I’ve been following Hornet football for a mere three years, certainly less time than most of the regular posters here, so I admit up front that I lack the historical perspective that others have. As a fan, this site is one I read regularly, and although I enjoy all the comments, punditry is not my thing so I'm not really trying to start a debate. But the recent round of hair pulling and teeth gnashing makes me think that the frustration felt by longtime followers of the program may be a tad overblown, and just maybe a different perspective from a relative newcomer is worth considering.
First of all, unrealistic expectations can result in more negativity than actual circumstances warrant. Although hanging tough (or even a winning) against UNLV and Cal Poly would have been great, it should not be a huge shock that these two games are losses, although a better showing (particularly last week) would have been encouraging. A few comments:
In regard to the defense, the team lost three all conference stud linebackers and is starting basically from scratch by shuffling personnel and bringing in new players. That is a position where game experience counts for a lot, and it is going to take a little time to gain that. The secondary looked like it was going to be vulnerable during spring and summer scrimmages, and the loss of Deonte Gordon certainly doesn’t help. The D-line seems pretty solid, but until the secondary tightens up and the linebackers get better at reading and reacting we will struggle. But that does not necessarily mean we have to wait until next year to see a big improvement in these areas, particularly against lesser teams than the ones recently faced. I predict rapid progress over the next few games.
The O line is also pretty solid, and if Dailey and Wilkens stay healthy look for good things to happen. The receivers look very good, and will be exciting to watch this year. As far as QB goes, I was at the CP game, and although Jason Smith would probably be the first the say he had a rough outing, I saw a couple of passes I think the receivers would also say they should have caught. Losing Tony Washington was no small thing, but give the new group a couple of games and we will see a deep strike threat emerge that will balance out the run game. Maybe MBT is the answer, but it's nice to have choices. That's another positive.
The bright side is that the Hornets are a young, talented team, but as pointed out elsewhere, it may take another year for new recruits to make a big impact. This program is definitely pointed in the right direction. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that Cal Poly and UNLV are two excellent teams we were playing up to, and I believe they will continue to show that this year against other opponents. Sac now enters BSC play, and although it’s a tough conference, most of the teams are obviously not going to present the same challenge these first two games did. There is a good change the offense will settle in, the passing game will gain consistency (who ever the QB is) and the running game will deliver the results we are hoping for. The defense will need them to keep us in the game while it works through their problems. But I think that can, and will happen!
It’s only two games in, guys. It’s a bit early to open our bellies. Let’s see what happens the next couple of games before we write off the program, call for public executions, and swear never to go to another game. I don’t think I’m being a Pollyanna by saying this. And if I ever submit another post here, I hope it will be at the end of the season just to say I told you so. Sorry this ran long. I need to finish my kool-aid now and go back to staring at the sun.
