First off, I want to say congratulations to these young Bucs! What they did this season shows a commitment and buy in. A lot of people were wondering how this team would fare over the 11 weeks. I believe most folks had them at 3 wins; 4 at the most. I can argue that a play here or there (Mercer) and not committing two foolish penalties (VMI) – these young men could have possible played .500 ball this year.

Note 1: Strength of Schedule: Now that the season is over, many people are going to compare ETSU with KSU and each team’s applicable rankings. First off, I want to offer a Huge Congrats to KSU for what they did in their 2nd season! Please note that I am NOT trying to be disrespectful when I say to the fans, the strength of schedules cannot be compared. Yes, KSU won at Furman and Furman beat ETSU in JC; however, the Buc beat KSU in GA. Secondly, the Bucs faced 4 ranked teams and beat 1; whereas KSU played 1 ranked team (a very solid CSU) and lost. I wish they would revamp the Big South to make it competitive. Bringing in KSU was the best thing the Big South has done in years. With only 6 teams competing, that conference will fold once LU leaves in 2019.

Note 2: A look ahead: Boy it doesn’t get any easier next year! The Bucs will play 5 teams ranked in the top 20 and 6 teams ranked in the top 26! Talk about tough! But if you want to be recognized with/by the best – you have to play the best. Just like the Missouri Valley and Big Sky Conferences, the SoCon is littered with talent and well represented in the FCS playoffs. 4 teams from the SoCon will be competing in the playoffs this year; that’s half the conference! Also of note is the fact that 2 of the teams the Bucs play next year received first round byes this year (The Citadel and at JMU).

Note 3: Progress/Involvement: As the season progressed, we saw areas/players step up and others faded away due to injury or production. The O Line started off well, then went though some injuries, took time to gel, and then got much better the last third of the season. The D Line and receiving corps also followed suit. We saw the production #8, 40, and 45, bring to the table. We also saw #8, 10, 32 and 49 coming into their own down the stretch; thus, I believe these guys will make big improvements next year. Offensively we saw #2, 3, 4, 11, 18, 80 lose reps as the season progressed. #2, 3 and 4 spent time away due to injuries; whereas production on the field hurt the others. #26, 38, 86, and 89 received more reps down the stretch and appeared to be settling in and getting better and better. Combine these players with standouts #6, 9, 16, and 87, and you have to think the staff is taking note and making changes accordingly. The backfield was a little crowed with #3, 6, 15, 27 and 43 fighting for reps, but each player offers a different style. I suspect one or two of these guys will lock down the TB position next year and one FB will emerge ahead of the others. We also saw #7 go through an entire season; hence, barring injury or transfer, you are probably looking at your starter for the next two years. This brings us to Note 4.

Note 4: Player Moves: Anyone who follows the NCAA knows how difficult it is to keep familiar faces (Coaches and Players). The advantage the Bucs have is that they are very young. The Bucs are only graduating 4 players, so while there is competition for reps, some of the under used players (such as back up QBs, and lights out players may wish to transfer to other schools. Some will leave for playing time, others may roll the dice willing to sit out a year to move up to BCS. I can see two or three players could fit into that roll, but chances are, with the win against Samford, these two or three guys will stay right where they are. But, I do think we will lose a couple players due to their dissatisfaction with playing time.

Note 6: Recruiting/Transfers: This season should be looked at as a positive season. The schedule, stadium, practice facility (Dome) and SoCon power representation will help recruiting. Future competition assist SEC schools will defiantly help the program attract recruits and transfer students. Unlike year one, the program does not have to look for DII transfers. The above mentioned reasons will attract FBS and FCS transfer students.

Finally, and I’ll open this up to everyone – my thoughts on continued growth. First, I think the Bucs need improved play at safety and corner. #14 graduates this year. He did a GREAT job for them along with #31. However, asking all of them to cover taller deep threat guys was a bit to ask. I think they need to find (perhaps they already red shirted next year’s FS and CB) a taller, ball hawking/tracking FS with more range to complement #31 and the CBs is needed. The Bucs are also graduating CB #22. We had a glimpse of the future CBs. Real positive things to say about #13 and 1, but from all the CBs we saw play this year, none of them is over 5’10. There are a couple listed at 5’11, but trust me, I’m 5’11 and I’m looking down when talking with them. Perhaps a transfer CB might be on table?

You also cannot overlook a punt returner! ETSU ranked among the NCAA’s worst at punt return. Fair catching a punt IS a very difficult job and cannot be understated, but there is no treat with a fair catch. Again, perhaps the guy is already on the roster (as red shirt) if not, this area definitely needs to be up graded.

The O didn’t go deep very often - perhaps it is due to design/pocket protection. If it was design, it would be based on the time (seconds) the line could hold the pass rush (more protection equals deeper routes – shorter routes are designed for quicker releases). From what we saw, ETSU appears to have some deep threat speed on outside (#4, 11 and 89 can flat out fly). #4 got injured and #89 replaced #11 when his numbers fell off. Also #9 and #16 have great hands, but neither is a burner, nor is 80 or 86). Again, each of these guys stepped up when called. It will be interesting to see how steps up into the rotation now that #38 is leaving.

I’m sure the young O-Line will pack on another 10 lbs. by next year; (Kudos #57, 58, 62, 65, 70, 74). Another year in the program should get them over 300 on average. Likewise I expect to see the backs and TE’s beef up a bit. This should produce more intermediate to deep routes next year.

Across the board, one more year in the gym will be of great benefit to the D-Line as well. The outside rush should continue to improve with #45 and 49. If #90, 91, and 97 can hold the POA and keep the oppositions O-Line from getting to the next level (our linebackers), I think you will see the D be more aggressive flowing to the outside. What can you say about #85? Money! Thanks kid

Great analysis Spector. I concur and can't wait til 2017 spring game and moving to the new Buc stadium!

Great write up. If we can secure some decent players in the secondary, I have no doubt we will have one of the better defenses in the SoCon next season. We will need to bulk up at OL, and get a few speedy playmakers on O. I think Vincent Lowe was a good start, but we need a couple more. We have a number of solid players that will no doubt get better, but it would be nice to have some more athletic freak type players (who ISN'T looking for those). #49 foots that bill on defense.

I like the way Matt Thompson ran Saturday. I've always enjoyed a back that just runs over people. I am excited as we head into the off season, and can't wait to see what the gameday atmosphere is like on campus next season.

(11-21-2016 02:15 PM)Spector Wrote:  First off, I want to say congratulations to these young Bucs! What they did this season shows a commitment and buy in. A lot of people were wondering how this team would fare over the 11 weeks. I believe most folks had them at 3 wins; 4 at the most. I can argue that a play here or there (Mercer) and not committing two foolish penalties (VMI) – these young men could have possible played .500 ball this year.

Note 1: Strength of Schedule: Now that the season is over, many people are going to compare ETSU with KSU and each team’s applicable rankings. First off, I want to offer a Huge Congrats to KSU for what they did in their 2nd season! Please note that I am NOT trying to be disrespectful when I say to the fans, the strength of schedules cannot be compared. Yes, KSU won at Furman and Furman beat ETSU in JC; however, the Buc beat KSU in GA. Secondly, the Bucs faced 4 ranked teams and beat 1; whereas KSU played 1 ranked team (a very solid CSU) and lost. I wish they would revamp the Big South to make it competitive. Bringing in KSU was the best thing the Big South has done in years. With only 6 teams competing, that conference will fold once LU leaves in 2019.

Note 2: A look ahead: Boy it doesn’t get any easier next year! The Bucs will play 5 teams ranked in the top 20 and 6 teams ranked in the top 26! Talk about tough! But if you want to be recognized with/by the best – you have to play the best. Just like the Missouri Valley and Big Sky Conferences, the SoCon is littered with talent and well represented in the FCS playoffs. 4 teams from the SoCon will be competing in the playoffs this year; that’s half the conference! Also of note is the fact that 2 of the teams the Bucs play next year received first round byes this year (The Citadel and at JMU).

Note 3: Progress/Involvement: As the season progressed, we saw areas/players step up and others faded away due to injury or production. The O Line started off well, then went though some injuries, took time to gel, and then got much better the last third of the season. The D Line and receiving corps also followed suit. We saw the production #8, 40, and 45, bring to the table. We also saw #8, 10, 32 and 49 coming into their own down the stretch; thus, I believe these guys will make big improvements next year. Offensively we saw #2, 3, 4, 11, 18, 80 lose reps as the season progressed. #2, 3 and 4 spent time away due to injuries; whereas production on the field hurt the others. #26, 38, 86, and 89 received more reps down the stretch and appeared to be settling in and getting better and better. Combine these players with standouts #6, 9, 16, and 87, and you have to think the staff is taking note and making changes accordingly. The backfield was a little crowed with #3, 6, 15, 27 and 43 fighting for reps, but each player offers a different style. I suspect one or two of these guys will lock down the TB position next year and one FB will emerge ahead of the others. We also saw #7 go through an entire season; hence, barring injury or transfer, you are probably looking at your starter for the next two years. This brings us to Note 4.

Note 4: Player Moves: Anyone who follows the NCAA knows how difficult it is to keep familiar faces (Coaches and Players). The advantage the Bucs have is that they are very young. The Bucs are only graduating 4 players, so while there is competition for reps, some of the under used players (such as back up QBs, and lights out players may wish to transfer to other schools. Some will leave for playing time, others may roll the dice willing to sit out a year to move up to BCS. I can see two or three players could fit into that roll, but chances are, with the win against Samford, these two or three guys will stay right where they are. But, I do think we will lose a couple players due to their dissatisfaction with playing time.

Note 6: Recruiting/Transfers: This season should be looked at as a positive season. The schedule, stadium, practice facility (Dome) and SoCon power representation will help recruiting. Future competition assist SEC schools will defiantly help the program attract recruits and transfer students. Unlike year one, the program does not have to look for DII transfers. The above mentioned reasons will attract FBS and FCS transfer students.

Finally, and I’ll open this up to everyone – my thoughts on continued growth. First, I think the Bucs need improved play at safety and corner. #14 graduates this year. He did a GREAT job for them along with #31. However, asking all of them to cover taller deep threat guys was a bit to ask. I think they need to find (perhaps they already red shirted next year’s FS and CB) a taller, ball hawking/tracking FS with more range to complement #31 and the CBs is needed. The Bucs are also graduating CB #22. We had a glimpse of the future CBs. Real positive things to say about #13 and 1, but from all the CBs we saw play this year, none of them is over 5’10. There are a couple listed at 5’11, but trust me, I’m 5’11 and I’m looking down when talking with them. Perhaps a transfer CB might be on table?

You also cannot overlook a punt returner! ETSU ranked among the NCAA’s worst at punt return. Fair catching a punt IS a very difficult job and cannot be understated, but there is no treat with a fair catch. Again, perhaps the guy is already on the roster (as red shirt) if not, this area definitely needs to be up graded.

The O didn’t go deep very often - perhaps it is due to design/pocket protection. If it was design, it would be based on the time (seconds) the line could hold the pass rush (more protection equals deeper routes – shorter routes are designed for quicker releases). From what we saw, ETSU appears to have some deep threat speed on outside (#4, 11 and 89 can flat out fly). #4 got injured and #89 replaced #11 when his numbers fell off. Also #9 and #16 have great hands, but neither is a burner, nor is 80 or 86). Again, each of these guys stepped up when called. It will be interesting to see how steps up into the rotation now that #38 is leaving.

I’m sure the young O-Line will pack on another 10 lbs. by next year; (Kudos #57, 58, 62, 65, 70, 74). Another year in the program should get them over 300 on average. Likewise I expect to see the backs and TE’s beef up a bit. This should produce more intermediate to deep routes next year.

Across the board, one more year in the gym will be of great benefit to the D-Line as well. The outside rush should continue to improve with #45 and 49. If #90, 91, and 97 can hold the POA and keep the oppositions O-Line from getting to the next level (our linebackers), I think you will see the D be more aggressive flowing to the outside. What can you say about #85? Money! Thanks kid

Wow that was a great write-up! Thanks for posting that. I cannot wait for the 2017 season. New stadium and bigger and better players.

Great write up.

Still need more depth. We have 35-40 D1 players currently. The lack of depth hurt the middle third of the schedule as noted. Another good class should get us up to 50 or more D1 players and we can start competing with the upper echelon. Need more quality linemen (but I guess 90% of teams say that). 5-6 is VERY encouraging. Many of the losses were blowouts, but still, great season. 25 years ago, 5-6 would be considered a great season.

Congrats to Dylan Weigel for being named 2nd team all-SoCon. Jason Maduafokwa, Ben Blackmon, and Nasir Player make all-freshman team. Have to feel like JJ Jerman got robbed.

Congrats to all of our players on a great year. If the Bucs can improve year 2 to 3, like they did 1 to 2....watch out!

The Livestream view of the stadium is impressive. It will be a most attractive venue. This one is being done right. Looking forward to 2017 as this program enters its third season headed into its on campus home. Good job.

(11-23-2016 04:55 PM)Buc66 Wrote:  The Livestream view of the stadium is impressive. It will be a most attractive venue. This one is being done right. Looking forward to 2017 as this program enters its third season headed into its on campus home. Good job.

Wow, four years ago we were a laughing stock. And now we have so much to be thankful for and to be proud of. Thank you Dr. Noland!

I drove by the stadium today. The livestream doesn't do that place justice. The press box is massive. This is going to be something we will all be very proud of.

Last Saturday was the most fun I had at an ETSU football game all year. I feel cheated that the year is over.

(11-23-2016 10:45 PM)ETSUfan1 Wrote:  Last Saturday was the most fun I had at an ETSU football game all year. I feel cheated that the year is over.

I'm going to guess the 3:30 start time helped that out a little with the tailgating festivities.

I personally wish they would make the 12 or 1 pm start time only once a season. There's just not enough time to set up a good tailgate when it's so early. 3:30-4 is almost ideal.

I think everyone can agree they exceeded expectations. They had some issues obviously internally that led to the dismissal of Kahlil Mitchell, but if you'll notice it seems the coaches did a great job of circling the wagons and pulling this team together. I'd like to see them get better on both sides of the trenches. I also know we have the first game set up, but who are the other OOC games? Any chance we can go ahead and put Austin Peay and Prairie View aTm on the schedule? Maybe Savannah State or UVA-Wise? I feel like this team needs to continue to try and log wins.

(11-24-2016 02:17 AM)Buccaneerlover Wrote:  I think everyone can agree they exceeded expectations. They had some issues obviously internally that led to the dismissal of Kahlil Mitchell, but if you'll notice it seems the coaches did a great job of circling the wagons and pulling this team together. I'd like to see them get better on both sides of the trenches. I also know we have the first game set up, but who are the other OOC games? Any chance we can go ahead and put Austin Peay and Prairie View aTm on the schedule? Maybe Savannah State or UVA-Wise? I feel like this team needs to continue to try and log wins.

Limestome College, at James Madison, and Robert Morris are our OOC games for next year.

I had a brain cramp on that one. I knew that. Hopefully they'll be ready for JMU.

I am thinking our schedule is tougher than this year's was.

(11-23-2016 10:53 PM)Efan Wrote:  

(11-23-2016 10:45 PM)ETSUfan1 Wrote:  Last Saturday was the most fun I had at an ETSU football game all year. I feel cheated that the year is over.

I'm going to guess the 3:30 start time helped that out a little with the tailgating festivities.

I personally wish they would make the 12 or 1 pm start time only once a season. There's just not enough time to set up a good tailgate when it's so early. 3:30-4 is almost ideal.

I agree but it comes down to trying to schedule games opposite/beside of UT because there are so many UT fans in the area. 3:30 would be much more ideal for me and many others Buc fans.

(11-24-2016 06:55 PM)Buced_Up Wrote:  

(11-23-2016 10:53 PM)Efan Wrote:  

(11-23-2016 10:45 PM)ETSUfan1 Wrote:  Last Saturday was the most fun I had at an ETSU football game all year. I feel cheated that the year is over.

I'm going to guess the 3:30 start time helped that out a little with the tailgating festivities.

I personally wish they would make the 12 or 1 pm start time only once a season. There's just not enough time to set up a good tailgate when it's so early. 3:30-4 is almost ideal.

I agree but it comes down to trying to schedule games opposite/beside of UT because there are so many UT fans in the area. 3:30 would be much more ideal for me and many others Buc fans.

Probably been asked before, but how much flexibility does ETSU and SoCon have in adjusting start times with relation to UT adjusted start times due to TV? How do the big schools do this all the time due to TV and communicate it to their ticket holders?