Notebook: Mean Green Hoping For Better Luck In Opener

mgsteve · September 2, 2009

DRC

September 2, 2009

This is our first opener in football that we've stood a chance of winning in what seems like forever. It's coming at a great time when we desparately need to start the season with a win and for some reason I think that we will.

My optimism is based not only on our improvement but Ball State's decline. If we had to face the BSU team of last year it would take a miracle for us to get a win but this is not the same team. It's lost its coach, its quarterback and most of its offensive line. As good as this coach, quarterback, and offensive line may become, it will take awhile for that to develop.

Coach Parrish, the former offensive coordinator, has previously been a head coach and should reaclimate himself rather quickly. The surroundings will be much different. Last year's defensive coordinator and assistant head coach are both gone. There will be a learning curve before this team's up to speed. Coach Parrish will have to spoon feed his new quarterbacks and cannot install nearly all of his offense this year. His defense was good, fourth in the MAC, but there will have to be adjustments to make this year. Also, BSU didn't face a ranked team in its 12-2 season last year.

I think that the improvement in our team's attitude, talent, and coaching is genuine. It will take a little time to gel also, but I believe that we're a little further down the road than Ball State.

UNT90 · September 2, 2009

This is our first opener in football that we've stood a chance of winning in what seems like forever. It's coming at a great time when we desparately need to start the season with a win and for some reason I think that we will.
My optimism is based not only on our improvement but Ball State's decline. If we had to face the BSU team of last year it would take a miracle for us to get a win but this is not the same team. It's lost its coach, its quarterback and most of its offensive line. As good as this coach, quarterback, and offensive line may become, it will take awhile for that to develop.
Coach Parrish, the former offensive coordinator, has previously been a head coach and should reaclimate himself rather quickly. The surroundings will be much different. Last year's defensive coordinator and assistant head coach are both gone. There will be a learning curve before this team's up to speed. Coach Parrish will have to spoon feed his new quarterbacks and cannot install nearly all of his offense this year. His defense was good, fourth in the MAC, but there will have to be adjustments to make this year. Also, BSU didn't face a ranked team in its 12-2 season last year.
I think that the improvement in our team's attitude, talent, and coaching is genuine. It will take a little time to gel also, but I believe that we're a little further down the road than Ball State.

I think the cool aid has given you a brain freeze. Page was there last year as a redshirt, running the offense in practice through 2 fall prarctices and at least one Spring practice. Yes, Ball St. will have new starters on the O-line. Last years O-line was a huge strength for them, so it would stand to reason that the backups were kept on the sideline by some awfully talented lineman. Whose to say these backups aren't more than capable of above average o-line play. Proven? No, but at least they are not new to the program/changed positions like EVERY member of our starting defensive line. Speaking of those new D tackle starters, are they not more susceptible to the "learning curve" since they have only been here for the Fall practice? Isn't our new D-line coach going to have problems "installing" his new system?

Does Ball St. have any concerns on special teams? We do. Huge concerns. Can we not look like a high school team while attempting a field goal or extra point? Don't know. Ball St. does. I love the enthusiasm, but lets not forget how bad we were and how far we have to go just to be average. Why does everyone just assume we will be better on special teams?

I will say this and you can mark it. Our first kickoff coverage will be a great indicator of the direction of this season.

H-towngreen · September 2, 2009

I will say this and you can mark it. Our first kickoff coverage will be a great indicator of the direction of this season.

Im scared just thinking about it!!

meangreenfreak · September 2, 2009

I think we are underestimating Ball St. 12-2 is stong, reguardless of conference affiliation. Ball St. was a nationaly ranked team last year.

We are going to have our hands full. The Mean Green has a ton of potential this year, but we can't get too crazy. We have 3 wins in 2 years.

I am hoping that we are competitive and that the defense makes a strong showing. I will count that as significant improvement and feel good about our chances in SBC games.

Edited September 2, 2009 by meangreenfreak