And into the season we go.... CORRECTED****
Well folks, before we take off are your seat belts fastened and tray table in the up-right and locked position? This is going to be a ride.
1) Fitz is the clear #1 RB, but he's hurt. **Edit ***Smith***will get the start.
2) We will know Shaw's status very very soon.
3) My key player to watch in the UCONN game? Mike Martin.
4) DG has the "tentative RS" (which shouldn't be surprising)
5) Our DB's going into week one? JT Floyd & James Rodgers
6) Denard is #1 (should be obvious by now).
7) Smith's knee is worrisome, Hopefully he didn't come back too soon.
8) Cam Gordon will be on a short-ish leash at safety.
***9) Carvin is getting some time as a strong safety kind of guy (not kovacs' spot). expect to see him on sat.
***10) Talbot, and Avery will play this year.
August 28th, 2010 at 11:36 PM ^
As a #2? I'm shocked they're not getting both of them on the field. Will looks fit, from what I've seen and heard.
Thanks for the info, junkies need a fix.
August 28th, 2010 at 11:40 PM ^
Think he meant Martin is posed for a BG-like break out season.
August 28th, 2010 at 11:46 PM ^
Yeah, I hear that part. I've been hoping Campbell would have taken the next step and been too good to keep off the field.
August 28th, 2010 at 11:51 PM ^
Just too bad there was no depth last year and we couldn't redshirt him to create a little separation between he and Martin.
From the looks of it, he's getting in shape. Just needs to get that eye of the tiger on every snap and play lower. He has the physical tools, just needs to learn how to use them.
August 29th, 2010 at 5:13 PM ^
It doesn't really bother me that he didn't redshirt. On DL, you're rotating guys in and out all the time. They'll both see plenty of PT.
August 28th, 2010 at 11:46 PM ^
correct
August 28th, 2010 at 11:37 PM ^
I love Tate as much as the next guy but do all of you understand that if DR can run the spread the way RR wants it run he will start. Tate had a hard time reading the option last year. Yes he is a better passer(more refined) but that amounts to about 35% worth of relevance in this offense. I will take a guy who is fast and decisive with the option read. I am guessing that is DR.
Look at the bright side. If DR hasn't gotten better we always have Tate! And if that doesn't work, we have a 5-star behind him. Things at the QB position feel so much better than two falls ago. I think we can all agree on that.
EDIT: Rant directed at those thinking Tate should start.
August 28th, 2010 at 11:34 PM ^
It's interesting that the most established player (Martin) is the "one to watch." Is that b/c he should have the greatest impact? Explain, please.
August 28th, 2010 at 11:39 PM ^
August 28th, 2010 at 11:45 PM ^
I'm willing to bet if Martin is having a good game, UCONN's main offensive strategy isn't doing much. Thus, putting us in a great position to win.
August 28th, 2010 at 11:39 PM ^
August 28th, 2010 at 11:41 PM ^
August 28th, 2010 at 11:59 PM ^
It's not a slap in the face if Denard is the better player at this point. The slap in the face came when Tate didn't work as hard as he should have this offseason and the veteran players took notice.
August 29th, 2010 at 12:08 AM ^
This is DI ball. Tate knows as much as the next guy if you give the #2 and inch he will take a mile if he gets a chance. It sounds as though Tate gave DR an inch.
August 28th, 2010 at 11:45 PM ^
I wish your posts had a special tag, I almost missed this gem.
August 28th, 2010 at 11:50 PM ^
August 28th, 2010 at 11:53 PM ^
The thing is, you can't reward Tate's off season behavior, and DR is the best runner, and this offense purrs when you have a guy who is more of a running threat.
We'll see plenty of Tate this year, I guarantee it, but he shouldn't get the first snaps on Sept. 4th.
August 29th, 2010 at 12:02 AM ^
Yes. We all know he led us to a 4-0 start. The coaches know that as well. Which is encouraging because despite knowing that, they think Denard is the man for the job right now. Which means that they think Denard is better at this point.
August 29th, 2010 at 12:17 AM ^
... your posts have the strange consistency and density of a troll or a high school student. No sugercoat.
How many times do you have to bring up Tate should be the starter in the same thread?
August 29th, 2010 at 6:50 AM ^
Most high schools are already starting
August 29th, 2010 at 12:00 AM ^
August 29th, 2010 at 8:25 AM ^
So now you're arguing against Tate?
August 29th, 2010 at 12:00 AM ^
for #4. I have been having a gut feeling that we were gonna blow his redshirt for garbage time reps, I still think Will Campbell should have redshirted last year.
August 29th, 2010 at 12:01 AM ^
But after reading his interview with Sam Webb, I have a hard time believing Fitz is already ruled out for the UCONN game:
Sam Webb: Health wise, he says they expect you back (this week). How are you feeling?
Fitzgerald Toussaint: “I’m feeling good. I’ve been getting treatments and they have been taking good care of me and they doing an excellent job. That’s working out real well.”
He sounds really optimistic. Can you explain? Thanks again.
August 29th, 2010 at 12:09 AM ^
I'm repeating what I know, but, Fitz hasn't been practicing and would you risk him rushing back for the 1st game of the season? His injury isn't one I would rush back, but that's just me. I hope he returns soon, but not risk it for just one game.
It may change, but as of today, Cox is startin'
August 29th, 2010 at 12:29 AM ^
Assuming he's qualified, why not Shaw over Cox? Shaw seemed to get the most reps last season outside of Minor and Brown...
August 29th, 2010 at 12:40 AM ^
Shaw seems like very much a speed back. He lacks the ability to create positive yardage on every play. He's much like Carlos Brown in this way. It's hard to have that as your #1 back.
Also, I think he has trouble with catching the football. That's something Carlos excelled at.
August 29th, 2010 at 3:11 PM ^
Cox hammers his way right up the middle!
Cox shoots through the seam!
Cox pounds it hard up through the hole.
Cue the other jokes
August 29th, 2010 at 3:20 PM ^
Because Cox is better?
August 29th, 2010 at 12:04 AM ^
Formerwolv - I have a question. You seem to be very knowledgeable, so I hope you won't mind the frankness of it.
Is this team - with all its bumps and bruises this spring - noticeably improved over last year?
What are your REALISTIC expectations.
August 29th, 2010 at 12:14 AM ^
August 29th, 2010 at 12:19 AM ^
Just stop. It's not funny.
August 29th, 2010 at 12:24 AM ^
But like you said, last year is last year. Tate had an amazing start to last year, but he/we struggled against Indiana, and we got lucky/help in the ND game. The season could have easily been 2-2 with Tate at the helm. Who knows what would have happened with DR under center.
That being said, I'll reiterate the mantra that everyone else has been saying: the starting QB will be the one whom RR and his coaching staff believe will give us the best chance to win, whether it be for all games or particular games. I personally believe that both QB's have the potential to lead us to a 4-0 record to start, but I can also see the downside of a 2-2 record with both QB's.
As it's been said for many-a-year: that's why they play the game. Nobody knows what may happen, but I do know this: only 6 more days and a wake up until kickoff. Now excuse me while I go sacrifice more undulates and burn more incense.
P.S. - Not trying to be a dick, just tired, anxious (like everyone) and a bit tipsy.
August 29th, 2010 at 5:15 PM ^
NTBAD
August 29th, 2010 at 12:33 AM ^
August 29th, 2010 at 12:38 AM ^
please learn how to use the reply button
August 29th, 2010 at 6:54 AM ^
Elements of English Grammar
August 29th, 2010 at 1:00 PM ^
Isn't that actually supposed to be a really bad guide for grammar?
August 29th, 2010 at 12:42 AM ^
is our secondary going to be able to give teams like OSU, Wisc and Iowa a difficult time passing and who is our starting QB going to be come first snap?
August 29th, 2010 at 1:23 AM ^
Based on the info we have, I doubt our secondary will give those teams that much trouble.
August 29th, 2010 at 1:16 AM ^
FormerWolv, I've been waiting to hear about how the QBs are looking with the read option. Any insight?
Last year Tate frustratingly read it incorrectly time and time again and Denard didn't have the option, he just ran. I think this will be the big key to the season.
August 29th, 2010 at 1:25 AM ^
I think they made Tate hand off everytime, and Denard run every time.
The coaches probably called it at the line when they all look over to the sideline.
August 29th, 2010 at 2:11 AM ^
Do we know what exactly Fitz's injury is?
August 29th, 2010 at 6:44 AM ^
1. We are now playing a base 3-3-5 defense. there is only 1 nosetackle on the field at a time. This means Martin and Campbell will only see the field together in other packages (short yardage and other formations. I think Coach will give the couple redshirt seniors as much PT in the rotation as Big Will.
2. Tate has had some "off the field issues" this summer that have landed him the 3rd string position. I think he will play, but only to be a change of pace to Denard. If Denard is lightig it up, you might no see a ton of Tate I still agree that all 3 of our options are light years ahead of the Threet/Sheridan experiment.
Can't wait to go to the Big House!!! GO BLUE!
August 29th, 2010 at 9:17 AM ^
What's the general feeling on James Rogers?
August 29th, 2010 at 9:32 AM ^
Also, what about the other freshmen defensive players like Carvin Johnson and Jibreel Black. How are they coming along? Thanks.
August 29th, 2010 at 9:49 AM ^
My key player to watch vs. UConn: JT Floyd/James Rogers