There is nothing wrong with "The Program"

[Turbine]

This is going to come across as a frivolous post because I am not posting why I feel this way (I will later)

I am posting to hear the thoughts of any who feel the same way and will add my concrete thoughts later even if no one adds to this thread.

I will say this now, there is nothing wrong with the football program it is on track (even if it has been sidetracked) and will produce huge results in the near future.

[shof]

This is going to come across as a frivolous post because I am not posting why I feel this way (I will later)

I am posting to hear the thoughts of any who feel the same way and will add my concrete thoughts later even if no one adds to this thread.

I will say this now, there is nothing wrong with the football program it is on track (even if it has been sidetracked) and will produce huge results in the near future.

Turbine, I share your optimism about the team. I see nice talent in skill positions that get me excited to see them play. But they need to get some W's on the board; especially against the teams that we are "supposed" to beat. I'm not sure how many of those are left on the schedule this year. One, maybe two. I'd love to be wrong; but regardless, won't stop supporting the team. Cheers, and hope to see you at HC.
Shof

[CajunNation]

This is going to come across as a frivolous post because I am not posting why I feel this way (I will later)

I am posting to hear the thoughts of any who feel the same way and will add my concrete thoughts later even if no one adds to this thread.

I will say this now, there is nothing wrong with the football program it is on track (even if it has been sidetracked) and will produce huge results in the near future.

Based on what do you see these huge results soon to be coming?

Please tell.

[Oldman]

This is going to come across as a frivolous post because I am not posting why I feel this way (I will later)

I am posting to hear the thoughts of any who feel the same way and will add my concrete thoughts later even if no one adds to this thread.

I will say this now, there is nothing wrong with the football program it is on track (even if it has been sidetracked) and will produce huge results in the near future.

thanks turbine, for having good common sense.....it's funny, how things work, remember when babb, started played, got in trouble and was relieved by rekieta(spelling)he wasn't ready, this time however we have no one now to relieve michael des, he's a talent and will get better but for now he is struggling, you know....i warned people who wanted him to play and i'd tell them "he's not ready."

[cajun4ever]

I am reminded of a couple of seasons in the early 90s in the Stokley era. 91 and 92 team record 2-8-1 and 2-9. In 1993 we got a new defensive coordinator, Vic Eumont, and a new attacking scheme. We also got stability at QB with a guy named Delhomme and went on to finish 8-3 with losses to Florida, Miami of Ohio, and Utah State. The defense finished the year ranked third in the nation against the run and somewhere around 15th in total defense. The personnel was nearly identical from the year before, only the scheme changed. My point is, our talent level is increasing but not translating into wins. We need a change of philosophy on defense. With Babb and our young RBs, our offense is headed in the right direction. I know the kids are fighting because I played from 90 to 93 and went through what they are going through now. I have been at the bottom but the 93 season and a Big West Championship is what I really remember of my time on the field. Bustle may be the right guy, but there needs to be a change on D!!!
I'm frustrated just like the rest of you guys but the kids deserve to see us in the stands at the remainder of our home games. Its sad to look up into the stands from the sideline and see only parents and the diehards in the stands.

[shof]

Good words (C4Evr), and I think you're preaching to the choir here. Most of us will be there come rain or shine, win or loss. Its the casual fans that are hard to bring in without the W's; and unfortunetly they are the ones that help us fill the house. I often wish we lived closer so we could make more games and some spring sports as well.

[Turbine]

Based on what do you see these huge results soon to be coming?

I guess it depends on your definition of "soon" my general definition of "near future" is the seasons to come.

I really wanted to separate games from program, and post info on why some good things take time, and how there are some good things happening because of the program. NOW!

When Bustle was hired he was hired on the basis of his success with Virginia Tech. When you hire based on success you're hiring a model, or a system. Virginia Tech’s model was building their program for the long haul and it was done in a slow methodical way.

Are there programs out there that have turned things around in 3 or 4 years or even less? Perhaps, but they are the exception not the rule, and often they simply had good teams but failed to create good programs.

There is a huge difference between building a team for a season or two and building a program for the long haul. Bustle could have gone out and signed 21 or so junior college players and had a fair season, but I don’t think it’s very likely it would have helped the program?

So do we panic when the first 4 years of the Bustle era start slower than any fan coach or player would like? No because UL bought into a system for the long haul. In Frank Beamer's first 6 seasons with now perennial national power Virginia Tech the Hokies averaged 4 wins a year. Rickey Bustle is averaging 3.67 through 3 years. Just one win less than the Hokies.

In one form or another both temporarily and permanently Bustle has lost 3 starting quarterbacks in 3+ seasons, forcing the program to go with freshmen 2 of the 4 years. Can anyone find 2 more wins with the normally expected starting quarterbacks in the lineup? If you can the programs are tied for production

A few program positives :

The program is signing quality athletes who will be with the program for 4 years.

The program is signing Quality students who are making the grades.

The programs facilities are being upgraded.

The program is putting players in their best position and getting defensive players into the NFL.

The program is developing the most accurate passer in school history.

The program is developing a running game that has shown improvement from year to year.

A few team positives:

For the first time in years the Offensive Line is leading the way for multiple and duplicate players to have games with over 80 yards gained.

For the first time in a decade the rushing attack has a better average per rush than its opponents.

Not even half way into the season the team has rushed for over 1000 yards and will only get better

The program is out adjusting opponents at halftime and is currently outscoring opponents 2-to-1 in the third quarter.

There are more good things happening with the program but I will save it for a rainy day, after the season. In the mean time, there is nothing wrong with "The Program"

[NewsCopy]

A few thoughts... I still like Bustle. I think he WILL take us where we want to go. I know it is taking longer than we would have liked, but it takes time to turn around the bottom program that he inherited. I DO see improvement. Talent is better and YOUNG. The players are trying. Put yourself in their shoes. You spend a huge chunk of your life busting your ~~~~~ and preparing for these games... So close, yet the wins seem to pass you by - and everyone wants you to win soooo bad... Besides the absence of Babb - BY FAR THE BIGGEST FACTOR in losing the last two games - the kids and coaches have to learn how to win a develop a swagger. A lot of this is mental. Desormeaux will be a special quaterback and is obviously going through growing pains. Tough time to get thrown into the wolves den. With Babb still healthy, i.e. a good passing game, UL WOULD BE 3-2 (1-0) and we would be speculating on playing in Lafayette's New Orleans Bowl. Bustle's teams have been very unlucky from that perspective over the first few years... It doesn't help the program to abandon them now. These players and coaching staff are trying and shedding blood, sweat, and tears. I think we are all so upset because we are also hungry for a winning football season. We want them to succeed. Imagine how upset these PEOPLE/players must feel. They are the ones busting their rear ends and putting in the real effort. Our job is relatively easy - we show up and cheer/watch. We obviously care or we wouldn't be so upset. We should all continue attending the games. We support the progam and individuals. THIS YEAR CAN STILL BE A SUCCESS!!! Winning season is still mathematically possible - even with one more loss - as is a bowl birth. Obviously we have to get better on offense, defense, and special teams, but it is possible... ;-) A little change of luck would also help. Realistically, however, if we do end up with a losing season, I will consider this season a success if I see continued effort on the field. A lot of talented young players will gain valuable experience and will be our hero's of tomorrow. I would also like to see Monroe have a shot at playing in the New Orleans Bowl (not really - but only under this scenario) - only to be foiled by a defeat at the hands of THE University of Louisiana in BOTH of our season's finale. Now, that would make me feel good and exact a little revenge! GEAUX CAJUNS!!! Loyal fans behind you - win or lose!

[JMV JustMyView]

Great post Turbine...I can admit that you listed some valid point that I and many other didn't point out. Not scared to say you made sence...Keep up the great post...

[gridiron]

Not even half way into the season the team has rushed for over 1000 yards and will only get better

1000 yards already why hasn't this been reported in the Advertiser?

[CajunNation]

Just wanted to present an argument to a few things.

Bustle could have gone out and signed 21 or so junior college players and had a fair season, but I don’t think it’s very likely it would have helped the program?

It goes both ways.

I remember when Tech replaced Joe Raymond Peace with Gary Crowton.

Crowton's first class was around 30 players. More than half of them were JC recruits. People "in the know" on the airwaves around here were very critical of Tech's chosen route of recruiting.

Result?

3 years of Crowton:
21-13 record
wins over Alabama, California, and Mississippi State

next 3 years of Bicknell:
18-17 record
win over Alabama
WAC championship

I would say it worked out pretty well for them.

Are there programs out there that have turned things around in 3 or 4 years or even less? Perhaps, but they are the exception not the rule, and often they simply had good teams but failed to create good programs.

Funny you should mention years 3 and 4. also, I see you like to reference Va Tech. Let's compare.

In years 3 and 4, Beamer's record was 12-9-1
1-A wins: North Carolina State(twice), West Virginia(twice), Virginia, Southern Miss, East Carolina, Vanderbilt, Tulane, Temple, Bowling Green, and Akron

In years 3 and 4, Bustle's record is 5-11
1-A wins: Middle Tennessee State, Arkansas State, Florida International(provisional)
How many more will we win this season?

The program is out adjusting opponents at halftime and is currently outscoring opponents 2-to-1 in the third quarter.

The program is not prepared well to play, and is being outscored 2.5-to-1 in the first half.

The program is putting players in their best position and getting defensive players into the NFL.

C.C. Brown is the only one. Brad Franklin was a Stokley signee. Kyries Hebert was a Stokley signee. Charles Tillman was a Baldwin signee. Wendell williams was a Baldwin walk-on.

The program is signing quality athletes who will be with the program for 4 years.

Bustle has SIGNED on signing day around 95 players so far. On the 2-deep depth chart listed on the athletic website, 14 of the 44 players listed are either Baldwin signees or walk-ons. That's 32% of the 2 deep we didn't sign. In year 4?
The 2 starters at DT are a Baldwin signee and a walk-on. ????? This HAS to be adressed in the off-season with JC recruits.

Finally, for the first time, EVER, a coaching staff will start it's tenure here with 4 losing seasons in a row.

[RaginEsquire06]

"Hot" post HB....