ODU - discussion and game

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

So at one time there was convo of rescheduling the Liberty game. I'm assuming that is dead now right? I would love for us to have an extra game to give a better chance of getting to a bowl. I'm sure that ship has sailed though.

I guess we could fit something in between CCU and JMU but another FCS is not helping get us to a bowl and we can't play lower than FCS. All we can look at is FBS teams and I am not sure if any other team has a free Saturday that Saturday and also lost a game like we did. Liberty is playing UMass on the 16 Nov Saturday.

[spacemonkey]

Hamlett was a pleasant surprise. I have not noticed him until yesterday. Is he a redshirt just starting to play his 4 games?

[kornegaylw]

My observations:

OL/DL play is improving

LB’s sans Harrington are not nearly as athletic as in the past. We need a talent upgrade here the most.

Marshall is our best back and needs the majority of the carries. I like Roberts, but he’s not as durable.

WR’s are our best position group. Just need to give Joey time and have him avoid bad decisions.

Weather was beautiful!!

The guys playing MLB are not starter caliber LBs..at least not yet. You can see when teams shift pre snap our LBs don't adjust. I see youth/inexperience as their issue more than anything.

Any team that loses their 2 starting MLBs is going to struggle.

I also think some of the DB/pass coverage issues stem from MLB play.

When you see us drop into a full cover 2 zone and only blitz 3 they held strong. That tells me they are learning but aren't there yet.

Lack of speed at MLB is a factor as well.

Well they're not starters so they're not gonna be as fast lol

[311neers]

My observations:

OL/DL play is improving

LB’s sans Harrington are not nearly as athletic as in the past. We need a talent upgrade here the most.

Marshall is our best back and needs the majority of the carries. I like Roberts, but he’s not as durable.

WR’s are our best position group. Just need to give Joey time and have him avoid bad decisions.

Weather was beautiful!!

The guys playing MLB are not starter caliber LBs..at least not yet. You can see when teams shift pre snap our LBs don't adjust. I see youth/inexperience as their issue more than anything.

Any team that loses their 2 starting MLBs is going to struggle.

I also think some of the DB/pass coverage issues stem from MLB play.

When you see us drop into a full cover 2 zone and only blitz 3 they held strong. That tells me they are learning but aren't there yet.

Lack of speed at MLB is a factor as well.

Well they're not starters so they're not gonna be as fast lol

Our 2 starting linebackers are some of the most tenured guys on the team. It’s surprising that 1 of them hasn’t been beaten out yet. That screams recruiting and talent development issues.

[AppDub]

My observations:

OL/DL play is improving

LB’s sans Harrington are not nearly as athletic as in the past. We need a talent upgrade here the most.

Marshall is our best back and needs the majority of the carries. I like Roberts, but he’s not as durable.

WR’s are our best position group. Just need to give Joey time and have him avoid bad decisions.

Weather was beautiful!!

The guys playing MLB are not starter caliber LBs..at least not yet. You can see when teams shift pre snap our LBs don't adjust. I see youth/inexperience as their issue more than anything.

Any team that loses their 2 starting MLBs is going to struggle.

I also think some of the DB/pass coverage issues stem from MLB play.

When you see us drop into a full cover 2 zone and only blitz 3 they held strong. That tells me they are learning but aren't there yet.

Lack of speed at MLB is a factor as well.

Well they're not starters so they're not gonna be as fast lol

Well we've always recruited speed over size in the past regardless of starter status. They should be fast. One of them, no names mentioned, is almost always trailing the play.

[Bootsy]

So at one time there was convo of rescheduling the Liberty game. I'm assuming that is dead now right? I would love for us to have an extra game to give a better chance of getting to a bowl. I'm sure that ship has sailed though.

I guess we could fit something in between CCU and JMU but another FCS is not helping get us to a bowl and we can't play lower than FCS. All we can look at is FBS teams and I am not sure if any other team has a free Saturday that Saturday and also lost a game like we did. Liberty is playing UMass on the 16 Nov Saturday.

I can’t see it happening at this point, Plenty of scheduling challenges exist, not to mention the number of App players nursing injuries.

On a related note, it’s been nice seeing some flashes of brilliance from redshirts as well as 3’s/4’s getting snaps due to injuries.

[kornegaylw]

My observations:

OL/DL play is improving

LB’s sans Harrington are not nearly as athletic as in the past. We need a talent upgrade here the most.

Marshall is our best back and needs the majority of the carries. I like Roberts, but he’s not as durable.

WR’s are our best position group. Just need to give Joey time and have him avoid bad decisions.

Weather was beautiful!!

The guys playing MLB are not starter caliber LBs..at least not yet. You can see when teams shift pre snap our LBs don't adjust. I see youth/inexperience as their issue more than anything.

Any team that loses their 2 starting MLBs is going to struggle.

I also think some of the DB/pass coverage issues stem from MLB play.

When you see us drop into a full cover 2 zone and only blitz 3 they held strong. That tells me they are learning but aren't there yet.

Lack of speed at MLB is a factor as well.

Well they're not starters so they're not gonna be as fast lol

Our 2 starting linebackers are some of the most tenured guys on the team. It’s surprising that 1 of them hasn’t been beaten out yet. That screams recruiting and talent development issues.

Sure they should be better...But they aren't.
Could it be a development thing?...Maybe
It could also be that they just aren't as good as the the guys before.

I'm not going to sit here and argue what it's. I see what I see...And I see that our MLBs just aren't that great this year. The rest of the league knows that and they are taking advantage of that weakness.

[kornegaylw]

My observations:

OL/DL play is improving

LB’s sans Harrington are not nearly as athletic as in the past. We need a talent upgrade here the most.

Marshall is our best back and needs the majority of the carries. I like Roberts, but he’s not as durable.

WR’s are our best position group. Just need to give Joey time and have him avoid bad decisions.

Weather was beautiful!!

The guys playing MLB are not starter caliber LBs..at least not yet. You can see when teams shift pre snap our LBs don't adjust. I see youth/inexperience as their issue more than anything.

Any team that loses their 2 starting MLBs is going to struggle.

I also think some of the DB/pass coverage issues stem from MLB play.

When you see us drop into a full cover 2 zone and only blitz 3 they held strong. That tells me they are learning but aren't there yet.

Lack of speed at MLB is a factor as well.

Well they're not starters so they're not gonna be as fast lol

Well we've always recruited speed over size in the past regardless of starter status. They should be fast. One of them, no names mentioned, is almost always trailing the play.

Well if you're talking about recruiting it must be said that this year was always going to be the year we paid for the recruiting failures of Drink, Roof & Dale Jones...Yes Clark is the HC but those guys wiffed, left & failed.

[ASUTodd]

The guys playing MLB are not starter caliber LBs..at least not yet. You can see when teams shift pre snap our LBs don't adjust. I see youth/inexperience as their issue more than anything.

Any team that loses their 2 starting MLBs is going to struggle.

I also think some of the DB/pass coverage issues stem from MLB play.

When you see us drop into a full cover 2 zone and only blitz 3 they held strong. That tells me they are learning but aren't there yet.

Lack of speed at MLB is a factor as well.

Well they're not starters so they're not gonna be as fast lol

Well we've always recruited speed over size in the past regardless of starter status. They should be fast. One of them, no names mentioned, is almost always trailing the play.

Well if you're talking about recruiting it must be said that this year was always going to be the year we paid for the recruiting failures of Drink, Roof & Dale Jones...Yes Clark is the HC but those guys wiffed, left & failed.

Yeah because in 5 years Clark couldn't possibly recruit anyone.

[NewApp]

So let me get this straight…App won a tough game yesterday. They now sit at .500 for the season. Game day weather was amazing and Charles the Lion Dog made an appearance.

All of that good stuff went down yesterday, but we’re arguing over the noise level from the crowd and if they were engaged?

OK.

No some posters gave creditability to a poster that never goes to games.

Please stop quoting him so those that have him on ignore can avoid reading that nonsense.

I must agree with an earlier poster that our linebackers as a group are a weakness, still taking poor angles, and tackling remains below what we’ve had there historically (#8 excluded).

Never goes to games? Kiddo, I have been to far more App games than you have. Just haven't been able to afford to in this last couple years. Plus all my children and grandchildren have aged out and don't attend any college games anymore. Don't enjoy driving 300 miles RT by myself. Now MYODB.

[AppDub]

The guys playing MLB are not starter caliber LBs..at least not yet. You can see when teams shift pre snap our LBs don't adjust. I see youth/inexperience as their issue more than anything.

Any team that loses their 2 starting MLBs is going to struggle.

I also think some of the DB/pass coverage issues stem from MLB play.

When you see us drop into a full cover 2 zone and only blitz 3 they held strong. That tells me they are learning but aren't there yet.

Lack of speed at MLB is a factor as well.

Well they're not starters so they're not gonna be as fast lol

Well we've always recruited speed over size in the past regardless of starter status. They should be fast. One of them, no names mentioned, is almost always trailing the play.

Well if you're talking about recruiting it must be said that this year was always going to be the year we paid for the recruiting failures of Drink, Roof & Dale Jones...Yes Clark is the HC but those guys wiffed, left & failed.

Recruiting, transfer portal, all points in between. Can't keep blaming Drink forever. Let's bring COVID back into the reasons why we are slow while we are st it.

[Saint3333]

So let me get this straight…App won a tough game yesterday. They now sit at .500 for the season. Game day weather was amazing and Charles the Lion Dog made an appearance.

All of that good stuff went down yesterday, but we’re arguing over the noise level from the crowd and if they were engaged?

OK.

No some posters gave creditability to a poster that never goes to games.

Please stop quoting him so those that have him on ignore can avoid reading that nonsense.

I must agree with an earlier poster that our linebackers as a group are a weakness, still taking poor angles, and tackling remains below what we’ve had there historically (#8 excluded).

Never goes to games? Kiddo, I have been to far more App games than you have. Just haven't been able to afford to in this last couple years. Plus all my children and grandchildren have aged out and don't attend any college games anymore. Don't enjoy driving 300 miles RT by myself. Now MYODB.

Perfect response, admitting you don’t go to games and should never opine on the game day atmosphere. Thanks for proving my point.

[Stonewall]

Win or lose , it’s Shawn’s players , his team.

[NewApp]

So let me get this straight…App won a tough game yesterday. They now sit at .500 for the season. Game day weather was amazing and Charles the Lion Dog made an appearance.

All of that good stuff went down yesterday, but we’re arguing over the noise level from the crowd and if they were engaged?

OK.

No some posters gave creditability to a poster that never goes to games.

Please stop quoting him so those that have him on ignore can avoid reading that nonsense.

I must agree with an earlier poster that our linebackers as a group are a weakness, still taking poor angles, and tackling remains below what we’ve had there historically (#8 excluded).

Never goes to games? Kiddo, I have been to far more App games than you have. Just haven't been able to afford to in this last couple years. Plus all my children and grandchildren have aged out and don't attend any college games anymore. Don't enjoy driving 300 miles RT by myself. Now MYODB.

Perfect response, admitting you don’t go to games and should never opine on the game day atmosphere. Thanks for proving my point.

Only the last two damn years, AH. Otherwise, I have attended far more games than you since 1963 or 1962. I listen to the announcers and watch what I can on the net and reg TV.
Reading is not your forte. Micro managing the team and coaches as well as the AD staff is.

[app97]

My observations:

OL/DL play is improving

LB’s sans Harrington are not nearly as athletic as in the past. We need a talent upgrade here the most.

Marshall is our best back and needs the majority of the carries. I like Roberts, but he’s not as durable.

WR’s are our best position group. Just need to give Joey time and have him avoid bad decisions.

Weather was beautiful!!

The guys playing MLB are not starter caliber LBs..at least not yet. You can see when teams shift pre snap our LBs don't adjust. I see youth/inexperience as their issue more than anything.

Any team that loses their 2 starting MLBs is going to struggle.

I also think some of the DB/pass coverage issues stem from MLB play.

When you see us drop into a full cover 2 zone and only blitz 3 they held strong. That tells me they are learning but aren't there yet.

doesn't help that Farrar and Gooch have been out for the season. Farrar looked pretty good at Clemson, before the injury.
Who was the other MLB we lost other than Parker?

[83App]

Gooch was really good last year and Farrar looked really good before his injury at Clemson. I think the loss of these two is hurting us more than we are willing to admit. Personally I would like to see some of the youngers linebackers get some action in the last few games to get ready for next year. Harrington is awesome and a true Mountaineer but he needs some help which doesn`t appear to be there right now. What happened to Sullivan.......he was really good last year. Perhaps he is hurt?

[Mjohn1988]

The guys playing MLB are not starter caliber LBs..at least not yet. You can see when teams shift pre snap our LBs don't adjust. I see youth/inexperience as their issue more than anything.

Any team that loses their 2 starting MLBs is going to struggle.

I also think some of the DB/pass coverage issues stem from MLB play.

When you see us drop into a full cover 2 zone and only blitz 3 they held strong. That tells me they are learning but aren't there yet.

Lack of speed at MLB is a factor as well.

Well they're not starters so they're not gonna be as fast lol

Our 2 starting linebackers are some of the most tenured guys on the team. It’s surprising that 1 of them hasn’t been beaten out yet. That screams recruiting and talent development issues.

Sure they should be better...But they aren't.
Could it be a development thing?...Maybe
It could also be that they just aren't as good as the the guys before.

I'm not going to sit here and argue what it's. I see what I see...And I see that our MLBs just aren't that great this year. The rest of the league knows that and they are taking advantage of that weakness.

I’m really not sure why any opposing coach calls a pass play against us. I’m thankful when opponents throw the ball, but again, not sure why they throw the ball. We know from the past that our D coaches can coach run fit. This and simply watching us play tells me we don’t have the guys. But I do put that squarely on the coaches.

[kornegaylw]

Lack of speed at MLB is a factor as well.

Well they're not starters so they're not gonna be as fast lol

Our 2 starting linebackers are some of the most tenured guys on the team. It’s surprising that 1 of them hasn’t been beaten out yet. That screams recruiting and talent development issues.

Sure they should be better...But they aren't.
Could it be a development thing?...Maybe
It could also be that they just aren't as good as the the guys before.

I'm not going to sit here and argue what it's. I see what I see...And I see that our MLBs just aren't that great this year. The rest of the league knows that and they are taking advantage of that weakness.

I’m really not sure why any opposing coach calls a pass play against us. I’m thankful when opponents throw the ball, but again, not sure why they throw the ball. We know from the past that our D coaches can coach run fit. This and simply watching us play tells me we don’t have the guys. But I do put that squarely on the coaches.

Question...Is it Clarks fault that both starting Inside LBs, Gooch & Farrar, got hurt and haven't played since Clemson? Or is it his fault that the second string Inside LBs aren't as good as the first string?

[311neers]

Well they're not starters so they're not gonna be as fast lol

Our 2 starting linebackers are some of the most tenured guys on the team. It’s surprising that 1 of them hasn’t been beaten out yet. That screams recruiting and talent development issues.

Sure they should be better...But they aren't.
Could it be a development thing?...Maybe
It could also be that they just aren't as good as the the guys before.

I'm not going to sit here and argue what it's. I see what I see...And I see that our MLBs just aren't that great this year. The rest of the league knows that and they are taking advantage of that weakness.

I’m really not sure why any opposing coach calls a pass play against us. I’m thankful when opponents throw the ball, but again, not sure why they throw the ball. We know from the past that our D coaches can coach run fit. This and simply watching us play tells me we don’t have the guys. But I do put that squarely on the coaches.

Question...Is it Clarks fault that both starting Inside LBs, Gooch & Farrar, got hurt and haven't played since Clemson? Or is it his fault that the second string Inside LBs aren't as good as the first string?

Harrington Arnholt and Sullivan were the starting linebackers. Some form of that combo has been starting for a few years now. Gooch and Farrar were the backups but were pressing them to take over the starting role. Now Phares is the backup. But yes, Clarks fault because he recruited all of those guys except Harrington.

[Stonewall]

Fault ? Hmmmm ,I believe it’s his responsibility to have whoever suits up ready to play at this level. That requires recruiting guys capable and then developing them.