Oregon Look fors

[BobcatBuiltTexan]

Week 1 is here!!! So excited to continue to follow this storied program and the players associated with it.

Here are my look fors in game one

QB - I would like to see good command of the offense. Good decision making. Don't feel like he has to go out and prove he's Tommy or better than Tommy, do what his team needs him to do and use his weapons around him. Only be superman if and when they need it. I also would like to see him leading on the sideline regardless of what the score is. Really show both sides of the ball "you can get behind me, we in this together, you can trust me."

RB - More of last year. Find creases and be fast in the open field, avoid big hits when they can, but be physical if and when it is needed. I'd like to see 3 RBs used obviously jones being the bell cow, but davis and white coming in and being just as effective.

OL - Be a unit. I would like to see them be on the same page, ie double a DT then pass it off and pick up a blitzing backer. in the run game I want to see a push, change the LOS, at worst stalemate and allow our rbs to get at least 2yds before contact.

WR - Honestly I want to see what their speed looks like vs P4 dbs. can we create separation...if we don't get separation can we make tough catches in tight windows

LBS - are we sideline to sideline? can we be responsible from 3-4yds outside the tackle all the way to their A gap. do we believe what we see and do we pull that trigger. I'm less concerned with how well they can cover against this team. I really want see them be good and solid in the edge run game. if we can be great in space(edge rushing game) that bodes wonderfully as our season goes on.

DL - are we a little more refined in our pass rush techs. can we play on half a man and win some of those battles to get the qb off his platform. opposite of the lbs, i'm less concerned on their run game ability, i want to see them be able get some kind of pass rush against this P4 team. Like the LBS if we see them be at least avg against this team in the pass rush game we are going to be super salty as the season goes along.

DB - lots of new faces and a few old. i put them in the same place as the qb. do they have adequate command of the defense....do they know their checks....are they in position...do they communicate. they, much like the qb, DO NOT need to feel they have to go out and prove they are as good as the guys from last year. do your job, line up correctly, make your checks and just make the play...they don't have go out their trying to get ints left and right and put their team in a bad situation because they're trying too hard. just make the routine play consistently..when a big play is there obviously make it.

ST - solid blocking across the board. no leakage in any protections. can we flip the field on punts.....can we block well to give taco a fighting chance in PR/KOR...fg no leakage, good elevation on kicks...KO can we get it in the endzone consistently, if we don't is our coverage sound

coaches - new oc and dc...what is the play calling style....do they have that in game feel of making the right call to put the players in the best position possible or are we a step behind, if we are step behind are the able catch up and get that feel. are we taking full advantage of the ability of all our players, are we doing things that highlight strengths and minimize weaknesses. lastly in game adjustments. are we going to be very basic as to not show anything for the fcs teams or are we really going to go out there and compete with our full playbook(or at least everything that we have now). are they good at finding the mismatch and then exploit it.

I'd love to here what ya'll are looking for from the team/positions

would love to see what each of you are looking for

[tdub]

I’m most intrigued by the comparison of team speed. Oregon is always extremely fast. I know the Cats aren’t at that level of team speed, but how close are they? Will they look just a half-step slow or will they look really slow? Or will they have enough speed to keep up using good angles, especially on defense?

[rfischer94]

Thanks for the thoughtful post @BobcatBuiltTexan. Can you explain what "in space" means in your pist, and what "leakage" is on special teams?

Thank you!

[Hi-Line Bobcat]

Thanks for the thoughtful post @BobcatBuiltTexan. Can you explain what "in space" means in your pist, and what "leakage" is on special teams?

Thank you!

Leakage: After that quick piss on 17, before the other group hits up, never can get it fully pinched off.

Space: What I want from my wife on Saturdays in the fall.

[BobcatBuiltTexan]

@Hi-Line Bobcat I'm rolling...that is hilarious

@rfischer94 when I say leakage I'm talking blocking....I don't want to see a helmet,shoulder, etc get through our fg protection. that leads to arms getting through and if by chance a kick is low it get's blocked. on punt i wan to see a body on a body running them laterally so there are not straight lines to the punter.

in space is any time the rb isn't in an actual gap or in between OL running through...space is from the sideline to the last lineman/TE...think outside zone, sweeps, swing passes, screens...things that puts an athlete in an area of field where there aren't a lot of bodies so they can use that athleticism(speed, quickness or both). most lbs aren't very quick and shifty, if they were they would be running backs, lol, so if our lbs can do well in open areas of the field tackling, running down rbs making them go lateral as opposed to vertical on outside plays we will be very good in FCS play.

[Cats and Dogs]

Looking for QB play, are we good there. Offensively, can we stay on the field, sustain a few drives, string together 1st downs, put a few TD's on the board. Defensively, can we get stops, hold them below 49 points (50+ just looks different). Do we look like a top FCS team and represent competitively, playing hard, limited mistakes. After Idaho played them tough last year they will be looking to put this one away early. Can we hold off the quick knock out? Mostly looking for no serious injuries.
Go Cats!

[coloradocat]

Hard to expect to take much of anything away from a game against a top 10 FBS team but:

1) QB - Is Lamson the man, or just the man that won the job?
2) DBs - Being fast is nice and all but can these young guys actually cover and tackle?
3) Everything else - Did we fall off at all from last year or is it business as usual?

These will likely be what to look for next week as well against a comparable opponent that will actually tell us who we are.

[wbtfg]

The Oregon DL is BIG and talented. This will be a huge test for our OL. If they can hold up in this game, we have a chance to be dominant on the OL.

Oregon's offense has some FAST guys on the perimeter and a big time Tight End. They will definitely test our DB's and linebackers.

It will be interesting to see if any guys are out injured, as it seems we always have one or two dinged up coming out of fall camp, and Vigen seems to keep the injuries close to his vest.

I like playing this game first out of the gate. (WAAAY Better than a D2 or a bottom tier FCS opponent). We are going to learn a lot about who we are as a team.

[TomCat88]

Go watch the highlights of the Oregon State game. You'll see the defense *out of position* a lot and giving up lots of big plays. That was the #5-6 defense in the BSC that year. They would be great for 5-6-7 plays or 2-3 series, then they would start giving up gash plays, which nearly cost them wins at EWU and NAU, and at home vs Weber State. The SDSU semifinal game was more of the same. That season, and that SDSU game, were lessons for MSU and they responded well in 2023, then got better last year. MSU is better on D this year than 2022, but Oregon is a different animal, and you could see similar problems when they don't really exist. The main thing is being in position and be disciplined. Do what you can do and let the chips fall where they may. If MSU starts gambling, it's going to get ugly.

The offense is going to come out vanilla with what they do now, which will probably be different than you're used to seeing. The only way they will mix in some "stuff" they're saving is if they're still in the game in the second half. The SDSU is a major game and MSU won't be throwing the kitchen sink out at Oregon right out of the gate.

The special teams gave up a bunch of big returns in the second half of the OSU game. This game will turn into a rout if MSU is gambling on D, turning the ball over and not covering punts/kickoffs.

[rfischer94]

@Hi-Line Bobcat I'm rolling...that is hilarious

@rfischer94 when I say leakage I'm talking blocking....I don't want to see a helmet,shoulder, etc get through our fg protection. that leads to arms getting through and if by chance a kick is low it get's blocked. on punt i wan to see a body on a body running them laterally so there are not straight lines to the punter.

in space is any time the rb isn't in an actual gap or in between OL running through...space is from the sideline to the last lineman/TE...think outside zone, sweeps, swing passes, screens...things that puts an athlete in an area of field where there aren't a lot of bodies so they can use that athleticism(speed, quickness or both). most lbs aren't very quick and shifty, if they were they would be running backs, lol, so if our lbs can do well in open areas of the field tackling, running down rbs making them go lateral as opposed to vertical on outside plays we will be very good in FCS play.

That's very helpful. Thank you!

[rfischer94]

Thanks for the thoughtful post @BobcatBuiltTexan. Can you explain what "in space" means in your pist, and what "leakage" is on special teams?

Thank you!

Leakage: After that quick piss on 17, before the other group hits up, never can get it fully pinched off.

Space: What I want from my wife on Saturdays in the fall.

[RickRund]

Go watch the highlights of the Oregon State game. You'll see the defense *out of position* a lot and giving up lots of big plays. That was the #5-6 defense in the BSC that year. They would be great for 5-6-7 plays or 2-3 series, then they would start giving up gash plays, which nearly cost them wins at EWU and NAU, and at home vs Weber State. The SDSU semifinal game was more of the same. That season, and that SDSU game, were lessons for MSU and they responded well in 2023, then got better last year. MSU is better on D this year than 2022, but Oregon is a different animal, and you could see similar problems when they don't really exist. The main thing is being in position and be disciplined. Do what you can do and let the chips fall where they may. If MSU starts gambling, it's going to get ugly.

The offense is going to come out vanilla with what they do now, which will probably be different than you're used to seeing. The only way they will mix in some "stuff" they're saving is if they're still in the game in the second half. The SDSU is a major game and MSU won't be throwing the kitchen sink out at Oregon right out of the gate.

The special teams gave up a bunch of big returns in the second half of the OSU game. This game will turn into a rout if MSU is gambling on D, turning the ball over and not covering punts/kickoffs.

Do you feel the Ducks may be a bit “vanillsish” to keep certain aspects secret?

[TomCat88]

Mikey Rider has a great take on the game on Ridin' Rider. (second part of the show)

His take on the transfer portal is really good, too. (first part)

[Bobcat4Ever]

Thanks @BobcatBuiltTexan, for getting this started.

In one word, I want to see compusure. Trotting onto the field vs the Oregon Ducks is totally different than vs the Portland Vikings up the road.

Are we catching punts and kickoffs cleanly? Are we avoiding penalties for lining up incorrectly, and delay of game (troublesome in the past). Are the coaches and players efficiently getting the various groups on the field, without 12-men penalties? Are we taking timeouts because we want to discuss a play or to stop the clock because someone is lost? Are we handling crowd noise and quacking? Did we bring the right cleats and does everyone have their helmets?

Football is a very complex sport. Good teams make this stuff look easy. Vigen’s teams have been pretty top-notch except for those rashes of 5-yard penalties. But this ain’t New Mexico, Dorothy.

Go, ‘Cats!

[iaafan]

Week 1 is here!!! So excited to continue to follow this storied program and the players associated with it.

Here are my look fors in game one

QB - I would like to see good command of the offense. Good decision making. Don't feel like he has to go out and prove he's Tommy or better than Tommy, do what his team needs him to do and use his weapons around him. Only be superman if and when they need it. I also would like to see him leading on the sideline regardless of what the score is. Really show both sides of the ball "you can get behind me, we in this together, you can trust me."

RB - More of last year. Find creases and be fast in the open field, avoid big hits when they can, but be physical if and when it is needed. I'd like to see 3 RBs used obviously jones being the bell cow, but davis and white coming in and being just as effective.

OL - Be a unit. I would like to see them be on the same page, ie double a DT then pass it off and pick up a blitzing backer. in the run game I want to see a push, change the LOS, at worst stalemate and allow our rbs to get at least 2yds before contact.

WR - Honestly I want to see what their speed looks like vs P4 dbs. can we create separation...if we don't get separation can we make tough catches in tight windows

LBS - are we sideline to sideline? can we be responsible from 3-4yds outside the tackle all the way to their A gap. do we believe what we see and do we pull that trigger. I'm less concerned with how well they can cover against this team. I really want see them be good and solid in the edge run game. if we can be great in space(edge rushing game) that bodes wonderfully as our season goes on.

DL - are we a little more refined in our pass rush techs. can we play on half a man and win some of those battles to get the qb off his platform. opposite of the lbs, i'm less concerned on their run game ability, i want to see them be able get some kind of pass rush against this P4 team. Like the LBS if we see them be at least avg against this team in the pass rush game we are going to be super salty as the season goes along.

DB - lots of new faces and a few old. i put them in the same place as the qb. do they have adequate command of the defense....do they know their checks....are they in position...do they communicate. they, much like the qb, DO NOT need to feel they have to go out and prove they are as good as the guys from last year. do your job, line up correctly, make your checks and just make the play...they don't have go out their trying to get ints left and right and put their team in a bad situation because they're trying too hard. just make the routine play consistently..when a big play is there obviously make it.

ST - solid blocking across the board. no leakage in any protections. can we flip the field on punts.....can we block well to give taco a fighting chance in PR/KOR...fg no leakage, good elevation on kicks...KO can we get it in the endzone consistently, if we don't is our coverage sound

coaches - new oc and dc...what is the play calling style....do they have that in game feel of making the right call to put the players in the best position possible or are we a step behind, if we are step behind are the able catch up and get that feel. are we taking full advantage of the ability of all our players, are we doing things that highlight strengths and minimize weaknesses. lastly in game adjustments. are we going to be very basic as to not show anything for the fcs teams or are we really going to go out there and compete with our full playbook(or at least everything that we have now). are they good at finding the mismatch and then exploit it.

I'd love to here what ya'll are looking for from the team/positions

would love to see what each of you are looking for

I think everyone is going to be freaking out about how good our defense is. It won’t be noticeable on every play vs Oregon. But it’ll stand out. Our DEs, LBs, corners, nickel and safeties are faster than last year. The LBs are not only faster but more physical. Safeties are just as physical but faster. Gray is a better nickel than Jackson. I’m not taking anything away from last year’s defense because they were very good but this defense is special.

[BelligerentBobcat]

Week 1 is here!!! So excited to continue to follow this storied program and the players associated with it.

Here are my look fors in game one

QB - I would like to see good command of the offense. Good decision making. Don't feel like he has to go out and prove he's Tommy or better than Tommy, do what his team needs him to do and use his weapons around him. Only be superman if and when they need it. I also would like to see him leading on the sideline regardless of what the score is. Really show both sides of the ball "you can get behind me, we in this together, you can trust me."

RB - More of last year. Find creases and be fast in the open field, avoid big hits when they can, but be physical if and when it is needed. I'd like to see 3 RBs used obviously jones being the bell cow, but davis and white coming in and being just as effective.

OL - Be a unit. I would like to see them be on the same page, ie double a DT then pass it off and pick up a blitzing backer. in the run game I want to see a push, change the LOS, at worst stalemate and allow our rbs to get at least 2yds before contact.

WR - Honestly I want to see what their speed looks like vs P4 dbs. can we create separation...if we don't get separation can we make tough catches in tight windows

LBS - are we sideline to sideline? can we be responsible from 3-4yds outside the tackle all the way to their A gap. do we believe what we see and do we pull that trigger. I'm less concerned with how well they can cover against this team. I really want see them be good and solid in the edge run game. if we can be great in space(edge rushing game) that bodes wonderfully as our season goes on.

DL - are we a little more refined in our pass rush techs. can we play on half a man and win some of those battles to get the qb off his platform. opposite of the lbs, i'm less concerned on their run game ability, i want to see them be able get some kind of pass rush against this P4 team. Like the LBS if we see them be at least avg against this team in the pass rush game we are going to be super salty as the season goes along.

DB - lots of new faces and a few old. i put them in the same place as the qb. do they have adequate command of the defense....do they know their checks....are they in position...do they communicate. they, much like the qb, DO NOT need to feel they have to go out and prove they are as good as the guys from last year. do your job, line up correctly, make your checks and just make the play...they don't have go out their trying to get ints left and right and put their team in a bad situation because they're trying too hard. just make the routine play consistently..when a big play is there obviously make it.

ST - solid blocking across the board. no leakage in any protections. can we flip the field on punts.....can we block well to give taco a fighting chance in PR/KOR...fg no leakage, good elevation on kicks...KO can we get it in the endzone consistently, if we don't is our coverage sound

coaches - new oc and dc...what is the play calling style....do they have that in game feel of making the right call to put the players in the best position possible or are we a step behind, if we are step behind are the able catch up and get that feel. are we taking full advantage of the ability of all our players, are we doing things that highlight strengths and minimize weaknesses. lastly in game adjustments. are we going to be very basic as to not show anything for the fcs teams or are we really going to go out there and compete with our full playbook(or at least everything that we have now). are they good at finding the mismatch and then exploit it.

I'd love to here what ya'll are looking for from the team/positions

would love to see what each of you are looking for

I think everyone is going to be freaking out about how good our defense is. It won’t be noticeable on every play vs Oregon. But it’ll stand out. Our DEs, LBs, corners, nickel and safeties are faster than last year. The LBs are not only faster but more physical. Safeties are just as physical but faster. Gray is a better nickel than Jackson. I’m not taking anything away from last year’s defense because they were very good but this defense is special.

DE’s faster than last year? I don’t buy that. We don’t have a safety faster than Polidore. LB’s might be faster, but are they as instinctive as Danny U was last year? We’ll see, but if they aren’t, they won’t play as fast either. I agree with you on thinking the defense can be better, but I wouldn’t call it a guarantee either.

[wbtfg]

Mikey Rider has a great take on the game on Ridin' Rider. (second part of the show)

His take on the transfer portal is really good, too. (first part)

This was a great listen

[iaafan]

Week 1 is here!!! So excited to continue to follow this storied program and the players associated with it.

Here are my look fors in game one

QB - I would like to see good command of the offense. Good decision making. Don't feel like he has to go out and prove he's Tommy or better than Tommy, do what his team needs him to do and use his weapons around him. Only be superman if and when they need it. I also would like to see him leading on the sideline regardless of what the score is. Really show both sides of the ball "you can get behind me, we in this together, you can trust me."

RB - More of last year. Find creases and be fast in the open field, avoid big hits when they can, but be physical if and when it is needed. I'd like to see 3 RBs used obviously jones being the bell cow, but davis and white coming in and being just as effective.

OL - Be a unit. I would like to see them be on the same page, ie double a DT then pass it off and pick up a blitzing backer. in the run game I want to see a push, change the LOS, at worst stalemate and allow our rbs to get at least 2yds before contact.

WR - Honestly I want to see what their speed looks like vs P4 dbs. can we create separation...if we don't get separation can we make tough catches in tight windows

LBS - are we sideline to sideline? can we be responsible from 3-4yds outside the tackle all the way to their A gap. do we believe what we see and do we pull that trigger. I'm less concerned with how well they can cover against this team. I really want see them be good and solid in the edge run game. if we can be great in space(edge rushing game) that bodes wonderfully as our season goes on.

DL - are we a little more refined in our pass rush techs. can we play on half a man and win some of those battles to get the qb off his platform. opposite of the lbs, i'm less concerned on their run game ability, i want to see them be able get some kind of pass rush against this P4 team. Like the LBS if we see them be at least avg against this team in the pass rush game we are going to be super salty as the season goes along.

DB - lots of new faces and a few old. i put them in the same place as the qb. do they have adequate command of the defense....do they know their checks....are they in position...do they communicate. they, much like the qb, DO NOT need to feel they have to go out and prove they are as good as the guys from last year. do your job, line up correctly, make your checks and just make the play...they don't have go out their trying to get ints left and right and put their team in a bad situation because they're trying too hard. just make the routine play consistently..when a big play is there obviously make it.

ST - solid blocking across the board. no leakage in any protections. can we flip the field on punts.....can we block well to give taco a fighting chance in PR/KOR...fg no leakage, good elevation on kicks...KO can we get it in the endzone consistently, if we don't is our coverage sound

coaches - new oc and dc...what is the play calling style....do they have that in game feel of making the right call to put the players in the best position possible or are we a step behind, if we are step behind are the able catch up and get that feel. are we taking full advantage of the ability of all our players, are we doing things that highlight strengths and minimize weaknesses. lastly in game adjustments. are we going to be very basic as to not show anything for the fcs teams or are we really going to go out there and compete with our full playbook(or at least everything that we have now). are they good at finding the mismatch and then exploit it.

I'd love to here what ya'll are looking for from the team/positions

would love to see what each of you are looking for

I think everyone is going to be freaking out about how good our defense is. It won’t be noticeable on every play vs Oregon. But it’ll stand out. Our DEs, LBs, corners, nickel and safeties are faster than last year. The LBs are not only faster but more physical. Safeties are just as physical but faster. Gray is a better nickel than Jackson. I’m not taking anything away from last year’s defense because they were very good but this defense is special.

DE’s faster than last year? I don’t buy that. We don’t have a safety faster than Polidore. LB’s might be faster, but are they as instinctive as Danny U was last year? We’ll see, but if they aren’t, they won’t play as fast either. I agree with you on thinking the defense can be better, but I wouldn’t call it a guarantee either.

I hope you’re able to watch the game tomorrow. If so, let’s discuss tomorrow night. I don’t know that the DBs will be more instinctive but there’s no question that they’re faster. I’ve seen enough of the two LBs and safeties and Gray to say right now that’s an upgrade. McMillan’s raw speed and the coaches chatter about him has me feeling good.

[BelligerentBobcat]

Week 1 is here!!! So excited to continue to follow this storied program and the players associated with it.

Here are my look fors in game one

QB - I would like to see good command of the offense. Good decision making. Don't feel like he has to go out and prove he's Tommy or better than Tommy, do what his team needs him to do and use his weapons around him. Only be superman if and when they need it. I also would like to see him leading on the sideline regardless of what the score is. Really show both sides of the ball "you can get behind me, we in this together, you can trust me."

RB - More of last year. Find creases and be fast in the open field, avoid big hits when they can, but be physical if and when it is needed. I'd like to see 3 RBs used obviously jones being the bell cow, but davis and white coming in and being just as effective.

OL - Be a unit. I would like to see them be on the same page, ie double a DT then pass it off and pick up a blitzing backer. in the run game I want to see a push, change the LOS, at worst stalemate and allow our rbs to get at least 2yds before contact.

WR - Honestly I want to see what their speed looks like vs P4 dbs. can we create separation...if we don't get separation can we make tough catches in tight windows

LBS - are we sideline to sideline? can we be responsible from 3-4yds outside the tackle all the way to their A gap. do we believe what we see and do we pull that trigger. I'm less concerned with how well they can cover against this team. I really want see them be good and solid in the edge run game. if we can be great in space(edge rushing game) that bodes wonderfully as our season goes on.

DL - are we a little more refined in our pass rush techs. can we play on half a man and win some of those battles to get the qb off his platform. opposite of the lbs, i'm less concerned on their run game ability, i want to see them be able get some kind of pass rush against this P4 team. Like the LBS if we see them be at least avg against this team in the pass rush game we are going to be super salty as the season goes along.

DB - lots of new faces and a few old. i put them in the same place as the qb. do they have adequate command of the defense....do they know their checks....are they in position...do they communicate. they, much like the qb, DO NOT need to feel they have to go out and prove they are as good as the guys from last year. do your job, line up correctly, make your checks and just make the play...they don't have go out their trying to get ints left and right and put their team in a bad situation because they're trying too hard. just make the routine play consistently..when a big play is there obviously make it.

ST - solid blocking across the board. no leakage in any protections. can we flip the field on punts.....can we block well to give taco a fighting chance in PR/KOR...fg no leakage, good elevation on kicks...KO can we get it in the endzone consistently, if we don't is our coverage sound

coaches - new oc and dc...what is the play calling style....do they have that in game feel of making the right call to put the players in the best position possible or are we a step behind, if we are step behind are the able catch up and get that feel. are we taking full advantage of the ability of all our players, are we doing things that highlight strengths and minimize weaknesses. lastly in game adjustments. are we going to be very basic as to not show anything for the fcs teams or are we really going to go out there and compete with our full playbook(or at least everything that we have now). are they good at finding the mismatch and then exploit it.

I'd love to here what ya'll are looking for from the team/positions

would love to see what each of you are looking for

I think everyone is going to be freaking out about how good our defense is. It won’t be noticeable on every play vs Oregon. But it’ll stand out. Our DEs, LBs, corners, nickel and safeties are faster than last year. The LBs are not only faster but more physical. Safeties are just as physical but faster. Gray is a better nickel than Jackson. I’m not taking anything away from last year’s defense because they were very good but this defense is special.

DE’s faster than last year? I don’t buy that. We don’t have a safety faster than Polidore. LB’s might be faster, but are they as instinctive as Danny U was last year? We’ll see, but if they aren’t, they won’t play as fast either. I agree with you on thinking the defense can be better, but I wouldn’t call it a guarantee either.

I hope you’re able to watch the game tomorrow. If so, let’s discuss tomorrow night. I don’t know that the DBs will be more instinctive but there’s no question that they’re faster. I’ve seen enough of the two LBs and safeties and Gray to say right now that’s an upgrade. McMillan’s raw speed and the coaches chatter about him has me feeling good.

I was quoting where you said faster. Grebe was very fast. Parsons can be quite good, but he’s not as fast as Grebe. I think being better than Ortt and Polidore will be difficult, and nobody back there is faster than Polidore was.

[iaafan]

Week 1 is here!!! So excited to continue to follow this storied program and the players associated with it.

Here are my look fors in game one

QB - I would like to see good command of the offense. Good decision making. Don't feel like he has to go out and prove he's Tommy or better than Tommy, do what his team needs him to do and use his weapons around him. Only be superman if and when they need it. I also would like to see him leading on the sideline regardless of what the score is. Really show both sides of the ball "you can get behind me, we in this together, you can trust me."

RB - More of last year. Find creases and be fast in the open field, avoid big hits when they can, but be physical if and when it is needed. I'd like to see 3 RBs used obviously jones being the bell cow, but davis and white coming in and being just as effective.

OL - Be a unit. I would like to see them be on the same page, ie double a DT then pass it off and pick up a blitzing backer. in the run game I want to see a push, change the LOS, at worst stalemate and allow our rbs to get at least 2yds before contact.

WR - Honestly I want to see what their speed looks like vs P4 dbs. can we create separation...if we don't get separation can we make tough catches in tight windows

LBS - are we sideline to sideline? can we be responsible from 3-4yds outside the tackle all the way to their A gap. do we believe what we see and do we pull that trigger. I'm less concerned with how well they can cover against this team. I really want see them be good and solid in the edge run game. if we can be great in space(edge rushing game) that bodes wonderfully as our season goes on.

DL - are we a little more refined in our pass rush techs. can we play on half a man and win some of those battles to get the qb off his platform. opposite of the lbs, i'm less concerned on their run game ability, i want to see them be able get some kind of pass rush against this P4 team. Like the LBS if we see them be at least avg against this team in the pass rush game we are going to be super salty as the season goes along.

DB - lots of new faces and a few old. i put them in the same place as the qb. do they have adequate command of the defense....do they know their checks....are they in position...do they communicate. they, much like the qb, DO NOT need to feel they have to go out and prove they are as good as the guys from last year. do your job, line up correctly, make your checks and just make the play...they don't have go out their trying to get ints left and right and put their team in a bad situation because they're trying too hard. just make the routine play consistently..when a big play is there obviously make it.

ST - solid blocking across the board. no leakage in any protections. can we flip the field on punts.....can we block well to give taco a fighting chance in PR/KOR...fg no leakage, good elevation on kicks...KO can we get it in the endzone consistently, if we don't is our coverage sound

coaches - new oc and dc...what is the play calling style....do they have that in game feel of making the right call to put the players in the best position possible or are we a step behind, if we are step behind are the able catch up and get that feel. are we taking full advantage of the ability of all our players, are we doing things that highlight strengths and minimize weaknesses. lastly in game adjustments. are we going to be very basic as to not show anything for the fcs teams or are we really going to go out there and compete with our full playbook(or at least everything that we have now). are they good at finding the mismatch and then exploit it.

I'd love to here what ya'll are looking for from the team/positions

would love to see what each of you are looking for

I think everyone is going to be freaking out about how good our defense is. It won’t be noticeable on every play vs Oregon. But it’ll stand out. Our DEs, LBs, corners, nickel and safeties are faster than last year. The LBs are not only faster but more physical. Safeties are just as physical but faster. Gray is a better nickel than Jackson. I’m not taking anything away from last year’s defense because they were very good but this defense is special.

DE’s faster than last year? I don’t buy that. We don’t have a safety faster than Polidore. LB’s might be faster, but are they as instinctive as Danny U was last year? We’ll see, but if they aren’t, they won’t play as fast either. I agree with you on thinking the defense can be better, but I wouldn’t call it a guarantee either.

I hope you’re able to watch the game tomorrow. If so, let’s discuss tomorrow night. I don’t know that the DBs will be more instinctive but there’s no question that they’re faster. I’ve seen enough of the two LBs and safeties and Gray to say right now that’s an upgrade. McMillan’s raw speed and the coaches chatter about him has me feeling good.

I was quoting where you said faster. Grebe was very fast. Parsons can be quite good, but he’s not as fast as Grebe. I think being better than Ortt and Polidore will be difficult, and nobody back there is faster than Polidore was.

Ahh, I didn’t pick up on that individual aspect. I’m saying the defense collectively is faster. Straight line faster. Not player by player.

Solano, Parsons, Eiden and Crews are all faster than they were last year. All four are 4.6-4.7 guys. Collectively faster at DE.

Polidore isn’t any faster than Dowler or Taki. Both are quite a bit faster than Ortt. Collectively faster there.

Same for LBs. Daily and Grebe are collectively faster. Gray is considerably faster than Jackson. Simply having McMillan at corner makes them faster.

Sorry I didn’t spell that out more clearly. Could’ve saved you a lot of keystrokes.