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Apologies if this is up somewhere.

Piepkow has a sore hammy. (We're not deep at LB--IMO, not from the Sentinel).

Winovich played MLB in Madison, and even Coach Brandon says he "struggled." Chris Haneline also has an ongoing problem with a stinger.

If Piepkow doesn't go in Muncie, its Jamien Johnson in the middle and Terrell White on the weak side, with Arnold and Waldron strong side. Even Johnson has a sore knee, and I think Arnold and Waldron were DBs until recently.

Pope is questionable.

This will be real fun . . .

Winovich has the athleticism to play MLB, but rather than working on putting athletes on that side of the ball, we wasted a year of his eligibility b/c we were in love with him on special teams.

Waldron and Arnold are interesting choices to say the least at the SAM.

At least it brings more quickness to the table for us.

Key point to me was that Brandon said there will be no changes on defense, injuries not withstanding. So everyone that got there butt whipped will be right back out there again this Saturday.

OptionQB wrote: Winovich has the athleticism to play MLB, but rather than working on putting athletes on that side of the ball, we wasted a year of his eligibility b/c we were in love with him on special teams.

I have to differ with you on this. Special teams are not a waste of a year. They are an important part of the football team. Pete not only helped the team last season, but also got valuable game time experience. Plus, Winovich is only a sophomore and has three years at LB available, so what's the problem.

I agree...Winovich did well on special teams last season. If you doubt the importance of special teams play, just take a look at last Saturday's game. The Badgers were pretty flat until that monster kick return.

I think it's a little odd to single out any defensive player based on the Whisky game. The whole damn unit was "struggling"

orangeandbrown wrote:Apologies if this is up somewhere.

Piepkow has a sore hammy. (We're not deep at LB--IMO, not from the Sentinel).

Winovich played MLB in Madison, and even Coach Brandon says he "struggled." Chris Haneline also has an ongoing problem with a stinger.

If Piepkow doesn't go in Muncie, its Jamien Johnson in the middle and Terrell White on the weak side, with Arnold and Waldron strong side. Even Johnson has a sore knee, and I think Arnold and Waldron were DBs until recently.

Pope is questionable.

We could use "Chris" Haneline back for sure, we now have "John" Haneline

I think Option's beef is due to the fact that we waffled back and forth on whether or not Winovich was going to be a LB or TE. As such he didn't get a full year of practicing at the new position once he made the position change. So, while this year is actually his second year eligibility wise its his first as a MLB.

Personally, I have no problem burning RSs for special teams. Its important, and a great way to get good game experience. It's how almost all NFL players get their start in the league. I can see Option's point though, because in Winovich's case he used a year of eligibility but didn't get any experience, or even much practice time really, playing what will ultimately be his position.

04forheisman wrote:

orangeandbrown wrote:Apologies if this is up somewhere.

Piepkow has a sore hammy. (We're not deep at LB--IMO, not from the Sentinel).

Winovich played MLB in Madison, and even Coach Brandon says he "struggled." Chris Haneline also has an ongoing problem with a stinger.

If Piepkow doesn't go in Muncie, its Jamien Johnson in the middle and Terrell White on the weak side, with Arnold and Waldron strong side. Even Johnson has a sore knee, and I think Arnold and Waldron were DBs until recently.

Pope is questionable.

We could use "Chris" Haneline back for sure, we now have "John" Haneline

Doh! My bad.

Winovich did struggle Saturday, then again, who on defense didn't? I have high hopes for him, though. I really believe he's going to develop into an oustanding linebacker.

Our depth at that position is going to be a sore point.

1987alum wrote:Winovich did struggle Saturday, then again, who on defense didn't? I have high hopes for him, though. I really believe he's going to develop into an oustanding linebacker.

Our depth at that position is going to be a sore point.

It's strange to not have depth here. That's usually been a given, all the way back to Blackney's first year with the program.

(The Ankney era is a bit of a blur).

Schadenfreude: This may be something of a blip. The Fabulous Teddy P is our only senior at LB. Briggs (rs frosh) and Winovich (soph.) and are young and have a lot of upside. Same for Haneline (soph). I like their size and, from what I've seen, they move pretty well.

White is a fifth-year senior, as is Sharpe and Burkhart. Johnson and Piepkow are, of course, seniors, too. So I guess it is puzzling that we're all talking about a lack of depth.

1987alum wrote:Schadenfreude: This may be something of a blip. The Fabulous Teddy P is our only senior at LB. Briggs (rs frosh) and Winovich (soph.) and are young and have a lot of upside. Same for Haneline (soph). I like their size and, from what I've seen, they move pretty well.

White is a fifth-year senior, as is Sharpe and Burkhart. Johnson and Piepkow are, of course, seniors, too. So I guess it is puzzling that we're all talking about a lack of depth.

Briggs is playing DE I believe.

RWT:

Briggs is listed as a LB/DL on the depth chart, but my fuzzy memory has him in a standup position against Wisconsin.

I don't think moving two guys from Safety to LB between spring practice and the first game is indicative of great depth at LB, especially when you also needed help at safety.