First game: ETSU

[Rick83]

I've enjoyed this FCS loss analysis, I wonder now how many P5 wins the SBC teams have had since 2013? Really annoyed that we won't be able to count our 3 close losses....

[John-N-Houston]

I, like many, am really looking forward to UNC/USC games, but I am absolutely certain that Coach Drink and staff have the players convinced that ETSU is the best team this side of Clemson/Tide!

[NattyBumppo'sRevenge]

We've also discovered that the SunBelt loses 1.4 games a year to FCS over the past 5 years (if not making concessions to transition years). We should make predictions on which SunBelt team is most likely to lose to an FCS this year. My money is on #19 Furple against Georgia State. But could also see #12 Nicholls State beating Texas State. Georgia Southern has #7 Maine, but have a hard time seeing an FCS team being able to stop that gimicky offense. Of course, gimicky offenses are often a trait of FCS teams, so maybe they are built to stop it.

[Rick83]

I'm going to go out on a limb and bet that the Sun Belt continues the 2018 record and drops no games to FCS...

[Black Saturday]

APP favored by 32.5

http://www.espn.com/college-football/lines

[t4pizza]

That should be an easy enough line to beat, if Drink keeps his foot on the gas like we all think/hope he will. I would never take a line that large with the previous coaches, not because we couldn't and didn't beat teams by that margin on a regular basis but because I never felt comfortable betting money that we would. At some point, those coaches always went conservative and milked the clock for the win.

[EastHallApp]

That should be an easy enough line to beat, if Drink keeps his foot on the gas like we all think/hope he will. I would never take a line that large with the previous coaches, not because we couldn't and didn't beat teams by that margin on a regular basis but because I never felt comfortable betting money that we would. At some point, those coaches always went conservative and milked the clock for the win.

You're not wrong, but OTOH we *were* fifth in the nation in scoring margin last season.

Also our margins vs. FCS opponents since 2015 have been 49-0, 54-7, 72-7. I would hope that Drink wouldn't keep the pedal to the floor for 60 minutes if the score is in that range.

[97APP]

If we're controlling the game like we should and considering the new red-shirt rules, this is a prime opportunity for extended playing time for our freshmen. That can hurt the overall game stats for those that care. But, it can pay off later in the year with valuable experience for our newcomers (and less wear and tear on our starters).

[NewApp]

That should be an easy enough line to beat, if Drink keeps his foot on the gas like we all think/hope he will. I would never take a line that large with the previous coaches, not because we couldn't and didn't beat teams by that margin on a regular basis but because I never felt comfortable betting money that we would. At some point, those coaches always went conservative and milked the clock for the win.

You're not wrong, but OTOH we *were* fifth in the nation in scoring margin last season.

Also our margins vs. FCS opponents since 2015 have been 49-0, 54-7, 72-7. I would hope that Drink wouldn't keep the pedal to the floor for 60 minutes if the score is in that range.

I would rather see the entire roster playing than running up the score. No use risking starters to injury when the margin gets 45-50 plus in the second half.

[Rick83]

If we're controlling the game like we should and considering the new red-shirt rules, this is a prime opportunity for extended playing time for our freshmen. That can hurt the overall game stats for those that care. But, it can pay off later in the year with valuable experience for our newcomers (and less wear and tear on our starters).

Agree, 100%. Let's secure a comfortable margin but give the younger players snaps, and keep our primary players healthy for the bigger games.

[NattyBumppo'sRevenge]

If we're controlling the game like we should and considering the new red-shirt rules, this is a prime opportunity for extended playing time for our freshmen. That can hurt the overall game stats for those that care. But, it can pay off later in the year with valuable experience for our newcomers (and less wear and tear on our starters).

Agree, 100%. Let's secure a comfortable margin but give the younger players snaps, and keep our primary players healthy for the bigger games.

Agree 90%. It was nice having not used Peoples in earlier garbage time and having him available to make an impact in the bowl game.

[hapapp]

This ETSU team is much better than the FCS teams we have played in more recent years. I remain somewhat skeptical of the 32 point spread given we are instituting a new offense and have a slew of new coaches. I'm certainly not suggesting we aren't capable of that kind of margin but I reserve judgement until I see the product on the field.

[appstate77]

My sense is that we shall start slowly given the changes. Once we get some rhythm going, it will streamroll into the 2nd half until Drink puts in the Freshmen.

[Yosefus]

If I remember correctly I heard Coach Satt say in the post game last year every player dressed out got PT against our FCS foe 2018.

[AtlAppMan]

That should be an easy enough line to beat, if Drink keeps his foot on the gas like we all think/hope he will. I would never take a line that large with the previous coaches, not because we couldn't and didn't beat teams by that margin on a regular basis but because I never felt comfortable betting money that we would. At some point, those coaches always went conservative and milked the clock for the win.

You're not wrong, but OTOH we *were* fifth in the nation in scoring margin last season.

Also our margins vs. FCS opponents since 2015 have been 49-0, 54-7, 72-7. I would hope that Drink wouldn't keep the pedal to the floor for 60 minutes if the score is in that range.

I would rather see the entire roster playing than running up the score. No use risking starters to injury when the margin gets 45-50 plus in the second half.

I would rather see us use every player AND run up the score! #LeaveNoDoubt

[Stonewall]

On paper we should cover easily. However , the ball is an odd shape and we play on grass , as opposed to paper. Even if it’s fake. I’ve lived too long to be overconfident but I am excited to see what this team can do.

[Yosef84]

ETSU is a good FCS team, but I don't think they have the OL to support their running game against our D. This game SHOULD be exactly what we need in that they are good enough to give us a good workout so that we can work on some things and get good reps. Strange things happen in this game sometimes, so I do hope we execute and get that "comfortable lead" early so that we can substitute and get our young players some reps. That's the primary benefit of playing FCS games....to get some game reps for those players.

[hapapp]

ETSU is a good FCS team, but I don't think they have the OL to support their running game against our D. This game SHOULD be exactly what we need in that they are good enough to give us a good workout so that we can work on some things and get good reps. Strange things happen in this game sometimes, so I do hope we execute and get that "comfortable lead" early so that we can substitute and get our young players some reps. That's the primary benefit of playing FCS games....to get some game reps for those players.

Not to disagree with your assessment, but my understanding is that they have 4 starters back on the OL.

[biggie]

I would say on paper I would worry more about the running games of our first 3 opponents give they all have new QBs.

[Yosef84]

ETSU is a good FCS team, but I don't think they have the OL to support their running game against our D. This game SHOULD be exactly what we need in that they are good enough to give us a good workout so that we can work on some things and get good reps. Strange things happen in this game sometimes, so I do hope we execute and get that "comfortable lead" early so that we can substitute and get our young players some reps. That's the primary benefit of playing FCS games....to get some game reps for those players.

Not to disagree with your assessment, but my understanding is that they have 4 starters back on the OL.

Yes, and they will do fine in the SoCon but they won't match up with App's D. I don't make any claims to being able to do great assessments of players but I work with a guy who played at ETSU back in the 90's and he thinks their OL will be completely overmatched by App. They have some big guys on the OL but according to him, they won't be nearly athletic enough to hang with App.