Are we for real...

[mattegunz]

I think that this was a valid question to ask, and the answer will be given in the next couple of weeks.  So far, we have played well enough to win, but we haven't played like a good team.  A good team would have trounced both mcneese and fiu, and beaten UCF by a larger margin than we did.   However, I have seen bright spots.  The team has improved in each of the games and we actually can complete passes.

There are 2 areas we are lacking in so far.

1.  The only area of the team that has not improved is the punt team, as a whole they have underachieved this year to put it nicely.  Some will argue that it has only been 1 or 2 plays in each game, but isn't 1 or 2 plays often the difference between a W or a L.

2.  I feel that both sides of the line have improved each game, but really need to step it up more in the coming weeks.  If we can tighten up these units, then we will be a pretty good team.  If we can't, then the good teams will run it down our throats on D and put # 8 on his can because our O is 1-dimensional.  The game is won in the trenches and this is was separates the good teams from the poor teams.    

[Bullpride08]

Bien-- I agree with much of what you wrote. I would caution that those stat-related items/rankings were against 2 or 3 marginal teams. If they can maintain those type of numbers long term, ok-- they are really that good.

Well--- I have no doubt in my mind that Randolph is that good actually. Grothe-- **** good and getting better each game. The defense-- good but underperforming in certain areas. We need to stop that third and long play-- that seems to be an achilles heel for USF. Also, our pass rush needs to get more pressure on the QB more consistently. It's good-- but it needs to be better

The one thing not mentioned is how banged up we are on the interior DL. That concerns me greatly heading into Kansas against those ginormous OL of theirs. Usually I'm thinking-- "You can't run on USF". We saw that UCF could run on us-- not sure why exactly since the previous year we stopped their running game dead in it's tracks (and they reverted to passing the entire second half).

So I'm concerned about this game. I will take a win-- I don't care how we get it done but we've got to get it done.

I understand about the stats but don't be so quick to discount.  Remember punt returns is one of the toughest things to do in football.  I've seen amazing WR's unable to get 10 yards a return just because it takes an innate trait.  I look at Ean Randolph and what he's doing is amazing it doesn't matter if it's against McNeese or Miami a punt return is the most chaotic and equalizing things on the football field.

As for the rest of your assertions I agree completely.  Grothe is going to be good because of his decision making and poise.  I must say I was a bit of a doubter, mainly thought Matt was going to be good but in 2-3 years.  What I've found out is Matt's a PTP'er (Prime Time Player).  In practice sure Pat's arm strength and size probably out shone him at times, and during controlled scrimmages it's hard to outshine a senior, but during a game what we've found out about Matt is he's a gamer.  He sees the entire field, he looks for an open man, and inside of 20 yards he's adept at laying the ball out perfectly for the receiver to catch, and get yards after the catch.  His decision making, his poise, and leadership are obvious.  For once, it's not all about athleticism, oh and I've found out his footwork is better than most had thought.

I agree our defense is still soft on certain areas but I find solace again in the youth.  We're not surrendering big plays as our corners and safeties have been lock down.  We need a bit more pressure, we're getting it, and we get some amazing glimpses, but a lot of that has to do with youth...all I ask many of you is can you imagine 2008 when Chris Robinson, Buie, julmiste, and Selvie will all be seniors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111    Although, in the meantime there's some growing pains.  I saw a play where Robinson absolutely got pancaked, he just wasn't use to the physicalness of the DL, but then a few plays later he used an amazing burst and his speed to get around the OT, and force Moffett to scramble away for a no gain run.  Oddly, I do think the LB's need to get back to playing within themselves.  I've seen some sensational plays from Moffett, Nicholas, and St. Louis, but also surprisingly some missed plays....some of that comes wiht them getting comfortable with what to expect from these new DL players.  On defense I think we're going to improve especially if Josh Julmiste returns.

[Bullpride08]

I think that this was a valid question to ask, and the answer will be given in the next couple of weeks.  So far, we have played well enough to win, but we haven't played like a good team.  A good team would have trounced both mcneese and fiu, and beaten UCF by a larger margin than we did.   However, I have seen bright spots.  The team has improved in each of the games and we actually can complete passes.

There are 2 areas we are lacking in so far.

1.  The only area of the team that has not improved is the punt team, as a whole they have underachieved this year to put it nicely.  Some will argue that it has only been 1 or 2 plays in each game, but isn't 1 or 2 plays often the difference between a W or a L.

2.  I feel that both sides of the line have improved each game, but really need to step it up more in the coming weeks.  If we can tighten up these units, then we will be a pretty good team.  If we can't, then the good teams will run it down our throats on D and put # 8 on his can because our O is 1-dimensional.  The game is won in the trenches and this is was separates the good teams from the poor teams.    

I agree completely Matt....Amazingly #1 our punt team has cost us more touchdowns than OUR DEFENSE!  That's unbelievable, our punt team has given up 3 TD's, and that fact will not be lost on our future competition so we must improve this area exponentially.

I agree with #2, the positive is the tools are all there, the slight negative is I get the feeling the staffs are still trying to get comfortable with their combinations.  We now go 10 deep along the OL, as the staff is rapidly getting comfortable with amazing freshman Hermmann...but they're still deciding on the best possible combination.  They gave up a few sacks against UCF, and need to tighten up a bit, and work on the run blocking.  I realize that if this offense continues to throw like it does, and Grothe has success running that we don't need Andre Hall back there, but our OL is dealing with some average RB's so they've got to step it up a bit more to open bigger holes and sustain blocks.  It will only help them when we finally get a quality runner back there.

On the DL the same thing, but Clebert when healthy is amazing.  Cray's playing better than he's ever played.  Tavarious Robinson would have been enormously valuable this year.  Riley has just started getting minutes, same with Saosi, hopefully both can improve and provide rest and less pressure on Clebert, Cray, and George.

[Bullpride08]

they will, as long as no one else gets hurt.

You can't really tell what will happen over the course of a season. You can guess and hope-- but you can never be sure.

Ponton-- while a good option-- is still not a proven option. He is an upgrade but can he be Andre or near Andre Hall-like?

Julmiste-- he'll make some serious impact immediately. Not only from an experience level but from an explosiveness level. Here's the thing though-- our ends have been doing a pretty decent job in his absence. It will be a bump and it's always good to have depth.

Chambers has the least impact, IMO. We are deep at receiver. Deep at return specialist (Ean is better that Jackie). So he is nice to have but not going to change much about our makeup.

I'll tell you this much-- the guys we have in there are busting their asses to win games. In the end-- that's all we can really ask for from a bunch of 18-23 year olds isn't it?

Ponton is no Andre Hall, but he's light years ahead of Walt Smith, and Ben Williams.  

Julmiste brings more than just skill, he's experienced and he's got a very fiery and infectious attitude, much like Terrence Royal.  When Julmiste starts talking and getting animated you'll see the defense respond.  He spent two years getting tutored by Royal on the position and how to be the emotional leader.  His return will help emormously in this area.

Chambers is valuable.  He's a sure handed receiver, he runs great routes...Colby Erskin caught a pass against UCF.  Chambers would be playing that slot otherwise.  With Hester deciding to RS Chambers value is amplified again.

All three would have an immediate impact.  Clearly the biggest would be Ponton because of the talent differential from him and the current starters ahead of him.  The other two we could survive without, but their returns will bring value not only on the field but also off because all three were known as emotional leaders for this team.

[MikeG]

You repeated most of what I said almost verbatim. What was the point of that?

[Bullpride08]

You repeated most of what I said almost verbatim. What was the point of that?

Only about Ponton...whereas I also do not agree he's unproven.  Rushed for nearly 100 times last season.  He's the only 'proven' thing we had in our rushing attack coming back.

I also didn't agree with your position on Julmiste and Chambers, maybe I should have said it like that.  Both guys are needed and would be valauble and no one playing at their respective positions are not irreplaceable and both provide leadership skills also not present with starters currently at their respective positions.  Their returns will be more than a 'bump' in my book.  I was just trying to throw a bit more stuff on top of the good stuff you provided that's all.  

[MikeG]

"serious immediate impact" +"Not only from an experience level but from an explosiveness level." EQUALS  "he's experienced and he's got a very fiery and infectious attitude"

Also-- the comment about Erskin on the fluke chance that he was in the slot (moved up from the tailback position for one play) and comparing him to Chambers impact is questionable.

I'm not trying to nitpick but you did repeat alot of what I just said-- more or less. As for Ponton- I didn't say he wasn't experienced. I said we don't know for certain if he can be as impactful as Andre Hall (doubtful-- huge shoes to fill). I would love it if he could fill those shoes though-- that would be amazing. I know he has the physical ability-- I just hope he can bring that through in the game for 4 quarters.

[Bullpride08]

"serious immediate impact" +"Not only from an experience level but from an explosiveness level." EQUALS  "he's experienced and he's got a very fiery and infectious attitude"

Also-- the comment about Erskin on the fluke chance that he was in the slot (moved up from the tailback position for one play) and comparing him to Chambers impact is questionable.

I'm not trying to nitpick but you did repeat alot of what I just said-- more or less. As for Ponton- I didn't say he wasn't experienced. I said we don't know for certain if he can be as impactful as Andre Hall (doubtful-- huge shoes to fill). I would love it if he could fill those shoes though-- that would be amazing. I know he has the physical ability-- I just hope he can bring that through in the game for 4 quarters.

OK, OK great minds think alike?

[smazza]

I believe Kansas did win their bowl game last season. Their coach has done a good job at building something at Kansas.

the beat houston in fort worth bowl 42-13

kansas is a test for usf

a loss doesnt mean usf cant greatly improve

[smazza]

I think that this was a valid question to ask, and the answer will be given in the next couple of weeks.  So far, we have played well enough to win, but we haven't played like a good team.  A good team would have trounced both mcneese and fiu, and beaten UCF by a larger margin than we did.   However, I have seen bright spots.  The team has improved in each of the games and we actually can complete passes.

There are 2 areas we are lacking in so far.

1.  The only area of the team that has not improved is the punt team, as a whole they have underachieved this year to put it nicely.  Some will argue that it has only been 1 or 2 plays in each game, but isn't 1 or 2 plays often the difference between a W or a L.

2.  I feel that both sides of the line have improved each game, but really need to step it up more in the coming weeks.  If we can tighten up these units, then we will be a pretty good team.  If we can't, then the good teams will run it down our throats on D and put # 8 on his can because our O is 1-dimensional.  The game is won in the trenches and this is was separates the good teams from the poor teams.    

disagree

both lines are playing poorly