"Culture"

[BeauFoster]

Erk Russell wore shorts and a polo in the snow in Boone one time and got a hole stomped in his ass.

Seriously, what does the coach wearing a parka have to do with coaching? I swear our fan base would find a way to complain about the color of the hats our players wore after winning the BCS Championship.

[Yosefus]

Non issue. GaSo played in same conditions as us.

[bigdaddyg]

I’ve got a “culture “ issue for you guys. My high school son, who wants to come to App went down and sat in the student section during the second half. He said several of our students were riding XS (punter) mercilessly calling him names, cursing him, etc. If he heard any of that crap is unknown. My son said he couldn’t believe it. I know that lots of the behavior in that section is the nature of being 18-22, filled with alcohol and generally being idiots but still.

Maybe it was just me but it seemed like we had almost no piped music the first half and the band played far more. By the middle of the third quarter the entire atmosphere went to hell. The piped music started, the stupid crap to include the Halloween music was played and we went down 24-7. During all of that the mass exodus had begun. All the while I’m thinking, we are still ranked number 20, can make a comeback but who would remain to see it? I really thought that most of the students could care less. If they give shit to one of our players trying to punt in those conditions what else are they saying?

I also looked at the huge beautiful building going up in the end zone and thought, are we spending millions of dollars for a larger facility that will look even emptier on game days because this mess will certainly continue? Just because the place looks better are our “fans” going to act better? I can fully understand not being able to attend a Thursday night game due to work and school and I wish we could just play on Saturday but $ dictates. But damnit if you make the trip stay and support and watch the entire game!

I don’t think we can “fix” the culture. I attended a few games back in the FCS days when the announced crowd was at or near 30K. That was against CCU and Wofford. Times have changed and there probably is no going back.

[WASU 93]

No issues.

Typically, the defense doesn’t watch the offense and the offense doesn’t watch the defense on most teams. They are resting and being coached back in the bench area.

[appdaze]

Did someone just say something about bad weather benefiting us?

A little reminder about how untrue that is.

[WVAPPeer]

No

Eloquently said.

Clothing? Really?

Anyone ever check out Belichek's wardrobe

[AppSt94]

Holy Jesus! You guys do realize that we are 7-1 right?

[GoBoone]

Vince Lombardi wore a trench coat

[WASU 93]

Did someone just say something about bad weather benefiting us?

A little reminder about how untrue that is.

#14 was clutch. There was always a chance for a victory.

Also, the Montana crowd was incredible in that ball game.

[WVAPPeer]

Non issue. GaSo played in same conditions as us.

In reality you are absolutely correct but there is a factor that must be weighed - the winds up to 40 mph and going across the field really did have an affect on our passing game - GaSo doesn't pass so the wind is really no problem for them - Now their kicking game suffered with the wind just as ours did - Saying all of that, I am not implying that the weather cost us the game. No excuse for losing the game - BUT, weather doesn't always affect both teams the same ---

[App91]

Anyone else bothered by the HC dressed in a parka on the sideline? Or our players huddled around heaters without a clue as to what is happening on the field. Anyone who has been around any sort of championship culture will tell you that ELITE teams are able to focus and execute no matter the elements. It is a mindset and I think one that hopefully our new HC will learn to adapt. Southern looked more acclimated and ready for the weather than the Neers did. Drink signed up to coach in Boone, any alum or player will tell you it is absolutely brutal in the fall after sunset, but this is to your advantage, this has to be your culture. I really dont want to be the one to call out a coach for his choice of clothing but the elements have long been one of the things that separated our culture from the rest. Pretty tone deaf from the HC, and looks like the players followed suit. Lack of focus and execution from the get go.

Im with you we looked li,e a ga state team who couldnt take the cold. Too much indoor facility. Haloween make up on the side line. Just too soft and "cool". This wS the most embarassing part. Damn, we live and play in Boone!

[WVAPPeer]

Sorry my friend - I have NEVER seen a team "freeze" like Ga State did - that game was over before it started - their offense would go out and run 3 plays and sprint back to the heaters -

[appstatealum]

The band's choice of music was just as bad as the piped in music. Some of the piped in songs get the players and student section really hype, some are just poor choices. There is definitely a need for a better Gameday production team, from start to finish. The "we will rock you", the slow songs when we need hype songs, the bands slow songs when we need fight songs..... It's all been pretty shotty to date.