Stated goals

[NashvilleNeer]

I look at this from a different perspective maybe. Based upon the team's performance over the past few years, our expectations and goals should increase. I do not believe this is delusional to expect a NY6 bowl game based upon our resume of going undefeated if we were to achieve an undefeated season. In addition, I want the mindset to be that we will own the SBC so much so that we deserve a better G5 conference. I hope our coaching staff and players have same expectations. The mindset should be perfection every season. I want our program mindset and fans to have same expectations. If we do do not achieve this goal, we should be disappointed. When we do not build a resume for NY6, we move on and adapt to the lesser goals, rally around the team, and win SBC Championship. Quite frankly, I want our mindset with recruiting, off season preparation and actual season performance to be impressive enough for AAC to come calling. I realize our low population density and TV screens impact this to a certain degree. If we demonstrate excellence, we get more people watching from Charlotte and Raleigh, etc. My overall goal is that we do what we can to get to AAC. This is not all in our control, however do what we can from the resume perspective. I want the better competition , if in name only, week in and week out. As demonstrated, we elevated our talent in moving up to D1 over time. Overall, my goal is AAC and that has to begin with the coaching staff, players and fan base having these lofty expectations. I hope we never settle for less. Just my personal opinion.

If we move to the AAC, folks on this Board will "jump off a cliff", when we have a few 8-4/9-3 seasons...LOL.

I would take a few 8-4 seasons if it meant we could get that TV contract money for the athletic department. That goes a long way.

What good is that TV contract money doing for ECU in the AAC?

it's not that simple, but you're lying to yourself if you think we can keep operating at the high level we have been operating at with barely any donations. You're always as good as your latest hire, so... Money helps with that hire and attracting high caliber players with great facilities in all sports.

[InFor6More]

I seem to remember Doug Gillin saying last year that the goal of the program was to be a consistent top 25 ranked team, year in and year out. Personally, I think the reason there's contention among us on this board about the "stated goals", is that it is more than possible the Sunbelt conference champion wouldn't even finish the season in the top 25 rankings. And winning a bowl game, while awesome, truly is kind of a let down due to the bowl tie ins the Sunbelt has. I mean look at last year....we are 11-1, two P5 wins, win our conf championship game, top 25 ranking...and we play UAB in the NO Bowl. So, while winning the Sunbelt and winning a bowl game is logically the stated goal of the team, I think we as fans aspire to more than that, which is why we put so much stock in beating a P5, being ranked, etc.

Like all of you, I too want us to play a better caliber opponent in our bowls. However, as we work to continue building this program into that perennial top 25 team, there is a bit of protection in the Sunbelt bowl tie-ins. We’re all clamoring for that NY6 but I want to see us continue to improve recruiting rankings each year just like we’re doing, winning some “tough” OOC games like we did in 2019 and winning our bowls because those things help us continue the climb. Yes, a NY6 would be amazing but if we do this right, we’ll be built more in the mold of a Boise St than a flash in the pan NY6 team like Western Michigan that played Wisconsin in the Cotton Bowl in 2016. So since none of us can change it anyway, let’s enjoy beating up on the bowl opponents that we do get, while we journey to the big ones that are sure to come in the future.

[AtlAppMan]

Stated goal should be make it to NY6, win it and finish in top 25. This would then include SBC championship. I say this because we have elevated our program to a level as a result of many years of High level success.

Winning SBC championship is base goal like table stakes.

I believe we should set our goals high. If we don’t make it all in a given year doesn’t mean we failed. It might be due to our performance or factors beyond our control. I may still feel both proud and happy for what we achieved while also dissatisfied that we didn’t achieve the ultimate goal. That is not necessarily bad because we set the bar high. I am one who believes if you don’t set the bar really high you will not challenge yourself enough to achieve your maximum potential.

[BambooRdApp]

I look at this from a different perspective maybe. Based upon the team's performance over the past few years, our expectations and goals should increase. I do not believe this is delusional to expect a NY6 bowl game based upon our resume of going undefeated if we were to achieve an undefeated season. In addition, I want the mindset to be that we will own the SBC so much so that we deserve a better G5 conference. I hope our coaching staff and players have same expectations. The mindset should be perfection every season. I want our program mindset and fans to have same expectations. If we do do not achieve this goal, we should be disappointed. When we do not build a resume for NY6, we move on and adapt to the lesser goals, rally around the team, and win SBC Championship. Quite frankly, I want our mindset with recruiting, off season preparation and actual season performance to be impressive enough for AAC to come calling. I realize our low population density and TV screens impact this to a certain degree. If we demonstrate excellence, we get more people watching from Charlotte and Raleigh, etc. My overall goal is that we do what we can to get to AAC. This is not all in our control, however do what we can from the resume perspective. I want the better competition , if in name only, week in and week out. As demonstrated, we elevated our talent in moving up to D1 over time. Overall, my goal is AAC and that has to begin with the coaching staff, players and fan base having these lofty expectations. I hope we never settle for less. Just my personal opinion.

If we move to the AAC, folks on this Board will "jump off a cliff", when we have a few 8-4/9-3 seasons...LOL.

I would take a few 8-4 seasons if it meant we could get that TV contract money for the athletic department. That goes a long way.

What good is that TV contract money doing for ECU in the AAC?

Between donations (I assume) and TV contract, they are in process of completing a significant addition of club seats on one side of the stadium. So, okay I would assume excluding covid as every school is suffering due to covid As for their on-field record, that is another story. Time will tell how new coach will do. Although not wins, the played several upper level AAC teams close. I hate ECU. The were in CAA back in the day when I was in undergrad at UNCW.

[Yosef84]

The "stated objective" of our primary goal being a Sun Belt championship has nothing to do with which game is "bigger" in perception or anything else. It's a recognition of the fact that these goals are linear and the Sun Belt Championship has to happen first, or those other goals don't matter. The Sun Belt championship is the primary goal that we have within our power season after season. Making the the NY6 game is contingent not only on winning the SBC but also on other programs (AAC) losing, scheduling opportunities, etc. We are not yet at the point where the opportunity is always on our plate.

I totally understand folks being upset over a loss Saturday that shouldn't have happened. We are incredibly fortunate to be in a situation where a single loss upsets the fan base to this degree! That said, projecting this negativity forward as if our season is "ruined" by a single loss is a sure fire recipe for being unnecessarily miserable for an entire season.

I believe Clark is a great hire. Yes, he is almost certainly in a learning curve but I choose to believe that this team will rally behind him and the coaches & team together will get back to playing App State Football.

[bigdaddyg]

The "stated objective" of our primary goal being a Sun Belt championship has nothing to do with which game is "bigger" in perception or anything else. It's a recognition of the fact that these goals are linear and the Sun Belt Championship has to happen first, or those other goals don't matter. The Sun Belt championship is the primary goal that we have within our power season after season. Making the the NY6 game is contingent not only on winning the SBC but also on other programs (AAC) losing, scheduling opportunities, etc. We are not yet at the point where the opportunity is always on our plate.

I totally understand folks being upset over a loss Saturday that shouldn't have happened. We are incredibly fortunate to be in a situation where a single loss upsets the fan base to this degree! That said, projecting this negativity forward as if our season is "ruined" by a single loss is a sure fire recipe for being unnecessarily miserable for an entire season.

I believe Clark is a great hire. Yes, he is almost certainly in a learning curve but I choose to believe that this team will rally behind him and the coaches & team together will get back to playing App State Football.

I like your take. It’s always interesting to see where a discussion topic goes. Most of them go completely sideways and off the rails. I chose the term “stated goals” intentionally. I can’t see any coach stating that the goal for his team is to move to another conference (AAC) so those comments by some make zero sense for this topic. It’s also hard for me to see an App coach “stating” that the goal for his team is to play in and win the NY6 bowl. To me, while absolutely an admirable goal, would sound a little bit ridiculous. Why state that your goal is to play in a particular bowl? I’ve always thought that goal number one is to go unbeaten. If that goal is achieved the conference championship takes care of itself and obviously the team would also go to a bowl. We all know that as far as the NY6 goes it’s out of our hands even with an unblemished record. We all want a confident coach leading the program but we should also want a guy who is grounded and can lead the team through ups and downs.

[AtlAppMan]

I believe from Gillin down we have said we want to me known as a Top 25 program. Ok, so what does it take to be a consistent top 25 program? If we are in this category we will be in consideration for the NY6 most years.

My only problem with merely stating our goal is to win SBC Championship and bowl games it means we could go 0-4 OOC, win SBC and bowl, then tell everybody to be happy. That is NOT a top 25 program. That is what Ark St and ULL did before we joined the SBC and see what that got them. That is definitely NOT what I want for App State.

In regards to NY6, I agree that reaching the NY6 includes factors that are beyond our control. We could go 13-0 and not make it. However, there may be a year we go 12-1 and make it. I guarantee you that if we aspire to be a top 25 program, we must also have some reference to NY6 in our aspirations.

Again, I am so proud our our program. I hate to lose but continue to support our team throughout the year even when they stump their toes. They do have to keep focused on things they can control and not worry about things outside their control. Who knows what happens this year, I would not totally say NY6 is out as we have seen weird stuff happen before. Our team needs to just find a way to keep winning each week.

[EastHallApp]

I believe from Gillin down we have said we want to me known as a Top 25 program. Ok, so what does it take to be a consistent top 25 program? If we are in this category we will be in consideration for the NY6 most years.

My only problem with merely stating our goal is to win SBC Championship and bowl games it means we could go 0-4 OOC, win SBC and bowl, then tell everybody to be happy. That is NOT a top 25 program. That is what Ark St and ULL did before we joined the SBC and see what that got them. That is definitely NOT what I want for App State.

In regards to NY6, I agree that reaching the NY6 includes factors that are beyond our control. We could go 13-0 and not make it. However, there may be a year we go 12-1 and make it. I guarantee you that if we aspire to be a top 25 program, we must also have some reference to NY6 in our aspirations.

Again, I am so proud our our program. I hate to lose but continue to support our team throughout the year even when they stump their toes. They do have to keep focused on things they can control and not worry about things outside their control. Who knows what happens this year, I would not totally say NY6 is out as we have seen weird stuff happen before. Our team needs to just find a way to keep winning each week.

Great post, agree with every single word.

(Side note: Remember a few years back when A-State went 0-4 in OOC games including an FCS loss, then split the SBC title with us without playing us head to head? Good times.)

[Appstate88]

We as true fans will always support our team regardless of a win or loss. We are just disappointed we laid an egg last week on CBS against another G5 peer and old rival (Marsha). On to this Saturday. 1-0, #beatcampbell #Goapp

[NewApp]

I look at this from a different perspective maybe. Based upon the team's performance over the past few years, our expectations and goals should increase. I do not believe this is delusional to expect a NY6 bowl game based upon our resume of going undefeated if we were to achieve an undefeated season. In addition, I want the mindset to be that we will own the SBC so much so that we deserve a better G5 conference. I hope our coaching staff and players have same expectations. The mindset should be perfection every season. I want our program mindset and fans to have same expectations. If we do do not achieve this goal, we should be disappointed. When we do not build a resume for NY6, we move on and adapt to the lesser goals, rally around the team, and win SBC Championship. Quite frankly, I want our mindset with recruiting, off season preparation and actual season performance to be impressive enough for AAC to come calling. I realize our low population density and TV screens impact this to a certain degree. If we demonstrate excellence, we get more people watching from Charlotte and Raleigh, etc. My overall goal is that we do what we can to get to AAC. This is not all in our control, however do what we can from the resume perspective. I want the better competition , if in name only, week in and week out. As demonstrated, we elevated our talent in moving up to D1 over time. Overall, my goal is AAC and that has to begin with the coaching staff, players and fan base having these lofty expectations. I hope we never settle for less. Just my personal opinion.

If we move to the AAC, folks on this Board will "jump off a cliff", when we have a few 8-4/9-3 seasons...LOL.

I would take a few 8-4 seasons if it meant we could get that TV contract money for the athletic department. That goes a long way.

What good is that TV contract money doing for ECU in the AAC?

Between donations (I assume) and TV contract, they are in process of completing a significant addition of club seats on one side of the stadium. So, okay I would assume excluding covid as every school is suffering due to covid As for their on-field record, that is another story. Time will tell how new coach will do. Although not wins, the played several upper level AAC teams close. I hate ECU. The were in CAA back in the day when I was in undergrad at UNCW.

Won-loss record is what I was referencing. As for me, I could care less about their club seats. Even before COVID-19, their attedance sukked in comparison to what it used to be.

[AppDub]

I believe from Gillin down we have said we want to me known as a Top 25 program. Ok, so what does it take to be a consistent top 25 program? If we are in this category we will be in consideration for the NY6 most years.

My only problem with merely stating our goal is to win SBC Championship and bowl games it means we could go 0-4 OOC, win SBC and bowl, then tell everybody to be happy. That is NOT a top 25 program. That is what Ark St and ULL did before we joined the SBC and see what that got them. That is definitely NOT what I want for App State.

In regards to NY6, I agree that reaching the NY6 includes factors that are beyond our control. We could go 13-0 and not make it. However, there may be a year we go 12-1 and make it. I guarantee you that if we aspire to be a top 25 program, we must also have some reference to NY6 in our aspirations.

Again, I am so proud our our program. I hate to lose but continue to support our team throughout the year even when they stump their toes. They do have to keep focused on things they can control and not worry about things outside their control. Who knows what happens this year, I would not totally say NY6 is out as we have seen weird stuff happen before. Our team needs to just find a way to keep winning each week.

Well said!

[BambooRdApp]

Ah, We want Bama!!

[Rekdiver]

It is unrealistic to expect 13-1 every year.....Other teams get better and we get everyones best. Im at peace with a loss to a team like marshall this year. They are pretty good and we are adjusting once again

[citroknight]

I look at this from a different perspective maybe. Based upon the team's performance over the past few years, our expectations and goals should increase. I do not believe this is delusional to expect a NY6 bowl game based upon our resume of going undefeated if we were to achieve an undefeated season. In addition, I want the mindset to be that we will own the SBC so much so that we deserve a better G5 conference. I hope our coaching staff and players have same expectations. The mindset should be perfection every season. I want our program mindset and fans to have same expectations. If we do do not achieve this goal, we should be disappointed. When we do not build a resume for NY6, we move on and adapt to the lesser goals, rally around the team, and win SBC Championship. Quite frankly, I want our mindset with recruiting, off season preparation and actual season performance to be impressive enough for AAC to come calling. I realize our low population density and TV screens impact this to a certain degree. If we demonstrate excellence, we get more people watching from Charlotte and Raleigh, etc. My overall goal is that we do what we can to get to AAC. This is not all in our control, however do what we can from the resume perspective. I want the better competition , if in name only, week in and week out. As demonstrated, we elevated our talent in moving up to D1 over time. Overall, my goal is AAC and that has to begin with the coaching staff, players and fan base having these lofty expectations. I hope we never settle for less. Just my personal opinion.

If we move to the AAC, folks on this Board will "jump off a cliff", when we have a few 8-4/9-3 seasons...LOL.

I would take a few 8-4 seasons if it meant we could get that TV contract money for the athletic department. That goes a long way.

What good is that TV contract money doing for ECU in the AAC?

Between donations (I assume) and TV contract, they are in process of completing a significant addition of club seats on one side of the stadium. So, okay I would assume excluding covid as every school is suffering due to covid As for their on-field record, that is another story. Time will tell how new coach will do. Although not wins, the played several upper level AAC teams close. I hate ECU. The were in CAA back in the day when I was in undergrad at UNCW.

ECU actually finished the club seats and it looks great. However, I think that's part of what got their AD canned. Attendance was on the way down, probably linked to their past few years since joining the AAC, yet he still pushed on for this massively expensive $60M club seat addition.

[BambooRdApp]

If we move to the AAC, folks on this Board will "jump off a cliff", when we have a few 8-4/9-3 seasons...LOL.

I would take a few 8-4 seasons if it meant we could get that TV contract money for the athletic department. That goes a long way.

What good is that TV contract money doing for ECU in the AAC?

Between donations (I assume) and TV contract, they are in process of completing a significant addition of club seats on one side of the stadium. So, okay I would assume excluding covid as every school is suffering due to covid As for their on-field record, that is another story. Time will tell how new coach will do. Although not wins, the played several upper level AAC teams close. I hate ECU. The were in CAA back in the day when I was in undergrad at UNCW.

ECU actually finished the club seats and it looks great. However, I think that's part of what got their AD canned. Attendance was on the way down, probably linked to their past few years since joining the AAC, yet he still pushed on for this massively expensive $60M club seat addition.

IMO, the AD got canned for making terrible choices for head coaches. Attendance is down at most football stadiums. However, when you are not winning, fans do not show up. I was at the UNC/ECU game a few years ago. I was surprised it was not a complete sell-out given how much ECU wanted to have periodic games with State/UNC, etc....and the fact that they scored a crazy amount of points in the last two meetings with UNC. Did not matter, when you are losing, no one shows up. The trend is toward these type luxury boxes to get corporate sponsors or deep pocket donors to contribute the big dollars whether no one shows up at the boxes for every game. At App. St., we have a great fan base, however, we do not sell out most games and the Championship game attendance has been sad to say the least. The NEZ is an opportunity to get additional funds in a luxury seating type atmosphere to get more funds into the program. I have been pleasantly surprised by the number of NEZ seats acquired given the pandemic. Also, in my opinion, if the athletic department thought the funds would come in (prior to pandemic of course) if it were built, there would be significant renovations on the visitors side to put club seating etc. I understand that there may be land/space/architectural issues given the situation on that side of the stadium. However, it would be done if DG thought demand would be there.

[The Rock]

stated goals are attainable goals. Things that if you do x,y, and z, you reach your goals. Making a NY6 game isn't necessarily within our control. This year, we could have gone undefeated and still not make it to NY6 game over an AAC team due to their perceived strength. Last year, undefeated probably would have been enough, our regular schedule pre-covid undefeated would have been enough, but a 1 loss sunbelt team will not beat out a 1 loss AAC team.
The NY6 should be and I'm sure is a goal of the team, but if you cant control the outcome, it isn't an attainable goal

[Yosef84]

stated goals are attainable goals. Things that if you do x,y, and z, you reach your goals. Making a NY6 game isn't necessarily within our control. This year, we could have gone undefeated and still not make it to NY6 game over an AAC team due to their perceived strength. Last year, undefeated probably would have been enough, our regular schedule pre-covid undefeated would have been enough, but a 1 loss sunbelt team will not beat out a 1 loss AAC team.
The NY6 should be and I'm sure is a goal of the team, but if you cant control the outcome, it isn't an attainable goal

Exactly! The stated (primary) goals should be within the control of the team / organization. Continually focusing on goals outside our control is a de-motivator. Of course, we (fans and team) WANT to achieve higher goals and those things get talked about, but they aren't the focal point....nor should they be until we have achieved the others.

[MtnMan09]

I think part of the reason people are "upset" right now is we came so close to a NY6 trip last year (and all the validation/recognition that would bring). Then we thought well this is our year to do it. We can plug and play at Coach because we had so many guys coming back to what was going to be the "best app team ever," but we killed that dream in just the second game of the season. Without black and gold tinted glasses on I think we may have lost our window on that game for a bit. This realization, understandably, has people down.

[citroknight]

I think part of the reason people are "upset" right now is we came so close to a NY6 trip last year (and all the validation/recognition that would bring). Then we thought well this is our year to do it. We can plug and play at Coach because we had so many guys coming back to what was going to be the "best app team ever," but we killed that dream in just the second game of the season. Without black and gold tinted glasses on I think we may have lost our window on that game for a bit. This realization, understandably, has people down.

As an outsider, I think App is out of NY6 running for this year but still setting up to be an annual contender. If you look big picture, App is only getting better with recruiting finally taking a step up compared to the other top SBC teams. So before it was App coaching up players and now going forward App can coach and develop players while starting at the same base talent level.

Don't get discouraged by this year. It was the perfect storm, new first time coach, shortened off season due to pandemic, no home crowds, and a good Marshall opponent. For reference, look at Boise, the G5 gold standard. They're a NY6 contender every year but have only gone once I'm the 6 years of the CFP. Just 2014, the first year. There's always next year. 2019 wasn't quite how I wanted for UCF but with a freshman QB we did what we could, built up, finish ranked and turn the page to try again this year.

[spacemonkey]

My "stated goal"....To enjoy 6 Saturdays in BOONE at App Football games with friends. Bowl Games are a bonus weekend with said friends. I love our national exposure on weeknight games but I hope we stop playing them. IF we don't though, It will be alright.

Always a grinning.