I want to know

[BOONE BOUND]

I want to know out of our 6 remaining games does anyone think we can win another game outside of Rob Morris?

We will regroup and finish strong. Yes this loss hurts but it will make us stronger in the end. Our guys with backs against the wall make a run to remember. We have a ton of things to fix but fixable ish. We are going to need to get aggressive from the start of the game on offense as we will need to score 35+ to win, but can. If teams are going to stack the box with 8 let's win in the passing game. When they get tired of getting beat there we can then win in the running game. Hard to run against stacked boxes and we have tried to do so with 0 success.

[bcoach]

I want to know how JMU is ranked when they haven't played anyone. Serious question.

[spacemonkey]

I want to know how JMU is ranked when they haven't played anyone. Serious question.

Serious answer...they beat a team at their place that beat a top5 team. In my opinion they should be ranked.

[BallantyneApp]

I want to know how JMU is ranked when they haven't played anyone. Serious question.

We’re someone, nay? Or we were when we played JMU

[bigdaddyg]

I want to know how JMU is ranked when they haven't played anyone. Serious question.

We’re someone, nay? Or we were when we played JMU

If it were up to me there would be no rankings until after game 6 but since it's not up to me and they vote every week I'd say that as of this week, based on the fact that they have beaten everyone on their schedule and based on the fact that their defense is pretty damn good they currently deserve the spot. You really need to evaluate wins at the end of the year but as mentioned above they beat the team that beat the number 5 ranked team (who is now nowhere to be found in the AP rankings).

[Seattleapp]

I want to know how JMU is ranked when they haven't played anyone. Serious question.

This board is falling all over themselves handing JMU the sunbelt title but the same people are telling us we suck and we are their only win so you try and figure it out

[WVAPPeer]

"Just look at time of possession 3rd qtr against the Citadel.
Them 14:45 Us - 0:15. We ran one play for 80 yards and a score. FCS level competition and our Defense couldn't get off the field."

Personally I don't think this is a fair comparison - this is how Navy, Army beat more talented teams - If a team is set on using all 4 downs to make 10 yards they are hard to stop. Citadel had nothing to lose so why not use all 4 downs.
Saying that, I agree that the D hasn't done a good job of 3 and outs ---

[AppStFan1]

I want to know how JMU is ranked when they haven't played anyone. Serious question.

This board is falling all over themselves handing JMU the sunbelt title but the same people are telling us we suck and we are their only win so you try and figure it out

They can't win the title and I don't think anyone is falling all over them. Just giving them respect for what they have done so far. They very well could lose 2-3 games and fall back off the map. I think it is okay to give them some respect. They are ranked and we are not but they won't be there forever though.

[bigdaddyg]

"Just look at time of possession 3rd qtr against the Citadel.
Them 14:45 Us - 0:15. We ran one play for 80 yards and a score. FCS level competition and our Defense couldn't get off the field."

Personally I don't think this is a fair comparison - this is how Navy, Army beat more talented teams - If a team is set on using all 4 downs to make 10 yards they are hard to stop. Citadel had nothing to lose so why not use all 4 downs.
Saying that, I agree that the D hasn't done a good job of 3 and outs ---

As that never ending drive progressed I kept commenting to my son and a few folks around us that Cid was just going to milk the clock. I think we were up either 28-0 or even 35-0. I'm sure we could have jammed into the box but it appeared to me that we were going to just let them get their 3 yards a play. I also said that Cid apparently had no desire to try to win. Of course it was a foregone conclusion by that time but still. Of course when they decided to throw we picked it off. That was absolutely the single most boring quarter of football I've seen in a long time.

[Seattleapp]

I want to know how JMU is ranked when they haven't played anyone. Serious question.

This board is falling all over themselves handing JMU the sunbelt title but the same people are telling us we suck and we are their only win so you try and figure it out

They can't win the title and I don't think anyone is falling all over them. Just giving them respect for what they have done so far. They very well could lose 2-3 games and fall back off the map. I think it is okay to give them some respect. They are ranked and we are not but they won't be there forever though.

I’m giving them respect. You should re-read these messages.

[AppStFan1]

I want to know how JMU is ranked when they haven't played anyone. Serious question.

This board is falling all over themselves handing JMU the sunbelt title but the same people are telling us we suck and we are their only win so you try and figure it out

They can't win the title and I don't think anyone is falling all over them. Just giving them respect for what they have done so far. They very well could lose 2-3 games and fall back off the map. I think it is okay to give them some respect. They are ranked and we are not but they won't be there forever though.

I’m giving them respect. You should re-read these messages.

I did not say that you did not. I am just saying that I don't think this board is falling all over them. Nothing wrong with giving them a compliment.

Do you really think that everyone here feels we just suck and can't do any better? I feel like if we really sucked that our fan base would know it and would not be so upset about a loss to Texas State. I feel like most on here know we are better than we are putting out. Some of the crazy "fire everyone now" comments and stuff is out of frustration because people are upset.

I do trust that Gillin won't let the program fall far before he steps in but Shawn has time to turn things around. This place will be interesting to read if we lose 2 or 3 more games though. We can only lose 2 more games to still be bowl eligible and we are not even halfway through October yet so I get why many feel the way they do.

[spacemonkey]

It amazes me how the same people who say we need better competition than the Sun Belt provides are the same people who loose their minds when we loose. We now have better competition.

The fact is this conference has gotten better just because Appalachian and to some extent Georgia Southern, are a part of this conference. This is just a setup for a better season this season and in the future.

Shawn Clark is not the issue. It is our expectations that we should win every game. We have been in every game we have lost and every game we have won. Remember when Billy Napier said, you cannot call it a rivalry between Appalachian and Louisiana until Louisiana actually beats Appalachian? The same is true with Texas State, Coastal Carolina, and everyone else that Appalachian has lost to and beaten. You are only as good as your next game. Who knows, Texas State may be who App beats for the Sun Belt Title in football this year?

Think about how many schools fire their coach on a whim because of a loss and it cripples their program for years. Just look at Michigan, Auburn, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida State, Nebraska, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Miami, East Carolina, etcetera. Appalachian would not have what it has now had we gotten rid of Jerry Moore in '93 or '04. The same is true of Shawn Clark...

Maybe we shouldn’t win every game but we have lost 5 of the last 8… and some in completely embarrassing fashion.

That is part of it as well. If there is a good excuse for the TSU game that is isolated and we rebound with a strong finish then people will let this go. If the issues remain and we lose 3 more games then I can't imagine the conversations that will happen on here and in Boone. Could you imagine us completely missing out on a bowl game? If we don't improve some things that will very much happen this year and we have to win 7 games this year, unless we lose to Robert Morris.

I am kind of kidding and kind of serious, WE CAN LOSE TO ROBERT MORRIS AND IT WILL NOT AFFECT OUR REMAINING SEASON GOALS AT ALL!!!!!!! let that sink in and hear me out. We should play nothing but second string players and next year's probable starters play the whole game and see how it goes. A win means nothing and a loss means nothing....might as well use it as a teachable moment. Make the starters sit out and watch and write papers critiquing the second string...maybe they will learn from it.

[Seattleapp]

It amazes me how the same people who say we need better competition than the Sun Belt provides are the same people who loose their minds when we loose. We now have better competition.

The fact is this conference has gotten better just because Appalachian and to some extent Georgia Southern, are a part of this conference. This is just a setup for a better season this season and in the future.

Shawn Clark is not the issue. It is our expectations that we should win every game. We have been in every game we have lost and every game we have won. Remember when Billy Napier said, you cannot call it a rivalry between Appalachian and Louisiana until Louisiana actually beats Appalachian? The same is true with Texas State, Coastal Carolina, and everyone else that Appalachian has lost to and beaten. You are only as good as your next game. Who knows, Texas State may be who App beats for the Sun Belt Title in football this year?

Think about how many schools fire their coach on a whim because of a loss and it cripples their program for years. Just look at Michigan, Auburn, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida State, Nebraska, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Miami, East Carolina, etcetera. Appalachian would not have what it has now had we gotten rid of Jerry Moore in '93 or '04. The same is true of Shawn Clark...

Maybe we shouldn’t win every game but we have lost 5 of the last 8… and some in completely embarrassing fashion.

That is part of it as well. If there is a good excuse for the TSU game that is isolated and we rebound with a strong finish then people will let this go. If the issues remain and we lose 3 more games then I can't imagine the conversations that will happen on here and in Boone. Could you imagine us completely missing out on a bowl game? If we don't improve some things that will very much happen this year and we have to win 7 games this year, unless we lose to Robert Morris.

I am kind of kidding and kind of serious, WE CAN LOSE TO ROBERT MORRIS AND IT WILL NOT AFFECT OUR REMAINING SEASON GOALS AT ALL!!!!!!! let that sink in and hear me out. We should play nothing but second string players and next year's probable starters play the whole game and see how it goes. A win means nothing and a loss means nothing....might as well use it as a teachable moment. Make the starters sit out and watch and write papers critiquing the second string...maybe they will learn from it.

So just say you aren’t serious

[bigdaddyg]

A loss to Bob Morris in any way, shape or form would be THE worst loss ever for this program. I know we harken back to VMI but considering the level and record of this RM team a home loss (after laying an egg in Texas) would be more detrimental than imaginable. I really don't think I'm exaggerating. Fans would not care one iota who played and why. Our third string QB and backup line should still direct a 4 score win. I get the teachable moment thing but we also appear to have some confidence issues that don't need to be further enhanced.

[WASU 93]

"Just look at time of possession 3rd qtr against the Citadel.
Them 14:45 Us - 0:15. We ran one play for 80 yards and a score. FCS level competition and our Defense couldn't get off the field."

Personally I don't think this is a fair comparison - this is how Navy, Army beat more talented teams - If a team is set on using all 4 downs to make 10 yards they are hard to stop. Citadel had nothing to lose so why not use all 4 downs.
Saying that, I agree that the D hasn't done a good job of 3 and outs ---

But, the defense did get off the field. And, they notched the shutout. And, we scored on one play against an inferior defense. The goal is to win the game.

We’ve had 2.5 games where we really executed. A&M, The Citadel (yes, they were inferior, but we did everything we should have done in that game) and the first half against JMU.

[YesAppCan]

Since this is an "I want to know" thread, I'd like to know a couple things from those more versed in X's and O's. Have offenses figured out the 3-4 defense and it's shortcomings? Secondly, could we not just switch to a 4-3 now because we get NO pressure from the 3? Just seems like we are on the losing battle defensively; we can't get pressure and we can't cover-give way too much cushion.

[AppState89]

A loss to Bob Morris in any way, shape or form would be THE worst loss ever for this program. I know we harken back to VMI but considering the level and record of this RM team a home loss (after laying an egg in Texas) would be more detrimental than imaginable. I really don't think I'm exaggerating. Fans would not care one iota who played and why. Our third string QB and backup line should still direct a 4 score win. I get the teachable moment thing but we also appear to have some confidence issues that don't need to be further enhanced.

We can beat Robeet Morris with our walk on guys. I'd be surprised if any of their players could make it on our team. Our starters would score over 100 points against RM. They are horrible. I'm hoping coach will sit ALL starters so the backups can get true game reps.

[Rekdiver]

What time is the Press conference?

[AppStFan1]

It amazes me how the same people who say we need better competition than the Sun Belt provides are the same people who loose their minds when we loose. We now have better competition.

The fact is this conference has gotten better just because Appalachian and to some extent Georgia Southern, are a part of this conference. This is just a setup for a better season this season and in the future.

Shawn Clark is not the issue. It is our expectations that we should win every game. We have been in every game we have lost and every game we have won. Remember when Billy Napier said, you cannot call it a rivalry between Appalachian and Louisiana until Louisiana actually beats Appalachian? The same is true with Texas State, Coastal Carolina, and everyone else that Appalachian has lost to and beaten. You are only as good as your next game. Who knows, Texas State may be who App beats for the Sun Belt Title in football this year?

Think about how many schools fire their coach on a whim because of a loss and it cripples their program for years. Just look at Michigan, Auburn, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida State, Nebraska, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Miami, East Carolina, etcetera. Appalachian would not have what it has now had we gotten rid of Jerry Moore in '93 or '04. The same is true of Shawn Clark...

Maybe we shouldn’t win every game but we have lost 5 of the last 8… and some in completely embarrassing fashion.

That is part of it as well. If there is a good excuse for the TSU game that is isolated and we rebound with a strong finish then people will let this go. If the issues remain and we lose 3 more games then I can't imagine the conversations that will happen on here and in Boone. Could you imagine us completely missing out on a bowl game? If we don't improve some things that will very much happen this year and we have to win 7 games this year, unless we lose to Robert Morris.

I am kind of kidding and kind of serious, WE CAN LOSE TO ROBERT MORRIS AND IT WILL NOT AFFECT OUR REMAINING SEASON GOALS AT ALL!!!!!!! let that sink in and hear me out. We should play nothing but second string players and next year's probable starters play the whole game and see how it goes. A win means nothing and a loss means nothing....might as well use it as a teachable moment. Make the starters sit out and watch and write papers critiquing the second string...maybe they will learn from it.

Technically you are right but the fact that you are defending it and would be okay with a loss to Robert Morris just sounds crazy. We need to beat them by 50. We can't be okay with losing to FCS schools, especially not one who is awful. We would be the biggest win in their program history and we can't afford to just pass up a win this year. We need as many wins as possible.

[AppStateNews]

Since this is an "I want to know" thread, I'd like to know a couple things from those more versed in X's and O's. Have offenses figured out the 3-4 defense and it's shortcomings? Secondly, could we not just switch to a 4-3 now because we get NO pressure from the 3? Just seems like we are on the losing battle defensively; we can't get pressure and we can't cover-give way too much cushion.

Yes and no. Our scheme only works if we get pressure consistently. Teams have figured out our only consistent pass rush right now is with a blitzing OLB. They are scheming them into coverage (helping Hampton's pro chances since he's showing he can do that as well) or double teaming them with a chip from the RB or TE. This is putting our DBs on an island. Our DBs aren't man coverage guys.

If Jones and company can figure out how to get consistent pressure some how else, the defense will still succeed.