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Topic: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Topic: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

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Paul Graham
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The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/5/2011 4:19:33 PM

I've read several takes on the game here at BA where some are disappointed with certain aspects of our performance Saturday. The defensive backfield played poorly in the 4'th quarter, the hurry up wasn't fast enough, Tyler forced some passes, etc...

While everyone is generally positive I think that it's important to remember that a win is a win and we just traveled a very long distance and beat another (albeit terrible) FBS team in their stadium on opening day, easily.

I fully expect this team to get better every year for the next few years and I think most on this board would agree with me. That being said, I would hate for us to become a bunch of A&M or Florida-ish fans that aren't satisfied unless they beat the living crap out of their lesser opponents.

I think with a new offense and a new quarterback, we exceeded expectations.

Pataskala
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/5/2011 5:50:26 PM

They did beat the crap out of the Aggies, although NMSU had an opportunity to make it really close in the 4th Q, but didn't show any urgency in the last 9 minutes. I was pleased with the overall showing, especially the offense; I expected a 23-10 game but that was almost the score at halftime. And it was good to see the D put pressure on the QB, which didn't happen much last year. Still, there's the realization that there's a need for improvement because there are better teams coming up soon on the schedule; although the Terd looked bad, some of that could be because of a very good WVU team, and Rutgers looked like they did a few years ago, albeit against a 1AA school. I'm hoping for a similar or even better result against G-W this week, not from a desire to pound all opponents but because I'd like the team to stay focused on this week's game and not look ahead to the Terd.

We will get by.
We will get by.
We will get by.
We will survive.

Athens Block
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/5/2011 6:32:46 PM

I was getting ready to write basically the same exact post.

We've come a long way in the last few years....

in 2008 we would have lost this game (We did... Wyoming was terrible that year, and we found a way to lose...)

In 2009 we may have won, but we would have done everything we could to lose (North Texas was awful... we had no business going into OT)

In 2010 we didn't really have any long road trips early in the season..

In 2011 we finally found a way to get over the hump in these games and put them away....

I've read a bunch about people being concerned that we "let them hang around"... we didn't let them hang around at all... 44-10 is not letting anyone hang around... we got lots of separation, that's why the two late TDs didn't really matter... in years past, we would have only been up by 1 score and probably would have lost the game...

I'm THRILLED with the way we played...

Also... for those questioning Tyler's decision making... I guess we were just watching different games.... I loved his play... he threw a pick.. that's going to happen, he's not Tom Brady... BUT.. he corrected his mistakes and quickly took over... I liked Boo and Theo, but let's be honest... they weren't exactly the best decision makers out there.... I think we've improved remarkably in the QB department this year... We have plenty of playmakers on the Offense.. he just needs to manage it... and I couldn't be happier with his play...

I'm also not worried about the D giving up the las two TDs... they just travelled across the country,=.. had a sizeable lead and probably slacked off a little late in the game... I wish they hadn't, but I understand... I highly doubt we'll see that in Conference or against Marshall/Rutgers...

All in all.. I couldn't be happier with game 1, and can't wait for game 2!

Diamond Cat
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/5/2011 8:28:03 PM

+2

I watched the game for the second time today and was impressed with many things.

They scored their last TD with 14:42 left in the 4th quarter. From there, we did what we needed to do.

Also noticed Carpenter in there making some plays and many other surprises such as Barber.

I am not sure why Blankenship did not show up again and I sure hope Noah and Jones are OK.

Doc Bobcat
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/5/2011 9:44:53 PM

Diamond Cat wrote:

+2

I watched the game for the second time today and was impressed with many things.

They scored their last TD with 14:42 left in the 4th quarter. From there, we did what we needed to do.

Also noticed Carpenter in there making some plays and many other surprises such as Barber.

I am not sure why Blankenship did not show up again and I sure hope Noah and Jones are OK.

Of course some would say out safeties sucked.

Let's look at these givens:

(1) The 3 safeties that played most of the game (Hughes-Carpenter-Moore) consist of 2 who have just about zero experience and one who missed last year.

(2) Tettleton is one of the few D1 QB's in college this year with about zero experience.

(3) Long trip.....high altitude.

(4) NMSU has some athletes....guys with some speed and a QB who can throw.

(5) Former Can't State Coach Martin knew what to expect.

(6) Our best defensive player (Keller) sits for much of the game.

I'll stop there...but you get the picture.

Monroe Slavin
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/5/2011 10:56:29 PM

Maybe. But i for one posted some specific criticisms (see elsewhere; no point to re-hash here). My two points here are 1) that there were a couple of things that were The Same Old Mistakes which will hurt us against good teams (which NMSU prob isn't..want to see how they do from here on out) and 2) we need to crush the weak oppo, to show that we are serious and, most importantly, to grab the casual Bobcat fan (those not found on this board) by proving that we are legit from day one. Starting 1-3 or 2-4 is no longer acceptable. It's time for the broader Bobcat fanbase to have their heads turned and to get excited. 44-24 was okay. 44-17 (or better) woulda been a lot nicer.

One more gripe that I haven't mentioned yet: Go under center when we're w/in 2-3 yardsof the goal line. I just don't get starting our qb and rb so deep, so far back--espec at goal line. A good d. will make us pay for that. Need to have 'under center' in our arsenal.

Where's the band?!
WHERE"S THE BAND?!

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PutnamField
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/6/2011 12:55:38 AM

Great title for a thread.

Can't read too much into this performance. They took care of business, and everything's still on track. In other words, nice job. If you can duplicate that yards-per-carry and d-line pressure against Marshall/MAC level competition, we're in business. Against Rutgers? Well, let's wait and see what happens.

As Doc Bobcat mentioned, the secondary is getting its sea legs and adjustments are expected.

Minor issues aside, it's been great to see the special teams become a strength for this team. It was right before Michael Braunstein came to town, I believe, that the Cats were only able to capitalize on (some) field goals from within the 20-yard line.

The WATH sports gabbers (don't think too many on this board probably tune in to this locally-broadcast AM radio show, but oh well) were definitely slipping down the slope/drinking the Kool-Aid tonight. I'm all for optimism about this year, but what was irksome was that they acted like Ohio had arrived now that the Aggies had been dispatched and that the Wilderness Campaign in this program lasted forever between the Cleve Bryant era and Solich's arrival. As far as they were aware, the good 1990s Grobe teams that could truly hang with Kansas State in Manhattan would have no chance of winning in Las Cruces. It was ridiculous, but whatever.

Football Jim
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/6/2011 1:39:51 AM

Athens Block wrote:

I agree with most of this post. But wanted to say that Ohio outplayed Wyoming and was clearly more athletic. There were way too many defensive breakdowns that allowed the Cowboys to have too many big plays.
Overall the team looked very good other than the mental errors.

The North Texas game was played in horrible conditions and the officiating was horrible. In the second half the Bobcats were called for phantom pass interference penalties that kept UNT in the game. I do agree that Ohio should have dominated but struggled.

Now to the present, I am just thrilled to have such a long road trip end so well. I have visited the UNMS boards and they were impressed by the Bobcats. I kind of feel sorry for their fan base as they have suffered way too many losing seasons.

I am confident that the coaching staff and players are going to stay grounded and determined as the season unfolds.

Hanging in there!

GO BOBCATS!

Bobcat36
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/6/2011 9:01:56 AM

Athens Block wrote:

+3

Couldn't be happier with the team's performance with the exception of that kick return. Half this board was worried about it being a squeaker. Many were concerned about the D Line...I don't care who you're playing...When you hold an FBS team to 6 yards rushing the first game after graduating your entire starting line, you've accomplished something. This team is the first major indication of Coach Solich's long term impact on Ohio's program!

The only thing that concerns me is that the staff may be giving Noah a little too much leeway. He was already limping a little bit before he came out. We all know he'll do anything to be in there but I would think even he would admit he'd much rather be available for The Terd, Rutgers and our conference schedule. Here's hoping he rests against GW...

Outstanding effort and execution Bobcats!

One game at a time...

Last Edited: 9/6/2011 9:35:58 AM by Bobcat36

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Deciduous Forest Cat
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/6/2011 9:15:16 AM

I don't think expectations are too out of line on this board so far. I expected a close game, and was thrilled that we put it away early. I think most people have chosen a few nits to pick, but overall are very positive after this opener. If I saw a lot of ranting and raving, I might be concerned.

TWT
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/6/2011 9:29:14 AM

This program in 2005 had nothing offensively and needed a Hail Mary type play by Dion Byrum to win against Pittsburgh. In 2006 the defense played phenomenal and it was just enough to when the division. I sensed a real shift in the program from a talent perspective in 2007, The team just played differently. There was actually a legit passing offense for the first time and this marked the beginning of a continuous stream of quality receivers to show up in the program. Receivers who would catch the ball whether open or in traffic. Ohio missed a division title by only 1 game in 2007. In 2008 the Bobcats had a record of 4-8 with on a tough MAC schedule. The cats lost 4 games by less than 4 points including only by 3 at home against Central Michigan. The team wasn't as bad as the record indicated. 2009 was year 5 of the Solich rebuilding plan and not only did the team display talent on the offensive side of the ball it starting winning with depth. Contending in the MAC is no longer an issue. Solich is trying this year to put the finishing touches on a MAC Championship team. He knows he has more talent than most of the MAC programs.

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

TWT
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/6/2011 9:49:56 AM

Paul Graham wrote:

I fully expect this team to get better every year for the next few years and I think most on this board would agree with me.

I believe the program is pretty much built already. The only way this program can make a leap forward like Boise State is to start winning regularly against BCS opponents and running undefeated through the MAC. So far Frank hasn't put the kind of offense in to make one think its possible. I would be happy to see Ohio win a MAC Championship under Frank to get that monkey off our back before he retires. Northern Illinois looks like the MAC program most capable of a future Boise run after averaging 38ppg in 2010 and winning its bowl game by 23 over Fresno State. Nevertheless, I can't imagine the Ohio program returning to the wilderness again.

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

Monroe Slavin
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/6/2011 10:10:30 AM

Agree that we're building. Can't you see the depth?

In the same way, it was pretty clear that NMSU was pretty weak. The previews said their d-line was weak (injuries or inexperience). They had no chance. I'm serious that I tried to get $400 down on the "Cats, giving the seven points. That was one of the easiest lines ever. For a 'small' program like ours, the Vegas oddsmakers just don't know for the first few games.

Given my certainty that we'd win, I wanted to see how dominant we'd be, how our depth would play. We gave up too many big plays.

Must say that except for their long run before their first td, our run defense was very good. Can't hardly remember NMSU trying a run after mid-Q3. Knowing that they were passing on about every down, we gave them too many open receivers. Their pass defense seemed more often more locked on than ours did--though I'm sure we played our 2nd and 3rd lines a lot.

Ryan Carey
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/6/2011 10:28:21 AM

I watched the FSN replay last night and that one long run they had early was a result of 2 of our defensive players taking each other out. It looked like one of the linemen was in position to make the tackle when a linebacker plowed him over.

It also seemed as if many of their long pass plays were the result of poor tackling by the corners and safeties. We were in the prevent and needed to make those tackles which were in front of us. Only a couple of the long pass plays were a result of the secondary getting beat.

And on that note, NMSU's Rogers is a very good WR and was one of the best kick returners in all of NCAA last year.

NFLDraftScout.com wrote:

09/05/11 - WAC WEEK 1 SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: New Mexico State kick returner Taveon Rogers, a senior from Lancaster, Calif. (Lancaster HS), returned four kickoffs for 177 yards in New Mexico State's game against Ohio. He had his first return for a touchdown in the third quarter that went for a career-long 97 yards. Rogers had a total of 259 all-purpose yards in the game as he also caught five passes for 92 yards and another touchdown. Other special teams nominations included: freshman offensive lineman Cody Wichmann, Fresno State; sophomore safety Trey Williams, Idaho; junior kick returner Lyle Fitte, Louisiana Tech; and sophomore placekicker Josh Thompson, Utah State. - WAC football

07/10/11 - PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2011: WR Taveon Rogers - The track star went from unheralded junior college recruit to one of the WAC's best kick returners in the first half of 2010. By the end of the year, he was a dangerous weapon in the NMSU offense. As he continues to learn how to get his kick return skills to translate on offense, and as the offensive coaching staff learns to integrate him into the offensive game plan, Rogers could develop into one of the best all-around players in the WAC in 2011. - The Sports Xchange

12/07/10 - 2010 ALL-WAC FOOTBALL SECOND TEAM: ST-Taveon Rogers, Jr., New Mexico State, has been selected All-WAC Second Team for the 2010 college football season as selected by the WAC’s nine head coaches. Rogers, a native of Lancaster, Calif., finished the season with 1,410 kick return yards on 52 attempts, setting a new school record in both categories. He currently ranks in the top-5 in kick return yardage, kick return attempts and kick return average for a career at NM State as well. Rogers also caught 18 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns, while leading the team in all-purpose yards with 145.2 yards per game. "It's nice to have been recognized by the conference coaches as one of the top players in the league and I'm honored to be named an All-WAC member," Rogers said. "Obviously I would have liked to have made first team but this just gives me motivation for next season to try harder and prove that I'm worthy of the top honor." "One thing we wanted to do coming into this season was improve our special teams and Taveon was the answer for us this season," Walker said. "We knew he could run and had the ability to make plays. For him to come in his first year and make an impact, break some records and become not only one of the best returners in the conference but in the country is a big accomplishment. We hope to see him continue to add to this success next season." - New Mexico State football

11/22/10 - GAME BALL GOES TO: WR Taveon Rogers' emergence since midseason continues. Rogers was about the only viable offensive threat Saturday at Nevada. He had four receptions for 94 yards, one rush for 12 yards and had 110 kick return yards for a game-high 216 all-purpose yards. - The Sports Xchange

11/22/10 - LOOKING GOOD: Junior WR Taveon Rogers continues to expand his role from kick return specialist to arguably New Mexico State's best offensive weapon, especially now that RB Kenny Turner is done for the year with a knee injury. Rogers had a game-high 216 all-purpose yards Saturday at Nevada (110 kick return, 94 receiving and 12 rushing), ranking him third in WAC games in all-purpose yardage. True freshman QB Andrew Manley was OK in his third career start. Considering the type of pressure he was facing against a very good Nevada defense, his 220 passing yards was impressive. K Tyler Stampler continues to be one of the WAC's best, despite a first-quarter miss from 46 yards out. - The Sports Xchange

Ryan M. Carey
BBA 2001

Cats-22
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations

Posted: 9/6/2011 10:30:01 AM

Monroe Slavin wrote:

In the same way, it was pretty clear that NMSU was pretty weak. The previews said their d-line was weak (injuries or inexperience). They had no chance. I'm serious that I tried to get $400 down on the "Cats, giving the seven points. That was one of the easiest lines ever. For a 'small' program like ours, the Vegas oddsmakers just don't know for the first few games.

Just for reference, NMSU is a 20-point dog at Minnesota. UM looks decent this year hanging within two of a good but not elite USC squad last week. So, that's a slight vote in favor of NMSU being halfway okay.

Personally, I think NMSU has a fairly legit passing game, but I'm not sure about their D. I know when I saw Bates, Harden, Brazill, and (especially) Travis Carrie running with the ball they looked like they had a whole different level of speed vs. any of NMSU's guys.

Last Edited: 9/6/2011 10:35:25 AM by Cats-22

Turney13
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RE: The Slippery Slope of Expectations (NT)

Posted: 9/6/2011 1:41:30 PM

Turney Duff
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