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Smaug's $0.02
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Smaug Offline
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Post: #1
Smaug's $0.02
My shoes are still wet.

That will be one of those nights we'll talk about at tailgates for a while. It was certainly a personal first for me. I've been to a lot of football games before, but that's the first time I was in my seat at kickoff at 6pm and at home, showered, and in my recliner watching at the final horn, sometime after midnight.

Kudos to you diehards who gutted it out to the end. You are the true heros. I bailed at the second delay. I'd had a long day and was very tired. Getting old is not one of my favorite things.

We hadn't gotten any rain in what seems like months, and then that. Life's a funny old dog, isn't it?

You know, 0-6 record notwithstanding, Rice is arguably the best team we've played to date. They might not get to .500, but I predict that the back half of their season will be more successful than the first half. I hope so, anyway. I like the Owls.

Anywho, on to the observations:

Spell "Blazers" with a D

We held Rice to right at 300 total yards, (64 of those on the second play from scrimmage) and forced 4 turnovers. We held them 0 for 7 on third down in that neverending second half. I don't know if you've noticed but we are getting hellacious play from our linebackers, a position many thought might be a weakness entering the season. Kris Moll and Noah Wilder have been tackling machines in the middle, and Jordan Smith has been a nice surprise on the outside. Big, tall guy wreaking havoc on the edge.

Luuuuuuuuuuuuucious!

Lucious Stanley, Sophomore Running Back, Fort Myers, Florida. Stanley spelled Spencer Brown quite nicely, particularly in the second half. 88 yards and 2 TDs on 19 carries. Particularly useful in the rain. It's a good thing, too, because we had all but abandoned the running game in the first half. Without looking it up, I think we only had 7 or 8 ATTEMPTS in the first half. As an indicator of how the game has changed, we definitely threw first to open up the run last night. Also, kudos to the offensive line for opening up some holes in the middle, the best they've done that all year.

Fair Weather

Tony Fair, Junior Defensive Lineman, South Bend, Indiana. Big 90 found the weather quite agreeable last night, with 6 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. Have yourself a night, young man! You know, Garrett Marino got all the preseason hype (understandable) but Fair, McWilliams, Fairbanks, and Moultrie, along with Manimal have turned our front wall into a real murderer's row. This is what frees up our linebackers to make all those tackles. This is the way it's supposed to work.

23.4

That's how many yards per catch our three-headed monster at wideouts (Parham/Watkins/Mitchell) averaged last night. We just haven't seen too many defenses that can run with these guys so far. Myron Mitchell is rapidly becoming one of my favorite players. He's got some electric moves to be sure, but what I really like is that he'll swap some paint to make a catch. Fast and tough. I'll take that in a wideout all day long.

The Good

Our offensive line took over the game in the third quarter. It was good to watch. Rice had the ball for 7 more minutes than us in the first half. It was pretty much even at the end of the game. It was clear which staff made the better adjustments during the extended halftime.

The Bad

Spencer Brown on the sideline in a boot.

The Ugly

13 penalties for 174 yards. Most of them of the 15 yard variety. These don't bother me as much as it does some people, because those are mostly penalties of aggression, but Lord, the laundry truck explosion contributed significantly to the length of the game, and seemed to always occur when Rice needed one most.

Funniest weather comment

I think it was Evan Dudley (though it may have been somebody else), "College kids dream of playing on Sunday. Well, here we are."

So, what does this mean, Barbara?

It means we came back strong after the WKU loss, which is important. It means we are 4-1 and 1-1 in conference play. It means we still hold our destiny in our hands. It means I'm getting used to playing meaningful football in October, and I like it.

That's all I got. For now. I think.
10-06-2019 01:34 PM
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WesternBlazer Offline
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Post: #2
RE: Smaug's $0.02
(10-06-2019 01:34 PM)Smaug Wrote:  My shoes are still wet.

That will be one of those nights we'll talk about at tailgates for a while. It was certainly a personal first for me. I've been to a lot of football games before, but that's the first time I was in my seat at kickoff at 6pm and at home, showered, and in my recliner watching at the final horn, sometime after midnight.

Kudos to you diehards who gutted it out to the end. You are the true heros. I bailed at the second delay. I'd had a long day and was very tired. Getting old is not one of my favorite things.

We hadn't gotten any rain in what seems like months, and then that. Life's a funny old dog, isn't it?

You know, 0-6 record notwithstanding, Rice is arguably the best team we've played to date. They might not get to .500, but I predict that the back half of their season will be more successful than the first half. I hope so, anyway. I like the Owls.

Anywho, on to the observations:

Spell "Blazers" with a D

We held Rice to right at 300 total yards, (64 of those on the second play from scrimmage) and forced 4 turnovers. We held them 0 for 7 on third down in that neverending second half. I don't know if you've noticed but we are getting hellacious play from our linebackers, a position many thought might be a weakness entering the season. Kris Moll and Noah Wilder have been tackling machines in the middle, and Jordan Smith has been a nice surprise on the outside. Big, tall guy wreaking havoc on the edge.

Luuuuuuuuuuuuucious!

Lucious Stanley, Sophomore Running Back, Fort Myers, Florida. Stanley spelled Spencer Brown quite nicely, particularly in the second half. 88 yards and 2 TDs on 19 carries. Particularly useful in the rain. It's a good thing, too, because we had all but abandoned the running game in the first half. Without looking it up, I think we only had 7 or 8 ATTEMPTS in the first half. As an indicator of how the game has changed, we definitely threw first to open up the run last night. Also, kudos to the offensive line for opening up some holes in the middle, the best they've done that all year.

Fair Weather

Tony Fair, Junior Defensive Lineman, South Bend, Indiana. Big 90 found the weather quite agreeable last night, with 6 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. Have yourself a night, young man! You know, Garrett Marino got all the preseason hype (understandable) but Fair, McWilliams, Fairbanks, and Moultrie, along with Manimal have turned our front wall into a real murderer's row. This is what frees up our linebackers to make all those tackles. This is the way it's supposed to work.

23.4

That's how many yards per catch our three-headed monster at wideouts (Parham/Watkins/Mitchell) averaged last night. We just haven't seen too many defenses that can run with these guys so far. Myron Mitchell is rapidly becoming one of my favorite players. He's got some electric moves to be sure, but what I really like is that he'll swap some paint to make a catch. Fast and tough. I'll take that in a wideout all day long.

The Good

Our offensive line took over the game in the third quarter. It was good to watch. Rice had the ball for 7 more minutes than us in the first half. It was pretty much even at the end of the game. It was clear which staff made the better adjustments during the extended halftime.

The Bad

Spencer Brown on the sideline in a boot.

The Ugly

13 penalties for 174 yards. Most of them of the 15 yard variety. These don't bother me as much as it does some people, because those are mostly penalties of aggression, but Lord, the laundry truck explosion contributed significantly to the length of the game, and seemed to always occur when Rice needed one most.

Funniest weather comment

I think it was Evan Dudley (though it may have been somebody else), "College kids dream of playing on Sunday. Well, here we are."

So, what does this mean, Barbara?

It means we came back strong after the WKU loss, which is important. It means we are 4-1 and 1-1 in conference play. It means we still hold our destiny in our hands. It means I'm getting used to playing meaningful football in October, and I like it.

That's all I got. For now. I think.

The constant pass interference penalties were very frustrating. I suspect there will be some emphasis in that area at this week's practice. UTSA, our next opponent, has issues completing passes. Let's not help them out.
10-06-2019 01:40 PM
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THE_LEGEND Offline
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Post: #3
RE: Smaug's $0.02
some of those PI penalties saved long TD receptions....

I blacked out with exhaustion at some point but I think I remember two times the penalty was worth it.
10-06-2019 01:42 PM
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Smaug Offline
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Post: #4
RE: Smaug's $0.02
Some of them were pretty iffy, at least to my subjective eye, but yeah. We need to get that reeled in.
10-06-2019 01:43 PM
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uab278 Offline
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Post: #5
RE: Smaug's $0.02
Smaug, I always enjoy reading these posts. I could not attend last night as I was in the woods of TN camping with my Cub Scout for the first time. If I had to miss a game then this was it. Six hours with lots of rain WOW.
10-06-2019 04:30 PM
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notnow Offline
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Post: #6
RE: Smaug's $0.02
Great commentary, as usual. I look forward to it.
Our 3 home games to this point have had weather that was much better than we would have thought. Thursday night in August vs Alabama State was pleasant. Saturday afternoon at 2:30 in September vs South Alabama and on tv nationally via The NFL Network was hot but less hot and humid than we thought and most of us were in the shade by 3:00. Our game last night was a complete reversal of the dry and hot, hot, hot and more hot weather we have had for the last 6 weeks. It was absolutely wonderful UNTIL...
Great night and we are 4-1. I know we have never been better as FBS(D1).
Did you hear that? We have never been better. This after our championship season and so many strong players completing their eligibility.
10-06-2019 05:17 PM
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Smaug Offline
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RE: Smaug's $0.02
(10-06-2019 04:30 PM)uab278 Wrote:  Smaug, I always enjoy reading these posts. I could not attend last night as I was in the woods of TN camping with my Cub Scout for the first time. If I had to miss a game then this was it. Six hours with lots of rain WOW.

It didn't rain 6 hours. In fact, it hadn't rained at all, and wasn't raining when the first lightning delay occurred. The rain started in earnest right after they resumed play the first time.
10-06-2019 06:05 PM
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blazerwkr Offline
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RE: Smaug's $0.02
It was a brutal day - started off being brutally hot (which I was prepared for) but then came the rain/lightning delays. I'm still hurting from all the cramping in my legs & arms I got. After being out there from noon until the second delay, my body had enough. I'm glad for the win but thought they'd call the game w/ the lateness & travel Rice would have to do afterwords.
10-06-2019 07:20 PM
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Post: #9
RE: Smaug's $0.02
(10-06-2019 05:17 PM)notnow Wrote:  Great commentary, as usual. I look forward to it.
Our 3 home games to this point have had weather that was much better than we would have thought. Thursday night in August vs Alabama State was pleasant. Saturday afternoon at 2:30 in September vs South Alabama and on tv nationally via The NFL Network was hot but less hot and humid than we thought and most of us were in the shade by 3:00. Our game last night was a complete reversal of the dry and hot, hot, hot and more hot weather we have had for the last 6 weeks. It was absolutely wonderful UNTIL...
Great night and we are 4-1. I know we have never been better as FBS(D1).
Did you hear that? We have never been better. This after our championship season and so many strong players completing their eligibility.

We started 5-1 in 2004.
10-07-2019 12:02 PM
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bftb Online
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Post: #10
RE: Smaug's $0.02
(10-07-2019 12:02 PM)hooverblazer Wrote:  
(10-06-2019 05:17 PM)notnow Wrote:  Great commentary, as usual. I look forward to it.
Our 3 home games to this point have had weather that was much better than we would have thought. Thursday night in August vs Alabama State was pleasant. Saturday afternoon at 2:30 in September vs South Alabama and on tv nationally via The NFL Network was hot but less hot and humid than we thought and most of us were in the shade by 3:00. Our game last night was a complete reversal of the dry and hot, hot, hot and more hot weather we have had for the last 6 weeks. It was absolutely wonderful UNTIL...
Great night and we are 4-1. I know we have never been better as FBS(D1).
Did you hear that? We have never been better. This after our championship season and so many strong players completing their eligibility.

We started 5-1 in 2004.

Yes, and that included wins over Baylor, TCU, Memphis, Cincinnati and Mississippi State. And the only loss was at top ten Florida State.
10-07-2019 03:34 PM
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UAB Schnauzer Offline
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Post: #11
RE: Smaug's $0.02
(10-07-2019 03:34 PM)bftb Wrote:  
(10-07-2019 12:02 PM)hooverblazer Wrote:  
(10-06-2019 05:17 PM)notnow Wrote:  Great commentary, as usual. I look forward to it.
Our 3 home games to this point have had weather that was much better than we would have thought. Thursday night in August vs Alabama State was pleasant. Saturday afternoon at 2:30 in September vs South Alabama and on tv nationally via The NFL Network was hot but less hot and humid than we thought and most of us were in the shade by 3:00. Our game last night was a complete reversal of the dry and hot, hot, hot and more hot weather we have had for the last 6 weeks. It was absolutely wonderful UNTIL...
Great night and we are 4-1. I know we have never been better as FBS(D1).
Did you hear that? We have never been better. This after our championship season and so many strong players completing their eligibility.

We started 5-1 in 2004.

Yes, and that included wins over Baylor, TCU, Memphis, Cincinnati and Mississippi State. And the only loss was at top ten Florida State.

The teams we have beaten to date are a combined 0-17 vs FBS teams.
10-07-2019 04:18 PM
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Post: #12
RE: Smaug's $0.02
(10-07-2019 04:18 PM)UAB Schnauzer Wrote:  
(10-07-2019 03:34 PM)bftb Wrote:  
(10-07-2019 12:02 PM)hooverblazer Wrote:  
(10-06-2019 05:17 PM)notnow Wrote:  Great commentary, as usual. I look forward to it.
Our 3 home games to this point have had weather that was much better than we would have thought. Thursday night in August vs Alabama State was pleasant. Saturday afternoon at 2:30 in September vs South Alabama and on tv nationally via The NFL Network was hot but less hot and humid than we thought and most of us were in the shade by 3:00. Our game last night was a complete reversal of the dry and hot, hot, hot and more hot weather we have had for the last 6 weeks. It was absolutely wonderful UNTIL...
Great night and we are 4-1. I know we have never been better as FBS(D1).
Did you hear that? We have never been better. This after our championship season and so many strong players completing their eligibility.

We started 5-1 in 2004.

Yes, and that included wins over Baylor, TCU, Memphis, Cincinnati and Mississippi State. And the only loss was at top ten Florida State.

The teams we have beaten to date are a combined 0-17 vs FBS teams.

BOOM!
10-07-2019 04:19 PM
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BatesUAB Offline
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RE: Smaug's $0.02
(10-07-2019 04:18 PM)UAB Schnauzer Wrote:  
(10-07-2019 03:34 PM)bftb Wrote:  
(10-07-2019 12:02 PM)hooverblazer Wrote:  
(10-06-2019 05:17 PM)notnow Wrote:  Great commentary, as usual. I look forward to it.
Our 3 home games to this point have had weather that was much better than we would have thought. Thursday night in August vs Alabama State was pleasant. Saturday afternoon at 2:30 in September vs South Alabama and on tv nationally via The NFL Network was hot but less hot and humid than we thought and most of us were in the shade by 3:00. Our game last night was a complete reversal of the dry and hot, hot, hot and more hot weather we have had for the last 6 weeks. It was absolutely wonderful UNTIL...
Great night and we are 4-1. I know we have never been better as FBS(D1).
Did you hear that? We have never been better. This after our championship season and so many strong players completing their eligibility.

We started 5-1 in 2004.

Yes, and that included wins over Baylor, TCU, Memphis, Cincinnati and Mississippi State. And the only loss was at top ten Florida State.

The teams we have beaten to date are a combined 0-17 vs FBS teams.

And 3-19 overall, including two teams (Akron and Rice) that haven't won a game. That really puts thing in perspective, and should temper our expectations somewhat.

That being said, our next three opponents (UTSA, Old Dominion and Tennessee) are a combined 4-12 overall, and 1-11 against D-I competition. So, there's that. I think we might legitimately have the weakest schedule in the country through the first 8 games.
10-07-2019 04:38 PM
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notnow Offline
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RE: Smaug's $0.02
Um, after 5 games we were 4-1. We have never been better than 4-1.
Obviously we have played a much easier schedule this season.
But 4-1 is he best we have ever done 5 games into the season.
The schedule has been easy. That was a brilliant move this year.
I know many teams wish they could have the same record and/or schedule.
10-07-2019 04:49 PM
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WesternBlazer Offline
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RE: Smaug's $0.02
(10-07-2019 04:49 PM)notnow Wrote:  Um, after 5 games we were 4-1. We have never been better than 4-1.
Obviously we have played a much easier schedule this season.
But 4-1 is he best we have ever done 5 games into the season.
The schedule has been easy. That was a brilliant move this year.
I know many teams wish they could have the same record and/or schedule.

Folks keep talking as if the entire schedule was designed specifically for easy games this season. While that may be somewhat true for the non-conference(even though no one expected those teams to be this bad when scheduled years ago) the conference schedule does not reflect any such effort. It's basically the luck of the draw this year including being in a division with 3 of the worst teams in FBS football.
10-07-2019 05:21 PM
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notnow Offline
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RE: Smaug's $0.02
Our payday game is late like last year and one we can actually win.
Moving that game to a November date was likely the choice of UT and aTm.
SEC schools like to have a bye type game before a tough late season SEC game.
10-07-2019 05:32 PM
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RE: Smaug's $0.02
(10-07-2019 05:21 PM)WesternBlazer Wrote:  
(10-07-2019 04:49 PM)notnow Wrote:  Um, after 5 games we were 4-1. We have never been better than 4-1.
Obviously we have played a much easier schedule this season.
But 4-1 is he best we have ever done 5 games into the season.
The schedule has been easy. That was a brilliant move this year.
I know many teams wish they could have the same record and/or schedule.

Folks keep talking as if the entire schedule was designed specifically for easy games this season. While that may be somewhat true for the non-conference(even though no one expected those teams to be this bad when scheduled years ago) the conference schedule does not reflect any such effort. It's basically the luck of the draw this year including being in a division with 3 of the worst teams in FBS football.

CUSA being so bad has been a huge bonus for UAB. We needed to win and win big to build our fan base. We all knew how his year would be an issue. If we can solidify ourselves as a contender every year we can become a top candidate to move up. CUSA sucking this year is actually a good thing in a perverse kind of way
10-07-2019 07:16 PM
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RE: Smaug's $0.02
(10-06-2019 01:34 PM)Smaug Wrote:  It means we still hold our destiny in our hands. It means I'm getting used to playing meaningful football in October, and I like it.

That's all I got. For now. I think.

THIS... a million times THIS!!!
Cheers, Blazer Family- I've been out for awhile, but I have been watching and keeping up.
Go Blazers!
10-07-2019 08:19 PM
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Smaug's $0.02
Being 4-1 against this cupcake schedule beats the hell out of all but one possible record we could have had against this cupcake schedule.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
10-07-2019 08:27 PM
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RE: Smaug's $0.02
(10-07-2019 07:16 PM)UAB Schnauzer Wrote:  
(10-07-2019 05:21 PM)WesternBlazer Wrote:  
(10-07-2019 04:49 PM)notnow Wrote:  Um, after 5 games we were 4-1. We have never been better than 4-1.
Obviously we have played a much easier schedule this season.
But 4-1 is he best we have ever done 5 games into the season.
The schedule has been easy. That was a brilliant move this year.
I know many teams wish they could have the same record and/or schedule.

Folks keep talking as if the entire schedule was designed specifically for easy games this season. While that may be somewhat true for the non-conference(even though no one expected those teams to be this bad when scheduled years ago) the conference schedule does not reflect any such effort. It's basically the luck of the draw this year including being in a division with 3 of the worst teams in FBS football.

CUSA being so bad has been a huge bonus for UAB. We needed to win and win big to build our fan base. We all knew how his year would be an issue. If we can solidify ourselves as a contender every year we can become a top candidate to move up. CUSA sucking this year is actually a good thing in a perverse kind of way

Agreed
10-08-2019 09:05 AM
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