Topic: Things I particularly like about this team.

[bbcard1]

I really like this team. i am not saying we are a top 25 team or a conference championship team...the game will tell the tale, but this is one of our better teams for some years.  I want to call out in particular:

1) Defense. This unit is really solid. It may rival 1999.
2) We have quality to star players at every skill position.
3) Special teams have had some great moments.
4) There seems to be a jelling of this team.  I suspect Yurachek is a big one, but some one is stepping up to provide real leadership.
5) They don't quit. Lots of energy and intensity.
6) the O line has played quite well, probably much better than expected.
7) Special teams have been spotty to spectacular.  The downs haven't been too bad, but the ups have been exceptional.
8) The Davis/King backfield is the best we have had in a while.

Like I said, I am really enjoying watching this team develop. I think MTSU will be a good test.  I have no doubt we're a bowl team this year...half the teams are...but it will be interesting to see what the upside is.  I think we'll probably end up at about where the 2013 team was with really good momentum into next year.

[overherd1]

I wjould have to agreed.  A lot to like about this team.  Like bbcard says, not a top 25 team, but much improved from last year.  They seem to be much more of a team.  Players always congratulating each other.  There wasn't much of that last year.  I would agree also that some have stepped up into necessary leadership roles.  When I listen to players talk to the media, they usually talk about the team and their teammates.....a good sign.  The rest of the should be interesting and hopefully fun, starting with MTSU next weekend.  Go Herd!

[Apollo]

I really like this team. i am not saying we are a top 25 team or a conference championship team...the game will tell the tale, but this is one of our better teams for some years.  I want to call out in particular:

1) Defense. This unit is really solid. It may rival 1999.
2) We have quality to star players at every skill position.
3) Special teams have had some great moments.
4) There seems to be a jelling of this team.  I suspect Yurachek is a big one, but some one is stepping up to provide real leadership.
5) They don't quit. Lots of energy and intensity.
6) the O line has played quite well, probably much better than expected.
7) Special teams have been spotty to spectacular.  The downs haven't been too bad, but the ups have been exceptional.
8) The Davis/King backfield is the best we have had in a while.

Like I said, I am really enjoying watching this team develop. I think MTSU will be a good test.  I have no doubt we're a bowl team this year...half the teams are...but it will be interesting to see what the upside is.  I think we'll probably end up at about where the 2013 team was with really good momentum into next year.

I think the biggest differences you touched on have led to all the other points. Leadership and not quitting. Its good to see that again.

[MUther]

Be cool if like 2013 we slipped into somehow playing a Maryland type P5 bowl team, too, though it's not likely anymore with our bowl lineup in CUSA.  I can dream.

[elginherd]

The biggest,most important turn-around among all the stuff from last season is that the D is not being gashed for 7 & 8 yard runs between the tackles repeatedly by anyone.

[Apollo]

Seemed like Young was in the backfield every play. he seemed to have a 6th sense about the snap count and was timing it perfectly. Hopes 100% next week. I know they said he dinged his shoulder at some point.

[MUther]

The biggest,most important turn-around among all the stuff from last season is that the D is not being gashed for 7 & 8 yard runs between the tackles repeatedly by anyone.

Agreed.  If they found a way to do it once, it only happened once.  They never got that lane or that pull again.  Our D is very fluid, like liquid concrete that hardens at the right times in the right places.

[lexkyherdfan]

I think the biggest differences you touched on have led to all the other points. Leadership and not quitting. Its good to see that again.

I agree. It is very visible that the team is just that a team.  And when you see a player get onto a player or a bit animated...they discuss it and don’t walk away.  I have really seen a big blow up but when I have seen “discussions” it really looks like helping each other.