Ay-Ziggy-Zoomba.com

So, here's the key question as we head into the games against the Marshall and Toledo--which we must win to stay in the MAC race, and which we must win for a long-shot bowl bid. Is this team better than last year's team?

Its hard to tell, because we have played six straight very poor football teams. But I actually believe this team IS better than last year's team, making the defeat at NIU all the sadder. Consider this:

*Last year, bad teams (CMU, EMU, Kent) hung around on us. Not this year. Most games are over before there are 5:00 off the clock.

*Omar is setting a school record for passing accuracy. He's a better passer than Josh ever was, though not a running threat. Receivers are great--when was the last time a pass was dropped?

*Last year we had a negative turnover ratio. We almost never turn the ball over now.

*Last year's team was average in the red zone. This year's team is money.

*The defense is much improved, in my view. This WMU has scored on some people, but we shut them out. The backfield is much improved. A pass rush is developing. Keon is the best player on the team (2 INT's against the Broncos).

*The special teams are outstanding. Suisham is money, return teams are good, and the punting is good.

Anyway, for these reasons, its possible this team is better than last year's team. Big challenges ahead, but both games are winnable. If we continue to perform at this level (and we must be at a high level of confidence), we will finish 9-2 and will have earned a bowl bid--whether we get one or not.

I agree and I think that this team is a little better than last years team. I do think we need to worry about a few issues. First our special teams pursuit teams (on kickoffs and punts) aren't doing a very good job and allowing the other team to get 20 and 30 yard returns which sets up good field position. Also, our secondary is fast and has good players but they need to improve their vision a little bit because they are giving up plays that they shouldn't. I know that happens with every team but its still an issue. I think our defense is just as good as last year and obviously our offense is improved both passing and running. So, our offense is money, our defense is about the same and we just need to be careful on the special teams pursuit team to not give up too many big plays down the stretch. I am sure that coach Brandon sees these issues and has been and will work on them. GO FALCONS.

We'll see in the next 2 weeks how this year's team compares. This year's group has been much more dominant against the cellar-dwellers, but last year's team was good the entire year, including a win over a top-25 team on the road. I don't think there is much doubt that we are more talented offensively, though. We have the same 5 receivers who have all improved and they're catching balls from a more accurate passer (sorry Josh). P.J. has had 3 big games this year running the ball, but he has also been huge catching it and is a great blocking back against the blitz. The line has been out of this world and deserve to get more credit on this board, but the truth is that the only time they'll get much attention is if Omar gets hit or we can't run the ball. I think the defenses are quite comparable. The only major difference being Janssen Patton. Last year, teams could only throw against one side of the field. This year, they can pick apart both sides equally. Special teams are much improved in all areas I think.

This year's Falcons 52
Last year's Falcons 48

Good question....I don't really know but the Falcons are jumping all over teams and putting them away. Kinda scary...

As of right now, I think last year we were better. Not even a question to me. HOWEVER, if we lay a beating on Marshall, and can beat ut in the glass bowl, my opinion will change. But as it stands, I'll take last years team.

It can be. The divisional title isn't such a big deal to lose, if we beat both Marshall and UT, and get a bowl bid we then win. If we do that, this years team is much better than last year. We should expect that, the program is in year four of the post Blackney era. That is a total of three and one half years of not sucking. Only three and a half seasons.

I'm interested in knowing how are we at two deep on the offensive line? We have enough talent coming back at WR, RB, and obviously QB. I'm sure the defense will just fine. Consider that we have Omar for this and TWO MORE YEARS.

Nevermind the pretty prince of hype at UT. We have what we really haven't had. The first and last word in quarterbacking in the MAC. The kind of hype Marshall had, Miami got, and UT wishes it could get, is quickly being placed directly on Omar. I loved Harris, he's a true football warrior. But Omar is a more complete package, and surely will start getting NFL hype starting next year.

But I get ahead of things.

Are these Falcons better than last year? Not yet. Just as I don't rate last year ahead of '92 or '91. They haven't won a title, bowl game, or major victories over two still dangerous teams.

They can be better, and with two, three, or four games left, there is a lot of football left to be played.