Looking ahead to Central
Posted: Sun Oct 13, 2019 4:17 pm
CMU is the MAC's most improved and biggest surprise team so far. They were 1-11 last year as the team didn't have much of a senior class after a messy coaching transition in 2014-15. This year they are 4-3, 2-1, with a blowout over EMU and a blowout shutout loss to Wisconsin. Additionally they lost their starting QB to suspension and in one game so far the next guy did fine. Admittedly without any time to look up stats, they are running the ball well.
Our team on the other hand just came off the biggest win in years, and therein lies the biggest x-factor. For teams like ours that have not experienced much success, the relative highs are higher and the lows are much lower than other teams. However big of a challenge Loeffler had going into the UT game, he will have a bigger challenge going into this one getting everyone's emotions in check. Beating a great team in awesome fashion does not magically make all the problems go away, but it sure improves morale.
I haven't had the time to look up the stats and see if CMU is actually a decent squad or if they are a bit of a mirage. I do know they are a young team with a new coaching staff and the expected ups and downs. What I do know is the big win yesterday was a massive deal no matter how you slice it for the players, coaches, and community. This truly feels like a validation of Loeffler's direction and all the work put in the offseason. So this next game, if it is a frustrating game, don't be either surprised or dismayed.
Think Kent State 2011. The team had just upset MAC East leader Temple and damaged their chances of going to Detroit and just paved the way for their own run. Up next was a low Kent State team. And BG came out flat, making all the mistakes against Kent they avoided against Temple. It was as frustrating a game as anything. (Although I have yet to see the game. I was on a plane heading to Ireland during it and landed to frustration ... and Guinness.
)
Regardless. Amazing win and the ugly streak is over! Go Falcons!
Our team on the other hand just came off the biggest win in years, and therein lies the biggest x-factor. For teams like ours that have not experienced much success, the relative highs are higher and the lows are much lower than other teams. However big of a challenge Loeffler had going into the UT game, he will have a bigger challenge going into this one getting everyone's emotions in check. Beating a great team in awesome fashion does not magically make all the problems go away, but it sure improves morale.
I haven't had the time to look up the stats and see if CMU is actually a decent squad or if they are a bit of a mirage. I do know they are a young team with a new coaching staff and the expected ups and downs. What I do know is the big win yesterday was a massive deal no matter how you slice it for the players, coaches, and community. This truly feels like a validation of Loeffler's direction and all the work put in the offseason. So this next game, if it is a frustrating game, don't be either surprised or dismayed.
Think Kent State 2011. The team had just upset MAC East leader Temple and damaged their chances of going to Detroit and just paved the way for their own run. Up next was a low Kent State team. And BG came out flat, making all the mistakes against Kent they avoided against Temple. It was as frustrating a game as anything. (Although I have yet to see the game. I was on a plane heading to Ireland during it and landed to frustration ... and Guinness.
)Regardless. Amazing win and the ugly streak is over! Go Falcons!