Phil Steeles magazine

[zephyr]

_ Basically most sports magazines and networks that rank overall is based off statistics and reading books by the cover. Unless they have close following or massive fan Base, there wont be much in depth detail about our future success and all they will go off of is past events and statistics.

I see us more at 6-6 to 8-4. I think the new coaching staff has brought new life in the players and they will be ready to suprise many non believers. _

The other factor that these mags look at is returning starters. However, this is often skewed if you had guys behind the people who started the season prior who had better years and overtook that particular starter. Guys like LaMarcus Gibson, Cordian Hagans and possibly even Lionel Stokes will not be considered returning starters but are likely better than those they replace. Let's not forget that we return a line that was brutal last year. They both underperformed and got beat with injuries. The mags obviously look at the fact that they were bad and assume the same this year while we know that they've worked hard to improve and most have transformed their bodies to allow them to play better over the past 8 months. We will be much improved over last year and I think Hud knows he's in a great position to have a surprising year.

[Zeebart21]

_ The other factor that these mags look at is returning starters. However, this is often skewed if you had guys behind the people who started the season prior who had better years and overtook that particular starter. Guys like LaMarcus Gibson, Cordian Hagans and possibly even Lionel Stokes will not be considered returning starters but are likely better than those they replace. Let's not forget that we return a line that was brutal last year. They both underperformed and got beat with injuries. The mags obviously look at the fact that they were bad and assume the same this year while we know that they've worked hard to improve and most have transformed their bodies to allow them to play better over the past 8 months. We will be much improved over last year and I think Hud knows he's in a great position to have a surprising year. _

We wouldn't even be having this discussion if Bustle would have let Masson score at NT in 08. What might have been?

[HoustonCajun]

_ We wouldn't even be having this discussion if Bustle would have let Masson score at NT in 08. What might have been? _

Would be interesting if BOP could do a football article similar to his baseball one on missed opportunities that might have been.

[Just1More]

_ Would be interesting if BOP could do a football article similar to his baseball one on missed opportunities that might have been. _

"What if"... he didn't.

[zephyr]

_ Would be interesting if BOP could do a football article similar to his baseball one on missed opportunities that might have been. _

For me, it would be an empty read. All you have to tell me is that we've allowed well over 400 yards per game on defense and have consistently been one of the worst defensive teams in the country and you could stop right there. We've had some narrow defeats for sure and definitely 2008 was setting up to be a potential dream year until Desormeaux and Fenroy got hurt along with half the defense.

[anhil8tor]

You are talking about a national publications take on a 3-9 sunbelt team? I'm going to guess there was no due diligence done and we will have a better record without a doubt.