USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll - App #48

[BeauFoster]

My assumption is that, based solely on last year’s results, there are many voters who are not sold on Coach Clark. They looked at the record and the losses and decided they aren’t sure if he can get it done. If he doesn’t get it done this season, there’s a chance they’re right (depending on a multitude of factors).

I really hope that we don’t become a fan base that loses their spit over a couple of 9-3 seasons.

Theres obviously a ton more to it than just a record. But there will be portions of the fan base that will not look further than that and will have the for sale signs at the ready should the day come.

My point was more about laziness or at least trepidation on the part of voters - they aren’t sure yet. They won’t take the time to factor in everything that lead to our record last season (which wasn’t bad, considering all factors).

And to anyone that says preseason rankings don’t matter…again…it matters a ton if we have NY6 or (at some point when playoff expansion happens) playoff aspirations. It’s going to be nearly impossible to get into that position from a very low starting point. The higher we start, the quicker we can climb because there are fewer obstacles in the way.

[AppSt94]

My assumption is that, based solely on last year’s results, there are many voters who are not sold on Coach Clark. They looked at the record and the losses and decided they aren’t sure if he can get it done. If he doesn’t get it done this season, there’s a chance they’re right (depending on a multitude of factors).

I really hope that we don’t become a fan base that loses their spit over a couple of 9-3 seasons.

Theres obviously a ton more to it than just a record. But there will be portions of the fan base that will not look further than that and will have the for sale signs at the ready should the day come.

My point was more about laziness or at least trepidation on the part of voters - they aren’t sure yet. They won’t take the time to factor in everything that lead to our record last season (which wasn’t bad, considering all factors).

And to anyone that says preseason rankings don’t matter…again…it matters a ton if we have NY6 or (at some point when playoff expansion happens) playoff aspirations. It’s going to be nearly impossible to get into that position from a very low starting point. The higher we start, the quicker we can climb because there are fewer obstacles in the way.

Yes, there are delusional fans in all groups. As for your rationale, I get the premise, but reject the conclusion. It’s a preseason poll. I can’t imagine much thought goes into at all. If anything, they looked at our record, saw new QB, new OL and that we are playing all three of the teams that beat us. What is more probable is that they looked at preseason predictions and felt like the third best team in the Sun Belt isn’t good enough to warrant a 25th place vote. I am shocked that Ethan didn’t give us one seeing as he sees first hand what we are doing. It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. Win the Sun Belt and you put your name in the conversation with 4 other teams. Go undefeated, which is a tall order, and you compare resumes. If three wins over Top 20 teams, two on the road isn’t enough, you tip your cap and pack for a bowl game.

[t4pizza]

We already are that fanbase and have been for some time now. We are loaded this year and there is no way we should finish 9-3, if we do then we should lose our spit. Now, next year, after we loose a ton of super seniors and senior and all the production that goes out the door with them, it will not be the same expectations and 9-3 might very well be an excellent record considering what we lose.

[Black Saturday]

Isn't everyone else on par with Super Seniors and traditonal seniors? Yes we are going to lose these guys and so will everyone else.

I've bought into the hype of outstanding recruiting classes year after year, is this not so? Have our signing day superstars not panned out yet?

[t4pizza]

Sure we have signed some studs, but it is really hard to replace the experience that comes with being a starter for 3,4 and even 5 years with some of these guys. I just think expectations will be understandably lower next year than they are for this year.

[AppSt94]

Sure we have signed some studs, but it is really hard to replace the experience that comes with being a starter for 3,4 and even 5 years with some of these guys. I just think expectations will be understandably lower next year than they are for this year.

I hope that they are.

[Yosef84]

Isn't everyone else on par with Super Seniors and traditonal seniors? Yes we are going to lose these guys and so will everyone else.

I've bought into the hype of outstanding recruiting classes year after year, is this not so? Have our signing day superstars not panned out yet?

I think this is a valid point Our competitors are all losing a bunch of super seniors as well. We have a lot of talent in the wings and I think we're going to be just fine. Sure, there will be adjustments when we lose all that experience, but hopefully we can get the young guys some reps this year so we aren't starting from scratch. The injuries last year actually help because we've used some of those WRs already. Everyone goes through transition years. We will be fine.

[BambooRdApp]

In looking at schedule, ULL plays Texas in first game of season. New coach, new starting QB...could be prime opportunity for ULL to win. If they win that game, should be undefeated when App St rolls into town. Be nice to beat an undefeated team in October.

[AppSt94]

#beatEZU

[BambooRdApp]

The Appalachian says we're stacked.at the skill positions.
Always appreciated the school newspaper when in grad. And literary style is unmatched. Have not heard the use "plethora" in a while...made infamous by The Three Amigos ( an Oscar Award worthy film).

[mike87]

A plethora of Pinatas.

[AtlAppMan]

I thought this might be the best spot to post this. ESPN released their worst FBS teams list. At the top (or bottom as it may) of the list is Kansas. I believe our friends from Conway are playing them again. I know they should get a W but this does not have the same gravitas as a Miami or Texas. These guys would not even schedule us, I bet. What they are saying is Kansas is the worst team in FBS - P5/G5 everybody.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/s ... k-bad-ever

[BeauFoster]

It’s hard to argue with any of those teams being absolutely terrible, but it seems that New Mexico State may be even worse than Kansas. Either way, a CCU win over KU will hold absolutely no gravitas with voters, except if they underperform. It’s essentially an FCS game for them, in terms of competition.

[Yosef84]

A CCU LOSS to Kansas would be devastating! It has basically become a no-win P5 game scenario. That's a new one.