Fall camps are wrapping up, and we are about a week away from kicking off the season in C-USA. What have you learned about your team heading into this season? Who stood our at camp? Now that some questions have been answered on the practice field, where do you think your team will finish in your division?

I don't think we've really learned much new at MT. On offense, we are extremely deep and fast. Tony Franklin is going to do what Tony Franklin does and he has an immense amount to work with. Averaging 40/40+ per game should be expected if Stockstill doesn't get injured.

The lone question mark for us I believe is at LB. We are very green there, but the addition of All-American JUCO linebacker should help. Perhaps a concern as well is as much depth that we have on the offensive side we have the exact opposite of that on the defensive side. However, our ones on that side are good across the board. This is the biggest defensive front four we've ever had and that should take pressure off the backers. Our two DT's go 330 and 319 and have the ability to blow up O-lines. The ends go 259 and 268 but have been able to retain enough speed to bring pressure from the edge. All four of the starting DL are seniors. This will be the strength of the team. Our DL will be as big as most team's offensive line at an average of 294. The two corners are both All-Conference caliber and we got some depth help with the Miss State grad transfer at safety. There is reason to believe we will be better defensively than last year presuming two things. The LB's grow up and we don't have a lot of injuries on that side of the ball.

So, we don't know how injuries will affect things but if we assume some good luck on the health side and we can avoid a let down on the road particularly with three non-conf road games and win two of three from BGSU, Vanderbilt and Mizzou then 10 wins is on the table.

(08-24-2016 08:45 AM)ThreeifbyLightning Wrote:  I don't think we've really learned much new at MT. On offense, we are extremely deep and fast. Tony Franklin is going to do what Tony Franklin does and he has an immense amount to work with. Averaging 40/40+ per game should be expected if Stockstill doesn't get injured.

The lone question mark for us I believe is at LB. We are very green there, but the addition of All-American JUCO linebacker should help. Perhaps a concern as well is as much depth that we have on the offensive side we have the exact opposite of that on the defensive side. However, our ones on that side are good across the board. This is the biggest defensive front four we've ever had and that should take pressure off the backers. Our two DT's go 330 and 319 and have the ability to blow up O-lines. The ends go 259 and 268 but have been able to retain enough speed to bring pressure from the edge. All four of the starting DL are seniors. This will be the strength of the team. Our DL will be as big as most team's offensive line at an average of 294. The two corners are both All-Conference caliber and we got some depth help with the Miss State grad transfer at safety. There is reason to believe we will be better defensively than last year presuming two things. The LB's grow up and we don't have a lot of injuries on that side of the ball.

So, we don't know how injuries will affect things but if we assume some good luck on the health side and we can avoid a let down on the road particularly with three non-conf road games and win two of three from BGSU, Vanderbilt and Mizzou then 10 wins is on the table.

Good overview of the team. Seems like MT might be in for a very nice season. C-USA sure needs more programs getting to 10 wins. I look forward to our game on Oct 1st.

At Southern Miss, there is some good and some yet to be answered questions. Injuries have been minimal.

Some freshmen have come in and turned some heads, but with the depth now on campus, most of them will be able to be redshirted.

The 2 biggest question marks appear to be the OTs (solid and experienced with depth at C and OG) and the lack of size on the interior DL. The holes left at WR by the departures of Mike Thomas and Casey Martin appear to have been filled by 2 transfers from Last Chance U (one of which is a former FSU Seminole). And their backups are capable players who redshirted due to injury last season. The offense should be similar to last season IF the OTs perform.

Most are expecting the defense to be better with more depth this year with a much more aggressive approach.

I will be able to tell you a lot more in 3 months.

(08-24-2016 09:40 AM)Eagleholic Wrote:  At Southern Miss, there is some good and some yet to be answered questions. Injuries have been minimal.

Some freshmen have come in and turned some heads, but with the depth now on campus, most of them will be able to be redshirted.

The 2 biggest question marks appear to be the OTs (solid and experienced with depth at C and OG) and the lack of size on the interior DL. The holes left at WR by the departures of Mike Thomas and Casey Martin appear to have been filled by 2 transfers from Last Chance U (one of which is a former FSU Seminole). And their backups are capable players who redshirted due to injury last season. The offense should be similar to last season IF the OTs perform.

Most are expecting the defense to be better with more depth this year with a much more aggressive approach.

I will be able to tell you a lot more in 3 months.

To add to this, the camp has been extremely competitive on both sides of the ball. One day the defense will dominate the offense, and vice versa. The stats of the scrimmages (while they may be skewed), show this. I'm confident that the defense will be high powered and fast paced and will give a lot of offenses some headaches.

I'm worried about the Offensive Coordinator. I've gotten mixed signals from what I've read and heard about him. He seems to be gruff and not willing to take the blame for mistakes or deviate from his gameplan. Also, I've heard from some players that he is definitely not the most liked coach out there and often plays open favorites among the players. Not really a "players coach" like the rest of the staff.

(08-24-2016 08:45 AM)ThreeifbyLightning Wrote:  I don't think we've really learned much new at MT. On offense, we are extremely deep and fast. Tony Franklin is going to do what Tony Franklin does and he has an immense amount to work with. Averaging 40/40+ per game should be expected if Stockstill doesn't get injured.

The lone question mark for us I believe is at LB. We are very green there, but the addition of All-American JUCO linebacker should help. Perhaps a concern as well is as much depth that we have on the offensive side we have the exact opposite of that on the defensive side. However, our ones on that side are good across the board. This is the biggest defensive front four we've ever had and that should take pressure off the backers. Our two DT's go 330 and 319 and have the ability to blow up O-lines. The ends go 259 and 268 but have been able to retain enough speed to bring pressure from the edge. All four of the starting DL are seniors. This will be the strength of the team. Our DL will be as big as most team's offensive line at an average of 294. The two corners are both All-Conference caliber and we got some depth help with the Miss State grad transfer at safety. There is reason to believe we will be better defensively than last year presuming two things. The LB's grow up and we don't have a lot of injuries on that side of the ball.

So, we don't know how injuries will affect things but if we assume some good luck on the health side and we can avoid a let down on the road particularly with three non-conf road games and win two of three from BGSU, Vanderbilt and Mizzou then 10 wins is on the table.

Good stuff, TiBL.

I'm concerned about our kicking game.

(08-24-2016 09:45 AM)SouthernMissSNu Wrote:  

(08-24-2016 09:40 AM)Eagleholic Wrote:  At Southern Miss, there is some good and some yet to be answered questions. Injuries have been minimal.

Some freshmen have come in and turned some heads, but with the depth now on campus, most of them will be able to be redshirted.

The 2 biggest question marks appear to be the OTs (solid and experienced with depth at C and OG) and the lack of size on the interior DL. The holes left at WR by the departures of Mike Thomas and Casey Martin appear to have been filled by 2 transfers from Last Chance U (one of which is a former FSU Seminole). And their backups are capable players who redshirted due to injury last season. The offense should be similar to last season IF the OTs perform.

Most are expecting the defense to be better with more depth this year with a much more aggressive approach.

I will be able to tell you a lot more in 3 months.

To add to this, the camp has been extremely competitive on both sides of the ball. One day the defense will dominate the offense, and vice versa. The stats of the scrimmages (while they may be skewed), show this. I'm confident that the defense will be high powered and fast paced and will give a lot of offenses some headaches.

I'm worried about the Offensive Coordinator. I've gotten mixed signals from what I've read and heard about him. He seems to be gruff and not willing to take the blame for mistakes or deviate from his gameplan. Also, I've heard from some players that he is definitely not the most liked coach out there and often plays open favorites among the players. Not really a "players coach" like the rest of the staff.

Can I ask what leads you to believe this?

At Marshall, the depth needed at wide receiver and corner is talented but young. True frosh Chris Jackson, who came in out of HS in Jan. of '16, has nearly been a starter since his first practice in spring and shows no signs of being a freshman. Michigan transfer Terry Richardson has been a pleasant surprise at corner, and may be the nickel, while Rodney Allen knocked down three passes in 76 play scrimmage last Saturday. Receivers are pretty well set with Josh Knight, Justin Hunt, Deon-Tay McManus, Gator Green and Nick Mathews backed up with youngsters like Michael Clark (former basketball player at St. Francis is 6-7 and just sophomore), Raylen Elzy (6-4 athletic wide out but potential still not being realized regularly) and frosh like Brandon Rodgers, Willie Johnson and Deyton Jackson may play for depth. Quarterback is Chase Litton and the freshmen in this order: Garet Morrell clear No. 2, then Xavier Gaines, Jackson White and DJ Phillips. Running backs pleasant surprise with 245-pound, three-years to play juco Anthony Anderson looking to fill Devon Johnson slot, and three backs in the 190-215 range in Hyleck Foster, Keion Davis and Tony Pittman - who all played last season. Offensive line strength is again right side of Clint Van Horn at tackle and Michael Selby at guard; center is r/s frosh Levi Brown just edging Nate Devers r/s soph, but both will play; left guard Jordan Dowrey and Cody Collins; and LT is Freddie Binot and AJ Addison, while coaches are high on potential of Malik Thompson, OT who spent last year at DT. TE is absolutely loaded with Emanuel Byrd, Ryan Yurachek, Kaleb Harris and freshmen Cody Mitchell and Jarret Hockenberry (a HS QB) are both guys who may play and have looked good in practice throughout August.
Kicking is question mark, as Amoreto Curraj (kickoffs in 2015), Nick Smith and newcomer Grayson Pontius are having rollercoaster August, not terrible but no one real consistent - with 2.5 weeks to go, someone needs to step up. Kaare Vedvik is punter.
D-Line has 6-8 players who will play, with Ryan Bee, Gary Thompson, Blake Keller all very experienced at end and Tomell One, Jason Smith, Joe Massaquoi at tackle plus some newcomers who can help, like Charkie Johnson (good scrimmage last Sat), at DT and Damien Dozier pushing at DE. Linebackers will be great - Arizona State/Butler CC Davon Durant is as good as advertised, plus Tre Tyler, Shawn Petty, Eli Gates, Chase Hancock, Frankie Hernandez and Omari Cobb all will play a role. Safety CJ Reavis from East Miss. CC is a starter, Corey Neely has really had great summer/Fall and so has Kendall Gant and 2015 starter Taj Letman still on outside looking in. George Davis and Jeremiah Maddox are good looking young players. I think Herd may be better than some expected after injury-filled spring, and summer work has been apparent throughout camp. New coaches Pepe Pearson and David Dunn have stepped right in at RB and TE and fit has been outstanding for Doc Holliday's staff.

Based on what I am gathering from the ODU camps, the defense will be improved this year. Last year ODU had the 4th youngest team in the nation, so a lot of those guys are coming back with experience. Quite a few talented defensive players redshirted last season especially in the defensive backfield.

The team was hurt by key injuries last year and this season the team's overall health is much better. David Washington has re-injured his knee, but they don't expect him to miss any games. The major injury right now is the kicker. He hasn't practiced yet due to a groin injury.

ODU will have several areas of concern this season. They lack size at linebacker, special teams has a ton of question marks and their offensive line is not very deep or experienced. They are loaded in the skill positions though, but will need consistent QB play to cash in on this talent.

I feel like we will be more competitive this year. It's clear that we are still a year away from being able to contend with the top tier teams in CUSA.

(08-24-2016 10:19 AM)eagle04 Wrote:  

(08-24-2016 09:45 AM)SouthernMissSNu Wrote:  

(08-24-2016 09:40 AM)Eagleholic Wrote:  At Southern Miss, there is some good and some yet to be answered questions. Injuries have been minimal.

Some freshmen have come in and turned some heads, but with the depth now on campus, most of them will be able to be redshirted.

The 2 biggest question marks appear to be the OTs (solid and experienced with depth at C and OG) and the lack of size on the interior DL. The holes left at WR by the departures of Mike Thomas and Casey Martin appear to have been filled by 2 transfers from Last Chance U (one of which is a former FSU Seminole). And their backups are capable players who redshirted due to injury last season. The offense should be similar to last season IF the OTs perform.

Most are expecting the defense to be better with more depth this year with a much more aggressive approach.

I will be able to tell you a lot more in 3 months.

To add to this, the camp has been extremely competitive on both sides of the ball. One day the defense will dominate the offense, and vice versa. The stats of the scrimmages (while they may be skewed), show this. I'm confident that the defense will be high powered and fast paced and will give a lot of offenses some headaches.

I'm worried about the Offensive Coordinator. I've gotten mixed signals from what I've read and heard about him. He seems to be gruff and not willing to take the blame for mistakes or deviate from his gameplan. Also, I've heard from some players that he is definitely not the most liked coach out there and often plays open favorites among the players. Not really a "players coach" like the rest of the staff.

Can I ask what leads you to believe this?

Disclaimer. That statement is pure assumption- and based on he said she said accounts- and not at all 100% factual. I've only gotten that from the few Kentucky message boards that I've looked at when researching why he was let go. He's very polarizing among that fan base. Half love him. Half hate him. Their play calling last year was very straightforward and rarely adjusted to the game itself. I have a couple of friends who are on the team who have given me a first hand accounts of how he is obnoxious and arrogant towards some players and not towards others. As well as some receivers not taking well to his coaching style. Again, purely through the grapevine- but, I'm still cautious about our OC.

So essentially, everyone is better than last year.

(08-24-2016 11:12 AM)banker Wrote:  So essentially, everyone is better than last year.

Aren't they always......... in the preseason ?

(08-24-2016 10:31 AM)woodywoodrum Wrote:  At Marshall, the depth needed at wide receiver and corner is talented but young. True frosh Chris Jackson, who came in out of HS in Jan. of '16, has nearly been a starter since his first practice in spring and shows no signs of being a freshman. Michigan transfer Terry Richardson has been a pleasant surprise at corner, and may be the nickel, while Rodney Allen knocked down three passes in 76 play scrimmage last Saturday. Receivers are pretty well set with Josh Knight, Justin Hunt, Deon-Tay McManus, Gator Green and Nick Mathews backed up with youngsters like Michael Clark (former basketball player at St. Francis is 6-7 and just sophomore), Raylen Elzy (6-4 athletic wide out but potential still not being realized regularly) and frosh like Brandon Rodgers, Willie Johnson and Deyton Jackson may play for depth. Quarterback is Chase Litton and the freshmen in this order: Garet Morrell clear No. 2, then Xavier Gaines, Jackson White and DJ Phillips. Running backs pleasant surprise with 245-pound, three-years to play juco Anthony Anderson looking to fill Devon Johnson slot, and three backs in the 190-215 range in Hyleck Foster, Keion Davis and Tony Pittman - who all played last season. Offensive line strength is again right side of Clint Van Horn at tackle and Michael Selby at guard; center is r/s frosh Levi Brown just edging Nate Devers r/s soph, but both will play; left guard Jordan Dowrey and Cody Collins; and LT is Freddie Binot and AJ Addison, while coaches are high on potential of Malik Thompson, OT who spent last year at DT. TE is absolutely loaded with Emanuel Byrd, Ryan Yurachek, Kaleb Harris and freshmen Cody Mitchell and Jarret Hockenberry (a HS QB) are both guys who may play and have looked good in practice throughout August.
Kicking is question mark, as Amoreto Curraj (kickoffs in 2015), Nick Smith and newcomer Grayson Pontius are having rollercoaster August, not terrible but no one real consistent - with 2.5 weeks to go, someone needs to step up. Kaare Vedvik is punter.
D-Line has 6-8 players who will play, with Ryan Bee, Gary Thompson, Blake Keller all very experienced at end and Tomell One, Jason Smith, Joe Massaquoi at tackle plus some newcomers who can help, like Charkie Johnson (good scrimmage last Sat), at DT and Damien Dozier pushing at DE. Linebackers will be great - Arizona State/Butler CC Davon Durant is as good as advertised, plus Tre Tyler, Shawn Petty, Eli Gates, Chase Hancock, Frankie Hernandez and Omari Cobb all will play a role. Safety CJ Reavis from East Miss. CC is a starter, Corey Neely has really had great summer/Fall and so has Kendall Gant and 2015 starter Taj Letman still on outside looking in. George Davis and Jeremiah Maddox are good looking young players. I think Herd may be better than some expected after injury-filled spring, and summer work has been apparent throughout camp. New coaches Pepe Pearson and David Dunn have stepped right in at RB and TE and fit has been outstanding for Doc Holliday's staff.

Great breakdown Woody, but I assume you mean Tiquan Lang is outside looking in instead of Letman

Reports have been hard to come by at WKU

(08-24-2016 11:06 AM)SouthernMissSNu Wrote:  

(08-24-2016 10:19 AM)eagle04 Wrote:  

(08-24-2016 09:45 AM)SouthernMissSNu Wrote:  

(08-24-2016 09:40 AM)Eagleholic Wrote:  At Southern Miss, there is some good and some yet to be answered questions. Injuries have been minimal.

Some freshmen have come in and turned some heads, but with the depth now on campus, most of them will be able to be redshirted.

The 2 biggest question marks appear to be the OTs (solid and experienced with depth at C and OG) and the lack of size on the interior DL. The holes left at WR by the departures of Mike Thomas and Casey Martin appear to have been filled by 2 transfers from Last Chance U (one of which is a former FSU Seminole). And their backups are capable players who redshirted due to injury last season. The offense should be similar to last season IF the OTs perform.

Most are expecting the defense to be better with more depth this year with a much more aggressive approach.

I will be able to tell you a lot more in 3 months.

To add to this, the camp has been extremely competitive on both sides of the ball. One day the defense will dominate the offense, and vice versa. The stats of the scrimmages (while they may be skewed), show this. I'm confident that the defense will be high powered and fast paced and will give a lot of offenses some headaches.

I'm worried about the Offensive Coordinator. I've gotten mixed signals from what I've read and heard about him. He seems to be gruff and not willing to take the blame for mistakes or deviate from his gameplan. Also, I've heard from some players that he is definitely not the most liked coach out there and often plays open favorites among the players. Not really a "players coach" like the rest of the staff.

Can I ask what leads you to believe this?

Disclaimer. That statement is pure assumption- and based on he said she said accounts- and not at all 100% factual. I've only gotten that from the few Kentucky message boards that I've looked at when researching why he was let go. He's very polarizing among that fan base. Half love him. Half hate him. Their play calling last year was very straightforward and rarely adjusted to the game itself. I have a couple of friends who are on the team who have given me a first hand accounts of how he is obnoxious and arrogant towards some players and not towards others. As well as some receivers not taking well to his coaching style. Again, purely through the grapevine- but, I'm still cautious about our OC.

Thanks for the response.

(08-24-2016 11:52 AM)wkuhilltopperfan Wrote:  Reports have been hard to come by at WKU

Same for Charlotte. Our local newspaper is in financial shambles, so they pretty much only have beat writers assigned to the Panthers and Hornets.

I like our team, but think we are a year away from putting it all together. Talented, but inexperienced. After this year we should be good to go for a while. I think the offense will take a step back from last year. Defense should be about the same, maybe a little better pass rush this year.

(08-24-2016 11:30 AM)Dorrej Wrote:  

(08-24-2016 10:31 AM)woodywoodrum Wrote:  At Marshall, the depth needed at wide receiver and corner is talented but young. True frosh Chris Jackson, who came in out of HS in Jan. of '16, has nearly been a starter since his first practice in spring and shows no signs of being a freshman. Michigan transfer Terry Richardson has been a pleasant surprise at corner, and may be the nickel, while Rodney Allen knocked down three passes in 76 play scrimmage last Saturday. Receivers are pretty well set with Josh Knight, Justin Hunt, Deon-Tay McManus, Gator Green and Nick Mathews backed up with youngsters like Michael Clark (former basketball player at St. Francis is 6-7 and just sophomore), Raylen Elzy (6-4 athletic wide out but potential still not being realized regularly) and frosh like Brandon Rodgers, Willie Johnson and Deyton Jackson may play for depth. Quarterback is Chase Litton and the freshmen in this order: Garet Morrell clear No. 2, then Xavier Gaines, Jackson White and DJ Phillips. Running backs pleasant surprise with 245-pound, three-years to play juco Anthony Anderson looking to fill Devon Johnson slot, and three backs in the 190-215 range in Hyleck Foster, Keion Davis and Tony Pittman - who all played last season. Offensive line strength is again right side of Clint Van Horn at tackle and Michael Selby at guard; center is r/s frosh Levi Brown just edging Nate Devers r/s soph, but both will play; left guard Jordan Dowrey and Cody Collins; and LT is Freddie Binot and AJ Addison, while coaches are high on potential of Malik Thompson, OT who spent last year at DT. TE is absolutely loaded with Emanuel Byrd, Ryan Yurachek, Kaleb Harris and freshmen Cody Mitchell and Jarret Hockenberry (a HS QB) are both guys who may play and have looked good in practice throughout August.
Kicking is question mark, as Amoreto Curraj (kickoffs in 2015), Nick Smith and newcomer Grayson Pontius are having rollercoaster August, not terrible but no one real consistent - with 2.5 weeks to go, someone needs to step up. Kaare Vedvik is punter.
D-Line has 6-8 players who will play, with Ryan Bee, Gary Thompson, Blake Keller all very experienced at end and Tomell One, Jason Smith, Joe Massaquoi at tackle plus some newcomers who can help, like Charkie Johnson (good scrimmage last Sat), at DT and Damien Dozier pushing at DE. Linebackers will be great - Arizona State/Butler CC Davon Durant is as good as advertised, plus Tre Tyler, Shawn Petty, Eli Gates, Chase Hancock, Frankie Hernandez and Omari Cobb all will play a role. Safety CJ Reavis from East Miss. CC is a starter, Corey Neely has really had great summer/Fall and so has Kendall Gant and 2015 starter Tiquan Lang still on outside looking in. George Davis and Jeremiah Maddox are good looking young players. I think Herd may be better than some expected after injury-filled spring, and summer work has been apparent throughout camp. New coaches Pepe Pearson and David Dunn have stepped right in at RB and TE and fit has been outstanding for Doc Holliday's staff.

Great breakdown Woody, but I assume you mean Tiquan Lang is outside looking in instead of Letman

Yes. My bad.

(08-24-2016 11:30 AM)Dorrej Wrote:  Great breakdown Woody, but I assume you mean Tiquan Lang is outside looking in instead of Letman

I assumed he was thinking of Lang also, since Letman was a senior last year. The players at safety in Reavis, Neely and Gant might be a little stronger and better from side to side. I think Lang will get his snaps just because he has basically been a 3 year starter and has that uncanny feel for where the ball is going.