Game discussion

[WVAPPeer]

I loved the playoffs and all 3 National Championships but it is clear APP has made the right move - I understand the point was we had real rivalries in the SoCon - NOT that the football was better, because we all know it is NOT --- The only thing that I have found disappointing is the really poor attendance I have seen at opposing stadiums - not just our away games but most all SunBelt games I have seen - I understand mid-week games are horrible for attendance but overall from what I have seen it has been poor - The quality of football played is significantly better ---

[85gradinATL]

Just want to point out that the boys from GMC (GA Military) are killing it this year. Sims leads the team in sacks (6) and Reed currently ranks 2nd on the D with 4 sacks. Matter of fact, App's Juco's are playing really well this year with Mondo leading the team in INT's.

Looking over the participation report, I did not see Brody Barrett listed and I swear I saw #68 make an appearance in the Cajun's backfield last night during the 2nd half.

Is Townes hurt? Not seeing him on the participation report either and with both ILB's out, I definitely thought he would have gotten a chance to play.

My biggest disappointment, with regards to participation, was not seeing any 2nd string OL players getting some reps. Unless I overlooked them, I don't see any OL 2nd stringers listed on the participation report. I realize they were trying to protect Lamb and give the 3rd/4th string RB's lanes to run in the 2nd half. I just feel this is the type of game you'd like to sprinkle some of the guys in to give them quality real game time reps to help build the depth.

Moonshine, I don't agree with several things in the participation report. John Law was not on the field on the first snap and I saw him in jersey only on the sideline several times. He was listed as the starter. I'm guessing that is provided by the teams and Sat didn't want anyone to know Law wouldn't play. I was also concerned with Townes not playing and agree I expected him to play. No idea on his status. #68 was out there for several series. Not sure if that was Barrett or not, but someone was wearing that jersey.
I was also surprised to see the OL situation. We played back up D the whole 4th Quarter. I think this game was testament to our depth and looks good for the future. This staff has played more players than we did previously. I'm guessing that's because of the increased scholarships, but I like seeing more guys getting a chance as backups and getting experience before they are starters. TEC was in for a few plays, but all the starters were out there at the end.

[ASU84]

I guess the woman on the ESPN website saying "I see no reason not to bet life savings on ULL to cover the spread" is looking for handouts this morning. SMH

[moonshine]

I guess the woman on the ESPN website saying "I see no reason not to bet life savings on ULL to cover the spread" is looking for handouts this morning. SMH

84, was this in the comment section or an employee of E$PN?

85, I agree we are seeing a lot players getting action, definitely more than we've seen in the past. I trust the coaching staff 100%. For me personally, I was hoping to see some of the 2nd string OL players get some quality reps since we're losing 2 seniors this year. Not necessarily a wholesale switch of all 5 starters but sprinkle in a 2nd string G/T with 4 starters so they can get real game experience.

[BUTCH1991]

Just want to point out that the boys from GMC (GA Military) are killing it this year. Sims leads the team in sacks (6) and Reed currently ranks 2nd on the D with 4 sacks. Matter of fact, App's Juco's are playing really well this year with Mondo leading the team in INT's.

Looking over the participation report, I did not see Brody Barrett listed and I swear I saw #68 make an appearance in the Cajun's backfield last night during the 2nd half.

Is Townes hurt? Not seeing him on the participation report either and with both ILB's out, I definitely thought he would have gotten a chance to play.

My biggest disappointment, with regards to participation, was not seeing any 2nd string OL players getting some reps. Unless I overlooked them, I don't see any OL 2nd stringers listed on the participation report. I realize they were trying to protect Lamb and give the 3rd/4th string RB's lanes to run in the 2nd half. I just feel this is the type of game you'd like to sprinkle some of the guys in to give them quality real game time reps to help build the depth.

Barrett was definitely in there during the 2nd half. He was the 3rd man in on that one sack party. I too was hoping for some of the backup linemen (other than TEC) to get in. Good question about Townes.

[ASU84]

I guess the woman on the ESPN website saying "I see no reason not to bet life savings on ULL to cover the spread" is looking for handouts this morning. SMH

84, was this in the comment section or an employee of E$PN?

85, I agree we are seeing a lot players getting action, definitely more than we've seen in the past. I trust the coaching staff 100%. For me personally, I was hoping to see some of the 2nd string OL players get some quality reps since we're losing 2 seniors this year. Not necessarily a wholesale switch of all 5 starters but sprinkle in a 2nd string G/T with 4 starters so they can get real game experience.

Comments section

[stafford]

Regarding the size of our DL...announcers keep harping on that. I think the issue is that most Defenses using a 3-4 scheme use oversized DE's in addition to a massive nose guard. We are smaller at Nose Guard this year and we tend to use DEs that are more comparable to a typical 4-3 formation, but we have always relied on speed. Fortunately, we have the depth to rotate personnel and we are making it work.

Yeah, and the camera always focuses on 92 when this comment is made. Stout is very stout though, and I don't know what he really weighs but he is definitely strong. Heard some crazy stories regarding some play wrestling where he was just throwing some other players around like they were nothing. Saw him in HS when he was an oversized 245 lb linebacker. Listed at 260 as a RSFr, up to 285 last season, and now listed at 275lbs. Who knows??? I think one time I saw him listed at 295 on some roster, but the 275 is probably more accurate. Kid is STRONG and it's not like we don't have bigger guys playing behind him at nose. But combined with the 240ish D ends, yeah, the DL is small.

On the other hand, a comment was made last night about the size of the OL unit. Don't get that at all. Seems like the overall size is plenty big.

[appbio91]

I'm beginning to think the whole FCS vs FBS argument of we will play more exciting teams in the Sun Belt is wearing away for me. I can honestly say I'd rather see App play Furman right now than this shit. At least I could enjoy the rivalry factor. I thought the promise was better competition. What's done is done, but damn I think it's a joke for us to play in this shitty conference. We deserve better.

I'm braced for the arguments.

This was the original post. Let me point out my points that have since been mangled and misinterpreted. Is ULL better than Furman? Yes. Was last nights game more exciting that it would have been had we played Furman? No. That's why I included the part about the rivalry factor, because even when we kicked Furman's ass and the game was over by halftime, it actually meant something other than another tally to the win column. Blowing ULL out on a Wednesday night just did nothing for me. I'm sorry this had led some of you to believe I should pull for Western. At no point did I directly state or bring up the fact we never should have moved up. I was one of the ones in favor. My point is that we are too good to be playing in the SunBelt. We weren't expected to be this good so quick, but we are and watching us play teams that are far more inferior does not speak well for the conference as a whole. If you want to argue about my claim we are too good for the SunBelt when we just got here, that's fair and I can see your points. If you want to tell me to go pull for Western, well then f you. I love Appalachian State even if we were in DIII. Most of our fanbase can't say that, so get off my sack with the go pull for someone else shit.

Some agree, some disagree, but we are all entitled to our own opinion. Your opinion doesn't make you right because you called my opinion dumb or humorous. Done arguing.

Assuming you graduated in 09 some of your comments are understandable. You came through during arguably the most exciting years of App FB. The Armanti era was what propelled us to where we are today. It will be hard to duplicate that level of excitement, for you especially.

[mtnjax]

Are we really as undersized on the defensive front as announcers claim. That one guy said this was the most undersized group he had seen all year.

Didn't you hear on ASN? We run a 1-5-5 defense

[EastHallApp]

Our starting DL to begin the season (Norwood-Stout-Fuller) is definitely undersized, especially for a 3-4. When we put in Small or Fernandez at DT and Sims at DE (who I believe started last night), we're really only undersized at the other DE spot.

I don't really get the comments about the OL being small. We have good size across the line now.

[Gonzo]

If you find games against Furman and Western more compelling than games against Lafayette (Jake Delhomme's alma mater that made a living beating ECU in the New Orleans Bowl until very recently), that's a you problem.

If all you value is watching close games I'll remind you that we won the SoCon 7 of the last 8 years before we began our transition. Most of those matchups were blowouts. We had fewer competitive rivalries than what we currently enjoy in the Belt (hint - there was only one back then).

Enough already. There is absolutely no rational basis behind the "I miss the SoCon" crap.

[Gonzo]

I'm beginning to think the whole FCS vs FBS argument of we will play more exciting teams in the Sun Belt is wearing away for me. I can honestly say I'd rather see App play Furman right now than this shit. At least I could enjoy the rivalry factor. I thought the promise was better competition. What's done is done, but damn I think it's a joke for us to play in this shitty conference. We deserve better.

I'm braced for the arguments.

This was the original post. Let me point out my points that have since been mangled and misinterpreted. Is ULL better than Furman? Yes. Was last nights game more exciting that it would have been had we played Furman? No. That's why I included the part about the rivalry factor, because even when we kicked Furman's ass and the game was over by halftime, it actually meant something other than another tally to the win column. Blowing ULL out on a Wednesday night just did nothing for me. I'm sorry this had led some of you to believe I should pull for Western. At no point did I directly state or bring up the fact we never should have moved up. I was one of the ones in favor. My point is that we are too good to be playing in the SunBelt. We weren't expected to be this good so quick, but we are and watching us play teams that are far more inferior does not speak well for the conference as a whole. If you want to argue about my claim we are too good for the SunBelt when we just got here, that's fair and I can see your points. If you want to tell me to go pull for Western, well then f you. I love Appalachian State even if we were in DIII. Most of our fanbase can't say that, so get off my sack with the go pull for someone else shit.

Some agree, some disagree, but we are all entitled to our own opinion. Your opinion doesn't make you right because you called my opinion dumb or humorous. Done arguing.

Assuming you graduated in 09 some of your comments are understandable. You came through during arguably the most exciting years of App FB. The Armanti era was what propelled us to where we are today. It will be hard to duplicate that level of excitement, for you especially.

2007 was my freshman year. I don't buy it.

[/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09]

I'm beginning to think the whole FCS vs FBS argument of we will play more exciting teams in the Sun Belt is wearing away for me. I can honestly say I'd rather see App play Furman right now than this shit. At least I could enjoy the rivalry factor. I thought the promise was better competition. What's done is done, but damn I think it's a joke for us to play in this shitty conference. We deserve better.

I'm braced for the arguments.

This was the original post. Let me point out my points that have since been mangled and misinterpreted. Is ULL better than Furman? Yes. Was last nights game more exciting that it would have been had we played Furman? No. That's why I included the part about the rivalry factor, because even when we kicked Furman's ass and the game was over by halftime, it actually meant something other than another tally to the win column. Blowing ULL out on a Wednesday night just did nothing for me. I'm sorry this had led some of you to believe I should pull for Western. At no point did I directly state or bring up the fact we never should have moved up. I was one of the ones in favor. My point is that we are too good to be playing in the SunBelt. We weren't expected to be this good so quick, but we are and watching us play teams that are far more inferior does not speak well for the conference as a whole. If you want to argue about my claim we are too good for the SunBelt when we just got here, that's fair and I can see your points. If you want to tell me to go pull for Western, well then f you. I love Appalachian State even if we were in DIII. Most of our fanbase can't say that, so get off my sack with the go pull for someone else shit.

Some agree, some disagree, but we are all entitled to our own opinion. Your opinion doesn't make you right because you called my opinion dumb or humorous. Done arguing.

Assuming you graduated in 09 some of your comments are understandable. You came through during arguably the most exciting years of App FB. The Armanti era was what propelled us to where we are today. It will be hard to duplicate that level of excitement, for you especially.

2007 was my freshman year. I don't buy it.

I must have struck a nerve with Gonzo. All I did was ask him a simple question weeks ago.

[AppAlum1]

Cant we all just get along? O, the humanity!

Maybe a good loud verse of Kumbaya would help. Or, maybe a group hug.

Just kidding.

I really think you two should just settle it on the field ... with wet noodles.

[App91]

Let's also take a step back and realize we've been doing this for all of two years. It won't always be this good. I'm sure when Marshall went 10-3, 12-1 and 13-0 their first three FBS seasons, their fans thought it would be all top 20 finishes and New Year's bowls from there on out. These things don't last forever.

Our program has far surpassed any reasonable expectations for our FBS transition so far. That has caused/allowed us to raise the bar faster than anyone would have thought, and that's great. But let's not take for granted the success that we're having right now.

I know I must sound like a broken record, but Marshall was cheating when they did this. Nothing that we do should be compared in any way to Marshall.

Would it help if I said "duly noted"?

The point is that they won a lot of games at first, then struggled later.

And my point is that they were not legitimate wins.

This argument has always been total bs. they did win, their players beat the other ones. Maybe they were technically not eligible, but whatever. This makes is sound like it did not happen, (only in the record book) they did not get to use 13 players, 2 footballs, make the other team go 130 yards. They still won. This goes for any of this bs vacated wins.

[EastHallApp]

Let's also take a step back and realize we've been doing this for all of two years. It won't always be this good. I'm sure when Marshall went 10-3, 12-1 and 13-0 their first three FBS seasons, their fans thought it would be all top 20 finishes and New Year's bowls from there on out. These things don't last forever.

Our program has far surpassed any reasonable expectations for our FBS transition so far. That has caused/allowed us to raise the bar faster than anyone would have thought, and that's great. But let's not take for granted the success that we're having right now.

I know I must sound like a broken record, but Marshall was cheating when they did this. Nothing that we do should be compared in any way to Marshall.

Would it help if I said "duly noted"?

The point is that they won a lot of games at first, then struggled later.

And my point is that they were not legitimate wins.

This argument has always been total bs. they did win, their players beat the other ones. Maybe they were technically not eligible, but whatever. This makes is sound like it did not happen, (only in the record book) they did not get to use 13 players, 2 footballs, make the other team go 130 yards. They still won. This goes for any of this bs vacated wins.

If the wins had been vacated, I might not list them. But they haven't been, for whatever reason. Also, not to totally derail the thread, but I looked up the details of that a while back and, while I'm a little foggy on it now, I think it was basically two or three guys who had no-show jobs or something like that. So yeah, "cheating," but it's not like the whole program was corrupt to its core or something. (Also I don't believe the players involved were named "Moss" or "Pennington.")

[AppinVA]

This thread has everything but "Jerry Moore would've won 22 of the last 25."

Yeah I agree. I didn't know about the game chat thing or I would not have even started this thread. It started out so innocently and evolved into something stupid. I apologize

No need. It comes up, and would have anyway, one time or another.

[appst89]

Let's also take a step back and realize we've been doing this for all of two years. It won't always be this good. I'm sure when Marshall went 10-3, 12-1 and 13-0 their first three FBS seasons, their fans thought it would be all top 20 finishes and New Year's bowls from there on out. These things don't last forever.

Our program has far surpassed any reasonable expectations for our FBS transition so far. That has caused/allowed us to raise the bar faster than anyone would have thought, and that's great. But let's not take for granted the success that we're having right now.

I know I must sound like a broken record, but Marshall was cheating when they did this. Nothing that we do should be compared in any way to Marshall.

Would it help if I said "duly noted"?

The point is that they won a lot of games at first, then struggled later.

And my point is that they were not legitimate wins.

This argument has always been total bs. they did win, their players beat the other ones. Maybe they were technically not eligible, but whatever. This makes is sound like it did not happen, (only in the record book) they did not get to use 13 players, 2 footballs, make the other team go 130 yards. They still won. This goes for any of this bs vacated wins.

They cheated. Any win gained by cheating is not legitimate. If the rules don't really matter, then why bother even having them?

[appst89]

I've edited some personal attacks out of several posts. Disagree with someone's position, but DO NOT make personal attacks.

[luvyosef]

The American South Conference, headquartered in Roanoke, VA officially opens for business July 1, 2018.

Member institutions are Appalachian State, East Carolina, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, Marshall, Middle Tennessee, Old Dominion, Southern Miss and UAB. Football schedules will consist of 4 home-4 away and four non-conference consisting of 1 FCS, 2 G5 and 1 P5.

Wouldn't THIS be lovely. Go Apps!