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I see us figuring out a way to be effective with good o-line play and at least dumping the ball off or throwing short passes to guys like Trent and Carlos. Let our guys make plays in space. If we can stay away from long kickoff and punt returns against our ST unit, that will be huge.
For whatever reason, I think we either going to be better than many predict or worse than many predict. I don't see us at 6-6. I don't think anybody really knows how we'll stack up in real game action. In terms of production as compared to last year:
Special teams--better across the board (kickoff, kick return, punt, punt return)
Offense--better OL, better WR, worse QB, worse RB. How much better and how much worse? I don't know.
Defense--even LB, even DL (more developed depth), unknown DB (I could see us being better or worse) Who knows how all the variables will play out?
Coaching--better
The way that Holtz has built the team is a reason why many think we'll contend for the CUSA west. I'm convinced we have one of the most athletic teams among the G5 conferences. To me, it's a question of unproven talent and team chemistry. I have a similar feeling to 2014. We may be the best team in CUSA, or not....
Have you considered those Dogs?
To say ," better at WR" is really saying Alfred Smith is better than Philadelphia Eagle phenom, Paul Turner. Everybody else is the same. I think you may be right though!
This pisses me off. That kid (Higgins) has been in the program long enough to have Masters Degree in Quarterbacking.Originally Posted by Dwayne From Minden
No QB is an issue. I am surprised Holtz didn't get a transfer, but I never saw Higgins as a viable option. The others are too young/inexperienced. Hope he proves me wrong,
6-6 in a contract negotiation year is not going to "help" Holtz's position. He put a lot on the line by trusting his future to Higgins.
This excuse is what I still don't understand. This season is Wilson's 3rd year in Holtz's system, and Smith's 2nd year. Have they not been receiving adequate coaching, or are they never going to be viable? Even if Higgins has been a starter before and it's his 4th year in Holtz's system, how much more experienced can he really be?
Nothing has changed drastically from the Spring.
Redshirt freshman J'Mar Smith ran with the first-team offense ahead of Price Wilson. Both are battling for the starting job against Arkansas.
"Not very well. When you talk about production, his leadership, knowing what he's doing and all that," Holtz said of how Smith fared. "Right now he's making a lot of the mistakes and that's what happens when you're a freshman and you're a quarterback."
http://www.thenewsstar.com/story/spo...camp/88977910/
Optimism off Holtz lunch speech prediction:
Smith wins the job at Arkansas and we win 9 games.
Time is your friend. Impulse is your enemy. -John Bogle
Isn't Smith suppose to be a dual threat QB?..maybe a better runner than passer it sounds like early!
That's because we're thinking about more production from Kam and Conner along with the impact of Tarzan and other newcomers. I think J'Mar will get the start at Arkansas. Higgins better cross his fingers (from what I've heard).
Kam might be the next great one when all is said and done.
Have you considered those Dogs?
I'm ready to see what they can do in a game. All I've got are reports from practice and I saw them at the Spring Game for a little bit.
Wilson has a cannon, but doesn't move very well. I see a ton of potential though. The reports are that his decision-making is not there yet. He tries to force balls into tight coverage instead of taking the check-down sometimes. The only way to overcome that is experience.... making the mistake and being taught what the better option on that play was.
Smith is athletic and runs well and has a good arm, but his first year was just running the scout team. The reports were that he wasn't accurate enough with his passes, but has been improving.
All reports on Higgins have been great. He's completing a high percentage of throws, understands the offense, can also run a little bit, and is primed for a big season.
Yes, but more like bailing from chaos appearing lucky to make it back to LOS or sidelines. He is a talented player with a confident demeanor; And his passing game looks very promising. Hes just not a polished, mature D-1 QB yet. That is not to say that he cant play right now, just not sure what to expect. Probably a few more sacks and busted plays, a little more chaotic looking than most of us are comfortable with, but getting good production at times, showing why he is even lined up there to start with. He looks like he needs a little more time to me, not a lot, a little.
Higgins is the guy. The offense is night and day different when he's in there. He moves the offense and makes throws you wouldnt expect him to make. Ive learned to wipe those mop-up game reps from memory, they just dont seem relevant.
Last edited by JAMROB; 08-20-2016 at 07:07 AM.
Dowty has it right. We will be OK at DB too. Have our fans EVER been happy with our DBs?
Hate these pre season predictions but what the heck. Sagran has us 7-5 . We are a talented - young team with 2 new coaches. Coach Holtz told us Friday that Higgans was physically not ready 6 games last year. My take is he throws a solid pass 35 yards and under. Watched him yesterday and he looked solid but timing questionable on some throws.
Think we will be able to win 8 ... I like our Offensive line and receivers. Think our new linebackers will play solid and bring some leadership. Baker has a year under his belt as DC. Tim R should make a difference as QB coach.
The 8 does not include bowl game -- don't get irritated but I'm writing off the Arkansas game -- meaning I am not judging team based on first game-- if we were playing Southern I'd feel same way.
OH!! For those of you Not at luncheon-- coach said he has delegated some responsibilities so he can work with Special Teams!!!
8-4
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