HuskerPowerVA

She could kick some of the team's a$$ in lot of things, including blocking and tacking today. Seriously an awesome clip.

First games are often a horrible barometer of the rest of the season. I don't think it is sensible to become hyper focused on either end of the spectrum The offense might not be that poor and the defense is unlikely to be turnover machine. The defense today looked good against a team without the depth and talent that they will face moving forward. The offense struggled most notably on the line and QB play. Perhaps more disturbing is they looked uninspired. Maybe this is the wake-up call that puts talk of personal trophies and division championships to rest and focus on game by game, play by play.

Ok now!

Yeah I knew that one. But if SF has control of this locker room like we think he does there will be a marked difference in execution and intensity during the second half.

For those saying Mo will be the difference, are you seeing a push by the O-lne against a 3-8 Sun Belt team? Need intensity up front.

Ok, a few deep breathes later, we will win and what makes a great coach is times like this. I remember The Citadel being tied against Alabama last year at halftime. The Tide won like 50-10.

I mentioned early in this thread, prior to kickoff, the score wasn't important as first games are all about getting your timing, learning plays at full speed against actual competition and making mistakes in a winnable game that can be coached up for better competition. Now I hope we just win. A bad team from the Sun Belt. AAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGG!!!!

Hopefully just first game jitters and not them believing the expectations of winning the West.

Poor decision on an uncomplicated cover.

Every single call you have seen does not amount to much data. Sounds like another person who never played the game. Blind blocks are often at full speed and are very dangerous as you are hit without any time or notion to prepare. They are some of the most jarring and violent and I have seen them cause whiplash. When I played TE, I rather get hit while in the air defenseless while jumping for a ball then blindside blocked while running at full speed to pursue a runner after an interception. That said, sure, any rule can be administered poorly with bad judgement or over restrictive language. A play without any meaning contact or when a player is trying to withhold from hitting the player should be considered by the ref.

I agree and that would be nice. However even if they don't, it can be very useful to make some mistakes now and fix them by the time Ohio State comes calling.

I remember when they outlawed hitting a defenseless receiver. That was just football we said. A WR in the air and the ball ten yards above his head...the safety was always taught to make sure he didn't get up for daring to go over the middle. I remember when they started to enforce launching head first over the pile in the name of a block right after the whistle when a play was clearly over, but the objective was to take the top of the pile. That was football and meant to slow down the pursuit and gang tackling. In reality, it was to injure and we knew it. And we did it. I remember when driving the QB into the ground with your weight plus momentum, not to mention with your helmet in his ear hole, was not only allowed, but expected. I admit that I still don't understand targeting at times. But here is the thing, and there is no getting around it. After playing football for a long time I know guys who are still not the same after playing with me in college where all this was part of the game. I know somethings at age 50 can be fuzzy and they say 50 is the new 40...not for some. None of us went on to make a living in the game and the bravado that was fulfilling does not heal the brain from countless times it hit the skull. It you played in HS and you say a 170 pound kid with marginal ability rocked your world during a play, but thats the game and you need to shake it off, you don't understand the big picture any more than I didn't when I did all the above tactics. The science is scary and yes, the game will never be the same. Get used to it.

The first game is so important. The timing between the QB and his receivers. The cohesiveness of the o-line against competition who are not teammates. The audibles against a defense who does not know your plays. The defense swarming to the ball yet still maintaining responsibility of assignment. Clock management. Special teams. The Center/QB exchange. The butterflies that are as big as they will be in post season. I remember the season opener every season from JV through all four years at college. Forget the record or size of the opponent. This is foundation.

I thought the Longhorn Network deal was not tied to a conference, but if they would lose the LHN, would Big Ten make up for that lost revenue?

I believe there will indeed be a drop off without Urban and Haskins. This includes finally losing to Michigan and I believe we will finally take them as well. To assume Fields will be able to step in and replace (with different skills sets) the production of Haskins is no small task. Sure Fields was a great high school player, but has yet to establish himself in college. Parris Campbell at wideout is a huge loss and those who watch football on Sundays will see his name a lot this year. I know, the Buckeyes have the recruiting classes to reload, but that does not mean they will be the dominant force of the past several years.

Certainly for this to fall into place it will take not only a tremendous individual effort, but a spectacular team one. I think Wandale is going to help Martinez's numbers quite a bit. Perhaps people get tired of the Rondale Moore comparisons, but I don't. Who knows? Maybe JD is actually in the Hesiman conversation. The bias towards QBs doesn't make it as likely. The offensive line will certainly have to pick up the pace. If all these moving parts are moving in the right direction is will be the most special fall in quite some time.

I wonder if there would be issues with Longhorn Network and the Big Ten Network?

Them Navy boys love taking credit for things that Army Special Forces and Rangers did. Rangers Lead the Way!

My exact thought. Progress should not be measured by win total alone (at this time).

They beat that number by halftime at a Redskins/Eagles game.

I have seen nine win seasons that made me proud and others that made me feel we were stagnant. I think more than the actual record it will be an interesting season to gauge progress and growth. Has the intensity, attitude and culture changed from last year? Is there genuine "buy-in" of the Frost system, which should begin to be highly evident after the first full year? Is the defense out of place? Do they tackle with form? Is the offense more fluid and executing without confusion? How is the development of one of the most promising young QBs in the nation? I don't expect to win the B1G yet, but how far SF has taken this program towards being "relevant" in his second year is what this season is for me.. A nine or even eight win season where we are in every game, don't give up big plays and commit foolish penalties will be plenty promising for me regardless if it is 8 or 9 wins. The nation used to hate us when we were elite, but during that long absence a common opinion grew across the nation that college football is better when we are in the national picture. Attention and recruiting will be very high if we succeed in doubling wins.

Nope, I meant ethics. Sorry if that escaped you.

With priorities and ethics? How horrid!

So he keeps this video of a 15 year old being violated on his phone and sends it to her? I don't mind if he doesn't come back. Of course I have this weird thing about putting things before football.

Well said. I believe Coach Frost would be true to those words.