http://bleacherreport.com/articles/27106...l-for-2017

25. Appalachian State

What Makes Them Dangerous

Appalachian State's secondary was a major problem for most opponents in 2016. Though the Mountaineers allowed QBs to complete more than 57 percent of pass attempts, they took a "bend, don't break" approach and knew where to pick their spots. They finished the season with 20 interceptions against just 12 passing touchdowns allowed, and they get back four of the five team leaders in interceptions.

Room for Improvement

A fair amount of dumb luck goes into fumble recoveries. App State didn't have any of that luck last year, finishing dead last in the nation with one measly fumble recovery. Only forcing two fumbles had a lot to do with that. It has been a weakness of this team since joining the FBS ranks, as the Mountaineers forced just four fumbles in 2015 and six in 2014.

2017 Projection

They will immediately be put to a major test in the season opener against Georgia, but look for them to gradually claw their way back up the national rankings after that one. Facing Savannah State and dodging both Arkansas State and Troy in the Sun Belt schedule ought to help ensure they win at least nine games in the process.


6. Troy

What Makes Them Dangerous

With 22 interceptions and another 54 passes broken up, Troy had one of the most aggressive secondaries in the country last year. The Trojans either knocked down or picked off roughly 16 percent of the passes opponents attempted. Four of the five primary members of that secondary are back, including Blace Brown, who tied for the Sun Belt lead in interceptions with six.

Room for Improvement

That aggressive style of play occasionally burned the Trojans. They allowed 20 passing touchdowns and nearly 13 yards per completed pass. Even with four interceptions and four passes defended against Ohio in the Dollar General Bowl, Troy gave up more than 300 passing yards. It just seems silly to allow nearly 250 yards per game with a secondary this good.

2017 Projection

With non-conference road games against Boise State and LSU, both the pass and rush defense for Troy are likely headed for at least one rough day at the office. Outside of those two tests, though, Troy should be the team to beat in the Sun Belt thanks to a combined 15 returning starters on offense and defense. A second consecutive 10-win season is in play.

Guess they figure we lost too much since we finished ahead of Troy and just behind App in total defense last season.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Due to the recruiting style of Anderson we have so much in flux that I think it makes it hard for them to get a grip on what stAte is bringing to the field. I was happy to hear him say this should be the last year of hustling JUCOs and transfers like we have been. And anyone who says all that coaching turnover didn't affect us hasn't been looking at what he's had to do to keep the program competitive.

I do think Troy is going to be very tough. Lots returning and experience sure helps in close games.

#6 is quite the compliment for the Trojans. I'm glad to see SB teams keep making these lists.

How are we not on this list???

(05-31-2017 09:13 AM)Bobcat2013 Wrote:  How are we not on this list???

(05-31-2017 09:13 AM)Bobcat2013 Wrote:  How are we not on this list???

:stirthepot:Cause some of your fans think APP is kind of a name.....

Well I say that because I honestly heard of them before all the other Sun Belt schools besides Troy, ULL, and ULM. Troy because of D Ware and ULL and ULM because NCAA 04.

(05-31-2017 07:58 AM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/27106...l-for-2017

25. Appalachian State

What Makes Them Dangerous

Appalachian State's secondary was a major problem for most opponents in 2016. Though the Mountaineers allowed QBs to complete more than 57 percent of pass attempts, they took a "bend, don't break" approach and knew where to pick their spots. They finished the season with 20 interceptions against just 12 passing touchdowns allowed, and they get back four of the five team leaders in interceptions.

Room for Improvement

A fair amount of dumb luck goes into fumble recoveries. App State didn't have any of that luck last year, finishing dead last in the nation with one measly fumble recovery. Only forcing two fumbles had a lot to do with that. It has been a weakness of this team since joining the FBS ranks, as the Mountaineers forced just four fumbles in 2015 and six in 2014.

2017 Projection

They will immediately be put to a major test in the season opener against Georgia, but look for them to gradually claw their way back up the national rankings after that one. Facing Savannah State and dodging both Arkansas State and Troy in the Sun Belt schedule ought to help ensure they win at least nine games in the process.


6. Troy

What Makes Them Dangerous

With 22 interceptions and another 54 passes broken up, Troy had one of the most aggressive secondaries in the country last year. The Trojans either knocked down or picked off roughly 16 percent of the passes opponents attempted. Four of the five primary members of that secondary are back, including Blace Brown, who tied for the Sun Belt lead in interceptions with six.

Room for Improvement

That aggressive style of play occasionally burned the Trojans. They allowed 20 passing touchdowns and nearly 13 yards per completed pass. Even with four interceptions and four passes defended against Ohio in the Dollar General Bowl, Troy gave up more than 300 passing yards. It just seems silly to allow nearly 250 yards per game with a secondary this good.

2017 Projection

With non-conference road games against Boise State and LSU, both the pass and rush defense for Troy are likely headed for at least one rough day at the office. Outside of those two tests, though, Troy should be the team to beat in the Sun Belt thanks to a combined 15 returning starters on offense and defense. A second consecutive 10-win season is in play.

Pretty sure I remember Tennessee fumbling four times last season, only one of which was recovered. The primary recovery opportunity could have, though not for sure with the way Rubino played early on, put App in the drivers seat to seal the win.

I was impressed with Troy's defense all season long. I think most people expected, though few admitted, that playing App and Arkansas State back to back was a recipe for a let down, considering the physical nature of both App and Troy, not to mention the way the 2015 game ended.

(05-31-2017 11:56 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(05-31-2017 07:58 AM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/27106...l-for-2017

25. Appalachian State

What Makes Them Dangerous

Appalachian State's secondary was a major problem for most opponents in 2016. Though the Mountaineers allowed QBs to complete more than 57 percent of pass attempts, they took a "bend, don't break" approach and knew where to pick their spots. They finished the season with 20 interceptions against just 12 passing touchdowns allowed, and they get back four of the five team leaders in interceptions.

Room for Improvement

A fair amount of dumb luck goes into fumble recoveries. App State didn't have any of that luck last year, finishing dead last in the nation with one measly fumble recovery. Only forcing two fumbles had a lot to do with that. It has been a weakness of this team since joining the FBS ranks, as the Mountaineers forced just four fumbles in 2015 and six in 2014.

2017 Projection

They will immediately be put to a major test in the season opener against Georgia, but look for them to gradually claw their way back up the national rankings after that one. Facing Savannah State and dodging both Arkansas State and Troy in the Sun Belt schedule ought to help ensure they win at least nine games in the process.


6. Troy

What Makes Them Dangerous

With 22 interceptions and another 54 passes broken up, Troy had one of the most aggressive secondaries in the country last year. The Trojans either knocked down or picked off roughly 16 percent of the passes opponents attempted. Four of the five primary members of that secondary are back, including Blace Brown, who tied for the Sun Belt lead in interceptions with six.

Room for Improvement

That aggressive style of play occasionally burned the Trojans. They allowed 20 passing touchdowns and nearly 13 yards per completed pass. Even with four interceptions and four passes defended against Ohio in the Dollar General Bowl, Troy gave up more than 300 passing yards. It just seems silly to allow nearly 250 yards per game with a secondary this good.

2017 Projection

With non-conference road games against Boise State and LSU, both the pass and rush defense for Troy are likely headed for at least one rough day at the office. Outside of those two tests, though, Troy should be the team to beat in the Sun Belt thanks to a combined 15 returning starters on offense and defense. A second consecutive 10-win season is in play.

Pretty sure I remember Tennessee fumbling four times last season, only one of which was recovered. The primary recovery opportunity could have, though not for sure with the way Rubino played early on, put App in the drivers seat to seal the win.

I was impressed with Troy's defense all season long. I think most people expected, though few admitted, that playing App and Arkansas State back to back was a recipe for a let down, considering the physical nature of both App and Troy, not to mention the way the 2015 game ended.

Conversely, if UT doesn't fumble the punt at the beginning of the game to set up your first score (after a 3 and out), you guys wouldn't have been in the position you were late in the game. You only had 1 sustained drive the entire game.

That's the way it breaks sometimes. UGA won against us in 2015 mainly because we fumbled a punt late in the game.

(05-31-2017 12:47 PM)eaglewraith Wrote:  

(05-31-2017 11:56 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(05-31-2017 07:58 AM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/27106...l-for-2017

25. Appalachian State

What Makes Them Dangerous

Appalachian State's secondary was a major problem for most opponents in 2016. Though the Mountaineers allowed QBs to complete more than 57 percent of pass attempts, they took a "bend, don't break" approach and knew where to pick their spots. They finished the season with 20 interceptions against just 12 passing touchdowns allowed, and they get back four of the five team leaders in interceptions.

Room for Improvement

A fair amount of dumb luck goes into fumble recoveries. App State didn't have any of that luck last year, finishing dead last in the nation with one measly fumble recovery. Only forcing two fumbles had a lot to do with that. It has been a weakness of this team since joining the FBS ranks, as the Mountaineers forced just four fumbles in 2015 and six in 2014.

2017 Projection

They will immediately be put to a major test in the season opener against Georgia, but look for them to gradually claw their way back up the national rankings after that one. Facing Savannah State and dodging both Arkansas State and Troy in the Sun Belt schedule ought to help ensure they win at least nine games in the process.


6. Troy

What Makes Them Dangerous

With 22 interceptions and another 54 passes broken up, Troy had one of the most aggressive secondaries in the country last year. The Trojans either knocked down or picked off roughly 16 percent of the passes opponents attempted. Four of the five primary members of that secondary are back, including Blace Brown, who tied for the Sun Belt lead in interceptions with six.

Room for Improvement

That aggressive style of play occasionally burned the Trojans. They allowed 20 passing touchdowns and nearly 13 yards per completed pass. Even with four interceptions and four passes defended against Ohio in the Dollar General Bowl, Troy gave up more than 300 passing yards. It just seems silly to allow nearly 250 yards per game with a secondary this good.

2017 Projection

With non-conference road games against Boise State and LSU, both the pass and rush defense for Troy are likely headed for at least one rough day at the office. Outside of those two tests, though, Troy should be the team to beat in the Sun Belt thanks to a combined 15 returning starters on offense and defense. A second consecutive 10-win season is in play.

Pretty sure I remember Tennessee fumbling four times last season, only one of which was recovered. The primary recovery opportunity could have, though not for sure with the way Rubino played early on, put App in the drivers seat to seal the win.

I was impressed with Troy's defense all season long. I think most people expected, though few admitted, that playing App and Arkansas State back to back was a recipe for a let down, considering the physical nature of both App and Troy, not to mention the way the 2015 game ended.

Conversely, if UT doesn't fumble the punt at the beginning of the game to set up your first score (after a 3 and out), you guys wouldn't have been in the position you were late in the game. You only had 1 sustained drive the entire game.

That's the way it breaks sometimes. UGA won against us in 2015 mainly because we fumbled a punt late in the game.

But what if UT doesn't fumble, gets the ball, throws an interception the first series, ala Deshaun Watson in 2015? We can always play a game of what-if's but the game was lost. Right, wrong, or indifferent, I believe everyone became aware as the game wore on that it would take a big play by one team to push ahead. UT was able to do that on the Malone deep ball.

Much like Michigan in 2007 (), it took taking advantage of an opportunity at the end of the game. If Stringer doesn't dive over the 2nd loose ball he should have come up with, App is in position.

Regardless, the Miami game is what stuck with me. Probably the third worst performance besides the playoff games against Richmond and Villanova. Hopefully they come out with the Parker Collins mindset that they are going to run over some people come game time in Athens.

(05-31-2017 11:56 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  I was impressed with Troy's defense all season long. I think most people expected, though few admitted, that playing App and Arkansas State back to back was a recipe for a let down, considering the physical nature of both App and Troy, not to mention the way the 2015 game ended.

I think we still would have lost, just not as bad. They were just better at that point in the season. We had the best offense in the SBC and scored the least of all their opponents all season long. I don't use playing APP and ARKST back to back as an excuse for losing, we would have likely lost anyway, but I do think it would have been much closer. Any ARKST fans that think they were truly 35-3 better than us are out of their minds.

We have Texas State before ARKST to end the season so there will be no excuses this time.

(05-31-2017 11:56 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  I was impressed with Troy's defense all season long. I think most people expected, though few admitted, that playing App and Arkansas State back to back was a recipe for a let down, considering the physical nature of both App and Troy, not to mention the way the 2015 game ended.

I had a feeling we were going to lose to StAte. Chunn was banged up big-time after the App State game and we had to take two or three starters on defense out during the StAte game because they were gassed. Not taking anything away from StAte though, they did the job and beat us.

I do look forward to seeing how this defense looks this coming season. Troy had the #12 overall defense in the nation in 2004 under Koenning, so I fully believe he can bring us to those heights again... he's been trending that way every year since Neal Brown brought him in.

Will be interesting to see if both teams can keep up the number of turnovers. Turnover luck definitely favored both App and Troy last year, and that's not a stat that's typically sustainable.

I'd be concerned with Troy especially if those numbers regress....they seem to be playing a bit like stAte did in 2015 by going for turnovers or bust, which led to them having a defense that was inconsistent and pretty vulnerable.

If they can maintain it though, they should both be worrisome.

Except Troy can't defend the option....so there's that.

(05-31-2017 01:01 PM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(05-31-2017 12:47 PM)eaglewraith Wrote:  

(05-31-2017 11:56 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(05-31-2017 07:58 AM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/27106...l-for-2017

25. Appalachian State

What Makes Them Dangerous

Appalachian State's secondary was a major problem for most opponents in 2016. Though the Mountaineers allowed QBs to complete more than 57 percent of pass attempts, they took a "bend, don't break" approach and knew where to pick their spots. They finished the season with 20 interceptions against just 12 passing touchdowns allowed, and they get back four of the five team leaders in interceptions.

Room for Improvement

A fair amount of dumb luck goes into fumble recoveries. App State didn't have any of that luck last year, finishing dead last in the nation with one measly fumble recovery. Only forcing two fumbles had a lot to do with that. It has been a weakness of this team since joining the FBS ranks, as the Mountaineers forced just four fumbles in 2015 and six in 2014.

2017 Projection

They will immediately be put to a major test in the season opener against Georgia, but look for them to gradually claw their way back up the national rankings after that one. Facing Savannah State and dodging both Arkansas State and Troy in the Sun Belt schedule ought to help ensure they win at least nine games in the process.


6. Troy

What Makes Them Dangerous

With 22 interceptions and another 54 passes broken up, Troy had one of the most aggressive secondaries in the country last year. The Trojans either knocked down or picked off roughly 16 percent of the passes opponents attempted. Four of the five primary members of that secondary are back, including Blace Brown, who tied for the Sun Belt lead in interceptions with six.

Room for Improvement

That aggressive style of play occasionally burned the Trojans. They allowed 20 passing touchdowns and nearly 13 yards per completed pass. Even with four interceptions and four passes defended against Ohio in the Dollar General Bowl, Troy gave up more than 300 passing yards. It just seems silly to allow nearly 250 yards per game with a secondary this good.

2017 Projection

With non-conference road games against Boise State and LSU, both the pass and rush defense for Troy are likely headed for at least one rough day at the office. Outside of those two tests, though, Troy should be the team to beat in the Sun Belt thanks to a combined 15 returning starters on offense and defense. A second consecutive 10-win season is in play.

Pretty sure I remember Tennessee fumbling four times last season, only one of which was recovered. The primary recovery opportunity could have, though not for sure with the way Rubino played early on, put App in the drivers seat to seal the win.

I was impressed with Troy's defense all season long. I think most people expected, though few admitted, that playing App and Arkansas State back to back was a recipe for a let down, considering the physical nature of both App and Troy, not to mention the way the 2015 game ended.

Conversely, if UT doesn't fumble the punt at the beginning of the game to set up your first score (after a 3 and out), you guys wouldn't have been in the position you were late in the game. You only had 1 sustained drive the entire game.

That's the way it breaks sometimes. UGA won against us in 2015 mainly because we fumbled a punt late in the game.

But what if UT doesn't fumble, gets the ball, throws an interception the first series, ala Deshaun Watson in 2015? We can always play a game of what-if's but the game was lost. Right, wrong, or indifferent, I believe everyone became aware as the game wore on that it would take a big play by one team to push ahead. UT was able to do that on the Malone deep ball.

Much like Michigan in 2007 (), it took taking advantage of an opportunity at the end of the game. If Stringer doesn't dive over the 2nd loose ball he should have come up with, App is in position.

Regardless, the Miami game is what stuck with me. Probably the third worst performance besides the playoff games against Richmond and Villanova. Hopefully they come out with the Parker Collins mindset that they are going to run over some people come game time in Athens.

Honestly?

I was waiting for UT to stop being a total f***up and show the potential I'd heard about all offseason. That seems to be their MO though, have good talent and potential, but be terrible at game time.

You guys needed to have some kind of vertical threat on your offense to make that game pull away. You were having to grind them, and without some kind of explosive threat you were relying on them to make more mistakes than you do. You averaged 4.4 ypp including overtime (coincidentally the same as UT), so you were definitely in a contest of who was going to screw up less, not who was going to outplay the other. I've said it before that Lamb is a good QB but he doesn't scare me as a guy that we've got to worry about throwing downfield and getting burned deep. Add that back to your offense circa 07-09, and you've got something very dangerous.

An offense like what you had in 07 (not necessarily AE level at QB either) paired with your defense last year would have murdered UT.

(05-31-2017 01:22 PM)eaglewraith Wrote:  they seem to be playing a bit like stAte did in 2015 by going for turnovers or bust, which led to them having a defense that was inconsistent and pretty vulnerable.

I don't think you can compare the two. ARKST defense 2015 was significantly worse than TROY defense 2016. 8 or 9 points a game difference. They were 86th nationally and we were 21st. You'll see similar results if you just use conference teams.

Our pass defense had some holes, yes, but it typically did not break. You can't really say that about an ARKST defense that gave up 30 points per game.

In fairness though, their defense this year was one of the best I've seen in the SBC.

I wouldn't mind the next step of the Sunbelt's progression being "that conference with the defense."

(05-31-2017 03:15 PM)troutbummike Wrote:  I wouldn't mind the next step of the Sunbelt's progression being "that conference with the defense."

We had three Top 25 defenses this year. I don't think that's ever happened for the SBC.

(05-31-2017 11:56 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(05-31-2017 07:58 AM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/27106...l-for-2017

25. Appalachian State

What Makes Them Dangerous

Appalachian State's secondary was a major problem for most opponents in 2016. Though the Mountaineers allowed QBs to complete more than 57 percent of pass attempts, they took a "bend, don't break" approach and knew where to pick their spots. They finished the season with 20 interceptions against just 12 passing touchdowns allowed, and they get back four of the five team leaders in interceptions.

Room for Improvement

A fair amount of dumb luck goes into fumble recoveries. App State didn't have any of that luck last year, finishing dead last in the nation with one measly fumble recovery. Only forcing two fumbles had a lot to do with that. It has been a weakness of this team since joining the FBS ranks, as the Mountaineers forced just four fumbles in 2015 and six in 2014.

2017 Projection

They will immediately be put to a major test in the season opener against Georgia, but look for them to gradually claw their way back up the national rankings after that one. Facing Savannah State and dodging both Arkansas State and Troy in the Sun Belt schedule ought to help ensure they win at least nine games in the process.


6. Troy

What Makes Them Dangerous

With 22 interceptions and another 54 passes broken up, Troy had one of the most aggressive secondaries in the country last year. The Trojans either knocked down or picked off roughly 16 percent of the passes opponents attempted. Four of the five primary members of that secondary are back, including Blace Brown, who tied for the Sun Belt lead in interceptions with six.

Room for Improvement

That aggressive style of play occasionally burned the Trojans. They allowed 20 passing touchdowns and nearly 13 yards per completed pass. Even with four interceptions and four passes defended against Ohio in the Dollar General Bowl, Troy gave up more than 300 passing yards. It just seems silly to allow nearly 250 yards per game with a secondary this good.

2017 Projection

With non-conference road games against Boise State and LSU, both the pass and rush defense for Troy are likely headed for at least one rough day at the office. Outside of those two tests, though, Troy should be the team to beat in the Sun Belt thanks to a combined 15 returning starters on offense and defense. A second consecutive 10-win season is in play.

Pretty sure I remember Tennessee fumbling four times last season, only one of which was recovered. The primary recovery opportunity could have, though not for sure with the way Rubino played early on, put App in the drivers seat to seal the win.

I was impressed with Troy's defense all season long. I think most people expected, though few admitted, that playing App and Arkansas State back to back was a recipe for a let down, considering the physical nature of both App and Troy, not to mention the way the 2015 game ended.

We recovered the first fumble of the season, in the first game of the season, in the first quarter of the season. Didn't get another one the rest of the year.

(05-31-2017 01:37 PM)eaglewraith Wrote:  

(05-31-2017 01:01 PM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(05-31-2017 12:47 PM)eaglewraith Wrote:  

(05-31-2017 11:56 AM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(05-31-2017 07:58 AM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/27106...l-for-2017

25. Appalachian State

What Makes Them Dangerous

Appalachian State's secondary was a major problem for most opponents in 2016. Though the Mountaineers allowed QBs to complete more than 57 percent of pass attempts, they took a "bend, don't break" approach and knew where to pick their spots. They finished the season with 20 interceptions against just 12 passing touchdowns allowed, and they get back four of the five team leaders in interceptions.

Room for Improvement

A fair amount of dumb luck goes into fumble recoveries. App State didn't have any of that luck last year, finishing dead last in the nation with one measly fumble recovery. Only forcing two fumbles had a lot to do with that. It has been a weakness of this team since joining the FBS ranks, as the Mountaineers forced just four fumbles in 2015 and six in 2014.

2017 Projection

They will immediately be put to a major test in the season opener against Georgia, but look for them to gradually claw their way back up the national rankings after that one. Facing Savannah State and dodging both Arkansas State and Troy in the Sun Belt schedule ought to help ensure they win at least nine games in the process.


6. Troy

What Makes Them Dangerous

With 22 interceptions and another 54 passes broken up, Troy had one of the most aggressive secondaries in the country last year. The Trojans either knocked down or picked off roughly 16 percent of the passes opponents attempted. Four of the five primary members of that secondary are back, including Blace Brown, who tied for the Sun Belt lead in interceptions with six.

Room for Improvement

That aggressive style of play occasionally burned the Trojans. They allowed 20 passing touchdowns and nearly 13 yards per completed pass. Even with four interceptions and four passes defended against Ohio in the Dollar General Bowl, Troy gave up more than 300 passing yards. It just seems silly to allow nearly 250 yards per game with a secondary this good.

2017 Projection

With non-conference road games against Boise State and LSU, both the pass and rush defense for Troy are likely headed for at least one rough day at the office. Outside of those two tests, though, Troy should be the team to beat in the Sun Belt thanks to a combined 15 returning starters on offense and defense. A second consecutive 10-win season is in play.

Pretty sure I remember Tennessee fumbling four times last season, only one of which was recovered. The primary recovery opportunity could have, though not for sure with the way Rubino played early on, put App in the drivers seat to seal the win.

I was impressed with Troy's defense all season long. I think most people expected, though few admitted, that playing App and Arkansas State back to back was a recipe for a let down, considering the physical nature of both App and Troy, not to mention the way the 2015 game ended.

Conversely, if UT doesn't fumble the punt at the beginning of the game to set up your first score (after a 3 and out), you guys wouldn't have been in the position you were late in the game. You only had 1 sustained drive the entire game.

That's the way it breaks sometimes. UGA won against us in 2015 mainly because we fumbled a punt late in the game.

But what if UT doesn't fumble, gets the ball, throws an interception the first series, ala Deshaun Watson in 2015? We can always play a game of what-if's but the game was lost. Right, wrong, or indifferent, I believe everyone became aware as the game wore on that it would take a big play by one team to push ahead. UT was able to do that on the Malone deep ball.

Much like Michigan in 2007 (), it took taking advantage of an opportunity at the end of the game. If Stringer doesn't dive over the 2nd loose ball he should have come up with, App is in position.

Regardless, the Miami game is what stuck with me. Probably the third worst performance besides the playoff games against Richmond and Villanova. Hopefully they come out with the Parker Collins mindset that they are going to run over some people come game time in Athens.

Honestly?

I was waiting for UT to stop being a total f***up and show the potential I'd heard about all offseason. That seems to be their MO though, have good talent and potential, but be terrible at game time.

You guys needed to have some kind of vertical threat on your offense to make that game pull away. You were having to grind them, and without some kind of explosive threat you were relying on them to make more mistakes than you do. You averaged 4.4 ypp including overtime (coincidentally the same as UT), so you were definitely in a contest of who was going to screw up less, not who was going to outplay the other. I've said it before that Lamb is a good QB but he doesn't scare me as a guy that we've got to worry about throwing downfield and getting burned deep. Add that back to your offense circa 07-09, and you've got something very dangerous.

An offense like what you had in 07 (not necessarily AE level at QB either) paired with your defense last year would have murdered UT.

I think your assessment is fair. I really like Lamb as a leader, game manager, and as a person. He's not the superstar talent, but he's good enough and 99% of the time he won't be the reason the the game is lost. We need a deep threat, and that's a piece I keep waiting to see because we have the receiving talent. We're just going to have to wait for a different QB I think.

If we add some dazzle to the QB position we would truly have been a top 25 team last year, and perhaps the year before that. Having said all that: the fact that we really haven't had any backups put pressure on Lamb essentially means we don't have a better option or they are not panning out as thought... Both of which concern me for the future.