I am glad that this game is at the beginning of the season! Going into Death Valley in October will be something else....
Great game coming up vs UK....
- Thread starter Houston Eagle
- Start date
Yea because this uk team is the same one that Stoops inherited. We have recruited at a top 25 level and are in Year 4 of that rebuild not year one when we literally where recruiting in the 60:s
Looking forward to the game, Houston Eagle. I have a lot of respect for Southern Miss and know this is not a typical season opening game for an SEC team. Should be a great atmosphere.
A lot more goes into making a good football than recruiting rankings. Hopefully the coaching changes will have a positive influence.
You are right-----but you might be amazed to find out just how much talent matters. Saban is considered a great coach, but he has been at the top of the recruiting rankings probably more than he has been the NC. How did he do his one year in the pros, and don't they have some decent talent even if they aren't top dog?
UK had TWO four stars playing in 10, both JCs gone that year, when WKU beat us in 12 we had already lost our normal ONE four star a year from 10 in Smith, Faulkner from 11 wasn't ready (never was, really). Towles wasn't nearly ready as a freshman (hope he finally realizes his potential this year), so while WKU did have a few outstanding leaders (rankings do miss a lot) UK had no four stars playing. Three interceptions by a four star transfer and we lose a pretty close game.
This year there is a world of difference in the talent, only one four star from the 13 class, McWilson with our JC graduating and Hatcher gone (good riddance IMO, wonder if he got that pound the same place he got in trouble the first time), but eight left from the 14 class WITH experience, two from the 15 class, and four more plus a FIVE STAR in the 16 class.
So, FIFTEEN four stars and a five star available for this game vs essentially ZERO contributing against WKU in 12, plus lots of near four stars. And yes, still some underrated recruits that are going to be stars, already are in several cases.
An unbelievable upgrade in talent, and I hate to break this to you but while Saban might have won the WKU game he wouldn't have won a lot more in 12, coaching only goes so far.
And, as you mentioned, there is reason for a lot of optimism in the hard won experience AND new talent on our coaching staff.
For those who said that Dawson is the worst OC in the country, I'd be willing to bet that he learned a lot from his failure at UK.
I expect him to call a great game against us and we need to expect USM's best shot.
A 10 point win would be great for us as far as I'm concerned.
I expect him to call a great game against us and we need to expect USM's best shot.
A 10 point win would be great for us as far as I'm concerned.
Pretty much agree with much of what you said. You did get the WKU games mixed up. The 3 picks by the Florida transfer was the OT loss in Joker's last year. The WKU game in Stoops' first season was never really close, largely due to the points you made. WKU had better talent in that game.
Thanks, but that was the 12 game that was Joker's last year that I was talking about.
I believe the proof is in the pudding when he tried to run up middle against the strongest part of Vandy D instead of running just outside of TE with Hyde as Lead Blocker - Vandy tended to run shade to the weak side - So Why not run over the strong side with your best run blockers ???
Because Dawson tried to use reverse psych against D or something stupid like that!
I could just hear him on sideline - ""They probably think we are gonna run up middle - but they could be thinking I'm gonna call a reverse - SOOOO I'll run it up the middle!"
My biggest fear is USM comes out looking true all Air Raidy and runs their QB (if he can run)
With the big line splits creating space, secondary locked on receivers who can run them out of the play and the pressure that has been placed on Stoops and company to win this game all the prep will be stopping Air Raid a running QB could be devastating.
And if prep for and adjustments to a running QB haven't progressed from the second half of the UL game it could be a long day.
I don't know if Dawson has been as vocally adamant about his QB not running as he was last year but if he has I'm not sure I'd believe him.
With the big line splits creating space, secondary locked on receivers who can run them out of the play and the pressure that has been placed on Stoops and company to win this game all the prep will be stopping Air Raid a running QB could be devastating.
And if prep for and adjustments to a running QB haven't progressed from the second half of the UL game it could be a long day.
I don't know if Dawson has been as vocally adamant about his QB not running as he was last year but if he has I'm not sure I'd believe him.