Interesting aspect to Littrell's rebuild

BillySee58 · December 6, 2015

We all are expecting a rebuilding process that won't occur overnight, but looking at the roster Littrell will be inheriting, one thing that stands out is we should have a lot of seniors next year. We currently have 27 scholarship players who will be seniors next year should they return. That's the biggest senior class since, interestingly enough, Coach Mccarney's first team in 2011.

It's not a senior class that has a lot of proven players, but it is a big one. In all honesty, the fact that a lot of these players have not outperformed their opponents is a big reason we were 1-11 last year. I'm not expecting theses guys to suddenly become all-CUSA players, but it should help ease the process as Littrell brings in a bunch of freshmen to help build for the future.

ChristopherRyanWilkes · December 6, 2015

I don't think this roster is completely devoid of talent despite recruiting struggles. If he can address the biggest areas of concern (QB for one) I think he can take a bigger step forward his first year than some anticipate.

NM Green · December 6, 2015

I would take four wins and call that a successful season. Make one of them the utkfc And I will feel like we are bowling! When does the schedule come out? I need to plan trips home from overseas and where will we spend thanksgiving weekend? San Antone again?

gmg

97and03 · December 6, 2015

I would take four wins and call that a successful season. Make one of them the utkfc And I will feel like we are bowling! When does the schedule come out? I need to plan trips home from overseas and where will we spend thanksgiving weekend? San Antone again?
gmg

Sorry, man, I have to -1 you for comparing a win over UTKFC as a bowl feeling.

GangGreen · December 6, 2015

He meant a bowel feeling.

GoMeanGreen1999 · December 6, 2015

We all need to be patient and let him work his plan. Progress may be a bit slower than we all want. Also need to trust in his judgement of coaches he brings in to help build it. Patience.

Good things ahead.

TIgreen01 · December 6, 2015

I agree with Billy. Obviously there are exceptions, but senior laden teams are usually more successful. A lot hinges on finding a quarterback and what he does with the defense. I haven't really heard what his philosophy is on that side of the ball. Anybody heard anything?

GOMG2013 · December 6, 2015

We are returning most of the defense. They were bad, but how much of it was cosh? How much can they improve?

The defense had a few moments. Like some have posted, we probably would be better suited to run a 4-2-5. The few times we had success last year, we ran nickel with whitfield in the game. I think we should do the same with buyers as the nickel. No need to have a slow lb in coverage and buyers has proven he is solid against the run. Yes, we will be vulnerable against the run with a 4-2-5, but can we at least become good at stopping something? No need to let teams run on us AND pick us apart.

Hopefully if we do run more 4-2-5 we will also see more blitzing. I think we can pull it off with a player like buyers as the nickel. The two LBs...your guess is as good as mine. Fred Scott is solid against the run. A 4-2-5 allows him to concentrate on just stopping the run.

Got5onIt · December 6, 2015

Jump from Jr to Sr year should be the biggest improvement. Still though, this team was bad and really bad on offense. Better QB, WR, & LB play would really help this team get to 3-4 wins next year. That would be a huge step in the right direction.

Ben Gooding · December 6, 2015

Jump from Jr to Sr year should be the biggest improvement. Still though, this team was bad and really bad on offense. Better QB, WR, & LB play would really help this team get to 3-4 wins next year. That would be a huge step in the right direction.

Pending east draw and current OOC slate 3-4 wins is the floor. If we get a favorable east draw 6-6 or bust (on the season of course, not Littrell).

Bethune, SMU, utep, utsa, Rice, Army and 1 (maybe 2) probable easy team from the east should be considered "winnable" by fans and coaching staff.

La Tech will be building again, keep that in mind.

MeanGreenTexan · December 6, 2015

Pending east draw and current OOC slate 3-4 wins is the floor. If we get a favorable east draw 6-6 or bust (on the season of course, not Littrell).
Bethune, SMU, utep, utsa, Rice, Army and 1 (maybe 2) probable easy team from the east should be considered "winnable" by fans and coaching staff.
La Tech will be building again, keep that in mind.

At least we know Dixon will be gone, but they just seem to be reloading each season at QB. If they hit on another grad transfer, they'll remain competitive.

TheTastyGreek · December 6, 2015

Sorry, man, I have to -1 you for comparing a win over UTKFC as a bowl feeling.

He meant a bucket feeling.

eulessismore · December 6, 2015

He meant a bucket feeling.

Or: http://www.kfc.com/menu/classics/famous-bowl

GMG24 · December 6, 2015

Pending east draw and current OOC slate 3-4 wins is the floor. If we get a favorable east draw 6-6 or bust (on the season of course, not Littrell).
Bethune, SMU, utep, utsa, Rice, Army and 1 (maybe 2) probable easy team from the east should be considered "winnable" by fans and coaching staff.
La Tech will be building again, keep that in mind.

easy I got crucified saying Littrell COULD have won 4-5 games with the current team as is. Lol

wardly · December 7, 2015

I don't think Nick Sabins could have won more than 2 games. There is no talent. The fact that we have 27 returning seniors only means that we can flush them out at the end of next season if not before.

Ben Gooding · December 7, 2015

I don't think Nick Sabins could have won more than 2 games. There is no talent. The fact that we have 27 returning seniors only means that we can flush them out at the end of next season if not before.

No, Nick Saban couldn't have won 2 games with this current roster. Nick Saban's philosophy is predicated on out jimmy and joe'ing the opposition up front in the trenches on both the OL and DL. He has that luxury taking a job at a place like Alabama. There will be prolonged success there because the meddling of the pack to bottom feeding donors are the bloodline there and they pour their heart, soul, and any leftover income into that program. Alabama's football program to the state of Alabama is what the Dallas Cowboys are to the state of Texas. That is the kind of support they garner. So, in short, Saban would have had an aneurysm coaching this team because he wouldn't have had the luxury of a 4/5-star 2-deep across the board. His 34-24-1 record at Michigan St is proof of that. Of course at arguably the two most elite SEC programs out there (LSU & Bama) he is 151-34. In comparison, Les Miles has a .776 winning % while has been at LSU. Saban had a .750 winning % at LSU. Miles had a .571 at Okie State while Saban had a .585 at Michigan St. It just goes to show that brands recruit themselves and coaches are just there. Now, Dantonio has a .731 at Michigan St and Gundy has a .671 at Okie St. And, no, Saban didn't elevate Michigan St for Dantonio nor did Miles elevate Okie St. Though an argument could be made that Miles did more for Okie St than Saban did for Michigan St. However, it is not even up for debate that Gundy and Dantonio are the ones that elevated their programs to where they are. All of this to just say that Jimmy's and Joe's are far greater than X's and O's. And Screw Saban. I think he might be the Antichrist.

wardly · December 7, 2015

Damn! Sorry I brought Saban up. I am looking forward to Littrell coming on board and building from the ground up. Everyone understands that he has very little to work with,[ I am being kind] , that it will be 2 to 3 years before we are somewhat competitive ,and 3 to 4 before we can anticipate a winning record.Dodge left some players. Danny Mac left nothing.