My Two Cents...(long) Edit | Reply
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First of all, let me congratulate UCF for gaining admittance to a conference, thus allowing them the possibility (and perhaps liklihood) of achieving a bowl berth. You are a welcome and quality addition to the Midwestern...er Mid American Conference (relax guys, I'm teasing you a little). I think you will certainly augment what Marshall has done over the past 5 years (and that is to help raise the level of play). I look forward to a good rivalry over the next few years until one or both of us move on.
This brings me to the first order of business: The "misquote". Personally, I do not believe your coach meant what he said in the manner that it was taken by most. I admire confidence in a program as it is a necessary element for success. However, we all know that ANYTHING said by ANY opponent will be used as bulletin board material, just as Bob Pruett's comments about playing for a MAC Championship every year put a big red bullseye on the Herd. I don't mean to sound cocky, but how many times do you hear people saying, "Man, I can't wait to get our hands on Buffalo!"? (Okay, other than Ohio...lol). I think that UCF is a wonderful addition to the MAC.
Insofar as the comment about "moving on". Well, why not? If the Big East should offer UCF a slot, why the hell wouldn't you take it? I know Marshall would. One advantage you have over most "mid-major" schools who are pining to get into a stronger conference is that you are in Florida. That is a HUGE advantage (both in recruiting and in conference revenue). Marshall talks about moving on to CUSA. What is so wrong with another school wanting to move up as well? Nothing. Personally, I'd rather go 8-3, 7-4, and even 6-5 in a stronger conference and get respect and also bowl games than go 11-1, 10-2, or 9-2 every year and have people constantly say, "Yeah, they're good, but they don't play anyone. When they do play someone, they need 2 OT's to win, or they get spanked." I know there are many that will disagree with that, but oh well. Look at the Big 12. There were several teams with three losses that remained in the top 25. Why? Tough schedule. 'Nuff said.
Which brings me to the game. I've said this before, and it will probably bring about a flurry of dissent from the UCF faithful, but I don't believe that this is your year to win the MAC. Can it happen? Absolutely. I do not pretend to think that your team is weak by any stretch of the imagination. UCF is a strong, quality team that could surprise anyone on any given day. I just feel that Marshall has too many offensive weapons. People talk about Byron being rattled when he is hit. Well, he was not hit that much last year, and our whole OL is returning. Franklin Wallace will be back, so our running game should improve. Mind you, this is not to say that UCF can't stop the run or the pass. I just feel that you won't be able to stop both. Especially with some question marks in your lineup.
Defensively, MU is improved (we couldn't be worse, trust me). All of our guys have a full year of experience under their belt thanks to the suspensions last year, and with our new alignment, our speed will be more of a factor. I still feel as though the run might still be a problem. UCF will score points. No question. I just feel in the end, in Huntington, the advantage goes to the Herd. HOWEVER, this is the reason that the game is played on the field rather than paper....Anything can happen. All of this is pure speculation because neither one of us has really paid close attention to the other (generally speaking). Either or both teams could be in for a surprise. Next year, I feel that you might be the favorite to win the East.
In any case, good luck, and I hope you have a great season...but not too great (if you know what I mean). <img border="0" alt="[Cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/cheers.gif" />
