You always hate to put too much emphasis on one single game but I honestly believe it will be the most important game in determining if CDM will be successful at VU.
1) There is a reason the players and CDM did not want to discuss last year in this week's press conference. There is no other way to describe it and than it was an unmitigated disaster. Coming off the most successful three year run at, VU, the Temple debacle set the tone for the whole year.
A poor strength and conditioning program, very poor game plan and utilization of players-QBs, inexperienced players and HC all resulted in a hit to the program's momentum-- growth in fan base, recruiting, perception in the community and around the SEC etc - during the last 3 years. (I am not going to debate in this thread if CJF was a good guy etc but the fact is he created a buzz around the program that hasn't existed previously.)
2) fast forward 12 months - much needed changes were made in the coaching staff and strength and conditioning program. Players and Mason all have a year under their belt. Biggest improvement is always between year 1 and year 2.
3) We are playing a very good team tomorrow night but a team that we are more talented than. (Not going to be the case most other games this year).
4) if we win, it can be the springboard for renewed enthusiasm in the Fanbase, and optimism for the rest of the season and a boost to recruiting. Everyone loves a winner!
5) if we lose, it will begin the barrage of calls to DW to begin the coaching search and will be another blow to an already fragile fan base.
Everything I have heard from players and people associated with the program is extremely positive. However, the good feelings and vibes all go away quickly if we don't take care of business tomorrow night. Coach Mason is a great guy and there are so many people rooting for him. It's time for the players and coaches to execute and use tomorrow's game as a springboard for regaining momentum in the program.
I do think the team is prepared and ready to do it and I think we will win by 14. However I would be not telling the truth, if I said I wasn't nervous about the outcome of tomorrow night.
Good luck to Coach Mason and the boys tomorrow night!
1) There is a reason the players and CDM did not want to discuss last year in this week's press conference. There is no other way to describe it and than it was an unmitigated disaster. Coming off the most successful three year run at, VU, the Temple debacle set the tone for the whole year.
A poor strength and conditioning program, very poor game plan and utilization of players-QBs, inexperienced players and HC all resulted in a hit to the program's momentum-- growth in fan base, recruiting, perception in the community and around the SEC etc - during the last 3 years. (I am not going to debate in this thread if CJF was a good guy etc but the fact is he created a buzz around the program that hasn't existed previously.)
2) fast forward 12 months - much needed changes were made in the coaching staff and strength and conditioning program. Players and Mason all have a year under their belt. Biggest improvement is always between year 1 and year 2.
3) We are playing a very good team tomorrow night but a team that we are more talented than. (Not going to be the case most other games this year).
4) if we win, it can be the springboard for renewed enthusiasm in the Fanbase, and optimism for the rest of the season and a boost to recruiting. Everyone loves a winner!
5) if we lose, it will begin the barrage of calls to DW to begin the coaching search and will be another blow to an already fragile fan base.
Everything I have heard from players and people associated with the program is extremely positive. However, the good feelings and vibes all go away quickly if we don't take care of business tomorrow night. Coach Mason is a great guy and there are so many people rooting for him. It's time for the players and coaches to execute and use tomorrow's game as a springboard for regaining momentum in the program.
I do think the team is prepared and ready to do it and I think we will win by 14. However I would be not telling the truth, if I said I wasn't nervous about the outcome of tomorrow night.
Good luck to Coach Mason and the boys tomorrow night!
