Hoping we can get to 6 wins, but my reasonable expectation is 4.

(12-06-2017 08:38 PM)NolaOwl Wrote:  I think some of above expectations are probably not reasonable in a coach's first year. My hope would be that the culture of the football team would be altered such that we are better prepared and have more disciplined play. Also, outside of the LSU game, I don't see any games in which we should be blown out

If he changes the culture, discipline, preparation, and execution, that could be enough to get us to 6-8 wins next year. One, CUSA is so bad that the best is not that much better than the worst. Two, I think we had a lot better than 1-11 talent last year, it was just so poorly prepared and coached that we lost a lot of games that a well prepared team could have won. Remember, Bloomgren has game planned for us the last two years, he has a good idea what we have already. I can picture him looking at game film and thinking, "Damn, if these guys had some coaching, they could surprise people."

(12-06-2017 09:00 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  

(12-06-2017 08:38 PM)NolaOwl Wrote:  I think some of above expectations are probably not reasonable in a coach's first year. My hope would be that the culture of the football team would be altered such that we are better prepared and have more disciplined play. Also, outside of the LSU game, I don't see any games in which we should be blown out

If he changes the culture, discipline, preparation, and execution, that could be enough to get us to 6-8 wins next year. One, CUSA is so bad that the best is not that much better than the worst. Two, I think we had a lot better than 1-11 talent last year, it was just so poorly prepared and coached that we lost a lot of games that a well prepared team could have won. Remember, Bloomgren has game planned for us the last two years, he has a good idea what we have already. I can picture him looking at game film and thinking, "Damn, if these guys had some coaching, they could surprise people."

Agree. If we were ranked 90, vs ~ 125, we would likely be favored in most our conference games

If we go 2-10 in the 2018, but the team doesnt look like a gaggle of floundering seals, I will be reasonably happy the first year.

My biggest gripe from two years ago was that there were high school teams that I saw that had better discipline, and the prep games (even when a loss) did not have a hallmark of coaching staff playing grabbag ideas with goals and schemes.

As a result, I intentionally did not attend a single Rice game in person this year. But the videos that were available showed the same eau de floundering.

I can stomach 2 wins *if* the team looks prepared and disciplined, and the defenses and offensive plays don't have that air of being used as a result of some weird grotesque death match round of rock-scissor-paper between 5 people.

If I see that progression next year, I will be reasonably satisfied. The team as it stands presently has a cr-p ton of desperation, neglect, and bad habits wrapped up in it. As a result I will be happy to see the veneer of desperation, neglect, and bad habits taken off of it. From that 'wall stripping' I will expect more.

But I will be reasonably happy even with a bad record *if* it isn't a result of a team looking like a haphazard 5A prep wannabe.

(12-06-2017 09:51 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  If we go 2-10 in the 2018, but the team doesnt look like a gaggle of floundering seals, I will be reasonably happy the first year.

My biggest gripe from two years ago was that there were high school teams that I saw that had better discipline, and the prep games (even when a loss) did not have a hallmark of coaching staff playing grabbag ideas with goals and schemes.

As a result, I intentionally did not attend a single Rice game in person this year. But the videos that were available showed the same eau de floundering.

I can stomach 2 wins *if* the team looks prepared and disciplined, and the defenses and offensive plays don't have that air of being used as a result of some weird grotesque death match round of rock-scissor-paper between 5 people.

If I see that progression next year, I will be reasonably satisfied. The team as it stands presently has a cr-p ton of desperation, neglect, and bad habits wrapped up in it. As a result I will be happy to see the veneer of desperation, neglect, and bad habits taken off of it. From that 'wall stripping' I will expect more.

But I will be reasonably happy even with a bad record *if* it isn't a result of a team looking like a haphazard 5A prep wannabe.

I want to win every game.

I do not expect that to happen.

all I want is a year with the Rice fan base happy with their coach.

(12-06-2017 09:51 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  If we go 2-10 in the 2018, but the team doesnt look like a gaggle of floundering seals, I will be reasonably happy the first year.
My biggest gripe from two years ago was that there were high school teams that I saw that had better discipline, and the prep games (even when a loss) did not have a hallmark of coaching staff playing grabbag ideas with goals and schemes.
As a result, I intentionally did not attend a single Rice game in person this year. But the videos that were available showed the same eau de floundering.
I can stomach 2 wins *if* the team looks prepared and disciplined, and the defenses and offensive plays don't have that air of being used as a result of some weird grotesque death match round of rock-scissor-paper between 5 people.
If I see that progression next year, I will be reasonably satisfied. The team as it stands presently has a cr-p ton of desperation, neglect, and bad habits wrapped up in it. As a result I will be happy to see the veneer of desperation, neglect, and bad habits taken off of it. From that 'wall stripping' I will expect more.
But I will be reasonably happy even with a bad record *if* it isn't a result of a team looking like a haphazard 5A prep wannabe.

I've used the analogy of we found a couple dozen guys in the parking lot grilling brats and asked them if they wanted to play some ball.

If we look like a focused, disciplined team next year, we won't be 2-10. Because there aren't 10 teams on that schedule who are good enough to beat a focused, disciplined team.

(12-06-2017 10:00 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(12-06-2017 09:51 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  If we go 2-10 in the 2018, but the team doesnt look like a gaggle of floundering seals, I will be reasonably happy the first year.

My biggest gripe from two years ago was that there were high school teams that I saw that had better discipline, and the prep games (even when a loss) did not have a hallmark of coaching staff playing grabbag ideas with goals and schemes.

As a result, I intentionally did not attend a single Rice game in person this year. But the videos that were available showed the same eau de floundering.

I can stomach 2 wins *if* the team looks prepared and disciplined, and the defenses and offensive plays don't have that air of being used as a result of some weird grotesque death match round of rock-scissor-paper between 5 people.

If I see that progression next year, I will be reasonably satisfied. The team as it stands presently has a cr-p ton of desperation, neglect, and bad habits wrapped up in it. As a result I will be happy to see the veneer of desperation, neglect, and bad habits taken off of it. From that 'wall stripping' I will expect more.

But I will be reasonably happy even with a bad record *if* it isn't a result of a team looking like a haphazard 5A prep wannabe.

I want to win every game.

I do not expect that to happen.

all I want is a year with the Rice fan base happy with their coach.

Well, you've got a few days, at least. Maybe a few months if the coordinator hires pass muster.

(12-06-2017 10:08 PM)franklyconfused Wrote:  

(12-06-2017 10:00 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(12-06-2017 09:51 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  If we go 2-10 in the 2018, but the team doesnt look like a gaggle of floundering seals, I will be reasonably happy the first year.

My biggest gripe from two years ago was that there were high school teams that I saw that had better discipline, and the prep games (even when a loss) did not have a hallmark of coaching staff playing grabbag ideas with goals and schemes.

As a result, I intentionally did not attend a single Rice game in person this year. But the videos that were available showed the same eau de floundering.

I can stomach 2 wins *if* the team looks prepared and disciplined, and the defenses and offensive plays don't have that air of being used as a result of some weird grotesque death match round of rock-scissor-paper between 5 people.

If I see that progression next year, I will be reasonably satisfied. The team as it stands presently has a cr-p ton of desperation, neglect, and bad habits wrapped up in it. As a result I will be happy to see the veneer of desperation, neglect, and bad habits taken off of it. From that 'wall stripping' I will expect more.

But I will be reasonably happy even with a bad record *if* it isn't a result of a team looking like a haphazard 5A prep wannabe.

I want to win every game.

I do not expect that to happen.

all I want is a year with the Rice fan base happy with their coach.

Well, you've got a few days, at least. Maybe a few months if the coordinator hires pass muster.

I want more.

Current rankings (Massey Composite / Sagarin) for the teams on next year's schedule:
20/18 - LSU
31/29 - Wake Forest
47/58 - UH
65/97 - North Texas
77/111 - FIU
82/103 - So. Miss
90/101 - LaTech
91/119 - UAB
95/114 - UTSA
112/146 - ODU
120/153 - Hawaii
130/200 - UTEP
NR/207 - PVA&M

I know Rice was terrible this year, but I don't find it inconceivable (I find it conceivable?) that Rice could win 6+ games with that schedule. (reminder that Massey Composite only ranks FBS teams, Sagarin combines FBS & FCS).

(12-06-2017 09:51 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  If we go 2-10 in the 2018, but the team doesnt look like a gaggle of floundering seals, I will be reasonably happy the first year.

My biggest gripe from two years ago was that there were high school teams that I saw that had better discipline, and the prep games (even when a loss) did not have a hallmark of coaching staff playing grabbag ideas with goals and schemes.

As a result, I intentionally did not attend a single Rice game in person this year. But the videos that were available showed the same eau de floundering.

I can stomach 2 wins *if* the team looks prepared and disciplined, and the defenses and offensive plays don't have that air of being used as a result of some weird grotesque death match round of rock-scissor-paper between 5 people.

If I see that progression next year, I will be reasonably satisfied. The team as it stands presently has a cr-p ton of desperation, neglect, and bad habits wrapped up in it. As a result I will be happy to see the veneer of desperation, neglect, and bad habits taken off of it. From that 'wall stripping' I will expect more.

But I will be reasonably happy even with a bad record *if* it isn't a result of a team looking like a haphazard 5A prep wannabe.

This. I don't care much about the win-loss record next year. I just want to see a well prepared team that doesn't beat itself.

(12-07-2017 10:57 AM)RiceFootball2K5 Wrote:  

(12-06-2017 09:51 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  If we go 2-10 in the 2018, but the team doesnt look like a gaggle of floundering seals, I will be reasonably happy the first year.

My biggest gripe from two years ago was that there were high school teams that I saw that had better discipline, and the prep games (even when a loss) did not have a hallmark of coaching staff playing grabbag ideas with goals and schemes.

As a result, I intentionally did not attend a single Rice game in person this year. But the videos that were available showed the same eau de floundering.

I can stomach 2 wins *if* the team looks prepared and disciplined, and the defenses and offensive plays don't have that air of being used as a result of some weird grotesque death match round of rock-scissor-paper between 5 people.

If I see that progression next year, I will be reasonably satisfied. The team as it stands presently has a cr-p ton of desperation, neglect, and bad habits wrapped up in it. As a result I will be happy to see the veneer of desperation, neglect, and bad habits taken off of it. From that 'wall stripping' I will expect more.

But I will be reasonably happy even with a bad record *if* it isn't a result of a team looking like a haphazard 5A prep wannabe.

This. I don't care much about the win-loss record next year. I just want to see a well prepared team that doesn't beat itself.

If that happens, given the conference we're in, we'll win at least 5 - 6 games. I'm already planning to come down for the home season opener.

(12-07-2017 11:08 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(12-07-2017 10:57 AM)RiceFootball2K5 Wrote:  

(12-06-2017 09:51 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  If we go 2-10 in the 2018, but the team doesnt look like a gaggle of floundering seals, I will be reasonably happy the first year.

My biggest gripe from two years ago was that there were high school teams that I saw that had better discipline, and the prep games (even when a loss) did not have a hallmark of coaching staff playing grabbag ideas with goals and schemes.

As a result, I intentionally did not attend a single Rice game in person this year. But the videos that were available showed the same eau de floundering.

I can stomach 2 wins *if* the team looks prepared and disciplined, and the defenses and offensive plays don't have that air of being used as a result of some weird grotesque death match round of rock-scissor-paper between 5 people.

If I see that progression next year, I will be reasonably satisfied. The team as it stands presently has a cr-p ton of desperation, neglect, and bad habits wrapped up in it. As a result I will be happy to see the veneer of desperation, neglect, and bad habits taken off of it. From that 'wall stripping' I will expect more.

But I will be reasonably happy even with a bad record *if* it isn't a result of a team looking like a haphazard 5A prep wannabe.

This. I don't care much about the win-loss record next year. I just want to see a well prepared team that doesn't beat itself.

If that happens, given the conference we're in, we'll win at least 5 - 6 games. I'm already planning to come down for the home season opener.

That's how I see it. My impression is that Bloomgren is at least competent and will assemble a competent staff. That's good for several wins because in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

(12-07-2017 10:50 AM)mrbig Wrote:  Current rankings (Massey Composite / Sagarin) for the teams on next year's schedule:
20/18 - LSU
31/29 - Wake Forest
47/58 - UH
65/97 - North Texas
77/111 - FIU
82/103 - So. Miss
90/101 - LaTech
91/119 - UAB
95/114 - UTSA
112/146 - ODU
120/153 - Hawaii
130/200 - UTEP
NR/207 - PVA&M

I know Rice was terrible this year, but I don't find it inconceivable (I find it conceivable?) that Rice could win 6+ games with that schedule. (reminder that Massey Composite only ranks FBS teams, Sagarin combines FBS & FCS).

Agreed - it's conceivable that we win 6+ next year. There isn't much of a difference in team quality when you get below 90 or so, and if our coach can figure out how to turn Smalls into a competent QB, we seem poised to actually put points on the board with a stable of running backs, a good WR and good TE. And as others have mentioned, defense appeared to be able to keep up with opponents and not give up big gains, so perhaps a change in coaching will allow them to change course.

(12-07-2017 10:57 AM)RiceFootball2K5 Wrote:  

(12-06-2017 09:51 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  But I will be reasonably happy even with a bad record *if* it isn't a result of a team looking like a haphazard 5A prep wannabe.

This. I don't care much about the win-loss record next year. I just want to see a well prepared team that doesn't beat itself.

First, how will we know? I am sure we will still have some people jumping offside, dropping passes and incurring penalties, some of the things used to define being prepared and not beating ourselves. I bet there will be times when we enter the last two minutes of a half with less than three TOs.


Second, if we are 'well prepared' and we don't beat ourselves, then why are we losing?

(12-07-2017 11:13 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  Second, if we are 'well prepared' and we don't beat ourselves, then why are we losing?

Really?

(12-07-2017 11:13 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(12-07-2017 10:57 AM)RiceFootball2K5 Wrote:  

(12-06-2017 09:51 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  But I will be reasonably happy even with a bad record *if* it isn't a result of a team looking like a haphazard 5A prep wannabe.

This. I don't care much about the win-loss record next year. I just want to see a well prepared team that doesn't beat itself.

First, how will we know? I am sure we will still have some people jumping offside, dropping passes and incurring penalties, some of the things used to define being prepared and not beating ourselves. I bet there will be times when we enter the last two minutes of a half with less than three TOs.


Second, if we are 'well prepared' and we don't beat ourselves, then why are we losing?

You don't ever actually make an argument. You just force others to repeat what's already been said and restate the obvious until they're too bored to continue. You want someone to define "well-prepared?" Seriously?

(12-07-2017 11:16 AM)Antarius Wrote:  

(12-07-2017 11:13 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  Second, if we are 'well prepared' and we don't beat ourselves, then why are we losing?

Really?

Yeah, really.

I was responding to this and others like it. "I don't care much about the win-loss record next year. I just want to see a well prepared team that doesn't beat itself."

If we are well prepared and don't beat ourselves, then why would we have a losing record? Especially if the reason we have been losing is that we are not well prepared and we beat ourselves.

Unless you think we just don't have the athletes to compete in CUSA with a well prepared team that doesn't beat itself.

(12-07-2017 11:22 AM)Frizzy Owl Wrote:  

(12-07-2017 11:13 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(12-07-2017 10:57 AM)RiceFootball2K5 Wrote:  

(12-06-2017 09:51 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  But I will be reasonably happy even with a bad record *if* it isn't a result of a team looking like a haphazard 5A prep wannabe.

This. I don't care much about the win-loss record next year. I just want to see a well prepared team that doesn't beat itself.

First, how will we know? I am sure we will still have some people jumping offside, dropping passes and incurring penalties, some of the things used to define being prepared and not beating ourselves. I bet there will be times when we enter the last two minutes of a half with less than three TOs.


Second, if we are 'well prepared' and we don't beat ourselves, then why are we losing?

You don't ever actually make an argument. You just force others to repeat what's already been said and restate the obvious until they're too bored to continue. You want someone to define "well-prepared?" Seriously?

No, it has been defined. I expect the same stuff to continue to happen, though hopefully in lesser measure than before. So if we go 2-11, but are "well prepared", then why are we losing?

let me put this another way:

if we lose to UNT or UTSA 38-14, how many posters can we expect here to say, "But at least we were well prepared"?

if Rice ranked 80/128 for the next season, which is a reasonable rank.
the probability you beat a 100th team is not 1, it could be low as sth like 65%.

in that case, win 4-5 games is very reasonable. We should watch what coached do in the first two years, not result oriented.

(12-07-2017 10:50 AM)mrbig Wrote:  Current rankings (Massey Composite / Sagarin) for the teams on next year's schedule:
20/18 - LSU
31/29 - Wake Forest
47/58 - UH
65/97 - North Texas
77/111 - FIU
82/103 - So. Miss
90/101 - LaTech
91/119 - UAB
95/114 - UTSA
112/146 - ODU
120/153 - Hawaii
130/200 - UTEP
NR/207 - PVA&M

I know Rice was terrible this year, but I don't find it inconceivable (I find it conceivable?) that Rice could win 6+ games with that schedule. (reminder that Massey Composite only ranks FBS teams, Sagarin combines FBS & FCS).