I can see it now...

Robcat · Post by **Robcat** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 12:37 pm

Wow, this thread has turned into a downer. I get all jacked up about the Bobcats prospects and somebody dumps cold water on me.

Just rambling, but it has to be tough being a college FB coach. Kramer is plagued with injuries, academics, personel problems, coaching staff, fans, recruiting, and much more. During all this he still has to find time to build a team, teach a new defense, establish a new offence, worry about the weather and hold everybodys hand. The money is not big enough.

Now for my nickles worth. Kramer has had a 34% winning ratio thru the 2003 season and we have come to expect the type of preseason the Cat's will have, ie a struggle in non conferance games, a slow start. Mid season we will peak and everyting looks rosy. Late season we falter and in December we are sitting at home. Why is this? Does Krames try to implement to many changes from season to season or do we lack the depth to make changes when necessary?

All I know is that it very frustrating to watch this same pattern fron year to year. Every year I expect more and it does not seem to happen. I am expecting to much?

Bottom line, I am very excited about this years prospects and I will try to let the past be the past. This will be Kramers year! Man thats going to be a tough concept to keep my arms around for the next 8 months.

Go Cats!!!!!!!!!!!![/img]

rollo_tumasi · Post by **rollo_tumasi** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 12:48 pm

The answer to your question is depth...we don't have any. Every year we have some of the best players at every postion in the conference, but when they go down, were stuck. UM is so successful due to their depth, because they get injuries just like us but they have 2 or 3 guys ready to step in and step up. God forbid anything happens to our quarterback this year.

Cat Grad · Post by **Cat Grad** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 12:50 pm

This is the most excited I've been about a football season since my own kids

You're right; maybe we have a little too much guarded optimism in here. Can't help but think we're going to be really, really good and I know there'll have to be somebody else in charge here while I'm making it a long weekend (more like a week) in Bozo

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 1:30 pm

Cat Grad wrote:This is the most excited I've been about a football season since my own kids You're right; maybe we have a little too much guarded optimism in here. Can't help but think we're going to be really, really good and I know there'll have to be somebody else in charge here while I'm making it a long weekend (more like a week) in Bozo

I am very excited for this year as well. We should be strong in a number of areas and deep in quite a few as well. The DL we could be a little thin, but if we are playing the 3-4 that should help quite a bit there. We should definately have a very good offense and a good LB/Secondary Corp. This JC kicker sounds like he could be pretty good as well. We definately need to improve in special teams though. What was a strength the year before was a weakness last season. I think this will definately be a very competive team this year and could be a great team if get a running game going and our special teams takes off. Lets just be thankful these are injuries in the spring and not closer to kick off time. Heal up players and get ready to rock and roll this fall!

Can't wait for opening kickoff in Stillwater!

Cat Grad · Post by **Cat Grad** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 2:15 pm

With, Matakis, Macciola, Papich, Cogle, Kolone and our 8-man one-man wrecking crew from Winifred and Rogers back in the fall, the DL appears to have a little depth. I'm still a little concerned about the secondary. We don't have much depth there--again.

gtapp · Post by **gtapp** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 3:07 pm

What coach said; "when you throw the ball three things can happen, and two of them are BAD"?

PS: How come I have to put my two cents in but I only get a penny for my thoughts? Which one of you is making a penny?

Cat Grad · Post by **Cat Grad** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 3:17 pm

...that would be Woody...and you can keep squeezing that nickel until the...ability to turn on a dime...or is it stops

Man! This board is getting bored.

iaafan · Post by **iaafan** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 3:19 pm

That'd be Woody Hayes. Interception, incompletion, completion. He never continued on with that though. Four things can happen when you run the ball and three of them are bad ... gain yards, lose yards, no gain or fumble.

catatac · Post by **catatac** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 4:26 pm

http://www.thenewsstar.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... SeRtkHX5Do

Cat Grad · Post by **Cat Grad** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 4:57 pm

Thanks attackacat! That's what I'm talking about

Although I kind of like the option, but then again there's really not a whole lot different here than that dipsy doodle spread offense--just the method of delivery

I myself because I'm so small would rather watch the baby buffalo crunch people and shove it down somebody's throat

I mean, there's nothing prettier than watching somebody like Don Haas, Steve Krocker, Paul Schaeffer, and this Bolton kid

Cat Grad · Post by **Cat Grad** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 4:58 pm

http://www.georgiasoutherneagles.com

And I can't forget about these guys.

raincat · Post by **raincat** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 4:59 pm

I think most of us understand the components necessary for an effective running game, including but not limited to a mobile, experienced, sizeable offensive line and a running back with with some quickness, durability and a willingness to find a way to get the next yard. I think we have the makings of the former and I share your concern about the ladder. Of the two I believe the effective line is more important. AND, it really helps if you can throw a little bit, and we can throw a lot! So, it seems clear to me one of the missions this spring is to hone and improve the OL and find "the guy" to carry the ball. He doesn't need to be flashy, but does need to be consistant and effective. Someone like Matt Engelking comes to mind as someone who filled this role very well. Not fast, not big, but very couragious and dependable. At the end of the day I think Coach Kramer is seeking balance which makes perfect sense to me.

Cat Grad · Post by **Cat Grad** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 5:35 pm

Well put! I think it's a great time to be a Bobcat and no, we're not going to sneak up on anybody this year. I hope the kids learn how to handle success as well as we all have learned how to keep picking ourselves up. May we all show the dignity some others are probably incapable of understanding.

94VegasCat · Post by **94VegasCat** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 6:14 pm

Let's hope that we play to our level of ability and do not stoop and get lax against teams that we should beat. We should have beat Sac State, probably Cal Poly, and we should not have let South Dakota hang around. Let's put some numbers on the board so that we can get some younger kids on the field and gain some experience and also let the starters go farther into the season.

DaGriz · Post by **DaGriz** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:35 pm

If a team doesn't have an effective running game, it is unlikely that they will be playing in December - and they certainly will not win a NC. That's just the fact in Div I-AA.

I think it helps big time but I don't think it's a necessity. In '95 we had Josh Brannen at RB lead the team in rushing with 396 yards. Dickenson at QB had 322 yards rushing. Lots of screens and slants.

Bleedinbluengold · Post by **Bleedinbluengold** » Wed Mar 30, 2005 1:42 pm

No Flame - but basically you proved the point. '95 was an aberation in the history of I-AA championships.

I can see it now...

Article regarding Running game