Maybe This Will Humble Our Fans A Little

[Seattleapp]

All summer long and basically since we declared we are moving to FBS, I have monitored this board. So many were happy to see Moore go. So many just knew we were going to roll through this season. Everyone has been so dismissive of FCS in general, with threads dedicated to "what FCS team will we root for after we are Division I?" There was little discussion in the build up to this season about our 2013 schedule, except to talk about the game we are going to give Georgia in November. Even the discussion about the Montana game was tepid at best, with the decision instead to write pointless summations about our future Sunbelt opponents.

It all looked so arrogant on our part. We acted like we are too good for FCS and the opponents we are playing THIS year. I hope people realize just how hard it is to win consistently at any level. This isn't a rah-rah Jerry Moore thread, but it is one that maybe we should have a reality check. We aren't North Dakota State. We really aren't. We haven't dominated FCS in several years. I think we have done a disservice to our team and our league by prematurely looking down our nose at this season. I have held off on how moronic it has been to devote daily threads to the Sun Belt teams we won't even be seeing for another year in the months leading up to the 2013 team. STUPID AND ARROGANT AND POINTLESS.

So here we are, two games into the 2013 team and we have been smacked around on the road by Montana and embarrassed at home by NC A&T. Two FCS opponents who have taken us to the woodshed. I have no way of knowing how this season will turn out, but I think it's high time we start being realistic about our program. We have some major holes to fill and we are not the 2007 team anymore. I want us all to support our team, but a little humility by our fans goes a long way. Let these two games be a wakeup call to mountaineer nation.

[sixtoes9134]

1 special teams snafu and a pick 6 by a QB who is clearly not 100% is the story line.

Kam is the starter from this point forward IMHO until such time JLJ can earn it back.

Nice finish tonight, despite the loss.

I feel much better about the last 2 quarters we've played than the first 6 thus far.

[Seattleapp]

There is reason for Jackson to take another snap

[sixtoes9134]

21-31 - 191 yards. KB - 2nd half.

[ViewCrew87]

Brace for impact!

[mountaineerman]

First off I don't need to be humbled as a fan! Second this answers my number 1 main question as far as the great change in app football. Satterfield cannot coach. Really depressing

[Gonzo]

There is reason for Jackson to take another snap

No there is not

[Seattleapp]

Mountaineer Man? Do you see the point Im trying to illustrate?

[appdaze]

I hope not but we may have a Charlie Weis on our hands. Great OC but not a great HC. Its not too late to save the season. This isn't the first time they have started of rough.

[mountaineerman]

Mountaineer Man? Do you see the point Im trying to illustrate?

Yes I see your point ,don't agree with it but whatever to each his own. Everything was falling into place with the move up, recruiting, our branding, etc . The only question mark for me was If hje could coach, he has answered in two games . I'm just a little frustrated still a app fan though

[TheMoody1]

The only question mark for me was I'd he could coach, he has answered in two games .

I understand the frustration, but give the guy more than two games to make such a judgement. I still can't figure out why he went for 2 after the first TD. Was Taylor Lamb in his ear?

[MAD Doctor]

I see it differently. Our program and its fans have had a very tough run for the past couple of years. We've had to endure watching half of our coaching staff leave for Western, being publicly shunned by CUSA, an ugly controversial departure of our best coach of all-time, the announced retirement of our beloved chancellor, and disappointing home playoff losses. I don't see our fans as coming off obnoxious, but rather trying to boost a program that has been uncharacteristically struggling in several areas. I'd rather have "obnoxious" fans than those who leave a game at halftime.
Right now we are a very bad football team. Our fans, many of whom traveled 100 miles and dropped a couple hundred bucks, are the last ones we should throw under the bus.

Go APP!

[T-Dog]

The way Jamal sat on the bench the second half, sulked and didn't get involved with the rest of the team was more disappointing for him than any of his bad play. He's a senior and a captain. When Deandre was benched, he didn't sulk around. He CARED and found a place he could contribute.

I am perfectly fine with Jamal never taking another snap at QB for App State again. Yes it sucks for him, but he's not healthy and can't run the offense at the tempo needed to win.

[GoApps70]

Some fans may talk big, or rather dream big, but few have forgotten being run out of the FCS playoffs the last several years the way we have been. The terrible loss to The Citadel last year didn't add much pride to any of our boasting.
Major fault to me was not putting Bryant into the game a lot earlier. Satterfield has to make faster realistic decisions.
Additionally when you throw an interception and let it be run back for a score with 4 seconds left in the first half it's pretty hard to win a close game.

[WataugaMan]

Additionally when you throw an interception and let it be run back for a score with 4 seconds left in the first half it's pretty hard to win a close game.

Take away that bone head play and we win by 4, in addition not-so-special teams play continues again this year.

[Yosef84]

It has been painful for me (as for everyone else here) watching these last two games unfold. What was supposed to be the team's strength (offense led by a pre-season AA QB) has disappointed us all. I had a ton of respect for JLJ and appreciate his contributions to App football and his positive representation of the university. Unfortunately, it appears that he simply isn't 100% or something is missing so far this year. I would suggest that the team HAS rallied behind a player/leader. That person, however, is Bryant. I would suggest that people cut JLJ some slack about the "sulking" thing. The choice of words is biased at best. I would wager that he is harder on himself than any of us are, and that is what you saw last night. Hopefully he does step up and take the example set by Pressley and Cadet.

I have heard a ton of people say "we're terrible" in various forms. I humby disagree, although the numbers don't really support my position. (Yes, as a numbers guy, that bothers me). But anyone who doesn't see the potential still on the field just isn't looking hard enough. We are ONE decision from being 2-0 (or 1 and a CLOSE 1) on the season. I'm not piling on Satterfield. He has done what almost every coach would do: Givng a seasoned / proven QB the chance to prove himself.

Our coaching staff is in a learning curve. It sucks watching it, but the 4th quarter gives me some hope that the play calling will improve. I think our offense WILL gel with a healthy QB in place.

Just a few points:
1) The D is playing well. Once the O clicked we will win our share of games this year.
2) SS has coached a grand total of 2 games as HC and is dealing with a team in transition. Give the guy a chance.
3) There is no "either / or" choice to be made between Coach Satterfield and Coach Moore, so stop acting like there is one. It is perfectly acceptable to be a huge fan of both. Just because we hate a particular situation doesn't mean we have to trash ever individual remotely related.
4) Yes, the first two games sucked. It's football and it happens. The season is young. If you are ready to give up after two games, please do me the favor of NOT wearing your block "A" out in public.

We have two weeks before playing Elon. I hope to see some progress during that time. I'm ready to see some Appalachian Style football this season!

[WataugaMan]

Okay, fair enough. Good points. Come fElon game with two weeks to prepare I expect to see a different team on the field, offensively and special team wise that is.

[Appy88]

Let's face it- we have been going downhill since the school starting talking about FBS transition. Those pushing for the transition have been systematically tearing our program apart. For what? Money- everyone knows that the Sunbelt has more money and divides that money among the participating programs. App State has starting pricing tickets, merchandise, etc... to compete with FBS prices. For all those individuals who wanted to go to the FBS- be careful what you ask for, because "winning" seasons may be few and far between. We are obviously not ready for the FBS- heck, we are not even ready for the MEAC.

I love AppState football and will always be a fan through and through, but I did not want the move to FBS and still think it was a terrible idea. However, it's done, and so we move on. It's just a shame that we run off the best coach ever at the school for "money."

[Apptiger]

"Oh, lord it's hard to be humble...."
Good points in some of the posts in this thread. Way too early to jump ship. BUT I don't want to be humble.
I want to proudly strut.
I had enough humble over the last thirty years. We had some great years too but the last ten or so have been pretty special. Expectations are higher now and our baseline seems to be slipping a bit.

Also not to cast dispersions, but Brownie mentioned something about losing a lot of quality assistants, for ex. The o line hasn't been the same since Elliot left.

I do seem to notice a lack of a focused game plan or plan for attack over the last few years. It's like we just show up and line up.

Good news as evidenced from the late comeback last night, our guys didn't quit. As long as they don't quit, there is room for improvement. Just need the coaches to get them in a better position to win before it's to late.

[Seattleapp]

Let's face it- we have been going downhill since the school starting talking about FBS transition. Those pushing for the transition have been systematically tearing our program apart. For what? Money- everyone knows that the Sunbelt has more money and divides that money among the participating programs. App State has starting pricing tickets, merchandise, etc... to compete with FBS prices. For all those individuals who wanted to go to the FBS- be careful what you ask for, because "winning" seasons may be few and far between. We are obviously not ready for the FBS- heck, we are not even ready for the MEAC.

I love AppState football and will always be a fan through and through, but I did not want the move to FBS and still think it was a terrible idea. However, it's done, and so we move on. It's just a shame that we run off the best coach ever at the school for "money."

That is one of the best posts I've read on this board. Period! Well put. Even this message board lacks the family feel of the previous one. I hope we get the ship back on course.