Post by Aggie One on Sept 26, 2007 21:19:24 GMT -5
Oh So Close…
by Craig R. Turner
bluedeathvalley.com
Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. In a nutshell, A&T can directly chalk up three of its four losses this season to the turnover bugaboo that has been the difference between having a .500 record or maybe even a shade better through the first quarter of the 2007 season.
Three interceptions tell the story – two of which were taken back for touchdowns and the third the true stab in the heart in the end zone when it appeared NCCU was ready to crack. Youthful inexperience at quarterback showed up at just the wrong time. There are going to be growing pains with these young quarterbacks but both of them played much better than their youth would have suggested with the exception of those three plays.
Taking care of the football is most important that football team can do but it is everything at the quarterback spot because a mistake there more often than not changes not only the game but most likely the scoreboard as well.
These two young quarterbacks will continue to develop, continue to throw the ball accurately, but hopefully learn to recognize the traps and drop offs of defensive linemen or a linebacker when the out patterns are called and not overthrow the pass into the two deep zone in the middle.
If A&T can ever get a handle on the offensive turnovers, this team can win some games not just one even with the schedule in front of them. One thing for sure, fans can’t complain anymore about A&T not throwing the ball enough. Now we just have to find the right jersey to throw to during crunch time.
********************************************************
There were three measuring sticks thrown out by by this reporter before this season started to see if the A&T football program could recover from its first winless year ever.
First was the question could head coach Lee Fobbs get the A&T football program into a level where it could compete against the bulk of the schedule and be in most ball games. With the one exception of the second half of the Hampton game, the answer to that is yes.
The second bench mark would be could defensive coordinator Deke Adams take the worst defense in all of 1-AA a year ago and find a way to get some stops and hold down the scoring hemorrhaging that sank A&T before the game even was half way through the second quarter a year ago.
Defensively, the Aggies have turned out to be much better than anyone had anticipated and has not only held their own but has given the offense a lot of opportunities with plenty of three and outs and some take aways despite their unusual defensive alignment and lack of size. Speed counts for something. So the answer to that is a yes also.
The third hurdle to be crossed was attitude. Could this staff get this one time group of unknowns, loners and yes, even malcontents to buy into their system and get them to come together and believe in themselves as a team? And even more importantly, could they compete as a team? I got my answer last Saturday night.
Even though A&T lost a heartbreaker, they showed their metal. These kids don’t quit, They got down, came back, got down again, and came back and narrowly missed getting up off the canvas in the last two minutes driving the length of the field just missing the win in the final seconds.
Sure, fans grumble about the loss, but for me the A&T players, Coach Fobbs, and his staff all deserve a round of applause for their effort last Saturday night. It won’t be long before it comes all together. I have a feeling it’ll be worth the wait.
********************************************************
I was going to write a rather lengthy column last night about the after the game antics between A&T and NCCU at midfield. But after seeing the barrage of local, state, and finally national coverage these last three days, I’ve decided to put the matter to bed as well as myself and got sleep overnight.
I spoke with athletic director Dee Todd and Coach Fobbs shortly the incident and we exchanged viewpoints and I fell comfortable to say that we saw things through the same eyes on most of aspects and circumstances surrounding this embarrassing set of events.
I’ll follow their lead on this matter. Besides those of you who know me personally already know how I feel about the situation and what should occur in the future regarding any revenue producing athletic competition between A&T and North Carolina Central.
With that being said, I will not touch upon this again until chancellor, Dr. Stanley Battle offers his official edict on behalf of the university on the continuation or non-continuation of this 84-year old series when he feels good and ready which may be after homecoming or even into the spring. I wouldn’t hold my breath for aquick decision on this one. This is going to take some serious thought, planning, and soul searching before a final solution is reached. Nothing will surprise me whenever it comes down.
Next subject please.
******************************************************
Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian and Bethune Cookman’s Alvin Wyatt don’t like each other very much anymore. Adrian had been Wyatt’s defensive guru for years before leaving to take the NSU three years ago.
Rumor has it that when Adrian headed for Norfolk he also took the BCC playbook as well. True or not something happened between them because two guys who once spoke so highly of each other now don’t speak at all unless they are filing actions against each other at the Commissioner’s office in Norfolk.
The Spartans scored 21 straight unanswered points to pull out a last minute 34-31 win at home over the Wildcats and come into tonight’s game with a 2-1 record and a short week to prepare off of a rivalry game just like A&T. But something about having to get back on bus on Wednesday morning after coming off an emtionalwin in a two day turnaround has to give the home team that didn't have to travel an advantage.
The Aggies are facing a good quarterback in 6-5 senior Casey Hansen who, when given time, can pick a secondary a part. Pass pressure will be the key on defense along with stopping the Norfolk power inside running game. Offensively, it is really elementary for A&T, no turnovers. Don’t turn it over we win, turn it over we lose. A&T has improved but not to the point where it can survive drive killing turnovers and penalties.
They don’t have to be perfect but be smart and take care of the ball. It’s another ESPNU audience at 7:30 p.m. It sure would be nice to break the streak on TV. Expect another nail biter. Getting snake bit two games in a row isn’t likely. I like the upset. Just don’t tear down the goal posts.
We’ve been on TV enough for one week.
Prediction
Norfolk State 20
N.C. A&T 24
by Craig R. Turner
bluedeathvalley.com
Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. In a nutshell, A&T can directly chalk up three of its four losses this season to the turnover bugaboo that has been the difference between having a .500 record or maybe even a shade better through the first quarter of the 2007 season.
Three interceptions tell the story – two of which were taken back for touchdowns and the third the true stab in the heart in the end zone when it appeared NCCU was ready to crack. Youthful inexperience at quarterback showed up at just the wrong time. There are going to be growing pains with these young quarterbacks but both of them played much better than their youth would have suggested with the exception of those three plays.
Taking care of the football is most important that football team can do but it is everything at the quarterback spot because a mistake there more often than not changes not only the game but most likely the scoreboard as well.
These two young quarterbacks will continue to develop, continue to throw the ball accurately, but hopefully learn to recognize the traps and drop offs of defensive linemen or a linebacker when the out patterns are called and not overthrow the pass into the two deep zone in the middle.
If A&T can ever get a handle on the offensive turnovers, this team can win some games not just one even with the schedule in front of them. One thing for sure, fans can’t complain anymore about A&T not throwing the ball enough. Now we just have to find the right jersey to throw to during crunch time.
********************************************************
There were three measuring sticks thrown out by by this reporter before this season started to see if the A&T football program could recover from its first winless year ever.
First was the question could head coach Lee Fobbs get the A&T football program into a level where it could compete against the bulk of the schedule and be in most ball games. With the one exception of the second half of the Hampton game, the answer to that is yes.
The second bench mark would be could defensive coordinator Deke Adams take the worst defense in all of 1-AA a year ago and find a way to get some stops and hold down the scoring hemorrhaging that sank A&T before the game even was half way through the second quarter a year ago.
Defensively, the Aggies have turned out to be much better than anyone had anticipated and has not only held their own but has given the offense a lot of opportunities with plenty of three and outs and some take aways despite their unusual defensive alignment and lack of size. Speed counts for something. So the answer to that is a yes also.
The third hurdle to be crossed was attitude. Could this staff get this one time group of unknowns, loners and yes, even malcontents to buy into their system and get them to come together and believe in themselves as a team? And even more importantly, could they compete as a team? I got my answer last Saturday night.
Even though A&T lost a heartbreaker, they showed their metal. These kids don’t quit, They got down, came back, got down again, and came back and narrowly missed getting up off the canvas in the last two minutes driving the length of the field just missing the win in the final seconds.
Sure, fans grumble about the loss, but for me the A&T players, Coach Fobbs, and his staff all deserve a round of applause for their effort last Saturday night. It won’t be long before it comes all together. I have a feeling it’ll be worth the wait.
********************************************************
I was going to write a rather lengthy column last night about the after the game antics between A&T and NCCU at midfield. But after seeing the barrage of local, state, and finally national coverage these last three days, I’ve decided to put the matter to bed as well as myself and got sleep overnight.
I spoke with athletic director Dee Todd and Coach Fobbs shortly the incident and we exchanged viewpoints and I fell comfortable to say that we saw things through the same eyes on most of aspects and circumstances surrounding this embarrassing set of events.
I’ll follow their lead on this matter. Besides those of you who know me personally already know how I feel about the situation and what should occur in the future regarding any revenue producing athletic competition between A&T and North Carolina Central.
With that being said, I will not touch upon this again until chancellor, Dr. Stanley Battle offers his official edict on behalf of the university on the continuation or non-continuation of this 84-year old series when he feels good and ready which may be after homecoming or even into the spring. I wouldn’t hold my breath for aquick decision on this one. This is going to take some serious thought, planning, and soul searching before a final solution is reached. Nothing will surprise me whenever it comes down.
Next subject please.
******************************************************
Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian and Bethune Cookman’s Alvin Wyatt don’t like each other very much anymore. Adrian had been Wyatt’s defensive guru for years before leaving to take the NSU three years ago.
Rumor has it that when Adrian headed for Norfolk he also took the BCC playbook as well. True or not something happened between them because two guys who once spoke so highly of each other now don’t speak at all unless they are filing actions against each other at the Commissioner’s office in Norfolk.
The Spartans scored 21 straight unanswered points to pull out a last minute 34-31 win at home over the Wildcats and come into tonight’s game with a 2-1 record and a short week to prepare off of a rivalry game just like A&T. But something about having to get back on bus on Wednesday morning after coming off an emtionalwin in a two day turnaround has to give the home team that didn't have to travel an advantage.
The Aggies are facing a good quarterback in 6-5 senior Casey Hansen who, when given time, can pick a secondary a part. Pass pressure will be the key on defense along with stopping the Norfolk power inside running game. Offensively, it is really elementary for A&T, no turnovers. Don’t turn it over we win, turn it over we lose. A&T has improved but not to the point where it can survive drive killing turnovers and penalties.
They don’t have to be perfect but be smart and take care of the ball. It’s another ESPNU audience at 7:30 p.m. It sure would be nice to break the streak on TV. Expect another nail biter. Getting snake bit two games in a row isn’t likely. I like the upset. Just don’t tear down the goal posts.
We’ve been on TV enough for one week.
Prediction
Norfolk State 20
N.C. A&T 24
