Fall Camp

[AFCAT]

[Prodigal Cat]

It feels like the way last season ended will have a HUGE impact on how the team performs this season. Guys have mentioned several times in interviews. Not just the loss to NDSU, but you could feel it several games prior to that. The team seemed to have lost its mojo. A slow start in Moscow that ended in a comeback that fell just short. A complete no-show in Missoula. A game against the Bison which the Bobcats seemingly controlled most of the game only to lose in the final few minutes and OT. Three losses in the final five games was not what they were looking for, nor expecting.

So, the question remains: does that motivate this team, which is full of already decorated seniors, to put that in the past and move forward towards the goal, or does that mediocrity from last season carry over to this season, kind of like it did under the final couple years under Coach Ash? You can say you've put last season behind you, but I think the team will use that as fire in their bellies. Starting with fall camp, it's time to put the foot on the accelerator and never let off...ever.

Another Mediocre season should put Vigen in the hot seat. This year's recruiting seems to be phenomenal though, I'd like to know whose in the recruiting office kicking ass.

Last year was mediocre? We were one of the final 16 teams playing, lost by 1 to a SF team, and should have won that game. We definitely could have beat USD and been in the SFs if we'd played a little differently against NDSU. We played some poor games, but the 6 seed and a crappy ending to the 2nd round game is far from mediocre.

I have to pile on here. Cats won 66.7% of their games, failed to win a single playoff game, got crushed by our rivals. How is that anything but mediocre based on expectations?

[AFCAT]

[Prodigal Cat]

It feels like the way last season ended will have a HUGE impact on how the team performs this season. Guys have mentioned several times in interviews. Not just the loss to NDSU, but you could feel it several games prior to that. The team seemed to have lost its mojo. A slow start in Moscow that ended in a comeback that fell just short. A complete no-show in Missoula. A game against the Bison which the Bobcats seemingly controlled most of the game only to lose in the final few minutes and OT. Three losses in the final five games was not what they were looking for, nor expecting.

So, the question remains: does that motivate this team, which is full of already decorated seniors, to put that in the past and move forward towards the goal, or does that mediocrity from last season carry over to this season, kind of like it did under the final couple years under Coach Ash? You can say you've put last season behind you, but I think the team will use that as fire in their bellies. Starting with fall camp, it's time to put the foot on the accelerator and never let off...ever.

Another Mediocre season should put Vigen in the hot seat. This year's recruiting seems to be phenomenal though, I'd like to know whose in the recruiting office kicking ass.

Last year was mediocre? We were one of the final 16 teams playing, lost by 1 to a SF team, and should have won that game. We definitely could have beat USD and been in the SFs if we'd played a little differently against NDSU. We played some poor games, but the 6 seed and a crappy ending to the 2nd round game is far from mediocre.

We were 1 and done and gifted a 6th seed.

Yep. If you asked every player and every coach from last year's team, I am certain no one was happy with that season. We are beyond just a being a team happy to make the make playoffs, or even get a seed. With the talent on our team and the resources we have available, anything less than a semi-final appearance should be a disappointment. Did we have some good things happen last season? You bet. But this team has taken a little step backwards each season, going from a title appearance in 2021, to a semifinal appearance in 2022, to losing out in the 2nd round last year. And yes, we lost almost every big game when it mattered - SDSU, Idaho, dUMb, and NDSU. You could venture to say the only "quality" win we had was Sac State. It's time for Vigen to get this squad back on track for a title run.

The 2021 run has ruined a lot of fans.

Seriously? We made the semi's in 4 straight seasons and then with an experienced squad get smoked by our rivals and then lost in the first playoff game. Last year rivals 2013 in my mind as one of the most disappointing results for the Bobcats in some time. Call a spade and spade. Last year was not up to expectations and don't try and blue and gold sugar coat it. I still can hear the thwap of the ball hitting that arm and burying my head in my hands knowing it was over when i was screaming to go for 2 once the TD was scored.

[AFCAT]

[RICO CAT]

That’s a cool shirt, I want one.

[BleedingBLue]

It feels like the way last season ended will have a HUGE impact on how the team performs this season. Guys have mentioned several times in interviews. Not just the loss to NDSU, but you could feel it several games prior to that. The team seemed to have lost its mojo. A slow start in Moscow that ended in a comeback that fell just short. A complete no-show in Missoula. A game against the Bison which the Bobcats seemingly controlled most of the game only to lose in the final few minutes and OT. Three losses in the final five games was not what they were looking for, nor expecting.

So, the question remains: does that motivate this team, which is full of already decorated seniors, to put that in the past and move forward towards the goal, or does that mediocrity from last season carry over to this season, kind of like it did under the final couple years under Coach Ash? You can say you've put last season behind you, but I think the team will use that as fire in their bellies. Starting with fall camp, it's time to put the foot on the accelerator and never let off...ever.

Another Mediocre season should put Vigen in the hot seat. This year's recruiting seems to be phenomenal though, I'd like to know whose in the recruiting office kicking ass.

Last year was mediocre? We were one of the final 16 teams playing, lost by 1 to a SF team, and should have won that game. We definitely could have beat USD and been in the SFs if we'd played a little differently against NDSU. We played some poor games, but the 6 seed and a crappy ending to the 2nd round game is far from mediocre.

I have to pile on here. Cats won 66.7% of their games, failed to win a single playoff game, got crushed by our rivals. How is that anything but mediocre based on expectations?

See the definition of mediocrity. 8-4 and one of the final 16 teams in the FCS is not that. Expectations of a team do not change the definition. Would you call a movie that was good mediocre, simply because you expected it to be the best movie ever before seeing it? No, but that doesn't mean it's mediocre either. Being unhappy with the outcome of the season is perfectly acceptable. Expectations are sky high right now. Acting like a good season is anything but is ridiculous though.

[AFCAT]

[coloradocat]

It feels like the way last season ended will have a HUGE impact on how the team performs this season. Guys have mentioned several times in interviews. Not just the loss to NDSU, but you could feel it several games prior to that. The team seemed to have lost its mojo. A slow start in Moscow that ended in a comeback that fell just short. A complete no-show in Missoula. A game against the Bison which the Bobcats seemingly controlled most of the game only to lose in the final few minutes and OT. Three losses in the final five games was not what they were looking for, nor expecting.

So, the question remains: does that motivate this team, which is full of already decorated seniors, to put that in the past and move forward towards the goal, or does that mediocrity from last season carry over to this season, kind of like it did under the final couple years under Coach Ash? You can say you've put last season behind you, but I think the team will use that as fire in their bellies. Starting with fall camp, it's time to put the foot on the accelerator and never let off...ever.

Another Mediocre season should put Vigen in the hot seat. This year's recruiting seems to be phenomenal though, I'd like to know whose in the recruiting office kicking ass.

Last year was mediocre? We were one of the final 16 teams playing, lost by 1 to a SF team, and should have won that game. We definitely could have beat USD and been in the SFs if we'd played a little differently against NDSU. We played some poor games, but the 6 seed and a crappy ending to the 2nd round game is far from mediocre.

I have to pile on here. Cats won 66.7% of their games, failed to win a single playoff game, got crushed by our rivals. How is that anything but mediocre based on expectations?

See the definition of mediocrity. 8-4 and one of the final 16 teams in the FCS is not that. Expectations of a team do not change the definition. Would you call a movie that was good mediocre, simply because you expected it to be the best movie ever before seeing it? No, but that doesn't mean it's mediocre either. Being unhappy with the outcome of the season is perfectly acceptable. Expectations are sky high right now. Acting like a good season is anything but is ridiculous though.

We're all unhappy with how 2023 went. Some fans are stuck staring at box scores and standings while others are using context to analyze the season.

[AFCAT]

[AFCAT]

[tdub]

It feels like the way last season ended will have a HUGE impact on how the team performs this season. Guys have mentioned several times in interviews. Not just the loss to NDSU, but you could feel it several games prior to that. The team seemed to have lost its mojo. A slow start in Moscow that ended in a comeback that fell just short. A complete no-show in Missoula. A game against the Bison which the Bobcats seemingly controlled most of the game only to lose in the final few minutes and OT. Three losses in the final five games was not what they were looking for, nor expecting.

So, the question remains: does that motivate this team, which is full of already decorated seniors, to put that in the past and move forward towards the goal, or does that mediocrity from last season carry over to this season, kind of like it did under the final couple years under Coach Ash? You can say you've put last season behind you, but I think the team will use that as fire in their bellies. Starting with fall camp, it's time to put the foot on the accelerator and never let off...ever.

Another Mediocre season should put Vigen in the hot seat. This year's recruiting seems to be phenomenal though, I'd like to know whose in the recruiting office kicking ass.

Last year was mediocre? We were one of the final 16 teams playing, lost by 1 to a SF team, and should have won that game. We definitely could have beat USD and been in the SFs if we'd played a little differently against NDSU. We played some poor games, but the 6 seed and a crappy ending to the 2nd round game is far from mediocre.

I have to pile on here. Cats won 66.7% of their games, failed to win a single playoff game, got crushed by our rivals. How is that anything but mediocre based on expectations?

See the definition of mediocrity. 8-4 and one of the final 16 teams in the FCS is not that. Expectations of a team do not change the definition. Would you call a movie that was good mediocre, simply because you expected it to be the best movie ever before seeing it? No, but that doesn't mean it's mediocre either. Being unhappy with the outcome of the season is perfectly acceptable. Expectations are sky high right now. Acting like a good season is anything but is ridiculous though.

We're all unhappy with how 2023 went. Some fans are stuck staring at box scores and standings while others are using context to analyze the season.

And the funny thing is, everyone is right. How you define success is 100% subjective.

[AFCAT]

[coachouert]

Thanks for posting these, @AFCAT. It’s appreciated. Excited for camp and the season to start.

[AFCAT]

[AFCAT]

[AFCAT]

[AFCAT]

With that haircut, his new nickname has to be Grossberger.

[SparkCat]

Looking at the roster, I didn’t realize that Unterrio was 5’11’ / 195. I know those numbers are probably a little inflated, however, I have a good feeling about him.

[asstastic]

The only thing I’m interested in right now is why can’t MSU afford to hang a bigger backdrop curtain? Bugs the crap out of me. Always has. Been that way for years. Why can’t they hire someone to wrap an entire wall and have that wall be the interview wall. Then I wouldn’t be torqued looking at the yellow brick wall behind the First Interstate curtain.