This game

[EastHallApp]

We have played "up" to the competition in exactly one game, if you want to call Wake that. Every other close game has been against five of probably the 20 or so worst teams in the country. At what point is it not just "playing down to the competition" but instead just an accurate reflection of who we are?

I agree EHA. If we don't lose another game I will be delighted with the results of a season when when we were rebuilding, retooling, or whatever you want to call it. This is who/where we are now. We are truly fortunate to be concerned about close wins that matter, and close losses that don't.

Strongly disagree that the losses "don't matter," but agree that this is basically who we are and we fans should just expect a scrap to the last minute every week now.

[CVAPP]

We have played "up" to the competition in exactly one game, if you want to call Wake that. Every other close game has been against five of probably the 20 or so worst teams in the country. At what point is it not just "playing down to the competition" but instead just an accurate reflection of who we are?

I agree EHA. If we don't lose another game I will be delighted with the results of a season when when we were rebuilding, retooling, or whatever you want to call it. This is who/where we are now. We are truly fortunate to be concerned about close wins that matter, and close losses that don't.

Strongly disagree that the losses "don't matter," but agree that this is basically who we are and we fans should just expect a scrap to the last minute every week now.

If we had beaten UGA we might be in a different place. Otherwise, all we we're playing for is a third trip to Montgomery with fewer losses on the season. Perhaps you see it differently, and I would like to know what your thoughts are on this.

[EastHallApp]

We have played "up" to the competition in exactly one game, if you want to call Wake that. Every other close game has been against five of probably the 20 or so worst teams in the country. At what point is it not just "playing down to the competition" but instead just an accurate reflection of who we are?

I agree EHA. If we don't lose another game I will be delighted with the results of a season when when we were rebuilding, retooling, or whatever you want to call it. This is who/where we are now. We are truly fortunate to be concerned about close wins that matter, and close losses that don't.

Strongly disagree that the losses "don't matter," but agree that this is basically who we are and we fans should just expect a scrap to the last minute every week now.

If we had beaten UGA we might be in a different place. Otherwise, all we we're playing for is a third trip to Montgomery with fewer losses on the season. Perhaps you see it differently, and I would like to know what your thoughts are on this.

I think an 11-1 season and the top 25 ranking that likely would have accompanied it would have been much more significant for our program than another Sun Belt title.

But we are where we are, so in the spirit of this thread, I'm all in for seeing our guys play great on Saturday and having a great last month of the season.

[WVAPPeer]

Well we played UGA better than several of their SEC rivals - so, yes, in my opinion we played up to the competition and there is no question we did with WF ---

[App91]

As I mentioned in another thread - this team is as good as any I have witnessed in 60+ years of football to Playing To The Level Of The Competition - up and down ---

We have played "up" to the competition in exactly one game, if you want to call Wake that. Every other close game has been against five of probably the 20 or so worst teams in the country. At what point is it not just "playing down to the competition" but instead just an accurate reflection of who we are?

I believe that it is an accurate reflection of who we are. We are not a great team this year (as compared to previous years). Offensively, we are average at best and cannot have a solid game both running and passing the ball. Defensively, we are above average. At times, we arm tackle, but play solidly each game. Plus, we make adjustments and play really solid second halves. However, when the offense has bad first halves, the defense spends a lot of time on the field, which leads to more chances to give up an occasional big play. We had a six interception game go down to the wire, because the offense doesn't have a killer instinct. We just lost a game in which the defense created four first half turnovers. The game should have been over at halftime.
We are below average on special teams. We give up kick blocks, while never making any real attempt to block punts or field goals. Punting has been very inconsistent, with some bad punts in key situations. We tend to lose the field position battle in the first quarter each week. Rubino was Rubino, but Staton looked promising in his first start. Our return game nets too many penalties, but Ike Lewis tends to be a bright spot.

This is actually a really good assessment. The only thing that i would add is the penalties. I know we have had a game or two, but we have problems. IMO, they are more discipline than hustle. False starts, ear-holing a qb on a pick 6, jumping off sides on a punt (x2). Have had a bunch in key situations that have stalled drives or extended them. Those are things that can be fixed regardless of talent. Should always win the mental battle.

[Rekdiver]

The only thing that really gets me about this game is the "clutch" play call of the Jet Sweep on a 3rd and 2.... I believe several including me have noted this. We pound on the right side on 3rd and 4th down and we run the clock out.................Coaching staff had to be kicking their collective butts on that one. If they arent...I'd be happy to oblige.