Average year vs. great year

[Flowers4Heisman]

I think only making a bowl would be an average year for this team; there's so much to work with now. We couldn't even say that a few years ago, so Taggart & co. have done a good job.

A great year would be beating FSU and winning the American (probably going through Houston and beating them for it).

When Leavitt won, he had the players jacked up. But he never had enough depth. So when the guys were tired or flat, we just didn't do so well. Plus, I think players were afraid of him or hated him, but he got most of them to play 100%.

What I saw during the opener was a lot energy and emotion and players having fun. The penalties weren't too bad, so they aren't undisciplined and running wild. Shirts sticking out show me that it's not a dictatorship, not to mention Taggart had his arms around a player for a while there. I think it's a good environment for the players.

To have a great year we need things to come together for this team:

(1) Playing with energy every down. Can't phone anything in.

(2) The playmakers have to stay healthy and do their part. We are going to need some luck with the health department.

(3) The coaches have to do a good job of getting the best out of this team. Let's see if they improve on anything from last year as the season progresses.

 

With disclaimers, I'll say this. This is probably the best team (on paper!) that we've had since the Grothe-led team that got to #2.

[Brad]

The dif between that 2007 team and this one that I am most concerned about is the defense.   We'll have to see.  

[Bull Dozer]

37 minutes ago, Brad said:

The dif between that 2007 team and this one that I am most concerned about is the defense.   We'll have to see.  

Yeah we lack the fierce pass rush we had back then. That pass rush really made the defense go. 

[bulls phanatic]

i think taking the AAC east is still a good step but obviously be great if we can win the conference. We are good enough to take the east 

[Bulls On Parade]

22 minutes ago, Bull Dozer said:

Yeah we lack the fierce pass rush we had back then. That pass rush really made the defense go. 

Yeah, we could have maybe a great secondary but if we don't get enough pressure someone will eventually get open.

Looking to see more pressure from front 4 next game.

 

 

[BullyPulpit]

You have to keep in mind that we didn't really show a lot yesterday.  Very basic offense and very few blitzes.  When we did bring a corner blitz we got pressure. I'm not overly concerned about the defense yet. I will withhold judgement one more week. 

[Bulls On Parade]

I agree on watching replay when we did a blitz we got instant pressure and forced some fumbles and havoc. 

[bullwark]

Also need some luck, no significant injuries, a few bounces going the Bull's way, and a few teams ahead of the Bull's having a "down" year.

[cmhatter]

5 hours ago, Brad said:

The dif between that 2007 team and this one that I am most concerned about is the defense.   We'll have to see.  

i'm particularly concerned about the Defensive Ends...

Our best defensive teams had great pass rushes.

[E.T.]

Winning the Division is a MUST to be successful.

Beating FSU and Winning Conference would be a Dream Come True.

And I always dream big!

Go BULLS !!!