where's the upgrade in talent ............

[futaba.79]

that we allegedly have? I can only think of one position (maybe two) where we'll put a superior player in the starting lineup as compared to last year. KJ Wright will likely be better, in time, than Gabe but that's it. Croom says Brignone is better than Blackledge - I hope so.

Mike Brown for Mark Melichar or Phillip Freeman. I say that's a downgrade.

Titus Brown and Avery Hannibal for Tim Bailey, Brandon Cooper or whoever else. downgrade.

Anthony Johnson for Marcus Washington. downgrade

Three Sr TEs for Brandon Henderson, Marcus Green and Nelson Hurst. I can't see how this makes us better (this year anyway).

Somebody please explain to me how we're more talented than last year. </p>

 

[futaba.79]

that we allegedly have? I can only think of one position (maybe two) where we'll put a superior player in the starting lineup as compared to last year. KJ Wright will likely be better, in time, than Gabe but that's it. Croom says Brignone is better than Blackledge - I hope so.

Mike Brown for Mark Melichar or Phillip Freeman. I say that's a downgrade.

Titus Brown and Avery Hannibal for Tim Bailey, Brandon Cooper or whoever else. downgrade.

Anthony Johnson for Marcus Washington. downgrade

Three Sr TEs for Brandon Henderson, Marcus Green and Nelson Hurst. I can't see how this makes us better (this year anyway).

Somebody please explain to me how we're more talented than last year. </p>

 

[futaba.79]

that we allegedly have? I can only think of one position (maybe two) where we'll put a superior player in the starting lineup as compared to last year. KJ Wright will likely be better, in time, than Gabe but that's it. Croom says Brignone is better than Blackledge - I hope so.

Mike Brown for Mark Melichar or Phillip Freeman. I say that's a downgrade.

Titus Brown and Avery Hannibal for Tim Bailey, Brandon Cooper or whoever else. downgrade.

Anthony Johnson for Marcus Washington. downgrade

Three Sr TEs for Brandon Henderson, Marcus Green and Nelson Hurst. I can't see how this makes us better (this year anyway).

Somebody please explain to me how we're more talented than last year. </p>

 

[futaba.79]

that we allegedly have? I can only think of one position (maybe two) where we'll put a superior player in the starting lineup as compared to last year. KJ Wright will likely be better, in time, than Gabe but that's it. Croom says Brignone is better than Blackledge - I hope so.

Mike Brown for Mark Melichar or Phillip Freeman. I say that's a downgrade.

Titus Brown and Avery Hannibal for Tim Bailey, Brandon Cooper or whoever else. downgrade.

Anthony Johnson for Marcus Washington. downgrade

Three Sr TEs for Brandon Henderson, Marcus Green and Nelson Hurst. I can't see how this makes us better (this year anyway).

Somebody please explain to me how we're more talented than last year. </p>

 

[futaba.79]

that we allegedly have? I can only think of one position (maybe two) where we'll put a superior player in the starting lineup as compared to last year. KJ Wright will likely be better, in time, than Gabe but that's it. Croom says Brignone is better than Blackledge - I hope so.

Mike Brown for Mark Melichar or Phillip Freeman. I say that's a downgrade.

Titus Brown and Avery Hannibal for Tim Bailey, Brandon Cooper or whoever else. downgrade.

Anthony Johnson for Marcus Washington. downgrade

Three Sr TEs for Brandon Henderson, Marcus Green and Nelson Hurst. I can't see how this makes us better (this year anyway).

Somebody please explain to me how we're more talented than last year. </p>

 

[patdog]

Damn it, we won 8 games last year so there's no reason we can't win 8 again this year. I had many of the same questions you have, but I've been assured by many posters on this site that I'm full of ****. I'm sure they're right. I look forward to our trip to the Peach Bowl (or better) this December/January.

 

[stevo1a]

I'm sure Elliot, Green and Bonner fit in there somewhere. Maybe the new kicker. Overall talent on special teams. The freshmens DE will be given the chance to make a big impact.

In the past our starters have usually been SEC caliber-ish. It was the talent level of the bottom 50 of our 85 that killed us.

 

[BriantheDawg]

but our schedule sure does seem a little easier than the previous couple of years, which gives me hope. I just hope we don't lay an egg at La Tech and flush the season down the toilet after the 1st weekend of the season.

 

[bullysleftnut]

circa 2006:
"We'll never replace Jerious Norwood and Willie Evans"
circa 2007:
"There's no way we can replace defensive guys like Quinton Culberson and Deljuan Robinson"

I think we'll be okay. Eventually everyone on our roster is going to be replaced by someone else you know.

 

[rebelrouseri]

.

 

[Goat Holder]

Teams lose players every year. We have good players who will only get better. We have more depth this year as well.

 

[HammerOfTheDogs]

Of course, that's a huge one, probably the biggest. MState has very good Linebackers and D-backfield even with the loss of Johnson. On offense, the fact that MState finally has a quarterback that can read defenses and throw a ball close to being catchable will help improve the offense.

The biggest thing will be the schedule. Finally, MState isn't starting out the season with a powerhouse. They have a chance to work out he kinks with lower-level teams and be ready for the huge game against Auburn.

 

[Xenomorph]

..I don't believe (perhaps I'll be proven wrong) we have anyone on the roster who can do the things those two did last year. Now, maybe we'll scheme differently and hide the facts that we don't have much of a pass rush off the end and that we can't leave Washington on an island but we'll miss what those guys gave us.

 

[VegasDawg13]

Of course, that's a huge one, probably the biggest. MState has very good Linebackers and D-backfield even with the loss of Johnson. On offense, the fact that MState finally has a quarterback that can read defenses and throw a ball close to being catchable will help improve the offense.

The biggest thing will be the schedule. Finally, MState isn't starting out the season with a powerhouse. They have a chance to work out he kinks with lower-level teams and be ready for the huge game against Auburn.

So, you don't think we're having a downgrade at defensive end?</p>

 

[futaba.79]

dickhead, though I guess you just can't help it.

Most of the posters easily interpreted what I meant. Then, of course, there are posters like yourself.</p>

My point: Programs in the buidling phase, striving to compete for the SEC title, need to upgrade from a TALENT standpoint, each year until they catch the power programs. Players you lose should be replaced by less experienced but physically superior players ie KJ Wright taking over for Gabe Oneal. This is how you get to the LSU, UF, UGA level. Has State done this? My opinion is no. </p>

 

[RebelBruiser]

We have good players who will only get better.

</p>

Yea, that works in most cases, though you never know when you'll see someone regress. I still contend that Jason Harrison (our former midget bball player) got consistently worse with each season. His freshman year, he was pretty good. By his senior year, he was awful.

Josh Shene, our kicker did the same thing last year. He went from a reliable freshman kicker to shaky for a lot of last year.

It's rare that it happens, but it does. I don't think you really upgraded talent all that much either. In fact, I'd say that talent-wise, you'll probably be about the same. But you did upgrade on experience, which is just as important sometimes.

 

[Goat Holder]

at DE anyway. You don't think the crop of DLinemen we just signed won't be better than what we had last year? Brignone is physically superior to Blackledge. Johnson and Brown were not part of Croom's "plan" and you cannot fault him for not being prepared for that. Mitchell will take over for Pegues next year. The pieces are in place, recruiting is getting better every year.

What was your point again?</p>

 

[Goat Holder]

Even Henig got better, but he sucked terribly to begin with so it didn't matter. One of the few who didn't was Omarr Conner, and he was a victim of circumstance.

 

[patdog]

Two first team All-SEC caliber players at two critical positions on the defense. T. Brown was our ONLY pass rush last season. And seeing M. Washington starting at CB instead of A. Johnson makes me cringe. Especially with no pass rush.

 

[patdog]

Johnson and Brown were not part of Croom's "plan" and you cannot fault him for not being prepared for that.</p>

Regardless, the fact is they won't be playing this fall and that's two very tough losses to recover from. </p>

 

[futaba.79]

will we be more talented? Are Mark Melichar, JC Brignone, Brandon Henderson, Marcus Washington, Tim Bailey, Brandon Cooper and KJ Wright better athletes than Mike Brown, Royce Blackledge, Eric Butler, Anthony Johnson, Titus Brown, Avery Hannibal and Gabe Oneal? This is my question. Do not include freshmen that have never even practiced before in your answer.

 

[Goat Holder]

He's adamant that our secondary is better than it's ever been. O'quinn is the x-factor here that's stepped up, and from all reports so has Washington. Just because it was Johnson that made that INT last year doesn't mean that the next guy won't in the same position to make the play this year or whenever.

Brown is a big loss tempered by the fact that Sherrod is probably just as talented. But it stings in depth, but we have more than enough bodies to fill it.

The interior DL, once thought to be a weakness, turned out to be a strength last year. And they all return. One of those DE's, new or existing, will be a break through player for us. I think you may see McCardell, Stigers or Ferguson in the rotation by midseason.

Tight end replacements are more talented.

Co-Eric Riley is more talented than Tony Burks.

 

[patdog]

And even he admits concern about the left tackle position. I'm not worried about Jasper O'Quinn. But M. Washington is going to have to show me he can play before I believe it. And if you think that one interception is the only good play A. Johnson made, I don't think I can help you.

 

[Goat Holder]

-Derek Sherrod = Mike Brown
-Mark Melichar > J.D. Hamilton
-JC Brignone > Royce Blackledge
-The 3 new TEs (Green, Hurst, Henderson) > the 3 old TEs (Butler, Husband, Sherrod)
-KJ Wright > Gabe O'Neal. Maybe a push here, but regardless, Wright is SEC caliber
-Tim Bailey < Titus Brown
-Jimmie Holmes = Avery Hannibal. Keep in mind there's a more mature McCraney and/or Cooper fill these positions
-Marcus Washington < Anthony Johnson, but Jasper O'Quinn = Anthony Johnson

There you go. Of course, experience makes some of the seniors valuable, and the new guys will be just as valuable or more once they get there.

 

[HammerOfTheDogs]

We won't be better at DE, that's true. Still, our biggest hit is losing Michael Brown at LT. DE can be covered by good Linebacker and DB play. However, Wes Carroll isn't going to be as secure unless the new LT proves himself.

We'll be better at RB, with AJ and Ducre returning and adding Robert Edwards. We'll be better at QB, where Carroll has a year under the system, getting his shoulder repaired, and working out with the receivers over the off-season. The LB corps will definite be the strength of this season, while the DB's will probably have to do some sort of cover-2 zone to make up for the loss of Anthony Johnson.

What I like best is the way our schedule pans out....it'll be basically 3 seasons. 5 games with La. Tech, SE La., Auburn, Ga. Tech, and LSU, 4 games with Vandy, TN, Mid. TN, and Kentucky, and 3 games with Bammer, Ark., and UM. My maroon rose-colored glasses say we could go 4-1, 3-1, and 2-1, making for a 9-3 season. My "watching the last 3 years of Jackie Sherril football" glasses see 2-3, 2-2, and 1-3 going 5-7.

Auburn has to play USM the week before us and LSU after.
Ga. Tech has a new Head Coach
LSU plays Auburn the week before (and has an off-week after)
Vanderbilt plays us between Auburn and Georgia
Tennessee plays us between Georgia and Alabama, plus they're in game 6 of playing 9 weeks in a row.
Kentucky plays us between Florida and Georgia
Bammer has LSU before us (but an off-week after)
Arkansas has an off-week before us before playing LSU
UM plays LSU before us

(Source: My really cool Helmet schedule)

MState has a chance to cill the opposition.

 

[Goat Holder]

so what's the point.
</p>

And if you think that one interception is the only good play A. Johnson made, I don't think I can help you.

Do you really think that's what I meant. If so, then you're the one who needs the help, pal.

 

[Coast Dawg]

<font style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #d4d0c8">repeat for Pegues</font></p>

<font style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #d4d0c8">and Fitz, Glanton, Smith</font></p>

<font style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #d4d0c8">and Chaney</font></p>

<font style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #d4d0c8">and Douglas</font></p>

<font style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #d4d0c8">and all others that were solid last year and should improve.
CoEric, Hart, Hoskins, Love, Ducre....
</font></p>

 

[Xenomorph]

We won't be better at DE, that's true. Still, our biggest hit is losing Michael Brown at LT. DE can be covered by good Linebacker and DB play. However, Wes Carroll isn't going to be as secure unless the new LT proves himself.

We'll be better at RB, with <span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">AJ</span> and Ducre returning and adding <span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Robert Edwards</span>. We'll be better at QB, where Carroll has a year under the system, getting his shoulder repaired, and working out with the receivers over the off-season. The LB corps will definite be the strength of this season, while the DB's will probably have to do some sort of cover-2 zone to make up for the loss of Anthony Johnson.

What I like best is the way our schedule pans out....it'll be basically 3 seasons. 5 games with La. Tech, SE La., Auburn, Ga. Tech, and LSU, 4 games with Vandy, TN, Mid. TN, and Kentucky, and 3 games with Bammer, Ark., and UM. My maroon rose-colored glasses say we could go 4-1, 3-1, and 2-1, making for a 9-3 season. My "watching the last 3 years of Jackie Sherril football" glasses see 2-3, 2-2, and 1-3 going 5-7.

Auburn has to play USM the week before us and LSU after.
Ga. Tech has a new Head Coach
LSU plays Auburn the week before (and has an off-week after)
Vanderbilt plays us between Auburn and Georgia
Tennessee plays us between Georgia and Alabama
Kentucky plays us between Florida and Georgia
Bammer has LSU before us (but an off-week after)
Arkansas has an off-week before us before playing LSU
UM plays LSU before us

(Source: My really cool Helmet schedule)

MState has a chance to cill the opposition.

</p>

 

[Goat Holder]

every friggin' year, and I just don't see how they do it, even after LSU. Funny from a team that thinks they are entitled to being better than us.

Some folks say Croom has admitted to not taking UM very seriously. Explains why we come out so flat against them, at least 3 of the 4 games. No excuse for not beating them in 2006.

 

[oem]

and people wonder why the roads are so bad.

 

[futaba.79]

last year, albeit on the other side, that I consider Melichar the new guy in the lineup. On the other hand, if you want to analyze both OT spots, then we to have to ask is Sherrod better than Brown AND is Melichar better than Hamilton. You say that one spot is a push and that Melichar is better than Hamilton. I disagree on both counts. </p>

How you can say that our new TEs are better than last year's is a mystery. </p>

 

[Xenomorph]

..but this year is the first year we have a chance.

Whatever he means by that...

Still, I like the guy and hope he becomes a world-beater.

 

[patdog]

I want to be as optimistic about this fall as a lot of you guys are. I really do. But I'm not going to let my personal feelings get in the way of what I see when I look at this team. And I see some real holes on this team (WR, DE, one corner) and a lot of areas with only adequate talent/experience (QB, OL, and possibly RB). I don't see a losing season, but I don't see another 8 win season either.

Do you really think that's what I meant. If so, then you're the one who needs the help, pal.

So now you're pulling pages from Peaches's playbook. Post one thing and then claim you "didn't really mean it."

 

[saddawg]

"We'll never replace Jerious Norwood"

Can't argue with you there.

 

[Goat Holder]

You put words in my mouth.

I said:

Just because it was Johnson that made that INT last year doesn't mean that the next guy won't in the same position to make the play this year or whenever

You said:

And if you think that one interception is the only good play A. Johnson made, I don't think I can help you

That is not the same thing. YOUR quote is not what I meant. Try again.

 

[NutherT]

My point: Programs in the buidling phase, striving to compete for the SEC title, need to upgrade from a TALENT standpoint, each year until they catch the power programs. Players you lose should be replaced by less experienced but physically superior players ie KJ Wright taking over for Gabe Oneal. This is how you get to the LSU, UF, UGA level. Has State done this? My opinion is no.

Using this criteria and the Wright-O'Neal example, you might would argue that we are replacing two-star Titus Brown, who was not all that physically gifted but was just good at what he did, with a more talented player, whomever that may be. There are several players coming in with more "talent" than Titus. Same with Hannibal. Maybe not the case with A. Johnson or M. Brown as they were highly recruited, but probably the case with our TE's. Butler, Husband and Sherrod were not amazing athletes coming out of high school. Marcus Green and Nelson Hurst were more "talented" coming out of high school.

The point is: It is very difficult to play this game. If you'll recall, a few years ago, Titus wasn't the best DE on the team. Willie Evans was. Titus grew into as good or better a player as him though, through experience and coaching. Another example would be Jeramie Johnson, who was a good safety. Good enough to beat out Fitzhugh and Glanton. Now, I would say that either of those two are as good or better than Johnson. Players mature and grow up. Blackledge was a good player, but Brignone has a shot at being dominant. Mike Brown was good, but Sherrod can be just as good. Titus Brown was great, but several players on our roster have the potential to be better. Anthony Johnson was good, but there are players on our roster who could mature to be better. If you take into account that every player that returns will be a certain degree "better" than they were at the beginning of the season last year, it's a pretty strong position to say that we have better players on the roster this year than last.

 

[patdog]

You said we'd be fine without A. Johnson because someobody else would be there to make that one play. I simply pointed out that he made a hell of a lot more good plays than just that one. For the record, I hope you're right that M. Washington will do as well at corner this year as A. Johnson did last year. Past experience doesn't support that though.

 

[OEMDawg]

You forgot the biggest improvement of all: Jamayel Smith + Brandon McRae + Aubrey Bell + Co-Eric Riley -Tony Burks = highly improved team speed at WR.

 

[Coach34]

You forgot the biggest improvement of all: Jamayel Smith + Brandon McRae + Aubrey Bell + Co-Eric Riley -Tony Burks = highly improved team speed at WR.

</p>didnt we have these same doorknobs last year? They may have improved (although i'm very skeptical) but they arent going to be any faster

 

[prairiedawg]

Ellis had them in the right schemes most of the time. What will this guy do? That's the question.

No matter what some of you say, replacing Titus is a question at this point. Hopefully somebody steps up. We shall see.