Going On Record

[emmitt01]

Anyone who reads this board knows that I have been a vocal critic of coach Dodge. I have, along with many others, questioned a lot of the things he's done. I've even been accused by some with reading comprehension shortcomings of being "anti Dodge.". Let me go on record as saying I am far from it, I can easily separate the on field product from the man.

With that said let me say this. After stepping back and looking at things I must give Dodge kudos. Many have complained about the glut of HS coaches...that has been fixed. I've complained about the lack of TE's in the passing game...all indications are that that will change. There is talk of going under center on short yardage. And now, according to Vito, there is actual hitting going on in practice. Mucho kudos.

Ok, sit down for this next part. I believe, really, that this team can and will win eight (8) games this season and Todd Dodge will see the opening of the new stadium. I see a lot of promising things with this team. Guys are D1 sized at important positions. College coaches are on staff to make in-game decisions. The schedule is far from brutal. And, yes, I think the move of Riley to wideout will improve us because I DON'T believe it will hinder Dunbar's productivity and I think having a Qb who stays upright from week to week will be a big positive in terms of continuity. And I think having Riley in lots of different spots on the field will drive defenses crazy. Throw in the fact that I see "a lot of care" in this team and I believe it turns those near misses to W's. (I'm only being partially sarcastic about the "care" part)

[MeanGreen61]

Great post Emmitt ! I'm thinking 7-5, but will certainly take 8-4 (regular seasons).

Edited August 13, 2010 by MeanGreen61

[Mean Green 93-98]

I don't think this quite matches the Fake's 180 degree turnaround, but we are certainly seeing unexpected optimism from some unexpected places.

[Green Mean]

I am certainly hoping for the best but all I need to say is 5-31 the last 3 seasons. There is absolutely no way they win 8 games this year. I hope I am wrong but I don't see it.

[NT80]

In his interview series with Troy Phillips, Dodge admitted making mistakes since becoming a college head coach and learning from them and the job. I think he has and is more ready this season to make in-game adjustments as needed.

That said, the first four games of the season will tell the tale:

@ Clemson

Rice

@ Army

@ FAU

A difficult mine field of road games and not an easy home game. I doubt we are favored in any of the four. 2-2 and we have a winner this year. 1-3 and there is still a glimmer of hope. But 0-4 and it doesn't look good for the good guys

[EagleMBA]

Emmitt has been hitting the Panty-Dropper!

I'm already at 7 - 5, maybe a glass of what he's having will get me there.

Seriously, I like what I read and see about what is happening on the practice field and think we're due. Coach Dodge, we want you and your staff to git 'er done!

Edited August 13, 2010 by EagleMBA

[GreenBacker]

I sure hope you guys are right. It seems like there has been a positive turnaround in just about every aspect of the program with Dodge, EXCEPT W's. Would sure like to see those this year. I still really want to believe that he is best for these kids and this program.

Edited August 13, 2010 by Dodgebacker

[jtm0097]

We can easily go 3-1 during that stretch.

[Green P1]

I'm with ya brah. I'm going on the record too.

[eulessismore]

+1, and I'll have some of what you're having. One thing: we can't really go 8-4, can we? I'll say 8-5, with the win coming in a bowl.

[akriesman]

"Dodge admitted making mistakes since becoming a college head coach and learning from them and the job. I think he has and is more ready this season to make in-game adjustments as needed."

Admitting your mistakes and actually making adjustments is not an easy thing for any coach to do. Coach Dodge gets a lot of praise from me for trying to do whatever it takes to get this team turned around.

I totally agree that we are on the right track. I just hope that it is not too late.

I look at this roster and see what appears to be improvements everywhere.......except the most important position. This is not a criticism of our QB's. But, we are going to be asking a lot from two guys with very little experience. Whoever gets the nod, Nathan or Derek, will have to play at a higher level than would normally be expected from them considering their experience level. If they can protect the football, show some poise in the pocket and make some key throws at critical times, we might be able to get to that 7 win mark. Choosing the right QB for the job could make or break this season for our coach.

It is going to be very interesting if we win only 5 or 6 games, but show a lot of obvious improvement. If that happens, do you make a coaching switch ? I understand that a 7 win ultimatim needed to be put into place. But, if you are RV, do you really stick to it if this team shows a lot of improvement otherwise ?

It's going to be a very entertaining season. I really want to see Coach Dodge open up the new stadium next season, if at all possible.

I can't wait for this season to start !

[Got5onIt]

I hope RV sticks with the ultimatum. Dodge finally has the coaching staff where it should have been 4 years ago. 5-6 wins this year cant make one forget all the BS this program went through just so he can finally right his wrongs. 7 wins or he should be canned. Period. New stadium, new chapter for UNT football, new head coach.

[KingDL1]

I just sucked down some koolaid so I will go with 8-5.

[Travis]

Oh God, here we all go again.

Every year this happens without fail.

I want to be wrong. I really, really do. But, I am sticking with my 5-7 record. At first, i thought 4-8. But, i think we are going to get a few bounces go our way and so 5-7.

I give absolutely no kuddos to Dodge (as a successful coach) until he actually DOES something worth giving kuddos. I am not going to forget about how we were the worst program in the nation of which Dodge had a huge role in.

I won't get sucked in! I won't!!!!

My heart wants to, but my head says no.

[UNT90]

Oh God, here we all go again.

Every year this happens without fail.

I want to be wrong. I really, really do. But, I am sticking with my 5-7 record. At first, i thought 4-8. But, i think we are going to get a few bounces go our way and so 5-7.

I give absolutely no kuddos to Dodge (as a successful coach) until he actually DOES something worth giving kuddos. I am not going to forget about how we were the worst program in the nation of which Dodge had a huge role in.

I won't get sucked in! I won't!!!!

My heart wants to, but my head says no.

My sentiments exactly. I really, really, really hope we get to 7 wins, but everything would have to go perfectly fot that to happen.

[KingDL1]

Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?