App St only chance is because they are at home and they're unfamiliar to our team. Football is a game of matchups. I just don't think they matchup to our aggression on the line of scrimmage on D or our ability to run the ball on O. Look for tons of tackles for loss when they try those long developing plays. Crediting their performance against Tenn is the reason they wont catch anyone by surprise.
Serious question: is this App St team significantly better than the Arkansas St team we easily handled back in 2014?
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Let me add what I hope will be seen as some rational commentary here.
Yes, this App team is better than the Arkansas St team you played in 2014 and is better than the App State team that managed to lose to Arkansas State last year.
You are absolutely correct that we really don't have much to go on as far as film study on Miami. You've got a new coach (and a good one at that!), so we can't really look at last year's film for much insight. The beginning of Miami's schedule this year seems almost like a stair step of opponents from easiest to hardest. Watching any film from that game against FAMU would not likely be much help.
On the flip side of that coin, you've got Miami being able to see App play against UT - certainly a game App was "up" for. That film will expose some of our weaknesses and strengths.
- O-line - solid, kept UT's D out of the backfield most of the night, allowed zero sacks against UT
- QB - good game sense, not the best passer, truly understands the game, makes up for what I perceive to be weaknesses in athletic ability with mental skill
- Running backs - Marcus Cox is small but really is quite good, Jalin Moore is just as capable though two years younger, against ODU we got a glimpse of the future of App running backs when New Smyrna Beach true freshman Darrynton Evans was in for a series. I think we're fine here.
- WR's - we graduated some fine WR's last year. In Shaedon Meadors and Deltron Hopkins we've got two fine receivers. My concern is with the QB getting the pass on target, checking off receivers, etc. and not with the WR's themselves.
- Kicking game - punter is exceptional; kicker is a freshman and will come along. Kicking game was definitely a factor at UT but not against ODU.
- D-line - managed to be in UT's backfield most of the night. Was this UT O-line issues and not our D-line? D-line is smaller and faster than most you'll see this year. We'll know more Saturday.
- Secondary - true freshman Clifton Duck is quite good but still small. Secondary hasn't really been tested since Dobbs was not throwing much at UT. I believe our DC is one of the best in the business and will adjust as much as possible.
What it all boils down to is that winning or losing will be on the field on Saturday. Miami is and should be favored - by how much is anyone's guess.
Those of you decrying the decision to play a home and home with App can be thankful you ended up with an FBS opponent even though you believe that playing in Boone is beneath you. Rest assured that our playing field is the same size as yours even if the stands are smaller. If you want to talk good football before or after the game, you'll find plenty of App fans willing to do so. On the other hand, if you only want to talk trash, you'll (unfortunately) find a few App fans willing to engage you in a trash fest.
Safe travels to those of you making the trip to Boone. You'll see me at the game. I'll be the one in black.
