense and USM is the favorite to win their conference. However a UK win wouldn't surprise me because UK has some good players and the game is at home.

 

[BigBluePhantom]

We should win the game at home but it will most likely be against a very good team. I do think people are making a big mistake by penciling this one in based on Dawson. The man is a good coach. He failed big at UK but that could have been for a number of reasons. He may do a great job at USM. That is yet to be seen but I promise you, he didn't get to this level by being a bad coach.

 

[Houston Eagle]

I would like for my team to be undefeated going into the LSU game. The biggest obstacle by far will be UK. It will be a close game for sure. Playing an SEC team on the road and wining is a tall order to ask. This game reminds me a lot of our game vs Nebraska. NU had big physical players vs USM's speedy and slightly smaller players. When pressure was finally applied to the NU qb, it worked but the clock simply ran out.The first half killed us, otherwise we would have won.

 

[sparky59]

......could have said the same thing about Mumme....and look how that turned out......

 

[jauk11]

While the OP seems like a very reasonable guy and I can see where he is coming from personally I hope it is a one sided runaway. And I have already put my small bet on UK.

We need to give prospects a glimpse of the future.

 

[Nuke99m.]

After the last few years I am very cautious to predict anything but a very close game. The UK football pessimist in me tells me that I'll be on the edge of my seat the entire game. That being said, if UK loses that first game and then gets thumped by Florida then the team loses the fans. I expect Stoops and Gran to pull out all the stops to get this win. There will be no " hiding what's in the playbook from Florida."

 

[Jdhays21]

USM has a nice team but there is no excuse for Boom, CJ, and Dorian to not have big days.

 

[RealCat41]

UK is at home and I think the spread is only 7 points or so. The key for USM is not that Shannon Dawson knows KY's schemes, but rather he knows their personnel, which includes their strengths and weaknesses.

I think the Cats will be ok, but they are going to have to do the little things that not a lot of people talk about.

A botched special teams play could determine the outcome.

I hate for the first game of the season to be so pressure packed.

 

[WildCard]

I'm a guest here myself but thanks to Houston Eagle and all respondents for a polite and courteous thread. I am going to try to make the game myself. As a Card fan (first) I have probably seen a lot more of the Golden Eagles over the years than most UK fans. I can promise BBN that the Eagles will not feel the least bit intimidated playing an SEC team. They have done it pretty regularly for a number of years.

I would urge Cat fans to try to make the game in Hattiesburg next year. I have been down there several times. They are a courteous and hospitable crowd and Packer fans will enjoy the Brett Favre "shrine". I still remember the game when he bounced a Hail Mary off a DB's helmet for the winning score; sort of the Cards' version of the Bluegrass Miracle game.

Peace

 

[gobigblue812_rivals29381]

As bad as Dawson was last year, that was truly his first season running an offense. Expect him to be a bit better after a year under his belt. I still think he needs a lot of improvement but I expect a better game plan against us this year than he had for our opponents last year.

 

[3kidsandme]

Dawson has a scheme and is going to run it the way he knows how. Big advantage for UK at corner. If UK and Ware get pressure it's going to be a looooonnnggg day for mullens. Dawson offense is predicated on beating man coverage vertical. Good luck completing balls on 6"4 Westry and 6"3 baity. UK will have lots of possessions in this game to score points.

 

[JPFisher]

USM has a nice team but there is no excuse for Boom, CJ, and Dorian to not have big days.

And Westry and McClain and Ware and Juice and....

 

[Houston Eagle]

The UL rivalry was a great one for many years. The two teams found ways to rip each other's heart out over the years:

(1) 1981- USM was unbeaten (8-0-1, tie vs Bama)#8 and had destroyed FSU and beaten ranked MSU when UL won 6-3.
Also the 1989 game goes without saying.
(2) 1999-USM and UL had a conference championship on the line and a berth to the Liberty Bowl. USM was tied late in the game, when the USM punter threw a fake pass to WR Mills for a first down, and then won a very hard fought game. UL may have come up short, but one could see how much their team improved over a year. UL's new athletic director had a vision for UL, where USM's new AD was too busy "monitoring" conference realignment.
(3) UL came in to Hattiesburg in Nov 2000 to a USM team that had only barely lost to Tennessee due to a blown 2 point conversion, and had gone to beat Oklahoma State and shut out Bama. The school newspaper predicted a big win for USM. I took the day off work and lost a badly needed day of pay to go to the game. UL won handily. The program began it downfall from that day and would never win against UL again. UL had great leadership.

All that being said I hope to see more games like the UK game. I would love to play UL again as well.

Since this is a UK board, I'll stay on topic by saying that looking over UK's recruiting list, I saw several 4 star recruits. One thing I know about the SEC, is that only wins matter so this first game will be a strong test for SEC play, and USM can gauge how well it can steamroll its conference opponents.

 

[bratboy]

Intimidated or not, UK wins by at least 2 TD's..We are the better team and playing at home in front of a fired up crowd at CWS spells trouble for USM. Lots of Dawson haters will be in the stands and rowdy.

 

[Rickman]

Houston Eagle - thanks for coming by. (and thanks to our posters for being mostly courteous!)

Can you tell me what you think of USM on D? How are you against the run? How are your LBs in coverage? (I expect UK to feature its TE and RBs in the passing game FINALLY)

I know your QB is good, but is he a dual threat guy? We will have a very good secondary, but questionable play from the DL, especially up the middle. Mobile QBs tend to kill us, but we do pretty well against pocket guys.

Appreciate your feedback.

 

[CardHack]

The UL rivalry was a great one for many years. The two teams found ways to rip each other's heart out over the years:

(3) UL came in to Hattiesburg in Nov 2000 to a USM team that had only barely lost to Tennessee due to a blown 2 point conversion, and had gone to beat Oklahoma State and shut out Bama. The school newspaper predicted a big win for USM. I took the day off work and lost a badly needed day of pay to go to the game. UL won handily. The program began it downfall from that day and would never win against UL again. UL had great leadership.

I have made the comment to other UofL fans that in the context of big Louisville wins in the last 25 years, the game in Hattiesburg on what was Breeder's Cup Day 2000 was a pivot point for not only our program, but yours as well. To that point we had a habit of building to a point during a season and stepping in our own crap. Things were never quite the same for Jeff Bower after that game and it wasn't until your big season with Larry Fedora that you seemed to recapture anything like the success of the 80's and 90's.

 

[MCtopper]

If USM scares us we are in deep trouble against SEC teams. They are respectable and cannot be overlooked but are no match for UK. Both teams will score points but it will be a fairly easy win for the Cats.

This sounds like the exact same things that were said prior to the last two WKU losses. The SEC v CUSA mentality does not apply. UK is not a top tier SEC team and Southern Miss (and WKU) are much above average CUSA teams.

 

[Houston Eagle]

I have really enjoyed the responses as well. It is nice to discuss football with SEC and UL fans without fans being blinded by their own conferences' affilations. This is why I hope USM can schedule more SEC games with teams that I think we can compete. USM will be a great measuring stick for facing UF.

As on defense, I am confident that we can slow down the run if the secondary is doing its job. I was concerned about the secondary(lost one of our lead corners to the draft) but there are others that can step in. For a CUSA team, we have a good size Dline(as listed by a poster on BigGoldNation):
LaDaurus Harris 6 1 280
Will Frenab 6 6 275
Jauan Collins 6 0 295
Rod Clayton 6 1 287
Dylan Bradley 6 1 265
Christopher Robinson 6 2 291
Draper Riley 6 4 289

For USM to win, the offense will have to be hitting on all cylinders, and hopefully the defense can force some turnovers. Again I see some similarities between this game and NU's game with USM last year.

 

[CatsFanGG24]

^ WKU had better talent than UK, at least in the Stoops game. Go though position groups and WKU had a better QB, RB, TE, LBs and Safeties. UK may have had a better DL.

The talent is now nowhere near that low. If UK has problems with SM then I agree with the above poster who said if SM scares us then we are in deep trouble...should be a 2/3 score win.

 

[Houston Eagle]

I have really enjoyed the responses as well. It is nice to discuss football with SEC and UL fans without fans being blinded by their own conferences' affilations. This is why I hope USM can schedule more SEC games with teams that I think we can compete. USM will be a great measuring stick for facing UF.

As on defense, I am confident that we can slow down the run if the secondary is doing its job. I was concerned about the secondary(lost one of our lead corners to the draft) but there are others that can step in. For a CUSA team, we have a good size Dline(as listed by a poster on BigGoldNation):
LaDaurus Harris 6 1 280
Will Frenab 6 6 275
Jauan Collins 6 0 295
Rod Clayton 6 1 287
Dylan Bradley 6 1 265
Christopher Robinson 6 2 291
Draper Riley 6 4 289

For USM to win, the offense will have to be hitting on all cylinders, and hopefully the defense can force some turnovers. Again I see some similarities between this game and NU's game with USM last year.

I'll add that I have always held that defeating an SEC team(of any caliber or talent level) is a monumental task. As I was reviewing UK's recruitment, many 3 and even 4 star players means these are great athletes that show up ready to play, with loads of depth. I wouldn't even be surprised to see a 5 star player as that is what the SEC can offer.