Great game!

[Parr90]

As a former GS player and fan I am also a fan of the sunbelt, and underdogs. Back in the 80's we were always being talked about as not athletic enough, big enough, and all that stuff. I'm sure you guys understand. Anyway we led Fla St late in the 4th when they were ranked top 5 and lost, but most chalked it up as Fla St not being prepared or not showing up. I never bought that. They were leading 7-0 at half on a lucky long pass for a TD that was tipped around. Usually teams like Fla St, if they don't show up pull things together at the half and take care of business in the second half when playing a team they are supposed to beat easily....right? Well we came out and scored 10 in the 3rd to go up 10-7. We lost but I know as a guy that competed on that field that day that we were just as strong physically. Maybe not as big overall but we IMO weren't any different. I think the difference was they had some really talented specialty players, you know the 5 star types that ended up making the difference at the end. Overall though we lined up and played 4 quarters with them and it didn't feel any different than playing James Maddison. In fact I wouldn't have placed their OL as top 3 OL's I played against and that was when we were FCS and only 7 years old as a program.

My point is no matter what all the talkers and media say, your App team matched up physically and talent wise with Tenn and it wasn't just a fluke, nor was it Tenn not showing up. Paul Finebaum said Tenn looked like they were confused and weren't ready. Did he ever stop and think that Apps D had something to do with that, and that the pressure they applied was that of a good talented group of guys that were as good or talented as other SEC players. Just because a guy is 6'4 290 and had 4-5 stars next to his name in high school and now lines up for Tenn doesn't mean hes any better than a GO5 DLineman. Sometimes it does but overall the reason we witnessed what we did with App vs Tenn is because many of the top players coming out of high school are way overhyped, and the gap between them and our guys is much smaller than the media wants us to believe, and sometimes doesn't exsist at all. Don't get me wrong the P5 teams do get the pick of the best players but you can't predict how a guy will mature physically and mentally 2-3 years after high school, and thats where many of these lower ranked players catch up to the 4-5 star guys and become 4-5 star themselves.

Thought App should have won and thought Lamb was better than Dobbs. I don't like you guys most the time but found myself pulling hard for your team and it makes me mad listening to the BS from the ESPN folks who want to right App off instead of telling the truth. The truth that App St was talented and good enough to win and played the way they did because of that fact, not because Tenn didn't show up.

Good luck

I just hope you guys play bad when we play.

[AppSt94]

Thanks. I would agree with you that Stars don't rate the heart and work ethic. As I told a friend of mine, when you have offensive lineman that are letting a three man front beat you; I don't care if you are playing Florida or App, you have a 5-star problem. It's too bad that football has become so divided with this P5/G5.

[Parr90]

Thanks. I would agree with you that Stars don't rate the heart and work ethic. As I told a friend of mine, when you have offensive lineman that are letting a three man front beat you; I don't care if you are playing Florida or App, you have a 5-star problem. It's too bad that football has become so divided with this P5/G5.

Agree. I have said that if you were to put programs like GS or App in an AAC, ACC, or others both would likely be at least middle of pack within 6-8 years because of recruiting and foundation alone.

[Goapps15]

As a former GS player and fan I am also a fan of the sunbelt, and underdogs. Back in the 80's we were always being talked about as not athletic enough, big enough, and all that stuff. I'm sure you guys understand. Anyway we led Fla St late in the 4th when they were ranked top 5 and lost, but most chalked it up as Fla St not being prepared or not showing up. I never bought that. They were leading 7-0 at half on a lucky long pass for a TD that was tipped around. Usually teams like Fla St, if they don't show up pull things together at the half and take care of business in the second half when playing a team they are supposed to beat easily....right? Well we came out and scored 10 in the 3rd to go up 10-7. We lost but I know as a guy that competed on that field that day that we were just as strong physically. Maybe not as big overall but we IMO weren't any different. I think the difference was they had some really talented specialty players, you know the 5 star types that ended up making the difference at the end. Overall though we lined up and played 4 quarters with them and it didn't feel any different than playing James Maddison. In fact I wouldn't have placed their OL as top 3 OL's I played against and that was when we were FCS and only 7 years old as a program.

My point is no matter what all the talkers and media say, your App team matched up physically and talent wise with Tenn and it wasn't just a fluke, nor was it Tenn not showing up. Paul Finebaum said Tenn looked like they were confused and weren't ready. Did he ever stop and think that Apps D had something to do with that, and that the pressure they applied was that of a good talented group of guys that were as good or talented as other SEC players. Just because a guy is 6'4 290 and had 4-5 stars next to his name in high school and now lines up for Tenn doesn't mean hes any better than a GO5 DLineman. Sometimes it does but overall the reason we witnessed what we did with App vs Tenn is because many of the top players coming out of high school are way overhyped, and the gap between them and our guys is much smaller than the media wants us to believe, and sometimes doesn't exsist at all. Don't get me wrong the P5 teams do get the pick of the best players but you can't predict how a guy will mature physically and mentally 2-3 years after high school, and thats where many of these lower ranked players catch up to the 4-5 star guys and become 4-5 star themselves.

Thought App should have won and thought Lamb was better than Dobbs. I don't like you guys most the time but found myself pulling hard for your team and it makes me mad listening to the BS from the ESPN folks who want to right App off instead of telling the truth. The truth that App St was talented and good enough to win and played the way they did because of that fact, not because Tenn didn't show up.

Good luck

I just hope you guys play bad when we play.

I found myself rooting just as hard for GSU last year at UGA. We are the two best teams with the two best traditions in this conference. I truly appreciate your kind words and analysis. I will never forget that night and I'm sure most TN fans will not either.

Please win every game except that Thursday night in late October! Cheers Parr!

[ashugh]

The only way we put an end to the "what's wrong with Tennessee" BS is to take it to Miami's ass at The Rock and then finish the year strong. We have a unique opportunity with the Miami game. Kids have to regain focus and play with a chip the rest of the year. We ARE being disrespected. We control how the story ends.
Thanks the the GS poster. I would love to see App and GS move to a conference with even more exposure for recruiting. People just don't get it with our programs. It's about tradition and belief and a high level of quality play.

[SpeedkingATL]

Anyone at the game or that watched the game had to see the speed and gang tackling App brought to the party. Apps OL and Cox also proved to be the equal of Tenn. I went to the game with a bunch of Vol fans and I can tell you that they were not predicting a blow out nor did they expect it to be that close. I felt App got plenty of respect before and after the game from the Vols but that ESPN has to protect their bellcow SEC at all cost. Funny that they brokered the Thursday night game because they knew App would get a few eyeballs on the TV, I'm sure they were happy with their choice when the numbers came in.

As a side note, the Vol fans were great to us and it was an exciting environment. I haven't seen a stadium so nervous since a certain game in Ann Arbor or one against some Trojans last year.

[Parr90]

The only way we put an end to the "what's wrong with Tennessee" BS is to take it to Miami's ass at The Rock and then finish the year strong. We have a unique opportunity with the Miami game. Kids have to regain focus and play with a chip the rest of the year. We ARE being disrespected. We control how the story ends.
Thanks the the GS poster. I would love to see App and GS move to a conference with even more exposure for recruiting. People just don't get it with our programs. It's about tradition and belief and a high level of quality play.

Thanks goapps!

Yeah I would love to see GS and App in an AAC or something better, and I think we will as long as both of us keep winning. One thing people can't and don't ignor is winning. You guys have a great opportunity to beat Miami at home. That would really bring great attention. Maybe In 10 years after both of us have won the sunbelt 5 times each we will be the next choices of others. Maybe 7 for us 3 for y'all but I will take 6 and 4. Seriously.....hope y'all beat the Canes. They have a good Q as well.

[AppAlum1]

As a former GS player and fan I am also a fan of the sunbelt, and underdogs. Back in the 80's we were always being talked about as not athletic enough, big enough, and all that stuff. I'm sure you guys understand. Anyway we led Fla St late in the 4th when they were ranked top 5 and lost, but most chalked it up as Fla St not being prepared or not showing up. I never bought that. They were leading 7-0 at half on a lucky long pass for a TD that was tipped around. Usually teams like Fla St, if they don't show up pull things together at the half and take care of business in the second half when playing a team they are supposed to beat easily....right? Well we came out and scored 10 in the 3rd to go up 10-7. We lost but I know as a guy that competed on that field that day that we were just as strong physically. Maybe not as big overall but we IMO weren't any different. I think the difference was they had some really talented specialty players, you know the 5 star types that ended up making the difference at the end. Overall though we lined up and played 4 quarters with them and it didn't feel any different than playing James Maddison. In fact I wouldn't have placed their OL as top 3 OL's I played against and that was when we were FCS and only 7 years old as a program.

My point is no matter what all the talkers and media say, your App team matched up physically and talent wise with Tenn and it wasn't just a fluke, nor was it Tenn not showing up. Paul Finebaum said Tenn looked like they were confused and weren't ready. Did he ever stop and think that Apps D had something to do with that, and that the pressure they applied was that of a good talented group of guys that were as good or talented as other SEC players. Just because a guy is 6'4 290 and had 4-5 stars next to his name in high school and now lines up for Tenn doesn't mean hes any better than a GO5 DLineman. Sometimes it does but overall the reason we witnessed what we did with App vs Tenn is because many of the top players coming out of high school are way overhyped, and the gap between them and our guys is much smaller than the media wants us to believe, and sometimes doesn't exsist at all. Don't get me wrong the P5 teams do get the pick of the best players but you can't predict how a guy will mature physically and mentally 2-3 years after high school, and thats where many of these lower ranked players catch up to the 4-5 star guys and become 4-5 star themselves.

Thought App should have won and thought Lamb was better than Dobbs. I don't like you guys most the time but found myself pulling hard for your team and it makes me mad listening to the BS from the ESPN folks who want to right App off instead of telling the truth. The truth that App St was talented and good enough to win and played the way they did because of that fact, not because Tenn didn't show up.

Good luck

I just hope you guys play bad when we play.

Sir, you obviously know good football. You saw what I saw. And, I very much appreciate your comments even more from a former GaSo player. I thought App went toe to toe with a really good team, who looked surprised we could play this game too. App's option game and zone blocking gave them fits in the first half especially. I was really proud of our guys.

ESPN on the other hand, is weird. I don't quite get their motivation. They assume the SEC can beat the best NFL teams, and don't do their homework. Couldn't someone taught Brent Mushburger the CORRECT pronunciation of Appalachian? What a complete goober. I've always said it is far better to offend intentionally than unintentionally.

Finally, I am getting tired of hearing about the Michigan game. This year's team is far better. Plus, THERE ARE 22 more schollie players than back in 2007. Why couldn't ESPN have mentioned that? And, BTW, I was at the Michigan game. We surprised no one. Speed beat size that day. And, boy, did we have speed. You can't hit what you can't catch.

And, you are EXACTLY right about 4+ star players coming out of high school vs. those who develop into even better players. No one can tell what a player WILL become. To quote a famous person (forgot who), it's not the size of the dog in the fight that counts, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

Anyway, best wishes to GaSo this year, except against my Mountaineers, of course. And, honestly, until your post, I NEVER EVER thought I would say that to anyone.