Up Next...UNC

[Black Saturday]

Seems we may have to have a good set quick/short routes for our WRs given their pass rush. Unless we can run the ball well and keep them at home for a moment with play action. But that wouldn't seem likely given the running holes vs GW.

If I read it right USC had -2 yards rushing

[appbio91]

UNC will do all they can to embarrass us and they have all the tools to do it. I am NOT looking forward to this game. I know we say anyone, anywhere, anytime.... USC kept it to 31-17... I'm hoping we can keep it this close. I said this in another thread that unless something Michiganesque happens, we will lose this one. I think our only hope will be to have a shootout with them and hope we have the ball last.

I disagree that they will look to embarrass us. Mack has too much respect for App to run it up, if they can.

I hope you don’t really believe this.

[311neers]

Seems we may have to have a good set quick/short routes for our WRs given their pass rush. Unless we can run the ball well and keep them at home for a moment with play action. But that wouldn't seem likely given the running holes vs GW.

If I read it right USC had -2 yards rushing

Sack yards count against you in college. But yes, the run game was bad.

[PhillyApp1]

App State running scheme is different than South Carolina I think.

We will need to open up the book.

Carolina had holes in game... we need to make more holes

[AppStateNews]

South Carolina also changed OCs. Their entire blocking scheme changed completely (as did their o line coach). So players recruited for one scheme and coaching style are playing a completely different scheme and coach.

I get most see that as excuses for us, but perhaps it really does play a role? Kind of wild other teams also have to deal with that too, right?

But, if our lines (both sides) don't play any better than they did on Saturday, we won't be in the game after half.

I'm confident that changes though. O line looked pedestrian but we didn't show anything either. I'm hopeful the line looks better with better play calling (vanilla was on purpose though). D line looked much better once we showed pressure from the backers. It seemed like a bulb went off in the second half for the young guys that took over. That's only going to help make the first stringers even better.

[Black Saturday]

App State running scheme is different than South Carolina I think.

We will need to open up the book.

Carolina had holes in game... we need to make more holes

Up the middle and the stretch play are still confusing our opponents.

[appgrad95&97]

Not that anyone cares, but the line has blown up to 18. We went off at +18.5 in College Station.

[PhillyApp1]

Not that anyone cares, but the line has blown up to 18. We went off at +18.5 in College Station.

Love !!
Give Me more points

[goapps93]

Mack noted in today’s press conference that USC gave up on the run, then stated that App won’t give up on the run game. As noted today by HCSC, we’ll have to finish our blocks much better to have success. I’ll be there, loud and proud, in a UNC section. Same seats as 2019.

[ASUFan4863]

Mack noted in today’s press conference that USC gave up on the run, then stated that App won’t give up on the run game. As noted today by HCSC, we’ll have to finish our blocks much better to have success. I’ll be there, loud and proud, in a UNC section. Same seats as 2019.

He also said he'll be happy when he never has to play us again One thing is for sure - We will never be disrespected or overlooked by UNC as long as Mack is the HC.

[AppSt94]

Why did we run Noel 24 times with all the backs we have and risk injury against GW even after the game was decided? Did we need the "practice" or is it just dumb? I think our RBs 2-3-4 are capable of offering relief.

Why did we play 10 yards off the receivers all game long and allow the bubble screen to be completed, and not bring any pressure until later in the game? Were we afraid of Gaither?

Needed adjustments continue to be slow in my opinion.

Happy our backup QB can see the field and throw the ball in a shoebox.

I believe 2 of our backup RBs were hurt or they would have played. Moose can confirm that? I did think it would be nice to have seen a couple of the others though.

I also agree some adjustments were slow in being made but I think we got to give them a few weeks. I firmly believe the staff viewed GW as a game to tinker around and play with some things to see what works. Hopefully they got all those issues out of the way because we got to be more consistent, limit mistakes, and see improved OL play or the UNC game will be a really long one.

I am going to be interested to see how much the line goes up because it just feels low with UNC being ranked and us looking like we did. It was -14.5 but moved up to -17.5 already. Could it hit -20.5?

I don’t think Marshall participated in the game (ST or offense).

However, Kanye Roberts did participate according to the stat sheet posted on our website. So he must have been healthy. Odd we only had 3 RB’s active and he didn’t tote the rock.

I was counting on offense. I think Kanye was on special teams probably? Castle and Marshall were supposedly dinged up. I was hoping to see Kanye but I don't know if he was dinged up or they just did not play him?

Castle is out 8 weeks.

Marshall seems like he was out.

Kanye played ST so he was healthy enough to get on the field. Why he didn’t carry the ball is unknown. Would like to know why but probably won’t get answers on his status or Marshall.

Unless things changed, Castle was 6-8 weeks two weeks ago. Marshall is not 100%. No offense to Kanye, but he wasn’t needed yesterday. Keep in mind, with the new clock rules, fewer plays mean fewer snaps.

[AppSt94]

South Carolina also changed OCs. Their entire blocking scheme changed completely (as did their o line coach). So players recruited for one scheme and coaching style are playing a completely different scheme and coach.

I get most see that as excuses for us, but perhaps it really does play a role? Kind of wild other teams also have to deal with that too, right?

But, if our lines (both sides) don't play any better than they did on Saturday, we won't be in the game after half.

I'm confident that changes though. O line looked pedestrian but we didn't show anything either. I'm hopeful the line looks better with better play calling (vanilla was on purpose though). D line looked much better once we showed pressure from the backers. It seemed like a bulb went off in the second half for the young guys that took over. That's only going to help make the first stringers even better.

Some of that dialed up pressure seemed to be related to us figuring out how to take away the quick passes. Once they had to look further downfield, we seemed to meet a lot in the backfield.

[AppStFan1]

That's fair. I agree 2019 had better individual talent but I think we have more depth this year.

It especially seems like we do on defense in a few spots. I looked at the numbers on PFF and they got us credited with 19 offensive players and 28 defensive players who played.

We played 10 DBs, 6 DL, and 12 LBs. That seemed like a solid number for this game. On offense we had 2 QBs, 7 WRs, 2 TEs, 6 OL, and 2 RBs. I was hoping to see 2-3 more OL, 1-2 more RBs, and another TE but overall we did see a lot. If we had Marshall, Castle, and McKnight able to play I feel like they all would have seen the field as well.

Why did we run Noel 24 times with all the backs we have and risk injury against GW even after the game was decided? Did we need the "practice" or is it just dumb? I think our RBs 2-3-4 are capable of offering relief.

Why did we play 10 yards off the receivers all game long and allow the bubble screen to be completed, and not bring any pressure until later in the game? Were we afraid of Gaither?

Needed adjustments continue to be slow in my opinion.

Happy our backup QB can see the field and throw the ball in a shoebox.

I believe 2 of our backup RBs were hurt or they would have played. Moose can confirm that? I did think it would be nice to have seen a couple of the others though.

I also agree some adjustments were slow in being made but I think we got to give them a few weeks. I firmly believe the staff viewed GW as a game to tinker around and play with some things to see what works. Hopefully they got all those issues out of the way because we got to be more consistent, limit mistakes, and see improved OL play or the UNC game will be a really long one.

I am going to be interested to see how much the line goes up because it just feels low with UNC being ranked and us looking like we did. It was -14.5 but moved up to -17.5 already. Could it hit -20.5?

It’ll go up until more bettors lay money on App. Has less to do with predicted winner at this point.

I know and that is why I am curious to see how high it goes to show what the general public is thinking of our game. I was actually surprised the line didn’t open up at 19.5 or 20.5 and apparently many gamblers were as well so they jumped on it.

[AppStFan1]

That's fair. I agree 2019 had better individual talent but I think we have more depth this year.

It especially seems like we do on defense in a few spots. I looked at the numbers on PFF and they got us credited with 19 offensive players and 28 defensive players who played.

We played 10 DBs, 6 DL, and 12 LBs. That seemed like a solid number for this game. On offense we had 2 QBs, 7 WRs, 2 TEs, 6 OL, and 2 RBs. I was hoping to see 2-3 more OL, 1-2 more RBs, and another TE but overall we did see a lot. If we had Marshall, Castle, and McKnight able to play I feel like they all would have seen the field as well.

We had 13 players on the roster in 2019 that were in NFL camps this summer (some have since been released/cut). Listed below. I did this pretty quick so I may have missed some; nonetheless, there's a reason we won 13 games.

Jalen Virgil WR Denver Broncos
Nick Hampton LB Los Angeles Rams
Steven Jones. DB Tennessee Titans
Akeem Davis-Gaither LB Cincinnati Bengals
Ryan Neuzil OL. Atlanta Falcons
Cooper Hodges OL Jacksonville Jaguars
Darrynton Evans RB Buffalo Bills
Anderson Hardy OL Kansas City Chiefs
Henry Pearson FB/TE Green Bay Packers
Demarco Jackson LB New Orleans Saints
Shaun Jolly DB. Los Angeles Rams
Shemar Jean-Charles DB Green Bay Packers
Cameron Peoples RB Carolina Panthers

We have some on this roster who are going to get a shot but definitely not the same among seniors. Noel is only senior who has any shot to get drafted as of now.

Here is the status of those you listed. Almost half were cut.
Jalen Virgil WR Denver Broncos- IR
Nick Hampton LB Los Angeles Rams
Steven Jones. DB Tennessee Titans- Cut
Akeem Davis-Gaither LB Cincinnati Bengals
Ryan Neuzil OL. Atlanta Falcons
Cooper Hodges OL Jacksonville Jaguars- IR
Darrynton Evans RB Buffalo Bills- Cut and signed to Dolphins practice squad.
Anderson Hardy OL Kansas City Chiefs- Cut
Henry Pearson FB/TE Green Bay Packers- PS
Demarco Jackson LB New Orleans Saints
Shaun Jolly DB. Los Angeles Rams- Cut
Shemar Jean-Charles DB Green Bay Packers- Cut and signed to 49ers practice squad
Cameron Peoples RB Carolina Panthers- Cut

Hmmm.. Noel is the only senior really producing high enough for the NFL in 2023? The year the 2019 and 2020 classes should be producing those? And yet it's just "excuses" when it's mentioned the failed 2019 and 2020 classes are the reason why we see a decrease in on field production...

Again, that is not a hack at Drink. It's a shot at Satt and Drink...

Indeed. As of now I think Noel is the only one who could get drafted. I don’t see anyone else who would. I would not be shocked if Bucky Williams ends up being undrafted but makes at least a practice squad but he is a transfer.

[AppStFan1]

That's fair. I agree 2019 had better individual talent but I think we have more depth this year.

It especially seems like we do on defense in a few spots. I looked at the numbers on PFF and they got us credited with 19 offensive players and 28 defensive players who played.

We played 10 DBs, 6 DL, and 12 LBs. That seemed like a solid number for this game. On offense we had 2 QBs, 7 WRs, 2 TEs, 6 OL, and 2 RBs. I was hoping to see 2-3 more OL, 1-2 more RBs, and another TE but overall we did see a lot. If we had Marshall, Castle, and McKnight able to play I feel like they all would have seen the field as well.

Why did we run Noel 24 times with all the backs we have and risk injury against GW even after the game was decided? Did we need the "practice" or is it just dumb? I think our RBs 2-3-4 are capable of offering relief.

Why did we play 10 yards off the receivers all game long and allow the bubble screen to be completed, and not bring any pressure until later in the game? Were we afraid of Gaither?

Needed adjustments continue to be slow in my opinion.

Happy our backup QB can see the field and throw the ball in a shoebox.

I believe 2 of our backup RBs were hurt or they would have played. Moose can confirm that? I did think it would be nice to have seen a couple of the others though.

I also agree some adjustments were slow in being made but I think we got to give them a few weeks. I firmly believe the staff viewed GW as a game to tinker around and play with some things to see what works. Hopefully they got all those issues out of the way because we got to be more consistent, limit mistakes, and see improved OL play or the UNC game will be a really long one.

I am going to be interested to see how much the line goes up because it just feels low with UNC being ranked and us looking like we did. It was -14.5 but moved up to -17.5 already. Could it hit -20.5?

yes with our "no name" defense

Well no names so far. I fully expect to have at least 3-4 big names by the end of the year.

[Black Saturday]

South Carolina also changed OCs. Their entire blocking scheme changed completely (as did their o line coach). So players recruited for one scheme and coaching style are playing a completely different scheme and coach.

I get most see that as excuses for us, but perhaps it really does play a role? Kind of wild other teams also have to deal with that too, right?

But, if our lines (both sides) don't play any better than they did on Saturday, we won't be in the game after half.

I'm confident that changes though. O line looked pedestrian but we didn't show anything either. I'm hopeful the line looks better with better play calling (vanilla was on purpose though). D line looked much better once we showed pressure from the backers. It seemed like a bulb went off in the second half for the young guys that took over. That's only going to help make the first stringers even better.

Some of that dialed up pressure seemed to be related to us figuring out how to take away the quick passes. Once they had to look further downfield, we seemed to meet a lot in the backfield.

Don't play our corners 10 yards off the ball. I'll swear we are allergic to manning up with our schemes.

[AppSt94]

South Carolina also changed OCs. Their entire blocking scheme changed completely (as did their o line coach). So players recruited for one scheme and coaching style are playing a completely different scheme and coach.

I get most see that as excuses for us, but perhaps it really does play a role? Kind of wild other teams also have to deal with that too, right?

But, if our lines (both sides) don't play any better than they did on Saturday, we won't be in the game after half.

I'm confident that changes though. O line looked pedestrian but we didn't show anything either. I'm hopeful the line looks better with better play calling (vanilla was on purpose though). D line looked much better once we showed pressure from the backers. It seemed like a bulb went off in the second half for the young guys that took over. That's only going to help make the first stringers even better.

Some of that dialed up pressure seemed to be related to us figuring out how to take away the quick passes. Once they had to look further downfield, we seemed to meet a lot in the backfield.

Don't play our corners 10 yards off the ball. I'll swear we are allergic to manning up with our schemes.

We have always been a keep it in front of you defense.

[Saint3333]

True but historically we’ve created a lot more pressure on the QB too.

When App has been great we’ve had elite defenses. Looking forward to see how much they improve in week two as we switch from base to scheming.

[AppStateNews]

South Carolina also changed OCs. Their entire blocking scheme changed completely (as did their o line coach). So players recruited for one scheme and coaching style are playing a completely different scheme and coach.

I get most see that as excuses for us, but perhaps it really does play a role? Kind of wild other teams also have to deal with that too, right?

But, if our lines (both sides) don't play any better than they did on Saturday, we won't be in the game after half.

I'm confident that changes though. O line looked pedestrian but we didn't show anything either. I'm hopeful the line looks better with better play calling (vanilla was on purpose though). D line looked much better once we showed pressure from the backers. It seemed like a bulb went off in the second half for the young guys that took over. That's only going to help make the first stringers even better.

Some of that dialed up pressure seemed to be related to us figuring out how to take away the quick passes. Once they had to look further downfield, we seemed to meet a lot in the backfield.

Don't play our corners 10 yards off the ball. I'll swear we are allergic to manning up with our schemes.

Honest question... Would you rather make a team get 3-4 yards a time with the quick throws that are more susceptible to mistakes and turnovers or constantly get beat deep and have no chance of defending anything?

The defense we run is predicated on not allowing the big play. Keep everything in front, confuse the QB, and bring exotic blitzes (Sloan probably won't call any until week 5 or 6 just due to the complexity) to cause havoc.

Personally, I'd rather make teams work for it as that makes it more prone to mistakes -- not to mention the fatigue on the lines this causes (which causes more mistakes). But that is what makes football such a great sport -- there isn't a right answer (well, outside of score more points than the other team). Every scheme has infinite number of ways to beat it. Likewise, every scheme has infinite number of ways to counter the beat too. I do agree we have to at least show press occasionally though.

Last year we didn't have the horses to play press coverage. We've all been told we do this year so we'll see if it happens. But some of our best corners in this scheme (Gibbs, Duck, Hayes, Charles, etc) also weren't the best man press guys. Difference is they had pressure from the front 7 so they could be loose and react. They couldn't do that last year. This year is yet to be seen but I expect the pressures to come in slowly as the season progresses.

[AppSt94]

True but historically we’ve created a lot more pressure on the QB too.

When App has been great we’ve had elite defenses. Looking forward to see how much they improve in week two as we switch from base to scheming.

Once he took away the quick passing opportunities then they had to go down the field we got pressure. Both INTS were created by pressure.