http://www.bcsn.tv/news_article/show/827..._id=878183

It is a bit premature to be talking about a New Year's Party IMHO until we see how the Miami game plays out and even then there will still be November lurking out there where the Rockets always seem to find a way lose a game when it is all on the line. I understand the excitement with Woodhouse and Thompson --- the offense should be outstanding again even the the loss of Hunt and Roberts and a few of the OL---- but as always "Defense wins championships" and with the notable exception of 2015 it has been a long, long time since the D has been good enough to get the job done (and even in 2015 they couldn't finish the job, although I put that one on the coach, not on the players). It has been a long time since the Rockets have been "the best" in the MAC (as measured by MACCs) so speculating about be the best of the five non-P5 conferences seems a bit optimistic and unwarranted at this point. It was bit of surprise how good the 2015 Defense was ---that was one that was good enough to get folks thinking New Year's Day---- and maybe the 2017 defense will an equally nice surprise, but if surprises were common they would be expected and therefore not really surprises.

Scoring Defense/Returning Starters on Defense:
2016 25.8 / 3
2015 20.8/ 7
2014 30.5/ 8
2013 28.6/ 3
2012 28.4/ 4

2017 Returning Starters on Defense=7

It is not out of the question. As Boca pointed out, seven starters back in 2017 and apparently some quality depth this time around... Remember Hester was injured for a good portion of last season and some guys like Nate Childress stepped up...
A steady defense with excellent special teams play, along with winning the turnover battle will go a long way in having a breakout year. It will also help if some of the other heavyweights in the G5 (Houston. USF, SDSU) stumble and lose some unexpected games...
Win the MAC and the MACC, then see what the future holds for the UT program...

Every year I silently expect 14-0 and a national title! One of these years it may actually happen...

After Elon the out of conference schedule gets tough and I can see 4-0 to 2-2 going into the MAC, but regardless, unless it is no worse than 2-2, I can see the Rockets possibly taking the West this year. However, I won't be convinced until (and if) it actually happens because they have been badly burned by the dreaded November curse (that even showed up a week early last year). Even then, it would be bit premature to create a new space in trophy case IMO. I fully expect Miami to represent the East this year, although Ohio appears to be the favorite, and the way Miami finished last year reminds me of the way the Rockets finished 1999 and how that set the table for a great 2000 team (although the post-season ended on a sour note----no MACC, no bowl, no head coach).

With the offense we have, if we are not 3-1 going into conference play I am going to be disappointed in our recruiting strategy.

(08-27-2017 08:49 PM)Toledo Football 1st Wrote:  With the offense we have, if we are not 3-1 going into conference play I am going to be disappointed in our recruiting strategy.

tough non conf games w Nevada who is decent on the road and going with an Alabama transfer at QB who was a 5 star recruit. Tulsa been good past few years and would be a MAC favorite this year if they were in our league and a top 20 Miami team on the road. we could lose a couple close games and enter conf play at 2-2 and still be good and capable of winning the MAC. Of course, I'm hoping for a 4-0 start or at least 3-1, but only 1 gimme this early season.

Nevada will be 20 point dogs against us. We will see what they do against NW week one. Im not optimistic if I am a wolfpack fan. Having said that its a look ahead spot for us and Nevada isnt bad at home. They are picked second to last in their division.

Tulsa will be about a pickem game.

Ill take 3-1 in a heartbeat. W had a defense against Arkansas, tough, physical, strong, fast.... Milligan and the bunch... This defense will not stop Miami but one time each half... 45 -28... little bit like BYU all over again.

Tulsa will be a great game for the fans. We win 45-41

(08-28-2017 07:05 AM)UT! Wrote:  Ill take 3-1 in a heartbeat. W had a defense against Arkansas, tough, physical, strong, fast.... Milligan and the bunch... This defense will not stop Miami but one time each half... 45 -28... little bit like BYU all over again.

Tulsa will be a great game for the fans. We win 45-41

We won't be winning a MAC championship with a defense like the one you're predicting.

(08-28-2017 09:53 PM)inductchuck16 Wrote:  

(08-28-2017 07:05 AM)UT! Wrote:  Ill take 3-1 in a heartbeat. W had a defense against Arkansas, tough, physical, strong, fast.... Milligan and the bunch... This defense will not stop Miami but one time each half... 45 -28... little bit like BYU all over again.

Tulsa will be a great game for the fans. We win 45-41

We won't be winning a MAC championship with a defense like the one you're predicting.

You're underestimating Miami's talent. Need to get them to make mistakes and then be able to capitalize on those. WMU and UT are the only MAC schools that could give the Canes a game.

(08-27-2017 08:49 PM)Toledo Football 1st Wrote:  With the offense we have, if we are not 3-1 going into conference play I am going to be disappointed in our recruiting strategy.

Miami will be a big task and Tulsa should put up quite a fight. I'd hope we'd beat at least one (or both!) of them but neither will be easy.