until bama shows signs of weakness. As previously stated, they have not lost a western division game in 2 years.
Is it me or did that Auburn game take the wind...
- Thread starter dawgstudent
- Start date
I'm still excited for the season but I was hoping we'd be 'there' by now. Seems like this year will be more of rebuilding year 2 and not the 'we've arrived' like we were all thinking after Memphis. I'm bummed we lost to Auburn of all teams, mainly because of Cecil Newton's choice comments. I felt after the game if we would have run the ball more we could have beat them. But if we would have just caught/passed the ball better we could have won as well. Just the one dropped interception for a clear touchdown would have been enough!
After thinking about it more though the simple truth is that we have to be able to do more than run the read option to win games in the SEC. We had a top ten running game last year and we won only 5 games. If Russell has to struggle to get up to speed in the SEC this year but it means we'll be where we need to be next year then so be it. Same for Relf, it seems we are seeing why Lee was the starter last year after all and that's pretty scary.
I'm not counting this season as a loss by any means, we've played two games and held Auburn to only 17 points! Hanrahan, Ballard, Perkins showed some flashes running the ball well. We did put together a great drive to start the second half against Auburn, there is no reason we can't do that again. Our special teams play was pretty good and the onside kick was a thing of beauty.
We start with a tough schedule, if we can somehow start 2-2 the wool will reappear.
After thinking about it more though the simple truth is that we have to be able to do more than run the read option to win games in the SEC. We had a top ten running game last year and we won only 5 games. If Russell has to struggle to get up to speed in the SEC this year but it means we'll be where we need to be next year then so be it. Same for Relf, it seems we are seeing why Lee was the starter last year after all and that's pretty scary.
I'm not counting this season as a loss by any means, we've played two games and held Auburn to only 17 points! Hanrahan, Ballard, Perkins showed some flashes running the ball well. We did put together a great drive to start the second half against Auburn, there is no reason we can't do that again. Our special teams play was pretty good and the onside kick was a thing of beauty.
We start with a tough schedule, if we can somehow start 2-2 the wool will reappear.
if you think not having Dixondoesn'thurt our running game. For every 1-3 yard run our current guys have, Dixon breaks a tackle or two and turns them into 5 - 7 yard runs. Not having a guy who rushed for almost 4,000 yards in college on our team anymore is hurting us this year. Period.<div>
</div><div>Even though you know everyone who is saying this is right I am sure you will sink with this ship also. Therefore any response you have to this or any similar posts is null and void due to your blind ignorance and tiny dick ego.</div>
</div><div>Even though you know everyone who is saying this is right I am sure you will sink with this ship also. Therefore any response you have to this or any similar posts is null and void due to your blind ignorance and tiny dick ego.</div>
challenge for the West. If I thoughtthey would, I'd be optimistic. I think Au played like **** or is ****** (leaning toward latter) and we didn't capitalize at home.Just in wait and see mode right now. Ifour O was just having an off week against Au, we could be fine. If that was just our O against Au, we're looking at 5-7 again.bonedaddy401 said:
ETA: ****** is probably an overstatement. I think AU could be mediocre and be 2nd in the West this year, depending on whether AR can stop people or LSU can score.
that Relf isn't any better than he was last year throwing the ball. As I said when he was lighting up our defense with a 40% completion percentage in scrimmages, that really worried me. It reared it's ugly head on Thursday. His lack of improvement is causing us to play Tyler Russell so much and even have a QB cotroversey. That pisses me off.
Secondly, the o-line seems to have regressed to me. I don't know why. I thought that they had an average game against an inferior opponent in Memphis, and then they got whipped by Auburn.
Statistically when you look at it we really SHOULDN'T miss Dixon- but we are because guys like Robert Elliott are royally sucking *** out there. Vick Ballard looks average to me- on a good day. Our best back this year has been Patrick Hanrahan. That's not good.
Also, other than Heath Hutchins, the special teams play has been spotty at best.
I think the defense had improved markedly. If we pull off an upset of anyone, it's going to likely be because of them. Just like when Ellis Johnson was here.
We don't run the zone read option as much not because of Tyler Russell. We don't run it as much because we don't have Dixon to plow over someone on the pitch, or when he would line up as the dive back, people had to respect him. Now without him, if we give it to Vick Ballard, that doesn't scare anybody. And then the pitch man is who? Elliot? All teams have to do is attack Relf because two of the three options on the triple option don't scare anyone. Even is Relf were to hand it off or pitch it, it's probably going to be for a couple of yards even if the defense misplays it. Schemes don't win games- players do.
Secondly, the o-line seems to have regressed to me. I don't know why. I thought that they had an average game against an inferior opponent in Memphis, and then they got whipped by Auburn.
Statistically when you look at it we really SHOULDN'T miss Dixon- but we are because guys like Robert Elliott are royally sucking *** out there. Vick Ballard looks average to me- on a good day. Our best back this year has been Patrick Hanrahan. That's not good.
Also, other than Heath Hutchins, the special teams play has been spotty at best.
I think the defense had improved markedly. If we pull off an upset of anyone, it's going to likely be because of them. Just like when Ellis Johnson was here.
We don't run the zone read option as much not because of Tyler Russell. We don't run it as much because we don't have Dixon to plow over someone on the pitch, or when he would line up as the dive back, people had to respect him. Now without him, if we give it to Vick Ballard, that doesn't scare anybody. And then the pitch man is who? Elliot? All teams have to do is attack Relf because two of the three options on the triple option don't scare anyone. Even is Relf were to hand it off or pitch it, it's probably going to be for a couple of yards even if the defense misplays it. Schemes don't win games- players do.
I am going to agree with C34 here. We haven't ran the ball yet this season. I think Ballard and Ralph could put up some numbers if someone just told Ralph to take over the game. Last year, when Relf went into the game, he did not hesitate. He just ran the ball when we went to the option and when the pocket closed on him. This year, it's like he is hesitating with every decision. MOVE the pocket, hit the open man, or pull down the icons and run it. Place the defense in that weird position of having to cover the run and an out route or wheel pattern. Auburn did it to us, we can do it to other people.
I have reverted back to my MSU "safe mode", which is simply indifference. I desperately wanted to see this team perform like the Kang's glory teams. The 49-7 Memphis game fanned the flames even more (although the team's play against Memphis was not quite a Kangish performance). Then, as it has happen so many times before in big games, it was not our opponent but our OWN poor play that caused us to crash and burn. So, yes, the Auburn game shot me down, but give me a win in this week and next and I will be one woolly sheep again.
but gosh damn people- what I'm still pissed off about from the Auburn game (besides replaying the Cory Broomfield pick six drop over and over again in my head) is those two straight series with Russell in there trying to force the damn pass. And for the record, it's not Tyler's fault- it Mullen's fault.
Disclaimer- as was previously stated, by I think an Auburn fan, if Mullen walked in tomorrow and wrote down a number, we should pay him. I am totally, 110% in support of this coaching staff, but they are learning a few lessons here.
Lesson, # 1- we are Mississippimother17'n State, run the ball. Why, why, why, did we go away from the run on those two series?! Put Relf back in there, and run the option, run the shovel, for heaven's sake run the Wing T and let Hanrahan the battering ram run over somebody (Relf fumbling be damned).
Just sayin'
Disclaimer- as was previously stated, by I think an Auburn fan, if Mullen walked in tomorrow and wrote down a number, we should pay him. I am totally, 110% in support of this coaching staff, but they are learning a few lessons here.
Lesson, # 1- we are Mississippimother17'n State, run the ball. Why, why, why, did we go away from the run on those two series?! Put Relf back in there, and run the option, run the shovel, for heaven's sake run the Wing T and let Hanrahan the battering ram run over somebody (Relf fumbling be damned).
Just sayin'
it's another one of those coulda, shoulda, woulda games. Sooner or later Coach Mullen is going to have to win one of those.
TheBigEDawg said:
and that's the frustrating thing. I THINK we have a good coaching staff. I THINK we were done in by our defense a lot as well as our lilliputan turnover machine last year.
We have not beaten a higher level SEC team YET. Croom and Felker did that in their first year.
I'm holding out hope that we will do it before long because I am as impatient as everyone else to get that win. I'm not going to say that we haven't made progress- we are to the point where we beat teams that we are supposed to beat- like Memphis. That's very tangible improvement. We have been compeitive for pretty much every game under Dan except for maybe Alabama last year, and maybe Auburn and Arkansas last year when both of those teams added some window dressing points. Even in those games, I do not feel like we looked inept.
But Dan has to get it done at some point. If we have a chance to beat LSU, I better not see any ******** Tebow jump passes. That's Dan's biggest flaw- he sometimes gets too cute aginst people he shouldn't. If he makes some really creative play-calls against Memphis, that's fine. But when the game is on the line against a SEC team- it's frustrating.
but you know the team has to be deflated once again knowing that was a game they should have won. They know the game was theirs, and going down to LSU is not going to help any unless things start going our way really quick. If LSU gets any sizable lead we are doomed. Our schedule up front just really sucks!!
There have certainly been opportunities where we could have stuck to our bread and butter and scored but, instead took a chance on something fancy. Granted that at times we need the fancy stuff but, we gotta stick to whats working unless we are in position to try "cutesy".
...Relf will never pass the football like Eli Manning, so I wish people who drop that illusion.
Relf put the most crucial pass of the night right in the WR's hands, & the idiot WR dropped it. That was Relf delivering & the WR acting like a candy ***.
The RB's seem okay to me; they have speed, run hard, & seem to buy into what Mullen is trying to do. They just need game experience. Regardless, you have to get Bumphis the ball more. Bumphis is the most talented player on offense, & Mullen acts like Bumphis is an average Joe just drawing a little playing time.
The OL? I agree with you to an extent, because the Auburn forward wall was beating their asses most of the night. But they are veteran bunch, so I expect to see improvement quick.
The defense is not near as physical or quick as I expected them to be. I don't know what this new defensive scheme is, but I don't think it involves tackling people after a 4 yard gain every time. Anyway, when is the all-everything stud hoss McPhee going to show up? Auburn kicked his *** all over the field.
Relf put the most crucial pass of the night right in the WR's hands, & the idiot WR dropped it. That was Relf delivering & the WR acting like a candy ***.
The RB's seem okay to me; they have speed, run hard, & seem to buy into what Mullen is trying to do. They just need game experience. Regardless, you have to get Bumphis the ball more. Bumphis is the most talented player on offense, & Mullen acts like Bumphis is an average Joe just drawing a little playing time.
The OL? I agree with you to an extent, because the Auburn forward wall was beating their asses most of the night. But they are veteran bunch, so I expect to see improvement quick.
The defense is not near as physical or quick as I expected them to be. I don't know what this new defensive scheme is, but I don't think it involves tackling people after a 4 yard gain every time. Anyway, when is the all-everything stud hoss McPhee going to show up? Auburn kicked his *** all over the field.
I was so sickened I have even looked at this message board since the game until tonight. I was getting wooly before the Auburn game but now I just see what the freakin' glass really looks like.
That game certainly could have gone the other way but it didn't. I am tired of loosing!
That game certainly could have gone the other way but it didn't. I am tired of loosing!
you were out of your minds. This team is improved, but we aren't anywhere near that level yet. I'm just hoping we get to 6 wins and a bowl game. That, to me, would be a pretty good season given our schedule, our talent level, our lack of experience in key positions, etc. We should have beaten Auburn, but we didn't. Had we beaten Auburn we would roll into Tiger Stadium and take one right on the chin. That would be typical MState. Since we lost in such heartbreaking fashion, and since we are playing in a stadium in which we haven't won in what feels like forever, typical MState fashion demands the decent probability of a win. We might end up with the same record after 3 games. Hey, we might end up with the same record after 4 games. It still wouldn't change the fact that we have to play at Bama, Florida, and Houston and have several toss-up games. 6-6 was always going to be a chore.
Bunch a negative *** State fans.
Hopefully the team moves on faster than some of you. **** happens. You can blame Mullen's pass calls all you want but a lot of those passes should have been caught and then we would be singing a different tune. You have
to trust the coach, he wants to win and wants to get paid more money. The players must make plays. Period.
And regarding Bumphis, we DID get it to him, he dropped at least 2 passes, maybe 3.
Hopefully the team moves on faster than some of you. **** happens. You can blame Mullen's pass calls all you want but a lot of those passes should have been caught and then we would be singing a different tune. You have
to trust the coach, he wants to win and wants to get paid more money. The players must make plays. Period.
And regarding Bumphis, we DID get it to him, he dropped at least 2 passes, maybe 3.
Even with Newton, AU's defense makes them a middle of the pack team that we absolutely needed to beat at home to stay within bowl contention given our brutal schedule. Like some have said, Mullen needs to prove he can win the close games, and until he does, we won't ever get over the hump. Our offensive performance against AU was pretty painful to watch, so it's difficult for me to have faith that we can compete with LSU, much less beat them on the road.
We now see we do not have much to work with at the qb position right now, and we see the importance in having a good running back.
I do, however, think that Mullen is on the way to being a very good head coach. I believe he knows now, better than before games started, what he has to work with come gameday. He will put us in position to win a few games this year on the back of Manny's defense.
There you have it, my wool has been sheared and I have returned to my typical MState football fan self. Damn.
I do, however, think that Mullen is on the way to being a very good head coach. I believe he knows now, better than before games started, what he has to work with come gameday. He will put us in position to win a few games this year on the back of Manny's defense.
There you have it, my wool has been sheared and I have returned to my typical MState football fan self. Damn.
yes the wr's dropped a ton of passes, but the play-calling on the 3 and out following the onside kick was horrendous and Ralph's 3 passes were not in the area code of the wr's on that drive. That drive is what pisses me off the most.
Ralph should never be passing from the pocket, on the move is where he should be every down. Passing, running or pitching the ball and if he fails then so be it.
We need a running back too, maybe Ralph should line up in the backfield with Russell at the helm. He can pass from the pocket and I am sure he could hand off to Ralph.
Ralph should never be passing from the pocket, on the move is where he should be every down. Passing, running or pitching the ball and if he fails then so be it.
We need a running back too, maybe Ralph should line up in the backfield with Russell at the helm. He can pass from the pocket and I am sure he could hand off to Ralph.
DerHntr said:
where we even tried to let a RB carry the load? Where did we fail on that? Memphis didnt stop the run....we came out once again firing it around against
Auburn as well...All I have seen is a team that wants to throw the ball around
It appears the offensive staff has looked at Russell and looked at our young WR's and decided that since we cant recruit another QB, we might as well go ahead and move in the direction of being a passing team because Russell cant run. And I think that's a big mistake
they did beat LSU very badly last year (the score was not indicative)... it was an *** raping.
now, the 1989 Bama @ UM game... we may have thrown it that often...
now, the 1989 Bama @ UM game... we may have thrown it that often...
RonnyAtmosphere said:
What I expected out of him was improvement over last year. I expect him to complete 50% of his passes. I daresay Ole Miss fans had higher expectations of Eli than 50%. If we can not throw decently, it's going to make it a lot harder to run the ball. The WR's were candy asses against Auburn, but that doesn't excuse the fact that Relf still has the accuracy of a sawed off shot gun.
Robert Elliott is a junior. How much more game experience does he need? His career is over half of the way over. Ballard looks the most impressive to me, and he's average at best.
The o-line- I hope you are right. Hasn't looked good so far.
I can't complain about the defense. Auburn had one long scoring drive all night- and that was their first drive. The other 10 points came off of turnovers. We shut them out in the second half. And we did this against Gus Mahlzahn, one of the more creative offensive minds in all of football with a tough offense to stop. We're sixth in the SEC in total defense and 36th nationally. Auburn is ranked 20th nationally in total offense.
it takes a little wind out of your sails. This is a game that has been talked about all summer and one we have all looked for to playing. So even a narrow loss will get you down. But, I still think we can win one of the next 2 and go 2-2 which is a decent start to this schedule. Not going to be easy though.
My point was that the SEC West is so good that everyone, outside of OM, could have ended up as a contender. There could be a series of 17ups all over this league that could land any team in the top 2 spots competing for the West title. For the record, I think we have .002% chance of beating Bama. But I also think someone's going to step up and beat them, at least once, maybe twice. They're good, but with how stacked the West is this year, it wouldn't surprise me to see AU,Bama, or Arky on top at the end.
We threw it around against Memphis b/c that is what we are supposed to do. When you have the chance to work on the passing game at MSU you take it. As for as Auburn, we didn't do some things we should have, but Mullen has admitted to it.
You 17ing people kill me. Hurry up and get here Saturday.
You 17ing people kill me. Hurry up and get here Saturday.
has yet to record a win over the SEC Big 6 (Auburn,LSU,UGA,Bama,Tenn,Florida) . Croom at least won 4 against them - Florida 04 , Bama 06 and 07, and Auburn 07 .
It time for Mullen to beat one of these teams
It time for Mullen to beat one of these teams
1 game in to his 2nd year of SEC Play you are calling that stat out? The problem with Croom is that he couldn't beat the teams we were supposed to beat.