Operation: Rebound for the Second Half...

[TheHornetReport]

Figured I'd start a thread this morning before I leave for church. We are officially halfway through the season after the big loss we took at NAU. We are in 6th place with an overall record of 3-3 and 1-2 in conference play. The next 4 games do not get easier for our Hornets: Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington and UC Davis; all of which have better records than us (You can arguably say that Montana doesn't, as they are 0-1 in league play but I'm sure that will change). This week is our bye, thankfully so, because there are some loose ends that need to be tightened. These next few games (especially the first 3 which are league games) will dictate what kind of season we will have. In your opinion, what needs to be done to win these games against extremely tough opponents?

 

[SactoHornetAlum]

If we can go 2-2 (I think the wins will be against MSU and UCD), then we will be in good shape for a 7-5 season. Unless Smith is back and healthy for UM, I don't see a chance there...but you never know. If we don't make mistakes, like we did yesterday, we are a good team.

 

[TheHornetReport]

If we can go 2-2 (I think the wins will be against MSU and UCD), then we will be in good shape for a 7-5 season. Unless Smith is back and healthy for UM, I don't see a chance there...but you never know. If we don't make mistakes, like we did yesterday, we are a good team.

Yeah, they let this one get away from them. NAU's defense was as tough as advertised, but we looked promising on the opening drive. I think one thing that must be put in the heads of the players is to never allow themselves to go under meltdown. It seems that once one unfavorable event happens to the Hornets, they begin to dig deeper holes and pile them up one after the other. "Discipline" is the word. I also believe that the coaches should review the ENTIRE depth chart once more. I'm not saying change it, but it should be heavily reviewed and dissected and if changes need to be made, don't hesitate to make them. IMO, the Wide Receiver and Cornerback positions (not so much as the WR position; however) should definitely be surveyed.

 

[Hammerhead Dad]

Figured I'd start a thread this morning before I leave for church. We are officially halfway through the season after the big loss we took at NAU. We are in 6th place with an overall record of 3-3 and 1-2 in conference play. The next 4 games do not get easier for our Hornets: Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington and UC Davis; all of which have better records than us (You can arguably say that Montana doesn't, as they are 0-1 in league play but I'm sure that will change). This week is our bye, thankfully so, because there are some loose ends that need to be tightened. These next few games (especially the first 3 which are league games) will dictate what kind of season we will have. In your opinion, what needs to be done to win these games against extremely tough opponents?

Sorry to burst the bubble, but Eastern Washington is 2-3, and UC Davis is 2-4, so I wouldn't say they have better records than us. Eastern just got beat by PSU who we beat handily. Also we have Northern Colorado on the schedule who is winless at 0-4. Weber just blasted Montana, so we have a shot with a healthy 1st string QB.

 

[Kadeezy]

Figured I'd start a thread this morning before I leave for church. We are officially halfway through the season after the big loss we took at NAU. We are in 6th place with an overall record of 3-3 and 1-2 in conference play. The next 4 games do not get easier for our Hornets: Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington and UC Davis; all of which have better records than us (You can arguably say that Montana doesn't, as they are 0-1 in league play but I'm sure that will change). This week is our bye, thankfully so, because there are some loose ends that need to be tightened. These next few games (especially the first 3 which are league games) will dictate what kind of season we will have. In your opinion, what needs to be done to win these games against extremely tough opponents?

Sorry to burst the bubble, but Eastern Washington is 2-3, and UC Davis is 2-4, so I wouldn't say they have better records than us. Eastern just got beat by PSU who we beat handily. Also we have Northern Colorado on the schedule who is winless at 0-4. Weber just blasted Montana, so we have a shot with a healthy 1st string QB.

Well said HHD.

 

[TheHornetReport]

Figured I'd start a thread this morning before I leave for church. We are officially halfway through the season after the big loss we took at NAU. We are in 6th place with an overall record of 3-3 and 1-2 in conference play. The next 4 games do not get easier for our Hornets: Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington and UC Davis; all of which have better records than us (You can arguably say that Montana doesn't, as they are 0-1 in league play but I'm sure that will change). This week is our bye, thankfully so, because there are some loose ends that need to be tightened. These next few games (especially the first 3 which are league games) will dictate what kind of season we will have. In your opinion, what needs to be done to win these games against extremely tough opponents?

Sorry to burst the bubble, but Eastern Washington is 2-3,and UC Davis is 2-4

Yeah....and if the season ended today, we would be in 7th place while Eastern Washington would be in 4th. So right now, yes, they do have a better record. This comment only has merit for the UC Davis statement which I apologize for. However, how long has it been since we have beaten UC Davis? 1999? You can't just sweep that under the carpet. That's almost a decade of losing to the same team.

Eastern just got beat by PSU who we beat handily.

Yeah, we beat them...but I wouldn't say "handily". A 10 point margin is certain, but not handily. I don't see how you can even make a point off of this. Eastern Washington also lost to Texas Tech and Colorado... two teams that are..."handily"... better than anyone we have ever played. And they almost won the Colorado game. I don't know if you're trying to down-play Eastern Washington, but it sounds like you are. Eastern Washington is 2nd in total offense in Big Sky and 2nd in Scoring Offense (as of Oct. 4) while Montana is in 3rd. We are in an era now where scoring points wins games and both of them can score.

Also we have Northern Colorado on the schedule who is winless at 0-4.

Please reread the post. :roll:

Weber just blasted Montana

One could say it wasn't decisively; nevertheless, Weber beat us as well.... So.....?

We have a shot with a healthy 1st string QB.

This is the only statement that even remotely comes close to answering the thread. We always have a shot. This is the main purpose of why I asked everyone's opinion for what needs to be done to win these next 4 games. Let's be real here... We have lost to all 4 of those teams last year. Yeah, this team is better than last year, but that's not the point. You can't just shrug them off as if these are "W's"

Now, if I came off as confusing or difficult to understand I apologize, but I just want your opinions on what needs to be done to win these next 4 games. If you prefer to answer for the rest of the season, that's fine too.

 

[Green Cookie Monster]

To win the next four games we will need to.....

Not fudge handle a punting snap in our endzone.
No chivalrous gung ho's on 4th and 2 on our 38 against the best rush D in the country
Better pass protection
Better pass rush
Healthy QB who can scramble
Stay upbeat and don't let an opponent 80 yd. pass completion deflate enthusiasm
All first stringers back 110%
Learn to close the deal