SBNation.com User Blog: truecolors

Fisher Presser Available Now

truecolors — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:12:25 -0000

Fisher Presser Available Now

He said he would not assign blame but quickly added "I will say that the ball was not extended the ball was tight to the body, and was deflected out". His comments shortly after that concerning Chirstians handling of the fumble seem to indicate this was not Christians fault. Ponder handleded it "the way he always does" added that Ponder "put everything on his back", and often "takes too big of a burden on himself."

OU LIkley Loses Backup RB

truecolors — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:28:28 -0000

OU LIkley Loses Backup RB

Reported by CCmachine at the SB nation OU site.

Pac-10 invites Utah

truecolors — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:06:21 -0000

Pac-10 invites Utah

Pac 10 makes official invite to Utah. Utah has already scheduled a presser for tommorow afternoon... don't drag your feet when a good thing comes your way.

BC Pod cast Realistic self-image or Kool-aid? (and other conference talk)

truecolors — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:58:02 -0000

BC Pod cast Realistic self-image or Kool-aid? (and other conference talk)

First half of the Podcast indicates that BC "propped up" the conference by being consistent.

Further implicating that the new media deal with ESPN was largely due to the consistent success of BC and VT in recent football seasons. (not ACC basketball)

Mid-way: Says Atlantic is wide-open.

Talks about the new Title Game Location in Charlotte

Finishes with expansion talk and whether BC would go to the Big 10 if offered. And thinks FSU and Clemson don't make sense financially to the SEC.

FSU not in this preseason top 25?

truecolors — Mon, 17 May 2010 03:08:09 -0000

FSU not in this preseason top 25?

Greg Reid Recognized by College Football Performance Awards as the top punt returner

truecolors — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:30:39 -0000

Greg Reid Recognized by College Football Performance Awards as the top punt returner

Seminoles.com reports and has video coverage of the event. Apparently this is an unbiased award that is given based on "scientific data" alone.

Award spokesman said that Reid was far and away the winner based on that data.

Check it out here!

Playoff Myth #2 – Money Problems

truecolors — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:24:17 -0000

Inside we close the door on Myth #1 and talk money.

Before moving on, let’s close the door on myth one. MattD SWFLNole (others too) are correct regarding the best mathematical way to determine a championship. I don’t by any means disagree with the basic principles of their arguments (that’s why some of my points sounded contradictory). To me their basic points are right, but the application of that information still points to playoffs. IF the 70 plus percent who chimed in on the article is a close representation of the rest of CFB fans, and these guys were to have a playoff “crammed down their throat” then they would at least agree to the following.

· A modest sized pool of applicants – George Mason and the likes have no place in a legitimate post season discussion. College basketball (which we are only comparing to, not discussing) gets this wrong. It’s heartwarming and touching, but they have not earned that right by playing and surviving tough regular seasons. A smaller sized pool of teams means that those teams will validate the regular season, not diminish it, by having played well enough to earn their way in. There will always be the really, really good teams and one or two questionable teams, but should not include the likes of teams not even good enough to make the top 10. I would rather have a size that adds just one too many teams on some years rather than cuts out a team that should get in on others. What size that pool of applicants should be is still up for debate. Bottom line: too big and unworthy teams get in. Two small and a quality post season team gets left out in the cold.

· Series determine the best teams – The premise is correct. That gives you a better shot at determining the better of two teams. The application, however is outlandish to me. I don’t think a sport of the physical nature of football leans in favor of having two teams duke it out 3 or more times. Also, this affects the math. If teams lose players to attrition from playing the same teams 2-3 times in a short amount of time before moving on, at some point you are not rewarding the best team, but the team who got beat up the least. I know that to a lesser degree that is always true, however that is to a lesser degree. I don’t think you can reasonably play series in football without bending the stats in the other direction. These things should at least be kept to a minimum.

· Strength of Schedule is a must – They are correct yet again! Teams SHOULD be rewarded for their play during the rest of the season. We are not yet fully discussing what size a playoff should be or how to select teams, but this is a basic must…with or without a playoff! In a playoff it could at least help to keep teams from sneaking in with no thought of a quality regular season opponent. It would be tough to regulate with scheduling, but perhaps a minimum SOS, or even a basic admittance requirement of playing a previous years top 25 team or a team from a top 15 bowl or something along those lines. It’s tough to know when you’re scheduling how a team will be in the future, so I’m not sure how to do this, but teams like Boise State seem like they aren’t even trying.

I will say that I don’t believe my myth debunking was…um…debunked, but then I never do. I DO feel that there were valid arguments on both sides and in the end it comes down to point of view. All of the above said let’s move on to Myth #2.

Risky Business

Follow the Cash! This is always true in life. I’m not certain we will ever get a playoff because of it. No matter how much fans want change, until they stop paying the bills, or management feels strongly that more cash is there to be made, management will carry on as usual.

So, where does the cash go in college football? It goes to conferences (some more than others) , TV networks, magazines, schools(same here), other sports, etc. The powers that be are raking in the cash, and the current system is doing quite well for itself. That’s one of the arguments against a playoff system. It would require a major change in the structure of how that cash changes hands, and ultimately is a risky venture.

Pause for honesty

I realize from the last “discussion” that I may not seem like the most open minded person. I’m not that bad, though. (If you don’t believe me I’ll prove it to you…and I’ll be right) I’m going to be honest about the fact that this myth dives into an area where I’m not all that strong.

Truth is I’m not a numbers guy. I’m no idiot. I understand statistics and big picture economic principles. I realize that numbers always tell the true story. (I’ll add that reading those numbers and what they mean is a huge part of that true story, and they must be interpreted correctly. I’ll even say that in my opinion a lot of those who are the best with numbers fall into a “can’t see the forest for the trees scenario”. They are SOMETIMES the best at doing the math, but NOT at making the best decision based on the findings) Numbers read correctly are where it’s at. I just don’t like to poor them out on my bed and roll around in them like others on this site. For that reason I’m going to lay open the argument, give very little definitive facts, and then throw out opinions based on sweeping generalizations. After which, I hope those with a talent for numbers will do some actual homework and then chime in.

Here’s hoping!

Current Financial Structure:

There are four basic ways to make money in the current system: ticket sales, television, and merchandise, and sponsorship (bowls).

There are obvious advantages to the traditional powerhouse teams. They have tradition and a multi-generation deep fan base from which to draw ticket sales, TV interest, and even sell a minimum amount of merchandise. And, all that is BEFORE we consider whether or not they are actually popular at the moment. Cash also can ebb and flow based on teams trending up or down. Winning certainly doesn’t hurt. It takes winning over time to climb to the top, though. Boise State (since we are using them nowadays) for example has got to have more cash for their football team than at any point in history, but they are new on the scene and there is no way they can compete with the big boys and their, deep pockets, conference affiliations, and old-money fan bases.

How does this affect the Post season? The BCS is probably composed of most of the better conferences and teams in the sport. Probably, but they are definitely comprised of the most lucrative teams and conferences in the sport, because they can draw the ratings, sell the merchandise, and have more cash on hand than lesser schools and conferences. In the current system they are receiving preferential treatment.

We can argue whether teams like TCU and Boise State are worthy to play with the big boys yet or not. We cannot, however, argue whether or not they wield the same kind of power financially. Even IF Boise State were as good as the big boys (they are not) they still would not get a fair shake at the moment.

The Big boys are locked into Bowl bids, and TV deals. They are scared of supporting any system that might let someone else have a piece of the pie. You numbers guys know that there is only one pie and only so much to go around. If others get a bigger slice, then those with the biggest slices will end up getting smaller slices in the end.

Ratings Argument:

The teams and conferences who know this don’t want to talk about it that way. So, what they do is use fear to hold back the change.

The truth is they don’t want to share, but what they say is, “if we change it interest and ratings might go down.” I don’t know how they can really believe this. People watch football almost every night of the week now. Not because the teams on TV are good, but because there is football, any football , on TV. Lesser bowls are not watched because of tradition, half of those bowls didn’t even exist 20 years ago. They are watched because we really, really like football. We would rather watch two bad teams in an over hyped bowl game than whatever else is on TV at the moment.

Even opponents of playoffs have commented over the past week how entertaining playoffs are. I think a playoff could actually spike TV ratings.

The tickets argument:

I know ticket sales will be next to impossible for teams when fans won’t know where their teams are playing until the last minute. I think this is the biggest obstacle of using bowls for playoffs. I’m pretty sure the NFL system is the only way long term. High seeds play at home. This makes it possible for fans of the higher seeded teams to sell out the stadium. Yes they will have home field advantage, but they’ve earned that with…you guessed it… their play in the regular season. This further emphasizes the importance of regular season play in a playoff scenario.

We still haven’t discussed how the bowl split verses the home/away split might be different. To me that is easy enough to solve. Work it so that it is similar to the current system. The home team sells out the tickets, but the money is taken up and distributed similar to the bowl structure per winner, and loser.

Another ratings issue with playoffs is regular season games. If playoffs get to lengthy then the amount of regular season games might get chopped. Teams in the playoffs will not be affected, nor those with tiny fan bases. But, teams like Michigan or Tennessee could still sell out one or two more home games at 100,000 seats a pop whether they make the playoffs or not. I’m honestly not sure what the answer here is except to say that keeping the Bowls as a sort of NIT for the rest of the FBS might at least make up some of the difference.

Sponsors are not that big a deal. You may even get more sponsors for the “FBS playoffs” than for “whatever individual bowl game” as it will reach a wider audience. Merchandise need not be discussed in the playoff debate, as it is more based on a team’s popularity than the current structure vs. the old one.

A Viable Solution:

To me a viable solution is to make change slowly. We already have a title game. Next, add a plus one that uses the current major 4 bowls in some sort of rotation. Then move to 2 major bowl play-ins , the other 2 as semi’s, and a final in the title game. If at some point you run into a ticket sales issue THEN discuss separating the playoff teams from the bowl teams. Notice I think Bowls can still make money as a quasi-NIT sort of deal. Other solutions are possible here, but I’m saying take it one step at a time… 4 teams then 6, though I don’t personally support one much bigger than that.

We can really go to town discussing structures from the competition/fairness standpoint, but let’s do that in a future post. For now keep structural talk relevant to how it affects money.

Let the shredding begin!

Poll

How big of a problem is money to a playoff system?

A. VERY important - the cash simply cannot be made and disiminated in a similar way.

9 votes

B. VERY important - however it can be overcome.

19 votes

C. NOT VERY important - they can easily make just as much cash or more in a playoff.

12 votes

C. UNDECIDED - please take the time to comment why.

1 votes

41 votes | Poll has closed

NCAA Football Playoff’s Myth#1

truecolors — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:38:54 -0000

This will be the first in a series of posts to focusing on the debate over playoffs in the FBS. I’ll debunk Myths with the first few, and then get into offering various formulas. We can debate until our typing fingers turn blue, and thereby avoid the painful lull of the college football off-season.

There is usually ton’s of debate regarding whether or not NCAA Division I football (FBS) should have playoffs. People get aligned on each side of the argument, and take shots at one another from across the lawn. I personally fit into the Pro-Playoff’s category, so I want to take the time to point out few of the Myth’s that come whistling toward my head each year from various news outlets. Over the next couple posts I’ll do just that. It’ my turn to return fire! Cannon loaded, armor in place, and here we go…

Myth #1 FBS Playoff’s will diminish the importance of regular season games.

This is one of the biggest Myth’s used to shoot down the idea of playoffs in Division I. What amazes me is that no one from the other side seems to have the foresight to realize that not only might this be inaccurate, it might be completely the opposite.

Track with me for a moment. The argument is that every game is essentially a one game playoff as it presently stands. Therefore, adding a playoff will make these games less important, thereby diminishing the regular season as a whole. When I hear this argument on the four letter network I feel like I’m watching the History channel, or sitting in my college biology class...one fact surrounded by several gigantic leaps in logic.

The fact has been so wonderfully pointed out by Bud over the last couple of years that only a hand-full of teams actually have a real statistical chance of going undefeated. For the rest of college football it’s a media infused pipe dream. We get wacky quotes to at the start of every season like “everyone is on equal footing, since the season is starting and no one has a loss”. What a load. Deep down we know that only the Alabama’s, UF’s, Texas’s and Oklahoma’s of the world have a real shot. And even for them the odds are not great.

Yes. For Florida fans that one game against Mississippi State is like a playoff game in October. But for the majority of college football that’s not the case. Even the Boise States of the world realize that the likely hood of actually getting past the political poop storm and getting into the NT game should they go undefeated is probably not very good.

I submit that Playoff’s actually have the potential to make the regular season MORE INTERESTING!

FSU for example doesn’t have a legit shot at the NT next year. Of course it “could happen”, but anything “could happen”. Such as pigs flying, and hell freezing over. FSU does, however, have a realistic shot at winning their division. And after that it’s one game to the ACC Title. In a scenario where Conference winners get in a playoff, FSU does actually have a chance. So does the previously mentioned Boise State. They could actually stop whining and start proving themselves in the post season. This hope would spread to other teams in other conferences, and conference games would actually mean more than ever. Imagine FSU Clemson late next year with the understanding that even if both teams have multiple losses, they are still in the division race, the ACC Title race, and ultimately the playoffs.

There are other playoff scenarios (which I’ll dive into at a future date) but you get the general idea. Tons of middling teams in the FBS would have a real reason to get excited. Even in a “top 8 teams” playoff scenario, the fight to get into those last eight spots could get really interesting!

One more point here is that this weekend tons of College basketball fans will watch Conference Championship games between teams they normally care nothing about. Why? Because they MIGHT have a chance to dance. A similar trickle down is what I believe would actually occur in FBS football.

Poll

Will College Playoff's actually deminish the regular season?

Yes

42 votes

No

140 votes

Undecided

7 votes

189 votes | Poll has closed

Is the Dominance Over for Florida Football?

truecolors — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:50:07 -0000

The Gators Are on the Clock!

Is the dominance over? I don’t have an answer yet, but it’s a question well worth asking. There is a lot of change surrounding the University of Florida’s football program at the moment. None of those changes by themselves are earth shattering, but there seems to be a lot happening at once. Florida may come out smelling like roses, however, for UF fans there is enough uncertainty to make one pause.

I'm saying the Gators are going to simply disappear from the ranks of the top 25. What I am saying it that they have enjoyed an impressive run of dominance over the past several years, and it’s at least possible that run is coming to an end.

After the jump we discuss the factors that got them there, how those factors are being threatened, and why this is a critical time for Urban Meyer and the University of Florida…

The Gators Are on the Clock!

After the jump we discuss the factors that got them there, how those factors are being threatened, and why this is a critical time for Urban Meyer and the University of Florida…

Why so Good?

Before we begin to explore the factors that currently threaten the dominance of Florida’s program, it is necessary to take a look at what got them there in the first place.

Right Place Right Time: Easy there! No way am I saying that Urban and the Gators success is a fluke. Urban is the real deal with recruiting, what was a fairly unique scheme, and the know-how to build infrastructure. What I am saying is that the LEVEL of his success was without a doubt aided by being in the right place at the right time.

First, he’s in Florida. One can argue the veracity of Florida’s High School Football talent pool compared to a few other states, but a good long look at the results from College to NFL, combined with per capita statistics say that the argument will ultimately be lost. There is no better place to call home when it comes to talent bases and recruiting.

Second, He caught the Big 3 just right. FSU was in the middle of a steady decline when Urban arrived. And Miami was shortly to follow. That combined with a hungry UF fan base and football team created a vacuum for recruiting and coaching that sucked the players right in. Not only did these declines effect recruiting it showed up in wins and losses. UF beat the dog snot out of FSU for the past 6 years. And while it doesn’t play Miami as frequently it certainly won the PR battle by hitting the gas pedal just as UM hit the brakes.

Third, He had a fairly fresh scheme. Meyer’s scheme along with a few other coaches at the time caught much of college football off guard – especially the man-heavy South. Defensive coaches have been cramming ever since, in an effort to muzzle the loudness that is spread offense scoring. Call it a gimmick offense, but it is the simplest form of match up exploitation, or better yet creating matchups TO exploit. While I think that an unbalanced use of these offenses will eventually get some coaches in trouble (ahhmm… Rich Rodriguez) at the time they wowed fans and bewildered coaches.

What a man-child: Tim Tebow has been called many things since his arrival at Florida, some good and others not so good. I find that my comments mostly fit in the "not so good" category. Whatever you choose to call him one thing is for sure. At the collegiate level he was a match-up nightmare.

Tebow’s strange combination of athletic ability will probably let him down at the next level. (It’s a very odd combination of skills that ultimately places him in NFL no-mans-land) In Urban’s scheme, however, was a match made in heaven. Pun intended. Having to cover a QB who could plow through college defenses to the tune of 5 yards a pop, and emerge from the pile virtually unscathed was a major problem for opponents. Tim’s passing is questionable when picking receivers, but this scheme called for very little of that. Most of the passes where set up by spread running looks, so that formations and the threat of multiple runs and screens set up easy pass and throw combinations and a lot of one-on-one throws that are super simple to read. Bottom line Tebow’s size speed and arm matched with Urban Meyer’s scheme to give defenses fits.

Defensive Assistance: Coordinator Charlie Strong proved to be one of the games better Defensive signal-callers. Florida’s spread attack offense, and having the run of the state in recruiting gave the Gator’s an almost unbeatable combination. It’s short and sweet but it is a major factor in the Florida run of dominance. Charlie…good. Talent…good. Result…..Good!

No front-runners abound: Yes the SEC has been the hands down favorite in college football over the past decade or so. Yes Ohio State was very much up for the first decade of the 2000’s, and yes Pete Carol proved to be a phenomenal college recruiter/coach. The truth is that there were no other truly good front runners to contend with the Gators. USC had a penchant for losing an easy W somewhere along the line in the Pac-10. Ohio State couldn’t win the big one. And, no other team in the SEC could wear UF’s jock strap. Urban is the consummate front runner. He puts his foot on your neck and then squeezes. He doesn’t even lose sleep afterward. You get in his way and get leveled. This attitude seemed to permeate the entire Florida team including Tebow who was often to be found taunting fans of opposing teams and giving completely jacked up pep talks. They were the front runners in CFB when none of the more likely candidates had the gall. No, they didn’t have the perfect season, but that’s rare. Bottom line: When the chips are down, don’t bet against the Gators.

The Enemy of Consistency: Change!

The thing that kills consistent high-level success more often than anything is change. Change isn’t always bad, but when you’re the one on top it’s an unavoidable annoyance. Just ask Bobby Bowden. The only constant in life is that things never stay the same. They key to staying on top is to constantly evolve. Even though you are the best you have to keep getting better, make adjustments, etc. (side note: This is the kind of thing I love about what Jimbo Fisher is saying these days more than anything else. He understands that keeping up, evolving etc is a must.)

The biggest battle is convincing yourself you need to change when you are already the best. The second biggest is making sure that nothing is sacred. In other words any area from X’s and O’s to structure and down the line is on the table for possible adjustments. Nothing is ever completely off limits to the critical eye. Ironically, I think Meyer is actually doing well in these two areas. But there is another area – Change that occurs beyond your control. Usually if one takes these changes in stride they are not extremely difficult to over come. Occasionally, though a real poop storm hovers over your head. Enter official UF category 4.

Urban Meyer’s Health: I’m less worried about his health, at least as it concerns football. I’m more interested to see what his involvement looks like after this year’s turn of events. I fully expect Urban to coach, but how much time will he put in? And, what effect will that have on the team/staff? Will he rely more on assistants to recruit? Will he rely more on assistants to scheme? There are a lot of potential trickle down affects related to Urban Meyer’s health. Who he is and what he did in every facet of the team made the players and the coaches who they were the past several years. What impact will even seemingly meaningless changes have on those players and coaches.

Coaching /Player Changes: There is a real potential leadership vacuum at Florida. Tebow’s gone, a lot of other players are gone and a handful of new coaches arrive as well. These changes combined with possible adjustments in how Urban coaches the team have the potential to be huge! Again, they easily weather the poop storm with a couple good umbrella’s, but nothing is automatic. With coaches AND players changing one would this might need to be one of his harder coaching years since arriving at Florida.

Scheme Changes: Admittedly, I haven’t studied up on UF’s new DC. However, one would think there will certainly be some changes on Defense. To boot, Florida is supposed to rock a new pro-style scheme under Addazio. We didn’t see it last year. It could be that Tebow couldn’t flourish under it. Also, it’s possible Urban kept intervening. In any case it was not the Florida offense of old. If that trend continues things might get more murky. Personally Brantley’s potential scares me, but they still have to put it all together. By the by, Johnnie Brantley has very little game reps.

A New Sheriff(s) in town: While there seemed to be a lack of front runners in the recent past. That is no longer the case. In the SEC there is a new front runner and his name is Nick Saban. Like or dislike, there is no arguing that Saban has the gall to lead the pack. While he is in a different division of the SEC, there is no doubt that Saban will be a regular obstacle for UF to SEC and national Titles.

As far as the Big 3 is concerned Jimbo Fisher is on the move. He looks to reclaim second place in recruiting and put the Big back in the Big 3. Admittedly, Fisher seems to be focused on taking out Miami first. Keep this in mind though. Every step closer to winning the ACC and getting back in the top 10 makes life that much harder for Urban Meyer. No longer will he seemingly have free reign in the state. He and his staff will have to keep up the tireless work on recruiting and developing players, possibly even take it up a notch if FSU starts winning.

The potential problem for UF is that FSU is out of conference. They have been virtually unchallenged by them up till now. If Alabama is the new big brother in the SEC, and FSU even finds a way to win half the time, no way can UF dominate the way it has in the past.

Summary: Any one of the above changes is not overwhelming, but I believe together they have big implications. They CAN be overcome. And Urban is a good one to do it, but as far as overcoming outside change, the ride is just getting started for the Gators. Florida is on the clock and I will be watching with anticipation to see how well they handle the pressure over the next few years.

More importantly what do you think?

USF video interviews

truecolors — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:07:42 -0000

USF video interviews

Great interviews all around. Selvie is very open about USF's plan to stop the run first and then defend the pass.

Desperatley Direct

truecolors — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:48:18 -0000

I desperatley need a way to watch this game! Direc TV customer... no cable carrying friends... and no online viewing.

Someone from TN should set up a web cam that we can follow the game on!!!!

I desperatley need a way to watch this game! Direc TV customer... no cable carrying friends... and no online viewing. Someone from TN should set up a web cam that we can follow the game on!!!!

Moody splitting snaps with Mangum

truecolors — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:36:24 -0000

Moody splitting snaps with Mangum

I'm a little miffed, but at least its a step in the right direction. What is this infatuation Mickey and Bobby have with upperclassmen. When they aren't as good bounce them!

I also expect Dieonte to get more pt

Setting the Record Straight... Miami vs. FSU

truecolors — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:49:25 -0000

One Fan's Perspective

This is just my perspective on the game last night. I know it will find a little lash back here, but that's okay. This is the way I saw the game, and consequently see the future.

One Fan's Perspective

This is just my perspective on the game last night. I know it will find a little lash back here, but that's okay. This is the way I saw the game, and consequently see the future.

Things we can agree on:

Since I know up front there will be a few things that are against the general stream of thought here, I'll start with some things I think we all agree on.

1. The Defense has a LONG way to go. There's no arguing here. While Miami is a little further along offensively than I expected, the defense was not good at all and quite simply cost us this game. We all agree on this point. I think my view of why may be slightly different, but we'll get to that later.

2. Our Offense is in very good hands. Granted Miami sat in zone all night and let us take it to them, but I'm not sure what else they where supposed to do. Most of the few times they did bring pressure, we torched them (or should have). Our line is fabulous, and recievers are speedy, and our QB was picking them apart. They were left with little choice but to try and keep things in front of them.

Parting Company: At least on point of view.

My take on our Defense will be a little against the grain. I'm wide open to discussion, but this is what I saw last night personally.

1. Mickey's play calling was not THAT bad. He made some wholesale changes in the Defensive packages he's running. We ran our typical 4-3 but also mixed in 3-4, and no it was not our typical 3-4. We zone blitzed...alot. I have to tell you on the second or third series when we gave this look I was elated, and he continued to run it off and on throughout the night. We sat back in it, blitzed from it, dropped ends and tackles into coverage from it. The big play by Greg Reid was a blitz out of this look. Aparently he did learn something from his time with Parcells in the offseason. The problem was this... OUR D LINE SUCKED& Our secondary was average!!!

We don't have enough horses up front to make this or ANY package work right now. There were some blown plays in the secondary, but this package would have looked much better had we any inkling of a pass rush. Fault Mickey for poor recruiting, fault him for not getting the right body types, but I think he is trying to turn the corner strateigically. This years recruiting focuses on the types of players we need in the front seven to make this scheme work (a combo of 4-3 and 3-4). I like where we seem to be headed, it's just taken way to long to start getting there.

Future outlook: Until we get the OLB and DL horses we will continue to be missing something. We are a solid two years away defensivey IF we round out the front seven in recruiting this year. Oh and can we please hurry up and develope our young Safties... PLEASE!?

2. Miami is further along than we anticipated, but not that far. Whipple called a good game and the young stars for Miami are starting to shine. I don't think I quite expected them to execute this well. However, let's call this what it was. Any descent QB with this much time and this many fast recievers is going to light any secondary on fire. They are progressing, that's why they ultimatley where able to keep up, but they will not look this good against defenses like VT and UNC.

Future Outlook: Miami is on the way back as are we. Both teams have some serious ground to cover still, starting with continued recruiting. They are physically closer than we are. The real difference is their Deffense is STILL Vanilla, and we will eventually have enough horses up front. I'm going on record saying if the trend continues this painful battle of offenses verses inept Defenses will morph into the Miami v. FSU it once was, Title implications and all. It will simply take a little more time.

3. Greg Reid is a baller! Kick returns, nickle back, saftey, pass ruser, Greg Reid can do it all. The highlight of the night was after he forced the pick on Jacory Harris. Greg is standing on the bench, all 67 inches of him, waving a towel. He had to be thinking to himself, "and this Division I thing is a peice of cake". Let's hope we continue to develope his skill. Know this! When the game is on the line or the ball is in his area, HE - WILL-MAKE-BIG-PLAYS!

Future Outlook: Good. The kid is going to make plays here for a long time!

4. Miami ran a LOT of way loose cover two. I'm torn here, because I'm not sure what else they were supposed to do. They ran cover 2 (not a lot of cover 3) and pushed the corners to gaurd the sticks instead of the usual first 5 yards in their zones. there were two safties most of the night. But blitzes only had limited sucess, and their front 4 was not getting pressure. I would have done something different, but I don't think that the kind of plays they needed last night was in their play book. That's their problem.

Future Outlook: Their defensive play calling is still inept. This is a good future sign for us. If they continue to be vanilla, we will eventually pass them by with our defense. I'm just sick that we looked as bad as they did last night!

In the end...we should still have won.

a. overthrow by ponder going into the half could have put us a field goal or more from winning.

2. P-Rob's bad angle on the 3rd and forever kept Miami's second to last scoring drive alive, we probably take the lead if they punt and don't look back.

D. we still came one catch and one fumble from winning, it just hurts that we did not!

That's all I've got, tell me your thoughts on last nights craziness!

Miami Q&A

truecolors — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:59:20 -0000

What ever happened to the Miami blogger Q&A?

The Sloppy Ball Support er Discussion Group

truecolors — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:01:29 -0000

South Caronlina @ NC State

I need the Pickem link!!!

truecolors — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:33:21 -0000

I need the Pickem link!!!

Kirk Herbstreit Varsity Football Challenge (tounge n cheek)

truecolors — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:15:27 -0000

Kirk Herbstreit Varsity Football Challenge (tounge n cheek)

Exciting HS matchup or well disguised recruiting ploy???

All I know is Chris Carter(OSU) is sidelining St. Thomas Aq. Herbei's name is on there (OSU) and I don't like even the thought of LJ and Co. treading accross goal lines for is Buckey Stadium... When does the classic show up in Tallahassee?

Help with my theory!!!

truecolors — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:55:57 -0000

I'm trying to compare teams through a filter of line play (OL V DL of coarse), QB play and a couple of sub-factors such as home field, coaching, and special teams. To see if I can get a tighter hold on projecting teams without, getting lost in the menutia of personal opinion and how "good" a team is overall. BOTTOM LINE being how do they match up.

Trouble is I need help figuring out how to evaluate a few areas on the fly....

One of the keys is to evaluate those areas using unbiased info. I'm using Phill Steels unit rankings as a launch, pad. I know it's not perfect, but It's based on numbers and talent projections, so its a good starting point for unbiased evaluation.

Another of the keys will be adjustments. Teams don't field the same teams that he is evaluation in the mid-summer. For example we have already made changes in personel compared to some of his evaluation of our seminoles. Players get hurt and don't play, or come back at 75%, or go on mission(heh heh). The point is by the time game time rolls around the DL's, OL's and QB's have changed, not always for the worst either. (see Toshmon moving outside)

Yet another key is adjusting for improvments. Teams get better in areas. They get bigger, or in better shape, or more mature, or more talented with youth stepping up....you get the idea. I need to adjust for these thing by game time, and as the season reaveals the truth (e.g. an OL is performing better than expected, or worse)

I need ideas on how to evaluated change (in an unbiased way) in these three areas.

Please Post Ideas specific to the areas...suggestiongs for 1. or 2. or 3. [or A 2 D format if you prefer]

Also remember I am looking to evaluate specific units (OL, DL, QB, ST, Coaching)

Areas

1. What unbiased info or methods will help evaluate improvement or regression in teams that have yet to play a game?

2. How to re-evaluate units as they experience change in Personel?

3. How to evaluate improvement/or regression in units as the season unfolds? (over performing and underperforming units, forget the experts what are they ACTUALLY DOING.)

Dionte's Pick

truecolors — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:49:36 -0000

Dionte's Pick

Dionte perhaps turning the corner... Reid with a pick in one on one (granted he know the ball would be coming no matter what, so this is relative)

Does anyone have an up to date 2 deep as of end of spring practice?

truecolors — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:50:39 -0000

Does anyone have an up to date 2 deep as of end of spring practice?

From What I've Seen So Far (recruting)

truecolors — Fri, 29 May 2009 02:07:30 -0000

First: This isn't a who we're going to get segment. We're dreaming from this point on.

If I could get any recruit for sure these are the ones I'd take as of right now. Stars mean nothing to me.

QB I don't see an obvious quarterback who just fits us perfectly so I'll pass and pray for rain next year (this is assuming the new kid takes over quickly from the number 3, "d....de...derin....dadgum it what's his name."

RB Call me crazy but I just really like Brandon Gainer. I don't think our new philosophy on offense necessarily calls for a home run hitter. It does require a big back who gets on the whole asap makes one cut and goes vertical...gainer does that better than ANY of the ones I've peaked on video. Wouldn't say no to smiley and Lattimore either (duh!)

FB Do we even still have one of these any more...I mean we're looking to take athletic tight ends and call them full-backs or big recievers right?

WR I'll take Christian Green, Markeith Ambles for size with a side of Chris Dunkley and DJ Jhonson...or at least one of the big ones and one of the fast ones. (at our current rate, we need all three)

TE I'll be honest I only vaguely understand what Jimbo's looking for here, so I'll leave that to him. I understand the concept, but have yet to see his guys in action, so any two of these will be fine for me.

OL Trust the Trickett This is another area that is hard evaluate with the new system. I know what he's looking for smart, mean, fleet of foot, and if it's possible size too. These things aren't always easy to see in a HS kid playing HS kids, But the Trick hasn't let us down so Have fun Rick and leme know what you decide!

DT I want bigger Tackles....Amp McCloud, Richard Ash, Darius Cummings

DE Brandon Willis (yep DE not DT) & then move McDaniel and McAllister to end.

SIDE THOUGHT how cool would it be to put this line on the field at once in two years. McDaniel, McRay, McCloud, and McAllister....scary too!!!!

LB Jeff Luc, Christian Jones, Brandon Smith

DB We mostly need safeties, but I will still take Mr Frankenstien 1st. Then T Rex & Alec ogltree in that order too.

Now lets all hit the snooze and enjoy this dream as long as we can before we have to wake up!!!

First: This isn't a who we're going to get segment. We're dreaming from this point on.

If I could get any recruit for sure these are the ones I'd take as of right now. Stars mean nothing to me.

FB Do we even still have one of these any more...I mean we're looking to take athletic tight ends and call them full-backs or big recievers right?

WR I'll take Christian Green, Markeith Ambles for size with a side of Chris Dunkley and DJ Jhonson...or at least one of the big ones and one of the fast ones. (at our current rate, we need all three)

DT I want bigger Tackles....Amp McCloud, Richard Ash, Darius Cummings

DE Brandon Willis (yep DE not DT) & then move McDaniel and McAllister to end.

SIDE THOUGHT how cool would it be to put this line on the field at once in two years. McDaniel, McRay, McCloud, and McAllister....scary too!!!!

LB Jeff Luc, Christian Jones, Brandon Smith

DB We mostly need safeties, but I will still take Mr Frankenstien 1st. Then T Rex & Alec ogltree in that order too.

Now lets all hit the snooze and enjoy this dream as long as we can before we have to wake up!!!

Spring Game Questions

truecolors — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:02:33 -0000

Some freinds and I are Looking to attend the Garnet and Gold Game this spring game and I have a few questions...

Those who are in Tally....

What time is the spring game?

If you don't know where should I check for that info?

Is there an entry cost?

Can ya bring food....legitimately?

Let me know if there is anything else that I should be aware of.... besides how bad the reciever corp is likely to look.

Some freinds and I are Looking to attend the Garnet and Gold Game this spring game and I have a few questions...

Those who are in Tally....

What time is the spring game?

If you don't know where should I check for that info?

Is there an entry cost?

Can ya bring food....legitimately?

Let me know if there is anything else that I should be aware of.... besides how bad the reciever corp is likely to look.

could this be chuck amato?

truecolors — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:44:47 -0000

could this be chuck amato?

Coaching Changes & truecolor's crystal ball...what's your take?

truecolors — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:34:26 -0000

There is a lot of talk about coaching changes

We've discussed Jimbo's tenure and just how long he is willing to hang around. We have more than hammered home Bobby's need to depart and our feer that prolonging his departure will drive away our offensive staff along with the short term future of our program. We've even talked about the needed changes on the Defensive staff. (yes FSUncensored I've finally given in to your point of view...this happened some time during the GT game when we not only couldn't stop the option, but still didn't know how to in the 3rd quarter of said contest). But, what is the real truth about what's going on in Tallahassee? And, more importantly, what is going to happen as a result? I also want to know what you think will happen, so chime in.

Smoke in your eyes

Let's try to blow away the smoke that is often created when these types of things go on when the media ways in on every single rumor to sell their stuff.

1. Jimbo - What I think is really hapening here is that Auburn has his name on a list, and has perhaps contacted his agent. (who by the way is adept at NEVER saying no he just floats names until he gets "an offer you can't refuse"..sorry) I don't believe he is interested, and I think we all bit the apple. You know, the tempting one saying over here! Eat me. Be fearful of everything everyone does in tallahassee, and more importantly boost my ratings.

2. Bobby Bowden - I don't believe that he is going to stay way too long. You could argue it's already been too long, but I want to point out that a supposed plan is underway to change that. My beliefe? That the plan is more detailed than "awe shucks Bowden" is admiting. I have believed that the day is set and they are working the plan...just not telling you and me. Who could blame them. That wouldn't be prudent. If you are going to name your sucessor this is the way to do it. Let people know it's probably on the horizon, don't give a clear and exact time table (in case there are needed adjustments) get the guy, get the guy established, and then make a smooth somewhat note worthy, but mostly expected transistion to the guy who has to replace a coaching legend. Now that I think about it, this is the ONLY way to do it and expect good results. It helps build recruiting without creating a total void, transition staff, and make sure it's working before you actually pull the trigger.

Possible proof: Let's look at what actions they've taken so far...

a. huge confrontation regarding OC Jeff Bowden AND the future of Bobby as a result of some very lackluster years.

b. the search for THE perfect offensive coordinator and potential replacement should he leave. (I believe they were very intentional here i.e. "bobby go get someone good cause he's taking your place by xx/xx/20xx).

c. in year one not only highering him, but essentially leting him test drive the team making head coach level changes in offensive staff, recruiting philosophy, and practice style, etc, etc. (very shrude they did this without giving him any title or making this official public knowlege) I think again this was a trial basis on a handshake.

d. in year two when he performed (top 10 recruiting class, offensive improvement, team moving in the right direction) they gave him a time line for replacement, announced that he was next, while not making it completely final (i.e. date on the calendar publicly) to give Bowden some dignity and time to work fisher in.

e. this year Bowden aggresively starts to groom him on fundraising and boosters to get him ready for a transition. Guys, you don't do this level of prep for "just in case" this transition is going to happen!

In all I think they have a day on the calendar and we will continue to see events that move us progressively move us toward that date...when...only the insiders know and as is so often the case in FSU football they ain't telling us a dadgum thing until the time is right.

3. Mickey - I think the Mickey rumors are true...though this is completely a hunch. IF they are, it will be the next in the series of events that leads us to "the secret day".

How will it play out?

IF I'm right, It will probably play out like...

a. Andrew's makes an exit,

b. Jimbo gets his staff,

c. Bowden gets a last fling and Grand exit at the end of next season.

d. Jimbo has his staf, his team, and is effectively already the head coach, so there is a happy, smooth transition.

PS - I think this might be why Bowden commented and then took it back...sorrta took it back. He know's when he's leaving, but they are playing it like "we've got this contract for this many years, but who knows" Fisher - "he'll leave when he's ready" and "that's his decision" (laughs and smiles cause he KNOWS whith certainty that it WILL happen and they are taking there sweet time getting it ready. Bowden "I'm not sure" and "I'll know" and "I'm taking it a year at a time right now." when he knows exactly what's going down.

Also - They may not have the exact date but, they've got the window. Du!

Of coarse, this is all my take...so what's yours?

There is a lot of talk about coaching changes

Smoke in your eyes

Let's try to blow away the smoke that is often created when these types of things go on when the media ways in on every single rumor to sell their stuff.

Possible proof: Let's look at what actions they've taken so far...

a. huge confrontation regarding OC Jeff Bowden AND the future of Bobby as a result of some very lackluster years.

3. Mickey - I think the Mickey rumors are true...though this is completely a hunch. IF they are, it will be the next in the series of events that leads us to "the secret day".

How will it play out?

IF I'm right, It will probably play out like...

a. Andrew's makes an exit,

b. Jimbo gets his staff,

c. Bowden gets a last fling and Grand exit at the end of next season.

d. Jimbo has his staf, his team, and is effectively already the head coach, so there is a happy, smooth transition.

Also - They may not have the exact date but, they've got the window. Du!

Of coarse, this is all my take...so what's yours?

Option Defense & What SHOULD Have Happened

truecolors — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:35:05 -0000

Remember to get your questions in to our Clempzon expert by Midnight Central tonight!

You might have noticed that I didn't write this. In keeping with the community or "nation" theme, if you write something of this size, there's a good chance I will post it on the front page.

Jargon & Rhetoric

"It's all about assignment football." "We just have to be disciplined." "The Defensive players just have to trust one another." When facing triple option, you've heard these statements 1,000 times but for some it doesn't register...so here goes.

Hopefully this isn't "DUH"!! and POINTLESS writing.

The Simple Breakdown

Offensive Key Players/Terms:

Triple Option: There are 3 options (viola)

1. First Option: FB (aka Dive or B-back) This option is generally called "give". In essence you ride the FB all the way to the line of scrimmage. waiting to see if the DE bites on him. If DE stays at home you "give" him the ball by pulling your hands out. He feels your inside arm come off is stomach and clamps down (then has a surprising moment where he finds out whether he was a good boy for Christmas, or if Santa left him nothing in his stocking). Ideally the FB carries on like he's got the ball regardless of whether he gets it or not.

2. Second Option: QB This is generally called "keep" because if the FB is covered and the pitch back is covered he.....KEEPS the ball. Now the the FB has already not received the ball the QB has to determine whether to keep or pitch the ball. There are a variety of possible reads based on the Defensive formation etc. Usually he's reading the SS/FS or the OLB. If they come to him, he pitches. If they leave him a gap or stay at home he runs like a bat outta....you get it.

3. Third Option: Pitch, TB, HB, or Wing Back. Again, you can run triple option out of a billion formations, so the lingo changes from county to county. We always grew up calling it the "pitch back" That way no matter what formation you are in, or where the back came from to get in position (outside the QB & toward the sideline) you know what to call him. (Literally the pitch back can come from TB HB 2TB or a Wing position, even a motioning WR...confusing huh? On this option the QB pitches if he is covered or the Defense comes to him.

Defending the Option:

If you sit down to explain triple option to a defense (try explaining it to an offense. it's even worse.) Their eyes usually glaze over somewhere between option 2 and option 3.

HOWEVER defending the option isn't nearly as hard as it sounds. There are a variety of ways, of which I will give you a couple short versions. Then there is the best way, In my opinion which I will explain more.

1. Cover 2 Man - basically the ILB covers the FB/give, the DE tries to cover the QB/keep, and the OLB tries to cover the HB/pitch. As you can see ther are mismatches aplenty for the Defense...not good.

2. Cover 2 Zone - e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e stays in their zone. Advantage: corners are sitting in the pitch backs lane, and no lane is really open. Disadvantages: A. Defense is not aggressive, offense usually gets 3 yards a pop, and the D stays in 3rd and short all day. B. the pesky occasional fake option pass is being loosely covered by a safety. NOT GOOD

3. Other Formations - Blah Blah Blah EVEN WORSE

4. Cover 1 man - now we are getting some where. you have an extra man in coverage, so you can switch up whose covering who...this gives you better match ups. Typically, OLB on FB. DE on QB and Saftey or OLB on Pitch.

My Favorite Version of this:

Easy and aggressive... We used this in my high school to defend option...which we saw a few times a year. The CRASH method.

5. Variable Cover 1 man. (you line up cover two and the safety understand that which ever side the option comes to it's their responsibility and the other slides over to be the 1 safety deep.)

ILB on FB

DE on QB

Safety on Pitch

Works this way

a. The trick is that everyone stays at home until they are sure an option is coming.

b. Once they see that look developing the three people I just mentioned (without thinking or reading) crash their man....i.e. they take a good angle and go destroy them whether they get the football or not. (ILB lights up the FB...DE takes on the OT and then creams the QB whether he pitches or not....the Safety on that side takes an outside angle and Kills the pitch even if the QB keeps.

c. The other Saftey stays BACK...cover a possible fake pass. and help Corners.

d. Everyone else stays at home until they know for sure who has the ball, and then is usually one step behind the other three players and takle whoever actually has the ball.

Disadvantage. Medium level passes (triple option teams are usually not very good at this though, so you take your lumps)

Advantages: Defense is not thinking AT ALL, Offense pays for using the triple-o on every play. (the big 3 players are going to get tagged EVERY TIME THE RUN IT), and you get to the players before the blocking scheme has much time to develope. Plus, everyone else on the team is sort of a back up in case you miss the tackle.

Remember to get your questions in to our Clempzon expert by Midnight Central tonight!

You might have noticed that I didn't write this. In keeping with the community or "nation" theme, if you write something of this size, there's a good chance I will post it on the front page.

Jargon & Rhetoric

Hopefully this isn't "DUH"!! and POINTLESS writing.

The Simple Breakdown

Offensive Key Players/Terms:

Triple Option: There are 3 options (viola)

Defending the Option:

If you sit down to explain triple option to a defense (try explaining it to an offense. it's even worse.) Their eyes usually glaze over somewhere between option 2 and option 3.

3. Other Formations - Blah Blah Blah EVEN WORSE

My Favorite Version of this:

Easy and aggressive... We used this in my high school to defend option...which we saw a few times a year. The CRASH method.

5. Variable Cover 1 man. (you line up cover two and the safety understand that which ever side the option comes to it's their responsibility and the other slides over to be the 1 safety deep.)

ILB on FB

DE on QB

Safety on Pitch

Works this way

a. The trick is that everyone stays at home until they are sure an option is coming.

c. The other Saftey stays BACK...cover a possible fake pass. and help Corners.

d. Everyone else stays at home until they know for sure who has the ball, and then is usually one step behind the other three players and takle whoever actually has the ball.

Disadvantage. Medium level passes (triple option teams are usually not very good at this though, so you take your lumps)

Shocked and Awed

truecolors — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:12:01 -0000

I am shocked.

Not by our players, or play callers, not even by the media. I'm shocked by our fan base. We live in negativity-ville. We don't support the players with any amount of consistency. And WE are the next big thing that needs to be corrected for this football team to go to the next level.

We are watching a team that has played more freshmen than anyone in the country go 6-1 in what is a tougher conference most would like you to believe. They fall behind against a well-coached and well-prepared team, and the stands just turned completely silent. What a joke! Our team plays better on the road these days, why, because there is SO much pressure to perform at home. At least on the road these kids can let it all hang out and hope for the best. After VaTech took the early lead it looked like I was watching a nervous child fumble around trying to impress his Dad...a Dad who is never impressed and always wants more.

This team is getting better with every snap. (there will be some bumps along the way.) The team is fighting, growing, learning, responding with character, and becoming a very good football team. Which is more than I can say for a fan base who is sitting, griping, mis-reading some of the teams growing pains as false hope being shattered, and only getting loud and proud after a group of first year starters takes to the field and just keeps proving the whole world wrong.

Expecting it yesterday

I'm not saying this is a national title contender. It has yet to be seen wheather we are even an ACC title contender. What I am saying is we have good play calling, great talent at skill positions. Good depth most everywhere, and youth with potential where there is not. Quit expecting them to jump off the highschool cheese wagon and into the college lime light to play like redshirt juniors.

More easily rattled than a first year starter

Here's the thing. Wheather its on the road or infront of what is quickly becoming a "play my song or I'll go home" crowd, these kids find a way to get it done. They may come up short in some future games, but the effort, intensity, and learning curv is nothing short of phenominal considering their age and and the newness of our offensive staff. My take is that the fan base is more easily rattled than our first year starter offense. What a bunch of pansies.

I actually got a text from a friend when we fell behind late that said "we are going to lose!" I promptly replied that it isn't over till the fat hokie sings and then sent him a goble goble when easterling made his circus catch.

Unsatisfied with real results and ongoing progress.

It is going to take some time. But, we seem unsatisfied with the fact that a VERY YOUNG offense has put points on the board in tough games even when they haven't played very good football. Progress is there. Results are there. Yes the long-term expectations should be high, but lets be realistic about where we are now. No one is asking anyone to pretend that we are wolrd beater, or to not long for that day to return, but for heaven's sake pat these kids on the back and get loud regardless of the score - THEY'VE EARNED IT!

I am shocked.

Expecting it yesterday

More easily rattled than a first year starter

Unsatisfied with real results and ongoing progress.

Ponder's Performance

truecolors — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:19:53 -0000

I've run across a lot of blogs in the past few weeks which seem to hate Jimbo's offensive aproach, and think Ponder is OKAY at best. I'd like to take a minute to rebutle both.

Jimbo's Approach

1. Misconception: people seem to think Jimbo is a run heavy offensive play caller. not only is that not true, he failed to run the ball enough in our only loss this year.

Freaky D Looks: Wake had two weeks to prep for us, and it paid off. They ran some freaky looking defensive formations. They... (1) got in cover 2 and bailed the corner at the snap of the ball essentially running a 3 deep saftey look. (2) they also got in cover 2 and dropped the end (but not the way you usually do) basically giving us a dime look. They did this off and on the whole game. They set a trap and we continually sprung it. Ponder sees cover 2, drops back looks off the saftey and throws only to discover ther is a corner back there floating around in space. A veteran may have had to settle down and grind through that kind of crazy pass heavy play calling...much less a first year starter. my only critique of that game is that we kept calling deep passing routes and didn't run the ball enough.

Jimbo is not run heavy: He's balance offense, and whatever works today. He doesn't have a run heavy philosophy, he has a balanced offense philosophy combined with the outlook that you take what the deffense is giving you. Ever since the Wake game Deffenses have been running their own form of the same scheme. Colorado ran it more straight up and Miami added an occasional last minute blitz. But at least 60% of the time they were taking deep drops into pass coverage.

2. Our response. Don't force the throw....

We called more runs, and had the QB mentally prepared to tuck it and run...if they are going to leave that much green space open right in front of you, TAKE IT. That's not conservative, that's smart!!!

Ponder's Stats

Ponder is young but VERY good. He is becoming in the minds of people a running QB who manages the game well and throws okay. I disagree with this interpretation. There are two reasons for it.

1. Defense is making him a runner:

Wake showed something...something we've seen before. Instead of pressuring a young QB confuse him. REALLY disguise your coverages and put A LOT of bodies in the passing lanes. This has forced Ponder to run the ball more... while I am impressed with his runnig ability, let's be honest. He's no Charlie Ward or Pat White. He's not even a good imitation of D'vo. He moves his feet well and isn't slow, but the real reason he's racking up so much rushing yardage is because that's what deffenses are giving us. OVER AND OVER AGAIN

2. Defenses are afraid to get burned.

I'm not sure wheather this trend will change. The truth is I think defenses are afraid to get burned. With the number, speed and size of recievers in our quiver, it's no wonder.

They are making sure to load up against the pass, and forcing us to show we can run it. Thus Ponder get's low passing stats, and very high rushing stats.

The real question is what's next. Wake took an extreme aproach to stopping us. We've adjusted to that over the past couple of games. Will defenses continue to try to make us one deminsional? Will they go the other extreme and apply tons of pressure forcing us to make quick throws in man coverage(very dangerous given ponders brain and our recievers speed and size)? or will they come back to a more balanced approach.

To be honest, I have no idea, but with us matching up so well against NC State, I wouldn't be surprised to see the later. Just play a balanced d and hope to get some breaks at home.

Either way the kid is young but good and only getting better with each game. Over time he will show that he is a balanced QB and definatley the man for the Job.

I've run across a lot of blogs in the past few weeks which seem to hate Jimbo's offensive aproach, and think Ponder is OKAY at best. I'd like to take a minute to rebutle both.

Jimbo's Approach

1. Misconception: people seem to think Jimbo is a run heavy offensive play caller. not only is that not true, he failed to run the ball enough in our only loss this year.

2. Our response. Don't force the throw....

Ponder's Stats

Ponder is young but VERY good. He is becoming in the minds of people a running QB who manages the game well and throws okay. I disagree with this interpretation. There are two reasons for it.

1. Defense is making him a runner:

2. Defenses are afraid to get burned.

I'm not sure wheather this trend will change. The truth is I think defenses are afraid to get burned. With the number, speed and size of recievers in our quiver, it's no wonder.

They are making sure to load up against the pass, and forcing us to show we can run it. Thus Ponder get's low passing stats, and very high rushing stats.

To be honest, I have no idea, but with us matching up so well against NC State, I wouldn't be surprised to see the later. Just play a balanced d and hope to get some breaks at home.

Either way the kid is young but good and only getting better with each game. Over time he will show that he is a balanced QB and definatley the man for the Job.

My belief...

truecolors — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:10:05 -0000

is that once this team gets experience on offense and can keep the player turnover from year to year to a minimal we will have a great team!

Why?

30+ point offense:

As noted by FSUncensored, we hit this mark against Colorado. I fully believe that our offense under Fisher will be capable of handing in 30+ point games against just about anyone they face......before turnovers. (Give him till middle of next year)

-14 point defense

I also believe that Mickey Andrews has never taken a step back in quality Defensive production. (The years scoring D went down, we had TONS of points off turnovers) He too will keep opponents to 14 points or less. Again this is -14 points before turnovers.

note: scoring D is kind of a dumb stat anyway - there should be a stat in football for points off turnovers (like within 3 plays after a turnover the opponent scores) and points directly scored by opponents D should NEVER be counted against scoring Defense. I've never understood this about Defensive stats in football. Your offense turns in two pick 6's and three fumbles whithin field goal range, and suddenly your Defense just gave up 23 points!!! What!?