Topic: Predicting this season

[Johnnyherd]

I wish I could take some numbers and plug them in a formula and get an idea of what the season will hold.

However, it seems to me that the difference between winning 6-7 or winning 10 or more will be our play on defense.  Honestly 6-7 is all we can hope for without a solid defense.    Every year I convince myself that the new players coming in will fill all the shortcomings of our defense and we will have a solid D.  In reality, it seems that about 9 of 10 freshmen aren't ready to play d-1 defense regardless of how highly they were rated as recruits.

Last year we had one of the worst defenses in the country.  We did tackle very well.  We didn't cover well and we didn't get much pressure on QBs.  We gave up tons of yardage, first downs and points.

We need leadership and confidence on defense in the worst way this year.  I hope Coach Heater can work some miracles, but I expect a couple tough losses due to lack of defense and growing pains.

[marshallz13]

Agreed, it's up to Heater to deal with what he's got for this season and he said there is lots of things that need fixing. I'm just glad we have some depth in the secondary last season as the only healthy corners we had were Lovett, Baxter, and Thomas adding the new guys and the return of injured players like Roberts and Leggett we should at the very least have some depth at the position.

[HerdEcon]

Kinda puts things in perspective when a program has to rely on in coming freshman to fill holes or make an impact. 

We're getting to where we need to be thanks to Doc's emphasis on recruiting.

[Herdfan2005]

A direct quote from a good friend and current defensive player "We will be like the teams of the 90's this year, WATCH!"

[Greg H]

A direct quote from a good friend and current defensive player "We will be like the teams of the 90's this year, WATCH!"

I hope he's right, but I have NO FAITH at all that they'll be that good.  They probably should, but that's one hell of a high bar.

[extragreen]

A direct quote from a good friend and current defensive player "We will be like the teams of the 90's this year, WATCH!"

Early 90s or late 90s?

[ThunderValley]

I want to see the D coaches put the players in position to make plays.
If we line up off the line like we did the last few years, I may just give up

[MarshallGrad]

When I finally see consistent, fundamental, take 'em down tackling like Larry McCLoud, I will say we have finally reached that level. I hope, I hope it is this year.

[2xBison]

Early 90s or late 90s?

hint...,team full of Donnan recruits

[BHFIOHIO]

I would sure like to see a DE play this yr and look like Jonathan Goddard.

[extragreen]

hint...,team full of Donnan recruits

You talking about the same Donnan that inherited all that Chaump talent? The same Donnan that lost more 1AA Southern Conference games in 6 years than Pruett lost in the MAC in 8 years? The same Donnan that could manage only 2 conference championships in the Southern Conference compared to Pruetts 5 conference championships in the MAC? That Donnan?

[herdfan09]

A direct quote from a good friend and current defensive player "We will be like the teams of the 90's this year, WATCH!"

Not bashing, but they say that every year. A defensive player did tell me a couple months ago though that there's no way they lose more than two games.

[carolinaherdfan]

You talking about the same Donnan that inherited all that Chaump talent? The same Donnan that lost more 1AA Southern Conference games in 6 years than Pruett lost in the MAC in 8 years? The same Donnan that could manage only 2 conference championships in the Southern Conference compared to Pruetts 5 conference championships in the MAC? That Donnan?

Great post. There is absolutely no one  in Pruetts league...