What is your level of optimism about the 2008 football season right now?
- Thread starter Stormrider81
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We SHOULD beat LaTech. SE Louisiana, middle tenn state, Kentucky and vandy. KY and Vandy are in Starkville. That gives us 5. The egg bowl will be a toss up. I'm saying 6-6 and Shreveport, unless the SEC has 10 bowl elegible teams.
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if someone steps up and fills Mike Brown's role (Gates, Freeman, Melichar, anybody) then I think we can do better than last year. 6-6 is a minimum. We will win 6 games barring an injury to Pegues and/or Dixon.</p>
Mainly because of losing our 17'ing left tackle. Still, I tend to be on the optimistic side, so I will say that we can win 6, but anything more than that will take more than what we have seen from Croom so far.
I am just not sure how you could be overly optimistic about next season, especially considering the fact that the defense that carried us last year is a big ? now (new DC, no Titus/Avery, no Q.Wesley, possible suspension of our best CB, etc.)</p>
I am just not sure how you could be overly optimistic about next season, especially considering the fact that the defense that carried us last year is a big ? now (new DC, no Titus/Avery, no Q.Wesley, possible suspension of our best CB, etc.)</p>
I have no idea whatsoever. I can't even make an informed SWAG (scientific wild assed guess to those not in the defense industry.) We will not have a blazing offense, everyone knows that, but it should be good enough, along with what should be a solid defense to have a decent season. I would be tempted to vote we win 6 or 7, but years of experience won't let me cast the vote.
Up until Thursday's shooting I was thinking we'd win around 6 maybe due to questions I still have about Croom. Now, those questions being paired with losing Brown and Wesley with Johnson and Hughes on their way out, I'm not feeling too good about this coming season. Hope I'm wrong.
I voted "Not so good". I believe all 3 additional players are gone. Before this I was very optimistic. I keep saying I'm basking in the glory of returning to a bowl game and winning it. This, however, has shocked be out of that. We lost 2 DL and 2 OL to graduation, but not much else besides. Now we've lost our best OL, our best CB, our MLB, and some backup DL. That's a heck of a lot for MSU to overcome, especially when you consider the margin of victory we had in several games last year. I don't want to start the Pick-6 debate, you know my position on that argument. That being said, we need talented experienced players on the field this year. Having to replace key positions like center, left tackle, defensive end, cornerback, and not all due to graduation or the NFL - well that doesn't leave me feeling all warm and cozy inside.
The season isn't a total loss, but we are going to have to be a heck of a lot better in certain areas to overcome this attrition, specifically playcalling. That's right McCorvey, you need to watch that first half against UK and make a mental note of the results of mixing up your playcalling.
The season isn't a total loss, but we are going to have to be a heck of a lot better in certain areas to overcome this attrition, specifically playcalling. That's right McCorvey, you need to watch that first half against UK and make a mental note of the results of mixing up your playcalling.
I'm thinking 3-9. This team is cocky because of last year and doesn't know how to handle success. We will lose to someone we shouldn't in the "should win" category like La Tech and then etiher Vandy or UK.
I'm thinking a season similar to 95.
I'm thinking a season similar to 95.
I went with the "should win six games", based on the fact that success tends to breed success. I feel like we should be at the point where we know we can win, and don't go into any particular game expecting to always lose. Plus, it's a favorable schedule. We pick off the ones we're supposed to (which we did last year for the first time in recent memory), and a couple extras, and we should be doing well.</p>
I would've had us a 7 or 8. But after the dismissals, and the pending dismissals, and watching that spring game, I've dropped off the wagon completely. 3 or 4.
Seriously, unless you're hiding from a sniper in the bushes, how stupid do you have to be to fire a gun at someone on a college campus?
Seriously, unless you're hiding from a sniper in the bushes, how stupid do you have to be to fire a gun at someone on a college campus?
No noticible offense observed. We SHOULD win at least 6, but I have seen nothing to indicate that this season couldn't turn into a disaster. </p>
I just can't see us winning 6 right now. AJ, Brown, & Hughes are critical losses in my book. We have no one to replace their production and talent level on the roster. Losing Wesley hurts depth on the DL and could bite us. But not having anyone capable of protecting our QB's blind side, no shutdown corner, and one less stud LB, keep me from seeing 6 wins now. We have 3 "should" wins on the schedule, but no SEC game is in the "should" category for me anymore, including UK & Vandy. That means we'd have to win at least 3 of the 4 toss up games on the schedule to get bowl eligible. And to continue beating the dead horse, I don't think our "offense" will be up to the task of scoring enough points to pull that many wins out of our *** this year, especially if the defensive production falls off because we lost 2 great players and 1 very solid player.
Edit: 3 of 4 toss up games b/c 2 of 3 +3 doesn't = 6. /Pythagoras moment
Edit: 3 of 4 toss up games b/c 2 of 3 +3 doesn't = 6. /Pythagoras moment
Like Storm says, we took a huge hit that we can't afford. It's all going to depend on our offense surprising us with something nearer to average SEC production. I think they may do it. I'm hoping, as usual.
It is depressing to lose the program-building advantage we got from our magical season end. But maybe we didn't lose it all. Maybe our team will stick together and stay tough. If they don't, you've got to question the effort of the coaches, because they're the first ones that need to suck it up now. The attitude that they exude can help or hurt. I hate to put that on them, being a Sly supporter. But this here is crunch time. So kick some *** or leave.
It is depressing to lose the program-building advantage we got from our magical season end. But maybe we didn't lose it all. Maybe our team will stick together and stay tough. If they don't, you've got to question the effort of the coaches, because they're the first ones that need to suck it up now. The attitude that they exude can help or hurt. I hate to put that on them, being a Sly supporter. But this here is crunch time. So kick some *** or leave.
games. Somebody should be ashamed to let our spring game turn into such a joke & even charge people to see about an hour of absolutely nothing.
...."not so good," and that's the optimistic side of me talking right now. I don't think the season will be "terrible," but I already had doubts that we'd pick up where we left off from last year before these players even got into trouble. That was because I still felt like our offense would suck, and that our defense wouldn't carry us for a 2nd straight year. Now that these players have gotten into trouble, it makes things even worse.
Optimistically, I'll say 5 wins for now. If I had some faith in Croom and McCorvey's ability to make the offense go, then I'd say 7 wins even with the player losses. This is, after all, their fifth year at the helm. They've had time to recruit and build depth, and they should be able to plug in adequate replacements by now. That's their responsibility by now. But again, I have no confidence that they'll field a competent offense, so I pretty much always saw next season as a down year anyway.
Optimistically, I'll say 5 wins for now. If I had some faith in Croom and McCorvey's ability to make the offense go, then I'd say 7 wins even with the player losses. This is, after all, their fifth year at the helm. They've had time to recruit and build depth, and they should be able to plug in adequate replacements by now. That's their responsibility by now. But again, I have no confidence that they'll field a competent offense, so I pretty much always saw next season as a down year anyway.
Obviously Brown was our best OL but I do think we have capable back ups. I don't feel that way in the line of CB. Losing Hughes and Wesley sucks as far as depth goes but I feel like we have players that can step in those shoes. If Johnson is done, we are back to either Bowser or Washington. While Washington does well on Special Teams, he was a terrible cover corner. I truly felt teams would have a real tough time throwing on us with O'Quinn at one corner and Johnson at the other with our 3 talented safeties. Now I think it will be like the beginning of last year before O'Quinn took over and they will just pick on Washington all game long. </p>
Yeah, we lost some players..BFD...at the end of the day I still think we pull off a stellar season (for us) 8-10 wins...don't ask me how, why, or against whom. It's just a gut feeling I have, and I'll stick by it until it's mathematically impossible...
Although Croom surprised me by actually winning more than 4 games last year, I doubt that he can do it again; he seems like the type that has only one good year in him. I can't see things coming together so well this year as it did last year. Hope I'm wrong.
I am cautiously optimistic at this point. I would have been optimistic before the guns came out. Here are my thoughts:
1. Offensive Line concerns: Left tackle is at risk now. I think Derek Sherrod will move to LT, and Melichar will be the starter at RT. The loss of Brown leaves the offensive tackle positions weakened with both no proven LT and a lack of depth. The Guards will be the strength. Michael Gates may wind up also playing RT. The exchange problems with the Centers and QB's seemed to have resolved.
2. We have 4 good WR's, with two very good ones in Riley and Smith, Bell and McRae are also worth Division 1A scholarships. Beyond that, we don't have much, unless a freshman plays a lot.
3. TE is inexperienced, although we have a few quality athletes at the position. Blocking will be a problem.
4. Dixon is the real deal, and will be better as a junior. Ducre' isn't far behind. Elliott and Bonner provide speed and depth.
5. FB is a question mark.
6. We will finally have depth at QB, but we are a way from having a QB that is in the top 6 in the SEC.
The offense, therefore, is not going to be appreciatively better. Carroll will execute the offense well, and should be a better passer, if we can find someone to protect his blind side. I'll wait and see on that.
On defense:
DE: Cortez McCraney and Tim Bailey will likely be the starting DE's, with Jimmie Holmes and Brandon Cooper the first line of reserves, although Wesley' dismissal may force McCraney to move back inside. This is an area where a true freshman has potential to help, because we don't have a Titus Brown to disrupt opposition backfields. Shane McCardell, Devin Jones and Trevor Stigers have the best chance to help.
DT: Jesse Bowman and Kyle Love will probably be the starters, with Lamarcus Williams the primary backup. Both Josh Jackson and Templeton Hardy could be pressed into service as true freshmen.
LB: Jamar Chaney, Dominic Douglas, and K.J. Wright will probably start at LB. Jamon Hughes status is uncertain. Our backups, therefore, will likely be freshman redshirts. Jamie Jones and Terrell Johnson are the best of the redshirts.
DB's: Before he hurt his knee and the guns got pulled, Anthony Johnson was our best CB. We still have several good ones. We will be okay at CB, and I know we have excellent safeties.
I think we will be roughly equal to last year's team in talent, but while we also got some favorable bounces last year, we have a lot of senior leadership this coming season. Last season I predicted 7-5 and a bowl win. I think it is too early to make a prediction, but forced to take a shot in the dark, I'd say 7-5 again, with the possibility of one more.
1. Offensive Line concerns: Left tackle is at risk now. I think Derek Sherrod will move to LT, and Melichar will be the starter at RT. The loss of Brown leaves the offensive tackle positions weakened with both no proven LT and a lack of depth. The Guards will be the strength. Michael Gates may wind up also playing RT. The exchange problems with the Centers and QB's seemed to have resolved.
2. We have 4 good WR's, with two very good ones in Riley and Smith, Bell and McRae are also worth Division 1A scholarships. Beyond that, we don't have much, unless a freshman plays a lot.
3. TE is inexperienced, although we have a few quality athletes at the position. Blocking will be a problem.
4. Dixon is the real deal, and will be better as a junior. Ducre' isn't far behind. Elliott and Bonner provide speed and depth.
5. FB is a question mark.
6. We will finally have depth at QB, but we are a way from having a QB that is in the top 6 in the SEC.
The offense, therefore, is not going to be appreciatively better. Carroll will execute the offense well, and should be a better passer, if we can find someone to protect his blind side. I'll wait and see on that.
On defense:
DE: Cortez McCraney and Tim Bailey will likely be the starting DE's, with Jimmie Holmes and Brandon Cooper the first line of reserves, although Wesley' dismissal may force McCraney to move back inside. This is an area where a true freshman has potential to help, because we don't have a Titus Brown to disrupt opposition backfields. Shane McCardell, Devin Jones and Trevor Stigers have the best chance to help.
DT: Jesse Bowman and Kyle Love will probably be the starters, with Lamarcus Williams the primary backup. Both Josh Jackson and Templeton Hardy could be pressed into service as true freshmen.
LB: Jamar Chaney, Dominic Douglas, and K.J. Wright will probably start at LB. Jamon Hughes status is uncertain. Our backups, therefore, will likely be freshman redshirts. Jamie Jones and Terrell Johnson are the best of the redshirts.
DB's: Before he hurt his knee and the guns got pulled, Anthony Johnson was our best CB. We still have several good ones. We will be okay at CB, and I know we have excellent safeties.
I think we will be roughly equal to last year's team in talent, but while we also got some favorable bounces last year, we have a lot of senior leadership this coming season. Last season I predicted 7-5 and a bowl win. I think it is too early to make a prediction, but forced to take a shot in the dark, I'd say 7-5 again, with the possibility of one more.
As long as Slyvester McCroomvy is running the offense I have no expectation of a winning season. I'll take it if it happens but we have a better chance of winning the CWS this year.
QB- I agree our depth is better than at any other time diring the Croom era. Mainly because of Riddell, not Lee who has no SEC experience and was a walk-on for a reason.
O-line- Don't forget about Freeman in the OT mix.
TE- Agree, but we don't throw to them anyway, so non-factor
WR- I hope Riley has put his attitude probems behind him and that Smith is more consistent. Bell and McRae are also inconsistent, so yes, Freshmen will play a BIG role. We need someone that can actually run the routes and get some separation. I think that's been part of the reason why our offense has sputtered.
RB- Dixon is good, but he's not the real deal yet. He should get better, and has some room for improvement. Ducre does not have the ceiling that Dixon does, but is a decent change of pace back. Elliott and Bonner have no SEC experience, so they're question marks.
FB- Well, the question is can Brandon Hart get his head out of his *** or not because I doubt that Hoskins will ever come back from his nerve injury. Our offense runs a whole lot smoother with Hoskins.
DL-Our d-line is pretty deep. Even if we have to play true Fr., it will likely be in a reserve role. Hopefully we can stay healthy.
LB- I'm pretty sure that Hughes will be gone, but we should be OK as long as we stay healthy. I'd like to see either DeMon Glanton or Zach Smith take Hughes spot, but it will likely be some True Fr, or KJ Wright.
DB- We return Pegues, our best player plus some experience CB's even without AJ. Again, our depth is pretty young.
ST's- Carlson won me over, McAdams not so much, and we should be OK on KR/PR with Pegues or whoever else Croom wants back there returning kicks.
But, as I said based on the practice reports, this team has let their success go to their heads, and while they have learned how to win, they have not yet learned how to handle success. I expect them to fall on their *** with an opening loss to La. Tech, beat Southeastern La. 28-21, Middle Tennessee by a FG, and Vandy, and close with a heartbreaking Egg Bowl loss where a tornado comes through Vaught-Hemingway and knocks our game winning FG down and then causes no damage. I'm going with 3-9.
O-line- Don't forget about Freeman in the OT mix.
TE- Agree, but we don't throw to them anyway, so non-factor
WR- I hope Riley has put his attitude probems behind him and that Smith is more consistent. Bell and McRae are also inconsistent, so yes, Freshmen will play a BIG role. We need someone that can actually run the routes and get some separation. I think that's been part of the reason why our offense has sputtered.
RB- Dixon is good, but he's not the real deal yet. He should get better, and has some room for improvement. Ducre does not have the ceiling that Dixon does, but is a decent change of pace back. Elliott and Bonner have no SEC experience, so they're question marks.
FB- Well, the question is can Brandon Hart get his head out of his *** or not because I doubt that Hoskins will ever come back from his nerve injury. Our offense runs a whole lot smoother with Hoskins.
DL-Our d-line is pretty deep. Even if we have to play true Fr., it will likely be in a reserve role. Hopefully we can stay healthy.
LB- I'm pretty sure that Hughes will be gone, but we should be OK as long as we stay healthy. I'd like to see either DeMon Glanton or Zach Smith take Hughes spot, but it will likely be some True Fr, or KJ Wright.
DB- We return Pegues, our best player plus some experience CB's even without AJ. Again, our depth is pretty young.
ST's- Carlson won me over, McAdams not so much, and we should be OK on KR/PR with Pegues or whoever else Croom wants back there returning kicks.
But, as I said based on the practice reports, this team has let their success go to their heads, and while they have learned how to win, they have not yet learned how to handle success. I expect them to fall on their *** with an opening loss to La. Tech, beat Southeastern La. 28-21, Middle Tennessee by a FG, and Vandy, and close with a heartbreaking Egg Bowl loss where a tornado comes through Vaught-Hemingway and knocks our game winning FG down and then causes no damage. I'm going with 3-9.
.....why we'll have a bad season, so in that sense I agree with you. The reason why I'm predicting a losing record is because I have no confidence in our offense, which will need to pick up a lot of slack this year for the likelihood that the defense won't carry us again.</p>
God knows I hope you're right about 8-10 wins though.</p>
God knows I hope you're right about 8-10 wins though.</p>
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