Comments on: Why I’m An Optimist

By: HenryJames

HenryJames — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:24:09 +0000

Probably referring to this one.

By: Sailor Ripley

Sailor Ripley — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:20:15 +0000

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR WILL MUSCHAMP
On his defensive style: I think physical and mental toughness is obviously an issue you want to be accredited with your defenses. There have always been some questions about the scheme. I’ve been exposed to a lot of different things. At LSU we were more of an attacking man coverage scheme because of the athletes we had. We matched up well with a lot of the people we played. We went to Miami and we couldn’t cover a bucket of water. So we were more of a zone pattern match, had a hard time giving people negative plays. We went to Auburn and we were more of a man scheme my first year there. Then this past year we kind of went to more of a pattern match zone scheme and we couldn’t give up big plays.

By: Poor Aggies

Poor Aggies — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:54:57 +0000

I’d love to see you or one of the Barkers provide some more detail on Muschamp’s “pattern matching” which was referenced in this excerpt from an article on CBS sports (sorry, I couldn’t find a link):

Part of Muschamp’s allure is that he comes from the Bill Belichick-Nick Saban school of “pattern matching.” The simple explanation is that the defense decides right before the snap whether to play man or zone.

The more complicated explanation is, well, complicated. Ideally, Muschamp would like to build the type of defense he had at LSU, one that can pattern match and jump in and out of blitzes even after the quarterback has called an audible. The idea is to confuse the quarterback so much that when blitz pressure does come, he has no clue.

His LSU defense ruled the world. With the Dolphins, where his players he said, “couldn’t cover a bucket of water,” there was a more zone concept. Miami finished second in sacks his only season there. Auburn finished sixth in the nation in total defense last season.

If the opposing quarterback hears “South Eagle,” for example, from across the line something funky is coming. Something funky and angry. Muschamp’s zone calls are named after places or directions. Blitzes are birds and snakes.

Simple, to the point, predatory.

By: TaylorTRoom

TaylorTRoom — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:36:41 +0000

I’m at a 6. I could go higher if I knew more about Muschamp, and why we should be optimistic about him. How much of his effectiveness (against Florida, which is significant) is him, and how much is Tuberville? I think that what you need in a defensive coordinator is an excellent technician (i.e.- they are lining up that way, so we will respond in this way). Is Muschamp a great technician?

By: Trips Right

Trips Right — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:08:50 +0000

I’m at about a 5 and I’m normally an optimist. With a dearth of playmakers on offense, we’ll have to win games in the twenties instead of the thirties. Which means GDGD will gameplan to win games in the twenties and become even less imaginitive. I can hear the postgame interview after a 24 to 21 loss at Kansas.

“Well we thought that if we could limit turnovers in the passing game we’d stand a pretty good chance of winning. We’re happy that McCoy set the UT record for completions in the game going 40-55 for 215 yards, so we’re proud of that young guy.”

This shit feeds on itself.

By: BiggUggly

BiggUggly — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:21:50 +0000

JMO, but the real problem once again reared its ugly head when we not only lost Shepard, but insulted him as well thereby doing further recruiting damage (think defensive tackle).

Who in his right mind takes a mobility deficient QB with a damaged throwing shoulder that needs surgery. over what may be the best athlete in America and then promise him and his dad that we would not recruit any other QBs?

We now stand to lose not only the top athlete in America, but the #1 DT in the country as well. And for what? This staff has never been able to coach and win with a pro-style QB.

Some people say that Mack is arrogant, but I believe that Mack reacts like a teenybopper at a Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus concert anytime he is in the presence of a high school coach or anyone who ever played pro football.

And GD GD? Don’t get me started!

By: Mack Brown

Mack Brown — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:10:33 +0000

*Claps hands, nods approvingly*

By: Greg Davis

Greg Davis — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:10:09 +0000

Eleventy.

By: SlickStreet

SlickStreet — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 12:24:27 +0000

“The schedule is a lot tougher next year. My guess is that the horns lose at least 3 games next year even if they are a bit better team (overall) than last year.

I think the key to enjoying football is to realize that it is a zero sum game and try to get more enjoyment out of the game being played well or seeing players develop rather than be obsessed about the number of wins or losses.”

I agree. The ‘pumpers’ often say that the ‘realists’ would find something to complain about no matter what happens, especially in losses. Not true, as I’ve heard an awful lot of the former ‘haters’ give kudos to GD’s playcalling vs OU last year.

The key for most of us is that the gameplan and implementation provide the players the best chance to win. That seemed to happen LY in Dallas, so we come away hurt from the loss but content we gave it all we had.

The times for immense frustration and venom lie more in the game’s direction (or lack thereof).

By: NBMisha

NBMisha — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 07:57:49 +0000

Also at about 6.5. I think while the defense can only improve, we’ll get about half the improvement you hope for. This combined with the overall likely impact of limitations at QB, RB, TE and WR, and, well, I’m just not optimistic, to use your word.

I’m not looking forward happily to another Kansas or A&M experience. I guess I’ll have to put these likely indignities on the list along with the others, and brace myself.