Will Appalachian State to Win It All In 2008?

[TigerStripe]

Do you expect Appalachian State to win the national title again in 2008?

[SuperHornet]

Appy is done.

Next few national champs:

'08: Montana
'09: Montana
'10: Sac State
'11: Manure Pile
'12: Montana
'13: Cow Poly
'14: Hofstra
'15: Liberty

[OpieGSU]

Montana isn't the powerhouse they used to be.
Welcome to the club.

[MrTitleist]

It's a long and distinguished list, though!

[OpieGSU]

It's a long and distinguished list, though!

Not really.

[Ibanez]

Appalachain State? Who?


Seriously folks, it's way to early to even say if they can or not. Remember how mid season '07, some were saying that AppState won't make it to the playoffs?

I think it's time for Western Carolina to start winning...it's thier time!

[OpieGSU]

I think it's time for Western Carolina to start winning...it's thier time!

HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAA!

[putter]

App proved this year that as long as there is that guy named Edwards calling the shots they will be the favorites. They got a little lucky this year but everyone does.

[BigApp]

I think it's time for Western Carolina to start winning...it's thier time!

[skinny_uncle]

No.

[BigApp]

No.

didn't you say that last year??

[TigerStripe]

Does anyone know how many players they'll lose out of this year's team?

[ASU Kep]

Does anyone know how many players they'll lose out of this year's team?

Most of our losses are in our secondary and O-Line. We lose Lynch, Touchstone, Howard, and Wozeah in the seconday. On O-Line we lose Kerry Brown, John Holt, Scott Suttle, and Nic Cardwell at TE. We also lose a few other impact players like K-Rich, back-up QB Trey Elder, our kicker Julian Rauch, WR's Hans Batichon (probably best hands on the team) and SI coverman Dexter Jackson, and our under-rated long snapper Russell Wilson.

While a lot of those guys are All-American type players, we do have a LOT of guys with lots of talent and at least a little experience ready to fill in. Honestly, the massive rash of injuries we experienced this year will probably pay off next year as a LOT of our new starters next year saw significant PT this year.

Even taking what is shaping up to be a great looking recruiting class out of the picture, we're looking fine at filling the O-Line back out with good players, and we're already so deep at the WR position we should be set. The kicking game will probably be something of a question mark until we see the new guy get some actual game time, but the biggest question will undoubtably be our secondary.

Leonard Love and Cortez Gilbert both have seen a lot of playing time, and should do well filling two of the spots. Sophomores Mark Lagree and Jared Reine look (as of now) to be the frontrunners in filling in the other spots. I've heard a great deal about the athleticism of these guys, but as far as experience and the uncanny ability to pick off some passes that guys (especially the maybe not-so-athletic Lynch had), it's anyone's guess.

Overall, I'm not too concerned about our offense. We need to lock down a solid #2 behind Armanti, but our starters should be fine. Devon Moore should fill in great for K-Rich with a little less speed but more power. On the defensive side of the ball, our front seven looks to be one of (if not THE) nastiest group we've ever had here. We return the entire D-Line and starting LB-core, and have several more extremely talented guys that'll challenge for a spot/provide depth. It should be awfully tough to run on us next year, and we should get excellent pressure on opposing QBs. The biggest Q-mark, again, is our secondary. In addition to the potential replacements I already mentioned, we've already got a commit for a pretty solid DB who should definitely see some time next year. Look for one or two more of those guys as we fill out our class.

Not to sound cocky, but the general consensus (at least amongst ASU fans) is that if this group can "gel" together and replace some of the awesome LEADERSHIP of some of the guys that we're losing, we should be very much in the hunt for a title again next year. On paper at least, we look good. Who knows?

[Col Hogan]

Does anyone know how many players they'll lose out of this year's team?

Most of our losses are in our secondary and O-Line. We lose Lynch, Touchstone, Howard, and Wozeah in the seconday. On O-Line we lose Kerry Brown, John Holt, Scott Suttle, and Nic Cardwell at TE. We also lose a few other impact players like K-Rich, back-up QB Trey Elder, our kicker Julian Rauch, WR's Hans Batichon (probably best hands on the team) and SI coverman Dexter Jackson, and our under-rated long snapper Russell Wilson.

While a lot of those guys are All-American type players, we do have a LOT of guys with lots of talent and at least a little experience ready to fill in. Honestly, the massive rash of injuries we experienced this year will probably pay off next year as a LOT of our new starters next year saw significant PT this year.

Even taking what is shaping up to be a great looking recruiting class out of the picture, we're looking fine at filling the O-Line back out with good players, and we're already so deep at the WR position we should be set. The kicking game will probably be something of a question mark until we see the new guy get some actual game time, but the biggest question will undoubtably be our secondary.

Leonard Love and Cortez Gilbert both have seen a lot of playing time, and should do well filling two of the spots. Sophomores Mark Lagree and Jared Reine look (as of now) to be the frontrunners in filling in the other spots. I've heard a great deal about the athleticism of these guys, but as far as experience and the uncanny ability to pick off some passes that guys (especially the maybe not-so-athletic Lynch had), it's anyone's guess.

Overall, I'm not too concerned about our offense. We need to lock down a solid #2 behind Armanti, but our starters should be fine. Devon Moore should fill in great for K-Rich with a little less speed but more power. On the defensive side of the ball, our front seven looks to be one of (if not THE) nastiest group we've ever had here. We return the entire D-Line and starting LB-core, and have several more extremely talented guys that'll challenge for a spot/provide depth. It should be awfully tough to run on us next year, and we should get excellent pressure on opposing QBs. The biggest Q-mark, again, is our secondary. In addition to the potential replacements I already mentioned, we've already got a commit for a pretty solid DB who should definitely see some time next year. Look for one or two more of those guys as we fill out our class.

Not to sound cocky, but the general consensus (at least amongst ASU fans) is that if this group can "gel" together and replace some of the awesome LEADERSHIP of some of the guys that we're losing, we should be very much in the hunt for a title again next year. On paper at least, we look good. Who knows?

The biggest word in the english language...IF.....

[ASU Kep]

The biggest word in the english language...IF.....

I agree. I was just pointing out who we're replacing and the fact the ON PAPER, we look like we could be scary good. We also could be mediocre. Leadership and team chemistry are extremely important. Staying focused and humble is important too, but I think our coaches do a good job of instilling that stuff.

...it also would help a lot if we can hang onto our assistants for another year or two.

[AZGrizFan]

The biggest word in the english language...IF.....

I agree. I was just pointing out who we're replacing and the fact the ON PAPER, we look like we could be scary good. We also could be mediocre. Leadership and team chemistry are extremely important. Staying focused and humble is important too, but I think our coaches do a good job of instilling that stuff.

...it also would help a lot if we can hang onto our assistants for another year or two.

On PAPER, the Griz were supposed to be scary good this year too, returning 19 of 22 starters, senior laden, favorable schedule., etc., etc., etc. Obviously we all know how things worked out. I think every year is a crapshoot, but I won't ever rule out a team led by AE...as lone as he's healthy, ASU has a chance, in my book.

[Col Hogan]

The biggest word in the english language...IF.....

I agree. I was just pointing out who we're replacing and the fact the ON PAPER, we look like we could be scary good. We also could be mediocre. Leadership and team chemistry are extremely important. Staying focused and humble is important too, but I think our coaches do a good job of instilling that stuff.

...it also would help a lot if we can hang onto our assistants for another year or two.

Trust me...it was not a slam...

On paper...and on the field...are sooo different...as you point out...

While you still have AE ...you have enough "holes" to fill that the sharks will be circling...looking for that weak point...

The chemistry and leadership better come together quick...good luck...

[ASU Kep]

Trust me...it was not a slam...

On paper...and on the field...are sooo different...as you point out...

While you still have AE ...you have enough "holes" to fill that the sharks will be circling...looking for that weak point...

The chemistry and leadership better come together quick...good luck...

I'm might be going out on a limb here, but I doubt you really mean that.

btw, rampant rumor has it that we are playing LSU nov. 13th next year in a "battle of the champions" game to be televised on ESPN.

[PSUVikings]

In the post season App is unbeatable. If they get there(and they will) they will embarrass everyone, no team can play with them right now and no one will until Edwards graduates.

[dmb805]

i wouldnt say we are unbeatable in the playoffs. one fumble from jmu was the difference between a national championship and getting beat in the first round. luckily for us, it happened. although i will say, with jerry moore's experience and armanti's post season play and composure we will be very hard to beat as long as they are around.

[BigApp]

one fumble from jmu was the difference between a national championship and getting beat in the first round. luckily for us, it happened.

no, the difference in the game was Armanti's 5 yard TD run with 1:10 to go. A TD that gave us the LEAD. WE WERE AHEAD

Their fumble prevented them from ATTEMPTING a fg to take the lead (and win).

Unless of course, you think a FG would have been automatic. Given the play of our FG defense unit over the last 3 years, that definitely would NOT have been the case.

[dmb805]

it wouldn't have been automatic at all. he did miss an extra point earlier (or blocked i can't remember) but what i was trying to point out was if they had not fumbled they could have had a legitimate shot at beating us. if we were to block it it wouldn't have surprised me at all, but inside the 10 you can't say they didn't have a chance.

do you remember what down it was?

[BigApp]

fumbled on 3rd down I think

[GoApps70]

Ho-hum......even if JMU had kicked a field goal.....Appalachian scored in just over 20 seconds against Michigan AND Delaware.....no reason to expect we could not have done it again.

[Appaholic]

Of course we'll win.....who's going to beat us? Montana? They can't get out of Missoula.....Ga South? Welcome to the world without Foster......,JMU? Don't even have a coach do they?