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I am enjoying reading, listening to, and watching the utube videos of the players and Coach H! I am really happy with the enthusiasm and determination of this year's group. I know it is really early, but I think we are in for a very interesting season. Why would I say that you ask? Well, the new look offense is perfect for Barr and I even think it will fit Will in future years. We have to WR's to throw to, some RB's who can definitely run, and a OL that is battle hardened and has received some immediate reinforcements. Thats also the key to the defense. Bigger, quicker, more experience with some reinforcements which I think are going to make some noise.
I was also pleased to read that Don Patterson attended Iowa media day and was able to catch up with some old friends and former players. I only wish him the best. He has always been nothing but a class act from day #1. I am glad he and WIU have come to an agreement which seems to suit both parties. Thanks Coach P!
Now it seems to me that we have a Ball/Patterson hybrid going. Randy Ball recruited alot of Juco players which helped to put WIU back on the map. When he left for Missouri State, he left Don with a full cupboard and he added to that by stating that he would be recruiting more high school players in the future. We have seen since that time what can happen to programs that remain open to Juco's, such as SIU and even Delaware! So with all of the new players on this team, it seems we are doing just that. Filling immediate needs with seasoned players and recruiting high school players who will develop for the near and distant future. It also seems like we have a pipe line going to Quincy Notre Dame high school with the addition of Pat Smith, KP! How did he arrive under the radar?? And the kid from Alabama, who is a kicker too! He has arrived with little fanfare but could have a bright future. Defensively, it appears that solid, athletic, quick kids are being recruited to play the line.
I guess I just like what I am seeing so far. Just feels different this year. Only time will tell. My basic question now is, do I want to get up at 5:00 am. to drive to West Lafeyette to tailgate at 9:00 for an 11:00 am. start, or sit home and drink coffee and watch it on the flat screen. I sent my RSVP for the President's tent for Sept. 2nd and I hope the weather is good for my drive down.
Thoughts????
jc
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Good post NFS71.
I am REALLY looking forward to this season.... I miss football. Hey even if we don't make the playoffs we are in a great league and the results will be better than last year...
So many outsiders do not really know about the "perfect storm" that engulfed '09.
I will make at least 5 games this year, PURDUE is not one of them...(glad I got the DVR)
GO NECKS!
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[quote]Neckfansince71 (8/7/2010)
and a OL that is battle hardened and has received some immediate reinforcements.
Thoughts????
[/quote]
I am scared to even to even look up the 2009 "Sacks Allowed" category. Who are these immediate reinforcements?
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Freshman
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| Pit, I think you are right on the money. O Line play will probably dictate the level of success this year. Skill players are in place. How quickly the "Big Uglies" gel is the key. I've heard the D has been slapping them around quite a bit. Todays scrimmage should give us a better idea of where things stand, assuming they release the stats.
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You are right. They have the backs, they have the receivers........but who gives them the opportunity to shine? The highlight of the 2010 class was Gerald Crisp. Well, it looks as though his Tom Tom couldn't find Macomb. The guys fighting for a starting job are the same ones from last year. Now, I don't know too much about football but if there is a battle at left tackle, I want in on some of that cash. Whoever escorted the linemen straight to the QB, had a good gig last year. Read this article and tell me what you think. If I could take anything from it, I'd say, "not good." If a true freshman is getting props in the secondary, we got problems.
http://www3.thehawkeye.com/bohnenkamp_blog/
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Reading between the lines......BANGED UP! I think a couple of the Cali JUCOS were injury prone to begin with.
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