What is a realistic goal for Saturday?

by johnnycougar on Aug 28, 2008 5:57 PM PDT

Ummm, so a little new at this fanpost thing, but hopefully someone will read it. I would like to know what everyone's expectations are for Saturday? I've read the various prognostications, pretty much universally accepting a "hard fought" Cougar defeat, but I am more interested in the tone the game will set for our season and the positives we could take away from a (potential) loss.

I personally am going to be looking at the game foremost as a validation of firing Bill Doba. While I do understand that it will take some time for the total effects of hiring Wulff to reveal themselves, I also believe some things will be immediately evident. Off-field, it is good to hear reports about cleaning up the team and becoming more serious about 24-7 dedication to Cougar Football. On-field, at least this weekend, I would be happy to see some determination from our players. No hanging of heads after giving up big plays, immediate reaction to opponent scores, excitement and variety in the offense / special teams without gimmicks (that you try over and OVER and never work). Basically just hard work and indomitable spirit, with hopefully a little excitement thrown in. Not to say that the players weren't trying hard for Doba, but just hearing Wulff getting after players about playing through injury and his overall tenacity in the locker room is encouraging. Let's get a little mean, ok?

It would be nice to see the offense click for a few TD drives, to see one of our kickers be consistent, and for the secondary / LBs to slow down the offensive barrage OKSU is sure to throw at them. Perhaps I misunderstand the Cowboy's offense, but I don't think they will run all over us this game. I think our biggest weakness in D is in pass rushing (partly due to injuries) but the OKSU pass attack is more of a blitzkrieg anyways, where the QB gets rid of the ball pretty quick anyways. I think the bigger worry is if our coverage is actually decent, this duel-threat QB can slip out of the backfield for 7 yards every time. Hopefully we can limit that, and if so then we may have more success against UO and UW later in the year than it looks like right now.

What are some other people's thoughts?

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Comments

I'm definitely with you on the attitude

It just seemed like this team lacked a lot of fire over the past two years – specifically in the toughness category. I want to see a team that starts to reflect its coach in a positive way.

To be honest, I’m not expecting a lot in the way of results. The more I think about it, the more I think we lose by double digits. I just don’t see our d-line being able to contain anything, which means they’ll run at will, which means they will then pass at will. I don’t think the offense will come close to keeping up, unfortunately. I’d really just settle for some glimpses of what we might be in for this year – you know, a real crisp drive where about six different guys catch passes and punch it in for a TD.

CougCenter

by Jeff Nusser on Aug 28, 2008 7:48 PM PDT reply actions