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